Governor-Elect of the NJ District Kiwanis International, Frank Cahill, with Members of Parsippany's Key Club During the Fall Rally at Great Adventure
PARSIPPANY — Thousands of enthusiastic high school students from across the state gathered at Six Flags Great Adventure on Sunday, October 20, 2024, for the New Jersey Key Club’s Annual Fall Rally. The event, which is one of the largest gatherings of Key Club members in the state, kicked off the school year with a day filled with leadership, community service initiatives, and, of course, thrilling rides.
Key Club, the largest student-led service organization in the world, holds its Fall Rally each year to inspire members with messages of leadership, service, and unity. This year’s theme, “Leaders in Action”, emphasized the importance of student-led initiatives in making a positive impact on local communities.
As the day began, students made their way to the Great Adventure arena, where they were greeted with high-energy music and performances. The keynote speaker, New Jersey District GovernorMartin Slezak, delivered a powerful message about the role of young people in shaping the future through service and volunteerism.
“Key Club is not just about service, but about becoming the leaders our communities need,” said the Governor. “This rally is a chance for all of us to come together, connect, and reignite our passion for making a difference.”
But the day wasn’t all work and no play. After the formal sessions, students had the rest of the afternoon to enjoy Six Flags’ famous roller coasters, including Kingda Ka, El Toro, and the newly opened Jersey Devil Coaster. Many Key Clubbers formed bonds and made lasting memories as they explored the park with friends from other schools.
For many, the highlight of the day was the opportunity to meet other Key Club members from different parts of the state, exchanging ideas and discussing future service projects. Some chapters used the event as a team-building exercise, while others aimed to recruit new members by showcasing the fun and impact of being part of Key Club.
As the sun set and the park’s neon lights flickered to life, students left the event energized and ready to take on new service projects back in their communities. The Fall Rally not only offered them a day of fun but also reaffirmed their commitment to making the world a better place through service.
“We’re all here because we believe in something bigger than ourselves,” said one Key Club member. “Today reminded us that when we work together, we can achieve amazing things.”
With the Fall Rally setting the tone for the school year, New Jersey’s Key Club members left Great Adventure inspired, united, and ready to take action.
Roaring Through the Halls: A Jurassic Surprise Awaits PHS Halloween Revelers
PARSIPPANY — The Key Club of Parsippany High School is set to bring the Halloween spirit to life with its annual Halloween at The High event on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The event, hosted at Parsippany High School, invites the community to enjoy a festive evening filled with spooky fun and activities.
The Halloween celebration has become a beloved tradition in Parsippany, drawing families and children for a night of excitement. This year’s event promises a variety of engaging activities, including Trick-or-Treating, a Haunted Alley, Children’s Crafts, Games, and more. The event is organized by Key Club members, who prepare all of the activities and decorations to ensure a memorable experience for attendees.
“Every year, this is one of our most popular events,” said a representative from the Key Club. “We’re excited to see the community come together and enjoy a night filled with Halloween fun. Everything is planned and prepared by our members, and we love making it special for the kids.”
The event is free and open to the public, making it an excellent opportunity for families to join in on the Halloween festivities in a safe and welcoming environment. For more information, contact Nicholas Rice, Key Club Editor, at narice26@pthsd.net.
The Parsippany High School Key Club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.
Spooky Season Kicks Off with Parsippany’s Annual Trunk or Treat at Smith Field Park
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills is gearing up for a spooktacular day of family fun with its annual Trunk or Treat event. The Halloween-themed celebration will take place on Saturday, October 26, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Smith Field Park.
This year’s event promises to deliver a frightfully fun experience for children and families alike. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their best costumes and enjoy a safe and festive environment for trick-or-treating. To participate, each child is asked to bring one 50-count bag of factory-sealed candy as their admission fee.
A special highlight of the day will be the Pumpkin Patch, where kids can pick out and paint their very own pumpkins, adding an extra dash of creativity and autumn fun to the celebration.
In addition to trick-or-treating, the event will feature food trucks from popular local vendors such as ShopRite, Mr. Softee, Kona Ice, and Avellino’s Pizza, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delicious bite while taking part in the festivities.
With candy, costumes, and pumpkins galore, the Trunk or Treat event promises to be a Halloween celebration to remember for the Parsippany community.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Board of County Commissioners last night approved $1.3 million in grants for seven trail projects, reinforcing their commitment to expanding outdoor recreational amenities and providing residents with greater opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and connection to nature throughout Morris County.
The grants will fund the design of four trails and complete construction on three others in municipalities across the county, including Morristown, Mendham Borough, Morris Plains, Randolph Township, Denville, East Hanover, and Montville.
“This program has grown beyond our expectations, providing invaluable recreational spaces and boosting the quality of life for our residents,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the board’s liaison to the Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation. “With careful planning and engineering, these trails will serve as long-lasting assets for our communities.”
Burnham Park Trails (Morristown): $107,445 to design a 1.03-mile trail, featuring pavement and boardwalk access to ponds, athletic fields, and recreational areas in Burnham Park, Washington Street, and Fosterfields Living Historical Farm.
Borough Park and Arboretum Trail (Mendham Borough): $28,000 for a 0.55-mile paved trail, linking Main Street to local parks and ball fields.
Community Park Trail (Morris Plains): $31,278 for a 0.75-mile gravel loop trail around recreational facilities and the community pool, with lane striping included.
Rosenfarb-Guerin Farms Trail (Randolph): $93,148 to design a 1.14-mile gravel and boardwalk trail connecting Dover Chester Road to Calais Road, Veterans Community Park, and Patriot’s Path.
Construction Project Recommendations:
Knuth Fields Walking Trail, Phase Two (Denville): $304,000 to complete a 0.6-mile paved trail connecting recreational areas and local schools.
Lurker Park Walking Path, Phase Two (East Hanover): $212,000 to complete a 1.06-mile trail with mulch, gravel, and boardwalk bridges, linking River Road to Patriot’s Path and other recreation areas.
Waughaw Valley Trail (Montville): $537,638 to finalize construction of a 1.31-mile gravel trail with bridge crossings, designed for both biking and hiking around Route 202 and Towaco Center.
Since the launch of the Morris County Trail Construction Grant Program in 2016, the county has authorized 54 grants for projects spanning nearly 29 miles of trails. The program is funded through the voter-approved Preservation Trust Fund, which was established in 1992 and modified in 2014 to include recreational trail development. With these latest approvals, the county’s total investment in public trails exceeds $6.5 million.
“The variety and scale of these projects demonstrate how much we value creating accessible and well-maintained outdoor spaces,” said Shaw. “From short community paths to multi-use greenways, our trail network continues to grow and benefit residents of all ages.”
For more information about the Trail Construction Grant Program, visit the county’s website.
At last night’s Council meeting, I was surprised to learn that Mayor Barberio is trying to slide 2 more PILOTs in before the end of the year. On the public agenda before the meeting, there was never any mention of 4 Gatehall Drive and 2 Sylvan Way as being “Areas in Need of Redevelopment.” For those who are not aware, the first step to getting a PILOT is a resolution from the PTH Council which needs to be introduced at the Agenda Meeting. Last night’s meeting was not an Agenda meeting.
If PILOTs are as good as the Mayor and John Inglesino claim, why do they continue to try and sell it in the most obtuse and sneaky way? Once these PILOT projects go up they will affect the town and services in a great deal of ways. None of which are good in my opinion. The Gatehall project will border on residential properties in Sedgefield and Glacier Hills. Put yourself in the position of the residents in the surrounding communities. How would you like these projects in your backyard? At a prior Council Meeting on October 8, 2024, a township resident expressed his concern that PILOTs added to the student population of the schools. Mayor Barberio responded falsely that Pilots are not responsible for the increase in student attendance in the schools. In prior meetings in November and December of 2023 Mr Barberio stated on more than one occasion that these projects could not get built without the PILOT-driven tax abatements. Therefore they are a catalyst in increasing the number of students in the schools. In reality, there would be none of these large apartment buildings going up all over town if they were not given 30-year tax exemptions courtesy of the Barberio administration. The Mayor is subsidizing the very thing he claims to be against.
I grew up in this town and have lived here my entire life. I have never seen a Democrat or Republican Mayor who is hellbent on developing every blade of grass that exists in this town. It is obvious that Parsippany needs an immediate change in leadership, one that will not be all too cozy with the developers and their representatives.
Vacant Office Space at 2 Sylvan Way Prompts Redevelopment Inquiry
PARSIPPANY — In its ongoing effort to stimulate local development, Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council recently passed Resolution R2024-176, (3-2) which authorizes the Planning Board to investigate whether 2 Sylvan Way, a significant office property in the township, qualifies as an area in need of redevelopment. The property, which has a total of 56,156 square feet, currently has 28,186 square feet of space available for lease. Councilman Justin Musella and Councilwoman Judy Hernandez voted against the Resolution.
Built-in 1977 and renovated in 1998, the three-story building is classified as Class B office space, indicating its suitability for businesses seeking functional, cost-effective office environments. The property is owned by Lincoln Property Company, a prominent real estate firm known for managing commercial assets nationwide.
Council Approves Redevelopment Study for Parsippany’s 2 Sylvan Way
Despite its prime location in Parsippany’s bustling commercial district, the building has seen some vacancy, prompting the township to consider its redevelopment potential. The resolution sets in motion a formal investigation to determine if 2 Sylvan Way can be revitalized under the state’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law without resorting to condemnation.
“By taking this step, the township aims to evaluate the building’s potential to contribute more effectively to the community and local economy,” said Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development. “With nearly half of the space available, this property represents a major opportunity for attracting new businesses and investment.”
Class B office spaces like 2 Sylvan Way offer potential tenants a balance of affordability and functionality, making them attractive to small and medium-sized businesses. A successful redevelopment could transform the property into a modern hub for professional services, technology firms, or other businesses seeking a suburban office location with easy access to major highways.
As the Planning Board begins its investigation, local officials remain optimistic about the building’s future role in driving economic growth and improving the township’s business environment.
The Planning Board has been tasked with carrying out the investigation and is expected to report its findings back to the Mayor and Council. If the area is deemed appropriate for redevelopment, further plans will be discussed, potentially opening the door for new investments in retail, warehouses, multi-family residential units, or mixed-use developments.
The results of the investigation will determine the next steps for this property and may pave the way for new investment and revitalization in the heart of Parsippany.
Public Invited to Safely Dispose of Unused Medications at Morris County Drug Take Back Event
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Hanover Township Chief Michael Loock, Morris Plains Borough Chief of Police Mike Koroski, Morris Township Chief of Police Robert Shearer, and Randolph Township Chief of Police Will Harzula announce that on Saturday, October 26 2024, they will be participating in the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Day program.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is a semi-annual event coordinated nationally by the United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in which law enforcement agencies at the state, county, and municipal level work collectively to host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day across the nation.
The goal of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is to encourage the public to anonymously turn over unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medicine for proper disposal. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has partnered with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the Hanover Township Police Department, the Morris Plains Borough Police Department, the Morris Township Police Department, and the Randolph Township Police Department in this effort to reduce abuse and misuse of pharmaceutical drugs. At its conclusion, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office will collect the discarded prescription drugs and properly destroy them in a safe and non-hazardous manner.
During this event, satellite collection sites will be operating from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., including at the following Morris County locations,
ACME Supermarket 690 Millbrook Ave. Randolph, New Jersey 07869
Shoprite of Greater Morristown 178 East Hanover Ave. Cedar Knolls, New Jersey 07927
Stop and Shop Supermarket 245 Littleton Rd./US 202 Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950
Wegmans 34 Sylvan Way Hanover, NJ 07981
If you are unable to drop off your medication at one of these locations, you can utilize any other permanent drop box locations nearest you, by checking here.
"Evil Pumpkin Patch" at 24 Sedgefield Drive Becomes the Ultimate Halloween Destination
PARSIPPANY — In every neighborhood, there’s always that one house that takes holiday decorations to the next level, becoming a local legend. This Halloween season, if you’re in search of a festive thrill, there’s one place that should be at the top of your list: the home at 24 Sedgefield Drive. Renowned for their annual tradition of outdoing themselves with increasingly elaborate themes, this year’s spectacle is an “Evil Pumpkin Patch” that transforms the yard into a scene straight from a spine-chilling autumn storybook.
Spooky “Evil Pumpkin Patch” Transforms Neighborhood into Halloween Wonderland
Year after year, the house on Sedgefield Drive undergoes a dramatic transformation in October, offering a fresh experience for repeat visitors with themes ranging from haunted mansions to eerie graveyards. This Halloween, the “Evil Pumpkin Patch” is drawing in even larger crowds, and as dusk settles, the magic truly begins. The yard comes alive under the glow of moonlight, featuring a collection of wickedly carved pumpkins, each lit by flickering candlelight that casts eerie shadows. But the visuals are just part of the allure—sound effects ranging from the cackle of witches to the rustling of unseen creatures complete the atmosphere, creating a truly immersive experience.
What sets this display apart is its dynamic, interactive nature. Hidden animatronics surprise visitors with sudden movements, and a rolling fog effect late in the evening blankets the scene in an otherworldly mist. The home at 24 Sedgefield Drive has become more than just a neighborhood curiosity; it’s a celebration of the Halloween spirit and a tribute to community engagement. Families, friends, and even couples on date nights make their way to the house, eager to catch a glimpse of the spectacular display. The night air fills with delighted gasps, laughter, and the occasional startled scream.
Creepy Animatronics and Wicked Pumpkins Await at the Famous 24 Sedgefield Drive
The homeowners, who prefer to maintain an air of mystery, pour their passion into this annual event. While they usually stay behind the scenes, they’ve been known to occasionally emerge in costumes that fit the theme, adding an extra layer of fun to the story they’ve created in their yard.
As Halloween approaches, the “Evil Pumpkin Patch” at 24 Sedgefield Drive is a must-see destination. It’s more than just a display—it’s a creative homage to Halloween, bringing joy to the community through shared thrills and good-natured scares. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the spectacle while being mindful of the neighborhood and respectful of the homeowners’ efforts, ensuring this cherished tradition continues to thrive for years to come.
At the October 8th Town Council meeting, the self-described “ecstatic” Mayor Barberio once again appeared to be disconnected from reality.
Responding to Parsippany resident, Bob Venezia’s measured and fact-filled reminder that developer-friendly PILOT funded housing construction will inevitably increase the number and the cost of students who will be attending Parsippany public schools, Mayor Barberio stated that his and John Inglesino’s PILOT’s “do not create school age children but, housing does”
Huh??
The Mayor’s inability to understand the simple reality that housing built by developers enjoying a 30-year tax break will provide the school district with fewer funds than housing built by developers assessed the standard tax rate, is worrisome and suggests a Mayor who is either unable to grasp basic economic facts or a Mayor who is attempting to play a shell game with the voters because he believes Parsippany residents are either too stupid or too disinterested to hold him and his Council cohorts (Frank Neglia and Paul Carifi) to account.
Ignorance and/or arrogance will not be a winning formula for Mr. Barberio coming next June’s Mayoral primary. The fact that he doesn’t understand that is telling and appalling.
MORRIS COUNTY – A Denville man was taken into custody on Sunday after allegedly hitting a police officer with his vehicle while attempting to flee a traffic stop in Denville Township.
On October 20, a Denville police officer initiated a traffic stop on Indian Road. During the stop, it was discovered that the driver, Liam Harrigan, 27, had an active NCIC warrant from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.
When officers attempted to arrest Harrigan, he fled the scene, striking an officer with his vehicle. The officer sustained minor injuries, according to the police report.
Shortly after the incident, the New Jersey State Police found Harrigan’s abandoned vehicle on Interstate 80 eastbound in Fairfield Township. Denville Police Detectives continued the investigation and located Harrigan at a Costco in Wayne Township, where he was apprehended with assistance from the Wayne Police Department.
Harrigan faces numerous charges, including eluding, obstruction, hindering apprehension, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, assault by auto, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of controlled dangerous substances (CDS), and several motor vehicle violations such as reckless driving, failure to report an accident and disregard for a stop sign.
Following his arrest, Harrigan was transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where he remains awaiting a future court date.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Celebrating a Legacy of Service: Parsippany Office on Aging Turns 50
PARSIPPANY — This year, the Parsippany Office on Aging is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary, continuing to serve as a vital lifeline for the township’s senior residents. Established in 1974 by Rosemarie Agostini at the request of then-Mayor Jack Fahy, it was the first municipal office in New Jersey dedicated solely to the needs of elderly residents. Over the course of the past five decades, it has grown to provide a wide array of services supporting Parsippany’s aging population.
Located at 1130 Knoll Road, the Office on Aging serves about 25 seniors every day with essential services such as help with paperwork for Medicare, tax resources, and assistance with daily needs such as copying and faxing. “Our mission is clear: we do everything to help our seniors. If we can’t help directly, we make sure to connect them with someone who can,” Agostini said in an interview.
A cornerstone of the office’s services is its transportation program, providing seniors with rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations. This is especially helpful for those residing in the Mt. Tabor section of Parsippany, which offers limited public transportation. Furthermore, the office lends out wheelchairs and walkers to needy seniors, as well as canes, free of charge.
Five Decades Strong: How Parsippany’s Office on Aging Continues to Impact Seniors
“The Office on Aging is a vital support system for our seniors. Our senior citizens are the backbone of the Parsippany community, and this 50-year-old program continues to offer resources to assist our seniors in any way that would be beneficial to their quality of life. Be it guidance in filling out energy assistance forms, Anchor rebates, or tax returns, aid in navigating email and correspondence, transport to essential medical visits and the food market, the community food pantry or even lending an ear to someone who needs to talk, the Parsippany Office on Aging has performed invaluable services since its inception and I applaud and support their work,“ said Mayor James Barberio.
Senior citizens are also given access to computers and digital assistance to help them navigate the complications of the online world.
Over the years, the Office on Aging has introduced over 40 programs designed to enhance the lives of seniors. One of the most prominent programs was its intergenerational program, in which seniors were matched with younger members of the community in projects such as concerts for children and adults and pen pal programs.
While some initiatives are no longer running, they had a lasting impact on the community. Many of those students are now in their 60s, a testament to the office’s long-standing influence. One such initiative was spearheaded by Francesca Agostini, Rosemarie’s daughter: Parsippany’s first-ever senior prom. This event made Parsippany the first municipality in the nation to hold such a celebration.
This initiative was even recognized by the United States Commissioner of Education for its excellence.
As part of the Office Aging, senior residents have access to the Parsippany Senior Center which is open to residents aged 50 and older and serves as a central hub for social, recreational, and wellness activities. From fitness classes to book clubs, the Parsippany Senior Center provides seniors with the opportunities to stay active and engaged.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary, Parsippany seniors are encouraged to learn more about available services by contacting the Office on Aging at (973) 263-7351 or visiting their website by clicking here.
Special events and initiatives are planned throughout the year to mark this milestone in service to the community.
Councilman Justin Musella, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Matt McGrath
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council held its meeting on Tuesday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting occurred in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.
Any individual who is qualified as a disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids, such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder, for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Council Vice President Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella Councilman Matt McGrath Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
Councilman Justin Musella, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Matt McGrath
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, October 22, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.
Formal action may or may not be taken.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Council Vice President Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella Councilman Matt McGrath Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Esq.
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) was recently honored with the “Legislator of the Year Award” by the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey on October 9, 2024.
“I am extremely honored and grateful to the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey for this prestigious award,” said Sen. Pennacchio. “From county clerks and registers of deeds and mortgages to sheriffs and surrogates, our constitutional officers provide essential, invaluable services to the people of New Jersey and serve the Garden State with honor and dignity.”
The Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey is a group of elected county sheriffs, clerks, surrogates, and registers of deeds and mortgages across the State. They present the Legislator of the Year Award to lawmakers who show a commitment to improving the effectiveness of public service in New Jersey.
“It was my honor to award Senator Pennacchio with Legislator of the Year. Senator Pennacchio has been a long-time friend to the Constitutional Officers by creating commonsense legislation that better enables us to fulfill our obligations to the communities we serve,” said Morris County Surrogate Heather J. Darling, Esq.
Jigar Shah, Mayor James Barberio, Commissioner Deborah Smith and Douglas Cabana, Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Stu Lasser, Commissioner John Krickus, Betty Cass-Schmidt, Sen. Joe Pennachio, Sen. Anthony Bucco, KC, Dave Helmer (back), Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella and Matt Manzi of the Morris County Park Commission.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners joined the Morris County Park Commission and local leaders at Lewis Morris County Park yesterday to dedicate two new cricket fields in honor of Russell W. Myers, the first Director of the Morris County Park Commission.
Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association Danny Desai, Casey Parikh, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, Morris County Commissioner John Krickus, and Mukund Parekh
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone in accommodating the growing popularity of cricket within the county. Among those joining the event were State Senator Joe Pennachio (Morris-26), State Senator Anthony Bucco (Morris-25), Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Sheriff James M. Gannon, and representatives of the New Jersey Softball Cricket League. Cricket players from the league, including members of Teams Titans XL and Parsippany Sports Cricket XL, showcased their skills at the event.
“I thank my fellow Commissioners for supporting this project, which started in 2023 when the board passed a resolution to fund the fields,” said Commissioner John Krickus, who served as Commissioner Director when planning for the fields began.
The project’s roots go back several years, when the growing Indian American community in Parsippany Township began searching for more places to play cricket, a popular sport in Britain, India, and many other places around the world. Sen. Pennacchio and Mayor Barberio took up the search, approaching Executive Director Dave Helmer of the Park Commission, which has been accommodating cricket team games for years on picnic grounds.
Commissioner John Krickus awaits a pitch at the Russell W. Myers Recreation Area Cricket Fields in Lewis Morris County Park.
The Morris County Board of County Commissioners stepped in last year and agreed to finance the development of two cricket fields at Lewis Morris Park when the Park Commission identified an open field area.
“These new cricket fields reflect our commitment to providing a myriad of recreational opportunities for all Morris County residents,” said Commissioner Doug Cabana, liaison to the Morris County Park Commission.
The dedication honored the late Russell W. Myers, who served as Director of the Morris County Park Commission from 1957 to 1983. Under his leadership, the park system expanded dramatically, and his legacy continues to shape Morris County’s recreational spaces today.
The newly developed cricket grounds, located in the Russell W. Myers Recreation Area, will serve as a dedicated space for cricket beginning in spring 2025. Cricketers will need to schedule the use of the fields through the Park Commission.
But the county commissioners, park commissioners, senators, and other dignitaries gave the fields an unofficial test yesterday, taking turns tossing and batting a few cricket balls with various players who attended to dedication.
“Developing plans for this site and learning more about the sport of cricket by collaborating with Amin Khatri, Trustee of the New Jersey Soft Ball Cricket League, was a rewarding experience. We’re thrilled to provide a space where our local teams can play and grow,” said Helmer, who emphasized the teamwork involved in the project.
The two fields are tailored for the softball version of cricket. The site, previously used for overflow parking, is located close to restroom facilities in the park and has ample parking on-site and nearby.
“We ask our immigrant friends to assimilate, but it’s a two-way street. Your culture, traditions, and recreation enrich the American experience. Enjoy these wonderful fields that have been created,” said Senator Pennachio, who is a first-generation Italian American. “Leaders of the Parsippany Indian community told me that having a cricket field was important to them. If it was important to them, it became important to me. Credit goes to Commissioner Krickus and the County Commissioners for making this happen.”
“I want to thank Jigar Shah, Parsippany’s liaison to the Indian community, and I want to thank Commissioner Krickus and the County Commissioners. In Parsippany, we have the largest Indian population in the county and now players from all municipalities will have a place to play. This field is going to be amazing. The county kept their promise to get it done, and they got it done,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.
The ribbon-cutting was also attended by Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Deputy Commissioner Stephen Shaw, Commissioner Deborah Smith, Park Commission President Stuart Lasser, Betty Cass-Schmidt, and Richard Seabury III, who are also on the Park Commission.
The $225,140 construction contract awarded to Aspen Landscaping of Bridgewater, included grading and shaping approximately four acres, installation of a cricket pitch, spreading topsoil, fine grading, hydro seeding, and watering. Full play is expected by spring 2025.
Lewis Morris County Park, established in 1958 as the county’s first park, has grown from 350 acres to 2,213 acres, making it the second-largest park in the Morris County system.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) is thrilled to announce its selection as the Stop & Shop’s Community Bag Program beneficiary for October. This initiative is designed to make it easy for shoppers to give back to their local communities while supporting environmental sustainability.
Throughout October, every $2.50 reusable Community Bag purchased at the Stop & Shop at 245 Littleton Road will result in a $1 donation to Parsippany PAL. These funds will help support our programs, which aim to foster positive community engagement and provide safe recreational activities for youth in the Parsippany area.
“We’re excited to be part of this wonderful program, which not only helps the environment but also directly supports the work we do at Parsippany PAL,” said Thomas Bushnauskas, Executive Director of Parsippany PAL. “This is a simple and impactful way for the community to get involved and support our mission.”
The Community Bag Program offers an excellent opportunity for PAL supporters to make a difference. We encourage everyone to spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors. The more bags purchased, the greater the impact on our programs and the youth we serve.
For more information about the Community Bag Program click here.
About Parsippany PAL
The Parsippany Police Athletic League provides a wide range of youth-oriented programs that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and community spirit. The goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn, grow, and thrive.
To balance the need for consumer protection and crypto innovation, the state of New Jersey has introduced two bills that are similar to one another for consideration. Bill S3694 and A4880 are centered around the ban on cryptocurrency ATMs across the state due to growing concerns about fraudulent activities aimed at leveraging the evolving technologies within this industry.
Although this might sound like a blow to the crypto industry, ATMs constitute a fraction of the vast opportunities available for enthusiasts and investors looking to spend their digital assets. For example, the availability of online industries like e-commerce platforms, software companies, and gaming platforms that accept crypto payments has grown enormously.
iGaming sites have particularly embraced crypto technology. For those who prefer to gamble at a crypto casino online, these sites offer a variety of perks that traditional online casinos simply can’t match. These include benefits like registrations that don’t require KYC checks, a wider array of games, instant withdrawals, and even anonymous play — traits that even the most advanced online casinos in New Jersey can’t offer. That’s certainly saying something since NJ is one of the few states that offer a legal and thriving iGaming sector.
With the crypto industry now doing well across a multitude of facets, the resilience of crypto in New Jersey and beyond remains likely even if these bills are approved. It will, of course, impact the convenience of withdrawing and depositing funds to crypto wallets for day-to-day purposes. However, there will still be plenty of online ways to use, trade, and pay with cryptocurrencies even with no ATMs around.
As most Bitcoin ATMs have been a target for fraudsters, state authorities have deemed it necessary to take into consideration their potential effect on the general population. For example, the Federal Trade Commission has reported a surge in scams totaling over $110 million in 2023 alone and $65 million in only the first half of 2024, with a median loss of $10,000 among the elderly aged 60 and above.
These concerning statistics are one of the core reasons why this legislation has been proposed, making any activities linked to cryptocurrency ATMs illegal. This encompasses elements such as banning the ownership, control, installation, and sale of ATM machines supporting digital assets. These two identical bills propose that enforcement of the stipulated guidelines take place by expanding the scope and legal powers of the Consumer Fraud Act.
To put this into perspective, violators would be liable for penalties in the form of fines reaching up to $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for any subsequent violations. Additionally, state authorities will have the legal power to issue cease-and-desist orders as well as punitive damages to victims.
The regulations entailed by the bills clarify its intention of protecting consumers from any potential dangers related to unregulated crypto ATMs that contribute to significant financial losses. Be that as it may, it could be harder for crypto enthusiasts who are tech-savvy and aware of these dangers to use their digital assets as conveniently as they used to.
Fortunately, the proposed ban on these ATMs doesn’t completely eliminate the innovation of the decentralized finance scene. Private online transactions and crypto gift cards are still some of the primary ways that digital assets can be spent in New Jersey. For Jersey crypto holders, the online electronics scene also offers another great option.
Secure methods such as digital wallets, peer-to-peer platforms, and crypto exchanges offer a wide variety of ways to transact using decentralized finance instruments without the potential risk of illegitimate ATMs. At the same time, these methods open up broader opportunities to explore other aspects, like NFT marketplaces for investment purposes or merely for entertainment.
These options also work in tandem with the proposed bills since they allow consumers to have access to customer support channels alongside the robust security measures, set as industry standards for these service providers. Ultimately, the use of mainstream crypto platforms minimizes the risk of fraudulent activity and the burden on state agencies tasked to oversee them.
On the other hand, mainstream methods also allow users to have better control over their transactions, empowering them to make informed decisions in a secure environment. As the digital asset field continues to grow and evolve, newer technologies continue making mainstream crypto options more secure and reliable for better consumer protection.
Although there haven’t been significant advancements in the legislative process of enacting these bills, the discussion has opened varying perspectives on the role of decentralized finance and the technologies supporting it. The most important point raised is the need for a delicate balance between consumer protection and the fast-growing innovation of the financial sector.
Advocates supporting the ban of crypto ATMs have applauded the strides taken by state authorities to reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activity perpetrated toward vulnerable persons. Some skeptics aren’t sold on the efficacy of these bills and have raised concerns over the limitations of cryptocurrencies as an important financial tool.
Nevertheless, the proposed legislation shows the increasing concern for better security measures while ensuring that the availability of cryptocurrencies at a broader scale remains unhindered. As discussions continue, state authorities will be under the microscope on the final approach they decide to implement in response to this issue.
