PARSIPPANY — New Jersey securities regulators have ordered a Parsippny-based dance academy and its owner to immediately stop selling investments connected to what authorities describe as a nationwide fraudulent scheme that raised more than $5.4 million. (See related article by clicking here).

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that the New Jersey Bureau of Securities issued a summary cease and desist order against Mystical Stars LLC, formerly Arya International Inc., and its owner, Rupal K. Patel. The business operates as Arya International, a South Asian dance academy located at 1571 Route 46 in Parsippany-Troy Hills.

According to the Bureau of Securities, Patel and Arya International raised $5,469,228 from 74 investors — including 48 New Jersey residents — through the sale of unregistered securities in the form of promissory notes. Authorities allege the scheme targeted friends and family members of students enrolled at the academy.

“As part of our commitment to tackling the affordability crisis, our office will hold financial predators accountable whenever they cheat New Jerseyans out of their hard-earned money,” Attorney General Davenport said. “Fraudulent investment schemes like the one run by Arya International cause significant financial harm to the public, unlawfully exploiting their trust and siphoning away their money. My office will continue to take action to halt fraudulent conduct and ensure compliance with the laws that protect our investors from financial predators.”

Authorities say Patel is not registered to sell securities in New Jersey and allegedly promoted the investments as safe opportunities offering returns between 10% and 20%, personally guaranteed by both the company and Patel.

“Rupal Patel used her position as head of Arya International to shamelessly prey on and financially exploit friends and families of her students,” said Jeremy E. Hollander, acting director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “The Cease and Desist Order issued today demands they immediately stop this unlawful conduct and fully comply with our Uniform Securities Law.”

Officials said the order alleges that Patel and the company made untrue statements and omitted material facts in connection with the sale of the investments. Regulators found that Arya International had borrowed at least $1.96 million through merchant cash advance agreements between 2020 and 2023 and had assigned rights to future accounts receivable to those companies. Authorities also allege the academy shut down for three years during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite claims of post-pandemic expansion.

“This enforcement action not only halts any further sale of these unregistered securities in New Jersey, but also underscores the importance of verifying an investment before committing your money,” said Acting Bureau Chief Keith A. Alt. “By operating outside the regulatory framework of the securities industry, Patel and Arya International misled investors and withheld critical information that investors needed — and were legally entitled to receive — in order to make informed investment decisions.”

Regulators further allege the company failed to disclose that it had not paid certain state taxes, that its corporate charter was revoked in 2021 by the New Jersey Division of Taxation, and that the securities were not registered or exempt from registration as required by law.

The Bureau concluded that Patel and Arya International violated the New Jersey Uniform Securities Law by offering and selling unregistered securities and engaging in fraudulent practices. The order requires them to immediately cease the sale of the investments.

Authorities also reminded investors to verify the registration and disciplinary history of financial professionals before investing. Information is available through the New Jersey Bureau of Securities.

PARSIPPANY — Chris’ love for public speaking started early. As a kid, he watched his father speak to their church congregation and became fascinated by the power of a message delivered well. He even found inspiration in professional wrestling—rooting not for the biggest names, but for the best voices on the microphone.

In college, Chris Fitzpatrick met Dr. Gilbert, a sports psychologist and motivational speaker who helped shape his direction during New Student Orientation. Professionally, he spent years speaking as part of his work as a campus recruiter before “turning pro” in 2018 with a conference appearance in Nashville. From there, his speaking career continued to grow—leading to major milestones, including a master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2021, launching his business in 2023, and stepping onto a TEDx stage last year.

At the core of Chris’ work is a simple mission: people achieve more when they’re empowered to be their best. His programs focus on connection—helping audiences become “fans” of their work, their teams, their communities, and themselves. He studies fan psychology and applies it to leadership, mentorship, and culture-building, emphasizing that people thrive when they feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.

Chris Fitzpatrick and his wife moved to Parsippany 13 years ago, but he says the town truly became home once their son began attending school locally. That connection opened the door to deeper involvement—coaching youth soccer through Parsippany Soccer Club, spending time at the Parsippany Library, supporting programs and sports at the Parsippany Police Athletic League, joining the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, announcing Little Vikings football games with Michael Dneaster, and building his local LLC headquartered in Mount Tabor.

While he’s proud of the big achievements, Chris says the smaller moments matter just as much: reconnecting with families he coached, hearing what students are doing next, and seeing how a single takeaway can spark real change.

Fitzpatrick hopes every audience leaves his sessions entertained, educated, and empowered—with at least one practical “nugget” they can apply immediately. He also believes in having fun along the way, because laughter can be a powerful force for connection.

This year, Parsippany Focus recognized that impact by naming Chris the People Behind the Impact Award recipient for February.

Looking ahead, Fitzpatrick is continuing to expand his keynote work around leadership, mentorship, and fan psychology, with new resources designed to help schools, businesses, and nonprofits build stronger cultures. He’s also teasing an upcoming partnership with the Parsippany Police Athletic League and plans to sponsor and coach again in Parsippany Soccer Club intramural soccer this spring.

For local groups searching for an interactive, high-energy speaker, Chris’ message is simple: he’s right here in Parsippany.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, March 2026. Click here to view the magazine.

PARSIPPANY — The Outback Steakhouse in Parsippany welcomed guests on Saturday, January 31, for a community meet-and-greet at the restaurant’s location at 1300 Route 46 West, introducing Managing Partner Matt Ackershoek as the newest leader of the township’s Outback team.

Ackershoek brings 15 years of experience with the Outback brand, a journey that began when he was 17 years old at the company’s Butler location, where he started as a busser. Over the years, he worked his way up through the organization, spending much of his career as a Kitchen Manager, a role he says shaped his leadership style and gave him deep pride in running strong kitchens and supporting the people behind the line.

Most recently, Ackershoek served as the Managing Partner at Outback Steakhouse in Green Brook for about a year before stepping into the Parsippany opportunity.

When the position opened locally, he said he was excited to begin a new chapter.

Community involvement, he explained, is central to what he wants the Parsippany Outback to represent.

“In my head I may live in another town, but I consider myself an honorary Parsippany resident,” Ackershoek shared. “I want to be the place in town for everyone to come.”

He also emphasized support for those who serve the community every day, noting that first responders are always top of mind. Ackershoek added that recent partnerships with the high school have been especially meaningful and he hopes to keep expanding those local connections.

Inside the restaurant, his focus is on the guest experience — not just being “the best,” but becoming someone’s favorite.

“There is a difference between the best and someone’s favorite,” he said. “You can never argue over where your favorite place to eat is. I want it to feel like home away from home for the guests that are coming to dine with us.”

Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development said “We are pleased to welcome Matthew Ackershoek as Managing Partner of the Parsippany Outback Steakhouse. With over 15 years of experience, Matthew brings proven leadership, operational excellence, and a strong commitment to hospitality, team development, and serving the Parsippany community.”

Ackershoek also shared that the Parsippany Outback is actively scheduling Dine to Donate fundraisers with local groups throughout town, including school Parent Teacher Associations, the Woman’s Club, All Saints Academy, and District 5 Fire Station, among others.

“We are eager to lend a hand anyway we can and support anyone in town who would like to partner with us,” he said.

For local organizations interested in partnering, Ackershoek encouraged groups across Parsippany to reach out and explore opportunities to collaborate.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, March 2026. Click here to view the magazine.

PARSIPPANY — A prominent 15,624± square-foot commercial retail building along Route 46 will be sold through an online auction by order of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, with new auction dates scheduled for Monday, April 27 through Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

The property, located at 1571 Route 46, sits on 1.81± acres and offers exceptional visibility in one of Northern New Jersey’s busiest commercial corridors.

The two-story building, plus lower level, is currently configured as a multi-tenanted property with seven units. Zoned B-2, the site offers flexibility for a variety of retail, service, or potential mixed-use opportunities, making it attractive to investors, owner-users, and developers alike.

Strategically positioned along Route 46, the property benefits from an average daily traffic count of approximately 25,160 vehicles per day, providing consistent exposure to commuters and local traffic. The location also offers convenient access to Interstate 80, Route 287, and Route 10, reinforcing Parsippany’s reputation as a regional business hub within Morris County.

Commercial properties with this level of frontage and access along Route 46 rarely become available through auction, presenting a notable opportunity within the Parsippany-Troy Hills market.

Property Highlights:

• Address: 1571 Route 46, Parsippany, NJ 07054
• Size: 15,624± square feet
• Lot Size: 1.81± acres
• Configuration: 2-story plus lower level, 7 units
• Zoning: B-2 Commercial
• Traffic Count: Approx. 25,160 vehicles per day

Property Previews:

Prospective buyers may tour the property during scheduled preview dates:

• Wednesday, April 8 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 15 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Auction Timeline:

• Online Bidding Opens: Monday, April 27, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.
• Online Bidding Concludes: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.

Interested bidders are encouraged to review auction terms and complete due diligence prior to participating.

As Parsippany continues to see steady commercial activity along Route 46 and its surrounding corridors, this offering represents a significant opportunity in one of Morris County’s most established retail markets.

For more information click here.

PARSIPPANY — A prime 1.56± acre commercial development site in the heart of Parsippany’s business district will be offered through online auction beginning Monday, March 16, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. and concluding Wednesday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m.

Located at 315 Old Bloomfield Avenue, the versatile B-2 zoned property offers exceptional visibility and access in one of Northern New Jersey’s most active commercial corridors.

The site features approximately 209± feet of frontage on Old Bloomfield Avenue and an additional 106± feet of frontage on Route 46, providing strong exposure along two well-traveled roadways.

Strategically positioned within the Parsippany-Troy Hills market, the property benefits from immediate access to Route 46, Interstate 80, Route 10, and Route 287 — making it highly attractive for regional businesses, investors, and developers.

The surrounding area is characterized by established retail, office, and mixed-use properties, creating a strong commercial ecosystem. Parsippany continues to be one of Morris County’s most desirable business locations, supported by strong local demographics, stable population density, and above-average household incomes.

With limited infill development opportunities remaining along this corridor, the offering presents a rare opportunity for investors or developers seeking a high-visibility, high-value site in a mature and thriving market.

Property Details:

• Address: 315 Old Bloomfield Avenue, Parsippany
• Size: 1.56± Acres
• Zoning: B-2 Commercial
• Frontage: 209± ft (Old Bloomfield Ave) | 106± ft (Route 46)

Auction Timeline:

• Online Bidding Opens: Monday, March 16, at 9:00 a.m.
• Online Bidding Concludes: Wednesday, March 18, at 1:00 p.m.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to review all auction terms and conduct appropriate due diligence prior to participating.

For additional information click here.

PARSIPPANY — Four lakefront residential properties in the highly desirable Rainbow Lakes community will be sold separately through an online auction scheduled for Monday, March 16, at 9:00 a.m., concluding Wednesday, March 18, at 11:00 a.m.

The properties present a rare opportunity for homebuyers, investors, and builders to acquire waterfront homes in one of Parsippany’s most sought-after lake communities.

The Properties

26 Glenwood Place is a 1,674± square-foot ranch-style home featuring five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The residence includes two recreation rooms, an in-law suite, and a two-tiered deck overlooking Twilight Lake. Sliders from the recreation rooms open to scenic lake views, offering a tranquil waterfront setting.

24 Glenwood Place offers 1,164± square feet of living space with four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms on a 0.28-acre lot. The home is ready for renovation, providing buyers the opportunity to reimagine and update a waterfront property in a prime location.

25 Upper Rainbow Trail is the largest of the four properties, a 3,498± square-foot two-story single-family home situated on a 0.47-acre lot. The residence features four bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a two-car garage, and a two-tiered deck overlooking Twilight Lake.

3 Hillside Road is a 1,850± square-foot home offering four bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a built-in one-car garage on a 0.19-acre lot. The property also enjoys waterfront access within the Rainbow Lakes community.

Life in Rainbow Lakes

Rainbow Lakes is known for its private lake access, beach area, clubhouse, and recreational facilities. The community offers residents a unique blend of waterfront living and suburban convenience.

Located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, the neighborhood provides easy access to Interstate 80, Route 46, Route 10, and NJ Transit service via Denville Station, making it an attractive option for commuters traveling to New York City and regional employment centers.

Residential property previews are scheduled for Saturday, February 28 and Saturday, March 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The online auction will officially open Monday, March 16 at 9:00 a.m. and close Wednesday, March 18 at 11:00 a.m., with each property sold separately.

Prospective bidders are encouraged to review auction terms and conduct appropriate due diligence prior to participating.

For more information click here.

PARSIPPANY — — Fulton Financial Corporation and Blue Foundry Bancorp have jointly announced that they have received all required regulatory approvals for their previously announced merger agreement, clearing a major hurdle toward finalizing the transaction.

Blue Foundry Bank’s Administrative Office is located at 7 Sylvan Way, Suite 200, Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Under the terms of the definitive agreement, first announced on November 24, 2025, Fulton will acquire Blue Foundry in an all-stock transaction. Each share of Blue Foundry common stock will be exchanged for 0.6500 shares of Fulton common stock.

Based on Fulton’s closing share price of $17.96 on November 21, 2025, the transaction is valued at approximately $243 million, or $11.67 per share of Blue Foundry common stock.

Regulatory approvals were granted by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. In addition, Blue Foundry’s stockholders overwhelmingly approved the transaction at a special meeting held on January 29.

“Joining forces with Fulton is an exciting step forward for our employees, customers and communities,” said James D. Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Foundry, when the transaction was announced. “This partnership allows us to preserve the local relationships and personalized service our customers value while gaining access to greater resources and providing more solutions and convenience to customers.”

Curtis J. Myers, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Fulton, also expressed optimism following the regulatory approvals.

“We are pleased to see such strong support from Blue Foundry stockholders and to have received the necessary regulatory approvals,” Myers said. “These milestones bring us one step closer to uniting our organizations and deepening our impact across New Jersey.”

The merger is expected to close on or around April 1, 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining customary closing conditions outlined in the definitive merger agreement.

Once completed, the transaction is expected to strengthen Fulton’s presence in New Jersey, combining Blue Foundry’s established community banking relationships with Fulton’s broader financial resources and expanded product offerings. The combined organization aims to enhance customer convenience while maintaining the community-focused approach that both institutions have emphasized.

The completion of this merger marks a significant development in New Jersey’s banking landscape, positioning the combined company for continued growth and expanded service throughout the region.

In Morris County, Fulton Bank currently operates branches in Rockaway and Netcong, strengthening its footprint in the western portion of the county. Blue Foundry Bank maintains locations in Florham Park, Montville (Towaco), and Lincoln Park within Morris County, along with additional branches in Chatham, Clifton, Dunellen, Glen Ridge, Glen Rock, Hackensack, Lyndhurst, Mahwah, Rochelle Park, Union, and Wyckoff. The combined network will significantly expand Fulton’s presence across Northern New Jersey while preserving Blue Foundry’s established community banking relationships.

PARSIPPANY — JLL Capital Markets announced it has completed the sale of 14 Sylvan Way, a 203,506-square-foot Class A office property located in Parsippany.

JLL represented the institutional seller and secured Signature Acquisitions as the buyer.

The property is part of the Arbors @ Parsippany, a 2.1-million-square-foot office campus currently undergoing a transformation from a traditional office park into a vibrant mixed-use destination. Strategically positioned near Routes 80, 287, 10, 202 and 46, the site offers convenient access for commuters throughout Morris County and Northern New Jersey.

Completed in 2013, the three-story building is LEED Gold certified and features a dramatic two-story atrium lobby. Amenities include a cafeteria and bistro, an oversized courtyard, tenant lounge, game room and full conference facilities. The building is fully leased to Travel + Leisure Co. through August 2029.

The JLL Capital Markets Investment Sales and Advisory team was led by Senior Managing Directors Jose Cruz and Jeremy Neuer, along with Associate Michael Kavaler. Executive Managing Director Tim Greiner, who oversees JLL’s leasing operations in Northern and Central New Jersey, also supported the assignment.

“14 Sylvan Way attracted significant investor interest due to its location within a highly amenitized mixed-use campus and the stability of a long-term, fully leased tenancy,” Cruz said. “We’re seeing renewed momentum in the office investment market, with investors pursuing early opportunities as top-tier space continues to lease and limited new supply is expected in the coming years.”

JLL Capital Markets provides investment sales, advisory, debt and equity advisory, and recapitalization services to real estate investors and occupiers worldwide. The firm operates in nearly 50 countries with more than 3,000 capital markets professionals.

Signature Acquisitions, founded in 2003, has acquired more than $400 million in assets totaling over six million square feet across the Northeast. In recent years, the firm has streamlined its portfolio to focus primarily on Class A suburban office properties in New Jersey and Long Island, New York.

PARSIPPANY — Investment adviser Summit Financial is deepening its roots in Parsippany with a newly signed long-term lease extension and expansion at 4 Campus Drive, part of the modernized office park known as The Arbors.

The firm, a longtime tenant at the property, will now occupy 42,000 square feet at the 147,475-square-foot building — representing a 15 percent expansion. The deal underscores continued leasing momentum along the Campus Drive corridor and within Parsippany’s competitive office market.

The tenant was represented by Cresa brokers Dan Foley and Chris Masi. The lease extension comes nearly five years after Summit Financial last renewed at the property, during which time ownership completed significant capital improvements to the three-story building.

Landlord Onyx Equities was represented internally by John O’Hearn alongside brokerage support from Cushman & Wakefield’s Patrick Dean, David DeMatteis and Mark Zaziski.

Continued Investment in The Arbors

4 Campus Drive is part of a five-building, 750,000-square-foot portfolio that Onyx has repositioned in recent years. The firm invested approximately $15 million to upgrade the campus, creating new amenity-rich environments designed to attract and retain tenants.

Enhancements include:

• A 5,200-square-foot fitness center
• Three cafés
• Modernized conference facilities
• Upgraded lobbies and entranceways
• Outdoor dining and recreational areas
• A redesigned courtyard connecting 4 and 6 Campus Drive

Recent leasing activity at the building also includes a new 24,947-square-foot commitment by Einhorn, Barbarito, Frost, Botwinick, Nunn & Musmanno PC, which relocated from its longtime home in Denville.

Strategic Location

Located just off Route 202 and north of Route 10, the Campus Drive corridor continues to benefit from highway accessibility, proximity to restaurants and retail, and the amenity-driven upgrades that have helped reposition the portfolio.

Summit Financial’s expansion further reinforces Parsippany’s ongoing appeal to professional services firms seeking upgraded suburban office space with modern amenities.