PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, November 23, Son’s of Italy donated 24 turkey dinners and ShopRite gift cards to 24 individual local families which included fully cooked turkey, all the sides, and an apple pie.
Our continued fundraising events we continue to be able to do this and next month. They are planning on buying $1,500 to $2,000 in Walmart and ShopRite gift cards for the holidays.
For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — In 1996, a small group of local business people, educators, and parents in Parsippany established a non-profit organization with the objective of supporting our community of learners.
Conceived by Tom Ladas, an executive with Pfizer along with School Superintendent Tim Brennan and Board of Education President Dave Shaffer, the organization was dedicated to working together for the children in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, giving them new, unique learning opportunities and enhancing their educational experiences.
From an initial seed grant of $30,000 from Pfizer, the foundation has raised and distributed over $369,000 in educational grants as well as $30,000 in college scholarships over the last 25 years including:
• NET day in 1997, when the Foundation assembled volunteers to solicit donations and help wire the schools for the Internet.
• Technology acquisition for curriculum enrichment benefiting students with special learning needs
• Digitizing school library catalogs
• Fundraising Walkathon with participants representing all schools carrying signs and banners from their school starting in the east from PHS and the west from Intervale Rd. finishing at the municipal building and donating $1,000 to each school in the district,
• Artists in Residence workshops for our Choral and Band students conducted by professional internationally known artists.
• Commissioning composition of an original orchestral work, the “Golden Anniversary Overture” celebrating PHHS’s 50th anniversary and played annually at graduation
• Chipwrecks and Redbots – enabling the student robotics club to design and build a robot to compete in the worldwide First Tech Challenge from the organization For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST). Science lab equipment.
“The Parsippany Education Foundation has funded so many wonderful educational projects over the years. Many of these funded grant projects were so successful that they turned into district-funded programs for all students to enjoy. We are grateful for the generous philanthropy of the Foundation. They have left a distinct and positive mark on the Parsippany-Troy Hills School community” said Dr. Barbara Sargent
Board of Education President Frank Neglia presented a plaque honoring the Foundation’s 25 years of service to be displayed at the BoE office.
“We are proud to accept this recognition on behalf of all of our volunteer members who have contributed their time and effort to the foundation over the past 25 years and delighted for the privilege to support innovative and impactful programs championed by our Parsippany teachers,” said Stella Gizas, PEF President.
The Parsippany Educational Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 1996 to enrich the opportunities and experiences of students in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District. The Foundation has contributed over $369,000 in grants to the district raised through private donors, annual spring golf outings, and events held throughout the year. Its Board of Directors consists of volunteers committed to developing a community of learners. New members and sponsors are welcome.
Visit their website by clicking here for more information and like their Facebook page. Donations may be sent to PO Box 200 Parsippany, NJ 07054
BOONTON — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Town of Boonton Captain Stephen Jones announce an investigation into a deceased person found in the Town of Boonton.
On November 29, 2021, at approximately 9:50 a.m., law enforcement was dispatched to the Rockaway River in the Town of Boonton on a report of a body.
While searching the area, law enforcement located the body of a 71-year-old man. The identity of the individual will not be released at this time. The man’s body was recovered from the ice and the Medical Examiner’s Office is completing the investigation.
While the investigation remains ongoing, the incident is not suspected to be criminal at this time, nor is there any danger to the public.
This is an ongoing joint investigation being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Boonton Police Department Detective Bureau, and Boonton Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Team.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Town of Boonton Police Department at (973) 402-9371.
PARSIPPANY — Sustainable Jersey representatives announced that the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has met the rigorous requirements to achieve Sustainable Jersey certification. Parsippany is one of 52 municipalities that have attained certification in 2021 and was honored at the Sustainable Jersey Annual Luncheon on November 16, 2021, in Atlantic City at the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference. Sustainable Jersey’s participating communities represent over 81 percent of the state’s municipalities.
“This has been four years in the making,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “I’m proud of our Township employees who worked so hard in putting this together, and finally achieving this important benchmark for our community. Thanks to the tremendous support we’ve received from Sustainable Jersey and our Parsippany Green Team, we have set the stage for the Township to become Silver Certified next year, and Gold Certified in the years ahead. Sustainability is the best way we can address the critical challenges facing our region and our world. Through green initiatives, we can invigorate our economy, and continue being good stewards of God’s earth.”
To become Sustainable Jersey certified, Parsippany submitted documentation to show it had completed a balance of the required sustainability actions, meeting a minimum of 150 action points. In addition, each certified community had to create a green team and select at least two out of thirteen priority action options. Parsippany completed two of the 13 priority actions by implementing a prescription drug safety and disposal program and a sustainable land use pledge.
“The certified towns exemplify the commitment we need to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. As New Jersey faces issues such as the climate crisis, a growing equity divide and environmental pollution, it is essential that we support municipalities as they do the hard work to meet these challenges at the local level,” said Randall Solomon, executive director of Sustainable Jersey. “These communities are helping New Jersey build back better after the COVID-19 pandemic and it is our honor to work with them as we strive for a better tomorrow!” Certified towns excelled in areas such as improving energy efficiency, health and wellness, reducing waste, sustaining local economies, protecting natural resources and advancing the arts.
About Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey
Known as The Crossroads of Northern New Jersey, Parsippany is the largest municipality in Morris County, with over 56,000 residents and counting. Adopting sustainable and environmentally conscious practices to address climate issues could have considerable impacts on adoption by other municipalities in the region. Increased focus on sustainable living has shown improvements to community health, neighborhood aesthetics, and many other higher standards to living.
About Sustainable Jersey
Sustainable Jersey provides tools, training, and financial incentives to support communities as they pursue sustainability programs. As New Jersey faces issues such as the climate crisis, a growing equity divide, and environmental pollution, municipalities want to be a part of the solution to these challenges. Sustainable Jersey participants (municipalities and schools) have successfully implemented and documented over 20,826 sustainability actions. Sustainable Jersey has provided over $6.7 million in grants to municipalities, school districts, and schools for community-based projects that create healthy and sustainable communities in New Jersey. Sustainable Jersey is administered by The Sustainability Institute at The College of New Jersey.
Website: www.SustainableJersey.com; www.SustainableJerseySchools.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sj_program; https://twitter.com/sj_schools
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SustainableJersey
Instagram: https://instagram.com/sustainable_jersey/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sustainable-jersey
PARSIPPANY — Betty Lagitch, Co-Chair for Membership, installed three new members Veronica (Ronnie) Fagan, Diane Campbell, and Karen Phelps on Monday, November 22 at the Club’s November General Meeting.
Ronnie, Diane, and Karen join an enthusiastic group of volunteers brought together in fellowship and service to promote projects that produce positive outcomes in the areas of education, culture, and civic betterment of the community
New members are always welcome to join the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, established in 1954. Our club is one of over 200 clubs that make up the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC. NJSFWC is the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. For more information call Marilyn at 973-539-3703, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, check us out on the web www.parsippanywomansclub.org or follow the club on FACEBOOK, Twitter, and Instagram.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – November 23, 2021.
Click here to download the agenda.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners last night approved $1.3 million to acquire and preserve a total of 43 acres in 2021 Open Space projects spanning four towns.
The projects, recommended on November 10 by the Morris County’s Open Space Trust Fund Committee, were approved during the board’s recent public meeting in Morristown. In addition to the Parsippany property, other properties include Dover, Montville, and Chatham Township, and range in sizes from one-fifth of an acre to nearly 20 acres.
OPEN SPACE PROJECTS APPROVED FOR MORRIS COUNTY GRANTS:
Kosut Property Acquisition
• Applicant: Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills
• 5.44 acres
• Award: $450,000
• Description: This property is located off Knoll Road, surrounded by land north and south that was previously preserved and is owned by Parsippany Township as part of the 11.1-acre Fieldfair Property. The property is located across the street from watershed lands surrounding the Boonton Reservoir (also known as the Jersey City Reservoir), and it was the subject of a $659,000 grant through the 2020 Open Space grant program. Parsippany Township envisions developing the property into a park and recreational facility.
Jean Drive Preserve Acquisition
• Applicant: Township of Montville
• 19.62 acres
• Award: $465,000
• Description: This property lies in the Towaco Valley Aquifer Critical Water Resources District, between Old Lane and Jean Drive. The protection of this aquifer and its associated water supply lands is a priority for Montville Township, which envisions passive recreation for the property, including hiking, walking, and bird watching. The acquisition also would expand township-owned lands in the region.
East Blackwell Street Property Acquisition
• Applicant: Town of Dover
• 0.20 acres
• Award: $35,000
• Description: This vacant residential lot is located on the south side of East Blackwell Street at the T-intersection of Sammis Avenue and adjacent to a trout-stocked section of the Rockaway River. Dover envisions passive recreation for the property, which is near Dover’s downtown area and would provide a convenient outdoor space for all to enjoy.
McDon Fen Property Acquisition
• Applicant: Trust for Public Land
• Located in Chatham Township
• 17.74 acres
• Award: $350,000
• Description: The acquisition involves two contiguous properties that front, in part, Southern Boulevard. They abut the southeast end of Nash Park, a popular local park with amenities including a playground, basketball court, bleachers and multiple fields. The larger of the two, largely wooded and marshy properties contains a tributary of Black Brook that drains into the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and ultimately the Passaic River.
• Chatham Township will own the property upon acquisition and utilize it for the expansion of Nash Park.
Funding for open space acquisitions and preservation comes from the voter-approved Morris County Open Space & Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, which is generated by a special county tax. The funding source also is used for farmland and historic preservation, county parkland acquisition, trail construction, and the purchase of residential properties prone to flooding.
Prior to last night’s approval, the Morris County Open Space Program had awarded $318,760,878 in grants for 486 applications since 1994. To date, applicants have successfully closed on 416 of those projects, preserving 17,668 acres – a combined acreage larger than Parsippany Township and almost as large as Chester Township. This is all in addition to lands that have been preserved and improved through the other Preservation Trust Fund Programs: Farmland Preservation, Historic Preservation, Flood Mitigation, and Trails Construction.
MORRIS COUNTY — Market Street Mission in Morristown along with our Jersey Shore Rescue Mission location in Asbury Park gave out thousands of coats to members of the community in our annual Coat Giveaway events. The Market Street Mission has been giving out free winter gear every November for the past 31 years, and the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission for about 15 years.
This event is a great opportunity to reach out and care for our local community, making sure that families have the clothing they need to stay warm throughout the winter.
During the month of October, we received an outpouring of support from the community who donated the coats for us to give away. Thank you to the local individuals, churches, businesses, and organizations who worked together to collect thousands of winter clothing items for our neighbors in need!
On Saturday, November 6, more than 400 people visited Morristown Green to receive 1,800 coats, along with hats, gloves, and scarves for themselves and their families. Volunteers provided goody bags for the children in attendance as well. Two weeks later, on Saturday, November 20, they were able to serve 375 people at our Mission at 701 Memorial Drive in Asbury Park, providing them with 1,100 coats as well as hats, gloves, and scarves.they
We are so grateful for our volunteers who helped each Coat Giveaway run smoothly! The 75 volunteers at Market Street and 80 volunteers at Jersey Shore assisted the community members in choosing their coats and winter accessories, managed the lines to keep things running smoothly, and handed out refreshments to our guests.
One of our community guests said of his experience: “I have been coming to the Coat Giveaway for many years with my entire family. It’s been a blessing to be able to get my kids warm coats for the winter. We are so grateful the Mission is here!”
As the weather begins to turn colder, we are blessed to be able to provide for the needs of our neighbors, and we are grateful for the community support that makes our Coat Giveaways possible each year!
The Market Street Mission and its Jersey Shore Rescue Mission location are an experienced organization with a proven method of helping fight alcoholism, substance abuse, hunger, and homelessness in northern and central New Jersey. As a private non-profit we rely on the charitable support of compassionate donors to provide more than 110,000 meals and 30,000 nights of shelter per year. For more information on our emergency services, free addiction recovery program, community counseling services, and thrift stores please visit www.marketstreet.org or www.jerseyshorerescue.org.
MORRIS COUNTY — In recognition of “Small Business Saturday,” the Morris County Board of County Commissioners announced the development of the Morris County Small Business Grant Program that will provide federal fiscal recovery funding to local, small companies and entrepreneurs impacted by the pandemic.
The application process has not yet opened but will be announced later as program details are finalized and the program is officially launched. The program is being designed to provide grants of up to $15,000 to reimburse small businesses and non-profit organizations for specific pandemic recovery expenses incurred on or after March 3, 2021 – a timeline established under the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is the source of the funding.
“Small businesses are not only vital to our economy but they are a key part of the unique identity of every town. We look forward to launching a small business grant program, as we ensure we are meeting federal regulatory requirements,” said Commissioner John Krickus, who has been helping to develop the program through the Commissioner’s COVID-19 Strategic Planning Advisory Committee.
The Small Business Grant Program eligibility requirements include:
The Commissioners’ plan is to dedicate $5 million in ARPA funds to the program.
An online process is in development for applicants to submit proper documentation needed to determine the eligibility of a business and the expenses that qualify for reimbursement. The Morris County Chamber of Commerce will be coordinating outreach to potentially eligible businesses, including those who may not have traditionally sought government grant funding in the past.
“Small businesses in the county have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic and its lingering effects,” said Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation.
“Unlike larger companies, they had less margin for absorbing the revenue losses and costs required for reopening. At the same time, they have made every effort to keep their employees working while fulfilling the needs of their customers. We look forward to working closely with the County Commissioners to connect qualifying small businesses throughout the county with this grant program,” she added.
The Morris County Commissioners also have adopted a special resolution urging Morris County residents to observe “Small Business Saturday” by shopping locally this Saturday, November 27, 2021. The Saturday after Thanksgiving has become known as “Small Business Saturday” since American Express launched it on November 27, 2010, and it has since grown into a national campaign to encourage holiday shoppers to patronize local businesses.
Despite the pandemic impacts, U.S. consumers reported spending a record high total of $19.8 billion at independent retailers and restaurants on “Small Business Saturday” 2020. The Morris County Commissioners are actively encouraging Morris County residents to help repeat that success and even break that record.
The final paragraph of the resolution reads:
“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, New Jersey, in recognition of the crucial role small businesses play in our economy and quality of life in Morris County, hereby proclaims, November 27, 2021, to be “Small Business Saturday 2021” and urges communities across the nation to “Shop Small®” throughout the year.”
PARSIPPANY — After skipping last year’s staple event due to COVID-19, The Lake Parsippany Ladies Auxiliary held their Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 28. Delicious homemade pancakes, sausage, and more … bagels, cream cheese, butter, coffee, tea, and even orange juice.
The Lake Parsippany Fire Department is located at 255 Halsey Road.
Ladies Auxiliary of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company is a 501(c)(3) organization, with an IRS ruling year of 2019, and donations are tax-deductible.
In 1935, a group of public-spirited citizens recognizing the need for fire protection in Fire District #3, began the steps that lead to the formation of the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company. This was not an easy task, as Lake Parsippany was a new community experiencing an era of growth and expansion.
By early September of 1935, the new Lake Parsippany Fire Company was formally organized. Without delay, the members were determined to move forward. Monies were loaned by members of the new fire department to purchase fire fighting equipment. A new committee was formed with the intent to find and purchase a fire truck.
The department has grown from those early days into the modern fire department of the 21st century. As the community has grown both residentially and commercially, so has the need for volunteers grown as well.
The first fire truck was obtained from the Livingston Fire Company by December 1935. The Morris Plains Fire Association provided fire rings with which to summon members to a fire.
In those early days, the meetings were held in the residences of Mr. Peter Yeager of Kingston Road and Mr. Edward Flanagan of Centerton Drive. The Lake Parsippany Property Owners Association Club House became available for meetings afterward.
The next problem was to obtain a suitable location to house the fire truck. The land was purchased from the New York Daily Mirror and construction was started on the firehouse in August 1936. Within one year after organizing, the Fire Company had through dances, raffles, and the help of generous contributors became a full-fledged fire company
They are a family of men and women who enjoy helping others during their time in need. They are just like you; we live in our community, raise our families here, work, and play here. Please consider joining the Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department.
Stop by for an application on any Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m., or you can call (973) 887-6157 and leave a message.
PARSIPPANY — Morris County/Parsippany Sons of Italy ~ Lodge 2561 engages in various community charitable endeavors throughout the year. One way to raise money to promote those efforts is through charitable events such as their Annual Beefsteak Dinner that was held on November 20th at the Bloomingdale Fireman’s Hall.
This year’s successful event brought out over 130 supporters, who were treated to a fun-packed evening of great food and entertainment. Live music by the extraordinarily talented, Raquelle Rocco, kept the room lively throughout most of the evening, followed by a visit by none other than New Jersey’s own favorite comedian, Uncle Floyd. Uncle Floyd was on top of his game as he had the crowd laughing, cheering, and applauding throughout his act. People came out for an enjoyable time, and it was clear that that is what they got.
Bloomingdale Fire Department put out a fantastic banquet of those savory, juicy, mouth-watering, perfectly prepared, all you can eat, slices of tender beef, all on top of those tiny slices of bread that everyone uses to make bread sculptures. If you are a carnivorous soul, you would think you were in heaven. For the rare non-meat eater in the room, there were generous servings of salad, penne pasta, and roasted potatoes to keep you happy and satiated.
All proceeds from this event, as well as all the Sons of Italy events, find themselves going back into the community through the organization’s community outreach programs. The Morris County/Parsippany Lodge meets once a month at a local restaurant and is always actively involved in the community. For more information on the group, or to join click here.
PARSIPPANY — Saturday, November 27, 2021, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. This year, we know that small businesses need our support now more than ever as they navigate, retool, and pivot from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Please join SBA and organizations across the country in supporting your local small businesses by shopping at a small business.
Founded by American Express in 2010 and officially cosponsored by SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season. Historically, reported projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday reached an estimated $19.8 billion according to the 2020 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey commissioned by American Express. The survey also found that 97% of shoppers recognized the positive impact they can make by shopping small and 85% of them reported they also encouraged friends and family to Shop Small® as well.
Independently-owned businesses, including gift shops, Cerbo’s Lumber, Cerbo’s Garden Center, Hog Wash Car Wash, local restaurants and the like are facing unprecedented challenges because of the pandemic.
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Mayor-elect James Barberio, Councilman-elect Justin Musella, and Councilman-elect Frank Negila were making their rounds to local Parsippany small businesses showing their support on Small Business Saturday.
The list of Small Business Saturday participants continues to grow, despite the pandemic. Here are some Parsippany businesses that have signed up so far:
For more information on Small Business Saturdays, click here.
PARSIPPANY — CrossFit Clan Performance Center held “Operation Holiday” to raise money for Morris County Homeless Shelter. They raised over $1,500 to donate to “Operation Holiday.”
CrossFit is a unique, functional fitness, strength, and conditioning training program designed to increase work capacity (getting more work done in less time) and create balanced fitness. Workouts are constantly varied yet structured, performed at a high intensity (relative to your fitness level) with the goal to train/challenge you in all aspects of fitness. Performance is evaluated and recorded creating measurable results. CrossFit is universally scalable and modifiable for all ages and fitness levels. Their program provides fitness that by design is broad, general, and inclusive. It will develop and grow with you and will advance as you do, allowing you to continue to take your fitness to the next level.
CrossFit Clan Performance Center’s objective is to increase your ability in ten components of fitness, Cardiovascular Endurance, Strength, Stamina, Agility, Flexibility, Balance, Power, Speed, Coordination, and Accuracy. And they aim to have a lot of fun getting you there.
CrossFit Clan Performance Center is located at 323 New Road, Parsippany. For more information click here.
PARSIPPANY — Mayor Michael Soriano presented AnnMarie Ferrara with a proclamation honoring her husband, the late Vincent Ferrara. After reading the proclamation, his son Enzo and Soriano unveiled a plaque in the hallway of Town Hall.
Ferrara was born in Caposele, Italy, and immigrating to the United States in 1972, Vincent took great pride in both his American citizenship and his Italian heritage. He was instrumental in bringing the Polizia di Stato to America to march in Columbus Day parades in New York and New Jersey.
Ferrara moved to Parsippany in 1996 and was involved with the Sons of Italy Lodge 2561, the Parsippany Republican Club, the Parsippany Republican Committee, the Parsippany Soccer Club, and a member of the Livingston Elks Lodge.
Vincent served his community as a member of the Township Council from 2011 to 2013, and during his term, he served as liaison to the Environmental Committee, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, Municipal Alliance Committee, and the Economic Advisory Committee as well as serving on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Planning Board.
MORRIS COUNTY — Parsippany Councilman-Elect Justin Musella was the guest speaker at Montville Republican Club on Monday, November 22.
Musella discussed how he was able to gain the largest share of voters in the recent general election.
“It was an honor and a privilege to attend the Montville Republican Club meeting last night and talk about our historic election. We also took the time to speak with elected officials on ways Montville and Parsippany can work together to bring better government to residents,” said Musella.
PARSIPPANY — Township Council of the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has a Council Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 23.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. All meetings will be held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Click here to download the agenda.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
PARSIPPANY — Connie Keller was given the oath of office by NJ Kiwanis Division 9 Lt. Governor Frank Cahill at a recent dinner celebration.
Connie was previously President during 2015-2016.
In addition, Nicolas Limanov was sworn in as President-Elect.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is the largest club in the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International.
Kiwanis International is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.
Any community need can become a Kiwanis service project, especially the needs of children. Kiwanis service projects range from efforts that help local communities to Kiwanis International’s Worldwide Service Project for the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders.
Kiwanis members dedicate more than 6 million volunteer hours and invest more than $100 million in service projects that strengthen communities and serve children every year.
At the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, we want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. We believe that by helping one child, you help the world.
For more information click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The football teams taking the field on Thanksgiving will bring shrewd strategies and meticulous game plans to make sure they finish the day healthy and successful.
As we tackle one of the year’s biggest feasts, should we do the same?
On the one hand, it’s just one day.
“If you spend the rest of the year eating well and making sure your physically active then I think on Thanksgiving you can give yourself a break,” said Mandy Enright, the FOOD + MOVEMENT® Dietitian, author, and volunteer, American Heart Association. “Don’t be crazy in your choices, but everybody deserves a day off.”
On the other hand, Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday eating season, which can have significant ramifications on body weight – and health – for the entire year.
“Between Thanksgiving and News Year’s Day, it’s not uncommon to see weight gain occur if they aren’t careful,” said Enright. “We need to recognize the risks of the holiday season and be thoughtful.”
The Calorie Control Council, a food and beverage industry group, calculates one Thanksgiving meal can total 4,500 calories. That’s more than twice the recommended number of 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day for a woman.
A 2016 study in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that the average American gains 1.3 pounds during the holiday season, while a 2000 study in Nutrition Reviews concluded that what’s packed on during the holidays accounts for half of weight gain for the year.
“Even if the average weight gain is only a kilogram (2.2 pounds) each year, over a lifetime it adds up if changes aren’t made to combat the increase in weight,” adds Enright.
This year may not be typical, as the coronavirus pandemic disrupts the usual stream of holiday gatherings and office parties. But the lessons for curbing the dietary impact of Thanksgiving dinner remain the same. Here are some tips:
• Prepare. In the weeks leading up to the holidays, be a bit more vigilant about your food intake. Maybe lose a couple of pounds so you’ll wind up with a net-zero after the holidays.
• Tweak recipes. You can treat yourself to special foods but also have control over how they’re made. Search the internet for a healthier version of a favorite recipe or a substitute for an unhealthy ingredient.
• There’s no quick fix for overeating. You can’t exercise your way out of gorging at the holiday table. Exercise is great, but it’s more about eating less food. It’s calories in, calories out.
• Don’t come hungry. Have a healthy breakfast or lunch. Some people try to avoid weight gain by eating very little before the big feast or a party, but that ends up backfiring because they’re so hungry they’re not able to control themselves.
• It’s not just about eating. Alcohol has calories too and the more you drink, the less you care – not just about the alcohol but the rest of the meal as well.
• Pace yourself. It takes time for the brain to realize you’re getting full. Eating slowly and waiting a few minutes before you go for seconds, or thirds can be very helpful.
• Beware of leftovers. The holiday table may be full of the most calorically dense foods people eat all year. If there’s more leftover, you may be the one suffering the consequences. Sooner or later, those pumpkin pies do get eaten.
As sound as the advice may be, the culinary temptations this time of year are hard to resist.
“Holiday season can be the time when people just let go,” concludes Enright. “When there are so many opportunities to eat and so much exposure to high-caloric foods, it’s very difficult unless people are incorporating more mindfulness into their days and food choices.”
PARSIPPANY — The Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company will be hosting a pancake breakfast on Sunday, November 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The breakfast will feature pancakes, sausages, bagels, orange juice, and coffee. If you don’t want to dine inside, take-out will be available.
This year’s event will feature a silent auction too. Come and join us for a great breakfast. You can’t beat the price!!
The Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Company is located at 255 Halsey Road.
Parsippany Focus is a digital news organization that provides news coverage of Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey. The organization was founded in 1989 by Frank Cahill, who currently owns and operates the organization. Parsippany Focus covers local news, events, and community issues, and their content is primarily distributed through their website and social media channels. The organization has been serving as a trusted source of news and information for the Parsippany-Troy Hills community for over 30 years.
Contact us: news@parsippanyfocus.com
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