PARSIPPANY — What began as a family investment in Indian dining has grown into a multi-location restaurant group across New York and New Jersey, and this month, Jashan by Dhaba owner Ankush Punhani brought that story back to Parsippany with a special culinary event featuring celebrity chef Ajay Chopra.

Punhani hosted Chopra, the well-known Indian chef and former MasterChef India judge, at Jashan by Dhaba, located at 252 Route 46 West, on Friday, May 15, as part of a four-day chef series across the Dhaba restaurant family.

The series began on Thursday, May 14, at Dhaba NYC, continued on Friday, May 15, at Jashan by Dhaba in Parsippany, moved to The Imperia by Dhaba in Somerset on Saturday, May 16, and concluded on Sunday, May 17, at Social Hub by Dhaba in Parsippany.

For Punhani, the event was about more than one dinner. It represented the next step in a family restaurant journey that has expanded from New York City into Parsippany, Somerset, and beyond.

Punhani is an attorney by profession, but restaurants have become a major part of his life. Public profiles of Fine Indian Dining Group describe him as having established his law firm early in his career before investing in Indian restaurants and bringing his father, Vijay Punhani, back from retirement to help build the restaurant business. The group has been associated with several Indian dining concepts, including Dhaba, Sahib, Chote Nawab, Malai Marke, Dhaba Express, Jashan by Dhaba, and others.

Vijay Punhani has also been publicly identified as a co-founder of Fine Indian Dining Group and as Ankush Punhani’s father. One profile of Jashan Caterers describes Vijay as a seasoned entrepreneur with decades of industry experience who works alongside Ankush in the family’s restaurant operations.

That father-son story is part of what shaped the group’s growth. Ankush brought legal and business experience, while Vijay brought years of entrepreneurial and restaurant knowledge. Together, they helped grow a family-run operation into a restaurant group with locations in both New York and New Jersey.

Jashan by Dhaba became one of the family’s key Parsippany locations. The restaurant opened in 2019 after Punhani took a chance on a space that others warned him against.

“A lot of people told me, ‘Don’t do this location. It’s jinxed. Restaurants have failed,’” Punhani said. “But I had run restaurants in the city at that point, so I had a level of confidence that if we gave good service, good quality food, and ran it like a professional organization, we could make it work.”

Six years later, Jashan has become one of Parsippany’s recognizable Indian dining destinations. Best of NJ has described Jashan as part of a group of restaurants owned and operated by Punhani’s family, with the word “Jashan” meaning “to celebrate” in Hindi.

Punhani said the restaurant’s focus has remained consistent.

“Good service and good food, that’s essentially what our focus is,” Punhani said. “Consistency in the product is very important.”

That same approach carried into the Chef Ajay Chopra event. Chopra created the recipes and menu, while Jashan’s culinary team handled the preparation and execution.

“It was his recipes, but our team came together to make the food,” Punhani said. “At the end of the day, we did all the production.”

The menu gave guests a chance to experience something beyond the standard Indian restaurant dinner, leaning into regional flavors, chef-driven presentation, and dishes not always found on everyday menus.

“People appreciated trying something new,” Punhani said. “It was not just your everyday paneer or standard dishes. It was something different.”

The collaboration with Chopra began through a personal connection. Punhani said one of his college friends had moved back to Mumbai and knew Chopra. After seeing the connection online, Punhani reached out.

“I saw that they were best friends, and I said, ‘Wait, how do you know Chef Ajay Chopra?’” Punhani said. “He connected us, and we were talking for about six months. I said, ‘If you want to come to the U.S., let’s do something.’”

That conversation became the four-stop culinary series across Dhaba NYC, Jashan by Dhaba, The Imperia by Dhaba, and Social Hub by Dhaba.

Punhani said the timing reflects a larger shift in the American food scene. Indian cuisine, he said, is being understood more broadly than it once was.

“Indian food is more accepted right now than it has ever been,” Punhani said. “It used to be that the mainstream American audience thought Indian food was just spicy curry. Now people are more accepting of it.”

The family’s restaurant group has continued to build on that change by introducing different concepts, regional cuisines, private dining, catering, and special events. A 2023 Best of NJ profile noted that LaZeez by Dhaba was the ninth restaurant for Punhani and his family, with locations in New York City and New Jersey.

For Jashan, the Ajay Chopra dinner was both a special event and a reflection of the Punhani family’s larger vision: to keep growing while giving diners new ways to experience Indian food.

Some dishes from the Chopra dinner may return occasionally as specials, though Punhani said the evening was designed as a unique pop-up experience rather than a permanent menu change.

With additional openings planned in New York City, Woodbridge, and Somerset, Punhani said the goal is to continue building on the same foundation that helped Jashan succeed in Parsippany: quality food, strong service, and a willingness to bring something new to the table.

“This was something new, something different,” Punhani said. “And people appreciated it.”

PARSIPPANT — Families are invited to explore language, culture, and storytelling during a special Spanish Bilingual Storytime at the Mount Tabor Branch Library. The event will be held on June 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The program is designed to introduce children to both English and Spanish through stories, songs, interactive activities, and early literacy experiences in a fun and welcoming environment. Children and caregivers will have the opportunity to enjoy bilingual storytelling while learning new words and phrases in Spanish.

Library officials say bilingual storytimes help young children build language skills, encourage cultural awareness, and promote a love of reading at an early age. The program is ideal for both Spanish-speaking families and those interested in introducing a second language to their children.

The event will be held at the Mount Tabor Branch Library, located at 31 Trinity Place in Mount Tabor. The branch regularly offers children’s programming focused on literacy, creativity, and community engagement.

Storytime programs remain among the Parsippany Library System’s most popular family offerings, providing opportunities for children to develop social skills, participate in interactive learning, and discover the joy of books in a supportive setting. Caregivers are encouraged to attend and participate alongside their children.

The Parsippany Library continues to expand its multilingual programming, offering families opportunities to experience different languages and cultures through educational and engaging activities.

Click here to register for the event.

PARSIPPANY — Readers looking for lively discussion, great books, and a welcoming community atmosphere are invited to join the Lake Hiawatha Branch Library’s popular Bagels & Books Club.

The monthly book club meets at the Lake Hiawatha Branch Library, located at 68 Nokomis Avenue, bringing together local residents to discuss a variety of fiction and non-fiction titles while enjoying conversation and refreshments. The program is designed for adults who enjoy reading and sharing perspectives on literature in a relaxed setting.

The Bagels & Books Club is part of the Parsippany Library System’s growing lineup of book clubs and adult programs aimed at encouraging lifelong learning, community engagement, and a love of reading. The group explores a wide range of genres throughout the year, offering participants the opportunity to discover new authors, revisit classics, and connect with fellow book enthusiasts.

Meetings are typically held on the first Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. at the Lake Hiawatha Branch Library. Registration is required, and participants are encouraged to obtain a copy of the selected book in advance through the library system.

Library officials note that book clubs continue to be among the most popular adult programs offered by the Parsippany Library, providing residents with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, make new connections, and explore different viewpoints through literature.

In addition to the Bagels & Books Club, the Parsippany Library System offers several other specialty book clubs, including historical fiction, science fiction and fantasy, cookbook discussions, and literary fiction groups.

Click here to register for the event.

PARSIPPANY — Residents are invited to attend an informative presentation on the importance of proper posture and alignment on Tuesday, June 2, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Parsippany Library’s Main Branch, located at 449 Halsey Road.

The free program, presented by Professional Physical Therapy, will feature Clinical Director Meera Bajaj, who will discuss how physical therapy can help improve posture and overall well-being.

During the presentation, attendees will learn about common posture-related issues, the effects of poor alignment on the body, and simple strategies to improve the way they sit, stand, and move throughout the day. The session will also explore how proper posture can help reduce discomfort, prevent injuries, and improve mobility.

Whether working at a desk, spending long hours on electronic devices, or simply looking to improve overall health, participants will gain practical tips that can be incorporated into their daily routines.

The workshop is free and open to the public. Registration information is available through the Parsippany Library.

Event Details

What: The Importance of Proper Posture & Alignment: How Physical Therapy Can Help
When: Tuesday, June 2, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Parsippany Library, Main Branch, 449 Halsey Road, Parsippany
Presenter: Meera Bajaj, Clinical Director, Professional Physical Therapy

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Library will kick off a series of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with a special live podcast recording on Wednesday, June 3, at 6:30 p.m.

Community members are invited to attend the recording of Beyond the Green, a history-focused podcast hosted by Peter Barbounis that explores the rich history of Morris County and the Morristown area.

The featured episode, titled “The Secrets of American Cookbooks,” will examine how written recipes from early America reveal much more than instructions for preparing meals. These historic cookbooks offer insight into cultural influences, family traditions, home remedies, and even the occasional bit of colonial-era gossip.

Joining Barbounis for the discussion will be Melanie Bump, Curator of Collections and Exhibits for the Morris County Park Commission. Bump will share stories and discoveries found within handwritten eighteenth- and nineteenth-century recipe books, highlighting what these documents can teach us about daily life in Colonial America.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to view several handwritten historic recipe books and antique cooking tools, providing a hands-on look at how food was prepared and recipes were preserved during America’s earliest years.

The program is part of the library’s ongoing commemoration of America’s 250th birthday and offers residents a unique opportunity to explore local and national history through the lens of food, culture, and tradition. Click here for additional information or contact Heidi Jensen at [email protected] or call (973) 887-5150 ext. 204.

The event is free and open to the public.

PARSIPPANY — The GFWC Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills celebrated the installation of its new officers for the 2026-2028 administration during a special Installation Dinner held in May. The evening also recognized scholarship recipients from Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School while welcoming new members to the organization.

The event featured a special guest, Susan Chambers, President of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), who attended the proceedings and met with club members. Outgoing President Cathy Haney presided over a brief business meeting and was honored with gifts from the club in recognition of her dedication and leadership during the past two years.

Several scholarship recipients from Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School attended the dinner, giving members the opportunity to meet the students and learn about their future educational plans and fields of study. Seven of the club’s thirteen scholarship winners were present for the celebration.

The club also welcomed two new members, Jenn DeStefano and Yagna Parmar, who were installed by outgoing Membership Officers Janice Carrubba and Ginny Scala. With the addition of the new members, the club’s membership now stands at 51.

The installation ceremony was conducted by Highlands District Vice President Joan Garbarino, a longtime member of the Parsippany club. New officers installed for the 2026-2028 term included Nanda Sanichar as Treasurer, Susan Byrne as Secretary, and Diana Craig and Jennifer Biondo as Co-Second Vice Presidents responsible for Membership. Cathy Haney and Chris Sinner were installed as Co-First Vice Presidents responsible for fundraising. Marianne Burke and Ivy Ertle were installed as Co-Presidents. Following the ceremony, Haney presented the ceremonial gavel to the incoming co-presidents.

Founded in 1954, the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of both the General Federation of Women’s Clubs and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs. The organization supports numerous community service projects, educational initiatives, and charitable programs throughout the year.

The club holds general meetings on the fourth Monday of each month from September through April and welcomes women interested in community service, leadership development, and volunteerism.

PARSIPPANY — Students from Central Middle School’s Builders Club recently made a special visit to Baldwin Oaks Apartments, spending a joyful afternoon with senior residents that neither group is likely to forget anytime soon.

The young volunteers organized a lively game of bingo for the residents, filling the room with excitement, laughter, and friendly competition. Adding to the festive spirit, a live band performed throughout the afternoon, treating the seniors to an entertaining musical backdrop that kept the energy high from start to finish.

The visit is a shining example of the Builders Club’s mission — to develop leadership and community service skills in middle school students. The students embraced that mission wholeheartedly, bringing energy, kindness, and genuine enthusiasm to every moment of the visit.

For the seniors at Baldwin Oaks, the afternoon was a welcome reminder of the warmth and vitality that young people bring to a community. For the students, it was an opportunity to make a real difference — one bingo card at a time.

Parsippany Focus salutes the students, their faculty advisors, and everyone at Baldwin Oaks who helped make the afternoon such a memorable occasion. This is Parsippany at its best.

Central Middle School’s Builders Club is proudly sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Library will host an engaging author talk featuring Dr. Nicole Alioto on Thursday, June 4, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the library, located at 449 Halsey Road in Parsippany.

Dr. Alioto, who holds a PhD in School Administration, will discuss her book, You Can Measure Anything: An Educator’s Guide to Measuring What Is Hard to Define. The presentation will explore how schools and organizations can define and measure critical concepts such as engagement, belonging, trust, and culture — areas often considered difficult to quantify.

The program is designed for K-12 educators, school leaders, administrators, principals, program directors, nonprofit professionals, and anyone interested in leadership, evaluation, and organizational growth.

Attendees will learn practical strategies for transforming abstract ideas into meaningful data that can support stronger decision-making and lasting organizational improvement. Dr. Alioto will also share real-world examples and tools educators can immediately apply within their schools and organizations.

Registration is available by scanning the QR code on the event flyer.

For more information about upcoming programs and events, visit the Parsippany Library.

MOUNTAIN LAKES — Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is proud to recognize outstanding local students through its annual Kogen Community Service Award and Young Artists Award.

The Kogen Award for Community Service is being awarded to Saloni Mittal from Kinnelon High School, who will receive a $1,500 scholarship in recognition of an exceptional dedication to serving others and making a meaningful impact in the community. The selection committee especially appreciated the student’s focus on helping others rather than on personal achievement, reflecting the true spirit of the award.

The YMCA also announced the recipients of this year’s Young Artists Award. Both students are from Boonton High School:

• Riley Wendt for Encaged — $1,000 scholarship
• Gavin Shollenberger for Spot — $500 scholarship

This year’s works were judged by professional artist and curator Caitlin Lodato, who praised the students’ originality, technical skill, and emotional impact. Wendt’s Encaged was recognized for its powerful layered composition and striking use of shading and anatomy, while Shollenberger’s Spot was commended for its dramatic lighting and detailed presentation.

“These students represent the creativity, compassion, and leadership that strengthen our community,” said Alex Martinez, President & CEO. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the positive impact they are making through service and artistic expression.”

Award recipients and their families are invited to attend the YMCA Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 24, at 6:00 p.m., where they will be formally recognized and presented with their scholarship awards.

About the YMCA
Driven by its mission to strengthen the community, the YMCA helps individuals and families improve their health and well-being, build meaningful connections, and reach their full potential through programs that support spirit, mind, and body for all.

MORRIS COUNTY — Nine local veterans were presented Morris County Distinguished Military Service Medals by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners at the county’s annual Memorial Day Observance on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, outside the historic Morris County Courthouse in Morristown. The ceremony included a special tribute to Continental Army soldiers who lost their lives at Jockey Hollow nearly 250 years ago.

Deputy Director John Krickus, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran, led the annual “Look Back on a Fallen Morris County Hero” tribute, focusing this year on the 56 known Continental soldiers who died during the “Hard Winter” encampment at Jockey Hollow. He specifically recognized two soldiers, Jacob Johnson of present-day Parsippany and Dr. Jonathan Horton of Roxbury, both Morris County residents who died during the encampment.

The keynote address was delivered by Vietnam veteran James Ferguson of Mountain Lakes, who served in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1966, including duty aboard swift boats patrolling coastal waters and rivers in Vietnam. Ferguson reflected on the meaning of Memorial Day, the sacrifices of those who never returned home and the importance of supporting today’s service members and veterans.

“We pause to remember and thank the countless heroes who gave their lives in service to their country,” Ferguson said. “I hope and trust that all Americans will continue to appreciate the service of those who wear the uniform of our great nation.”

The veterans honored on May 20, 2026, included:

Thomas A. Walbridge, Washington Township

George Anthony Arathorn, Mount Olive

Joel Patrick Branosky, Harding Township

John A. Hendricks, Hanover Township

Lee Karosen

Francesco “Frank” A. Piserchia, Lincoln Park

Dominick Sabol, Pequannock

Norus Achmetov, Mountain Lakes

Herbert M. Teisch, Pequannock

PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education has announced a meeting to be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive.

The Closed Session will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Regular Session at 6:00 p.m.

Items scheduled for discussion include:

• Staff Awards
• Personnel
• Award of Bids
• Payment of Bills
• Transfer of Funds
• General Business Items

The Superintendent’s Bulletin will be available online through the district website.

Action may be taken on these and other matters that become known following publication of the notice and inclusion on the agenda. The notice was issued by Dr. Steven E. McHugh Sr., School Business Administrator and Board Secretary.

PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One mobile outreach vehicle will visit the Parsippany Arts Center on Tuesday, June 16, offering free Narcan training, recovery support services, and mental health resources to residents.

The event will take place at the Parsippany Arts Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Boonton, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Participants will receive free Narcan training and life-saving Narcan kits as part of the program’s ongoing mission to combat addiction and support recovery efforts throughout Morris County.

Hope One provides access to detox and rehabilitation services, mental health support, and information for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder. The initiative is designed to remove the stigma surrounding addiction and connect residents with critical resources in a welcoming environment.

The Hope One program is a partnership between the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Morris County Department of Human Services, CARES — Center for Addiction, Recovery, Education and Success, the Mental Health Association of Morris County, Morris County Chiefs of Police, and Family Promise of Morris County.

Residents seeking additional information can contact Hope One at (973) 590-0300 or email [email protected]