PARSIPPANY — Many residents may not be aware of the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee (PEAC), established in 1995 to advise the governing body and represent residents on local environmental issues. The committee’s goal is to ensure the preservation and protection of our vital natural resources and engage in sustainability initiatives that help enhance open space, reduce flooding, improve recycling, and reduce litter, among other essential projects.

The dedicated nine-member volunteer committee has worked on numerous projects and programs that have positively impacted the environment and quality of life in Parsippany. In recent years, PEAC played a crucial role in working with the township to pass the first plastic bag ban in Morris County, which laid the groundwork for New Jersey’s statewide ban. The committee has also organized several well-attended green fairs, where residents gained valuable insight into local environmental projects and sustainable living practices.

PEAC also co-hosted a library screening of the documentary “American River,” which provided an in-depth look at the Passaic River, a vital waterway that flows through Parsippany. Recently, PEAC developed a draft tree ordinance to improve tree preservation efforts, recognizing trees’ critical role in maintaining ecological balance and air quality. Additionally, PEAC planted Parsippany’s first native plant pollinator garden on the main library grounds, creating a habitat that supports bees, butterflies, and other pollinators essential to the environment. When the garden blooms again in the spring, residents are encouraged to stop by and admire its beauty.

Looking ahead, PEAC is planning exciting events and initiatives for the coming year and invites residents to participate in upcoming educational programs, green fairs, and sustainability projects. Staying informed and involved is key to creating a healthier environment, and residents can follow PEAC’s efforts through online media outlets and social media.

With a rapidly changing climate, public awareness, participation, and commitment are more important than ever. Supporting local environmental initiatives can make a significant difference in building a sustainable future. PEAC meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library on Halsey Street. If you want to learn more or get involved, please join us!

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus magazine, February 2024. Click here to view the magazine.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recently honored G. David “Dave” Scott, who retired on December 31, 2024, after 35 years as CEO and executive director of the Market Street Mission. The board recognized Scott’s exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of those in need. Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen presented Scott with a framed resolution of honor highlighting his tenure at the Mission, a community institution that has provided aid to the homeless, hungry, and struggling with addiction since 1889.

“David has dedicated his life to helping others find hope and recovery. His leadership and service has profoundly impacted Morris County,” said Director Selen. “Under his guidance, the Market Street Mission expanded its reach and transformed countless lives, providing hope, support and a path forward for those who needed it most.”

“Here in Morris County, we are particularly grateful for your partnership with our Human Services Department in meeting critical community needs, especially during the unprecedented pandemic challenges,” Selen added.

As CEO, Scott spearheaded significant growth in the Mission’s Emergency Assistance and Life Change Recovery Program, which now serves residential and non-residential clients. He doubled the size of the Morristown facility. He expanded the Mission’s reach to the Jersey Shore and Sussex County, enhancing programs that have served tens of thousands annually with meals, shelter, and support.

The Mission now provides more than 140,000 meals and 44,000 nights of shelter annually. In recognition of its impact, Newsweek named Market Street Mission one of America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers for the past two years. In 2024, it celebrated the graduation of its 100th Life Change addiction recovery class.

Scott began his career as a chaplain’s assistant in the U.S. Army. Before joining the Market Street Mission, he was superintendent of the Goodwill Home and Rescue Mission in Newark, N.J., and directed the residential treatment program at the Yonkers Gospel Mission.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in behavioral science and a Master of Arts in Counseling from California State University. He is a certified clinical supervisor, a licensed certified alcohol and drug counselor, and a licensed professional counselor.

Scott’s contributions have been recognized nationally, including the dedication of the Mission’s Asbury Park building in his honor and the declaration of December 5, 2024 as “David Scott Day” in Morristown.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling has been sworn in as a State Surrogates Alternate Representative to the New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) for the 2025 term. The ceremony occurred during NJAC’s Annual Reorganization Meeting on January 24 inside the Senate Chambers of the State House in Trenton. Following the swearing-in, attendees gathered for a luncheon at the historic Masonic Temple.

As part of NJAC, Surrogate Darling will work alongside county officials to advocate for legislation, regulations, and policies that improve county operations and enhance residents’ services. She will focus on probate court administration, guardianships, and estate matters and contribute to initiatives that increase county government efficiency and effectiveness.

Darling also congratulated Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson, who was sworn in as NJAC’s 84th President, along with all newly appointed NJAC officers and representatives.

NJAC is a nonpartisan organization that represents county governments across New Jersey. It strives to strengthen local governance and improve public services.

For more information about the Morris County Surrogate’s Office and its services, visit Morris County Surrogate Office.

MORRIS COUNTY — Step into a creative and innovative dimension as County College of Morris (CCM) proudly presents an inspiring exhibit showcasing the remarkable works of art created by its skilled adjunct faculty members from the Design & Media Studies and the Arts & Humanities departments. The showcase, on display through Thursday, April 3 in the college’s Gallery, offers a glimpse into the diverse expertise these educators bring to CCM’s classrooms. 

“The high quality of art and design work in the exhibition serves as both a showcase of our adjunct faculty’s talents and it also gives visitors a unique opportunity to discover the wide variety of courses these artists teach at CCM, including Computer Graphics for Designers I, Three-Dimensional Design, Photographic Processes and  Introduction to Sewing and Textiles,” said Dr. Brian Sahotsky, CCM Gallery Director and Assistant Professor, Arts and Humanities Department. “Please join us in celebrating the hard work and contributions of our talented adjunct faculty members in art and design to County College of Morris.” 

The exhibition includes many disciplines and media types, including painting, sculpture, documentary film, animation reels, fashion design garments, photography, graphic design, collage art, and illustration. The gallery will host an opening reception on Thursday, February 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and light refreshments and beverages will be served.   

The CCM Gallery is in the Sherman H. Masten Learning Resource Center, 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph. Its hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Parking is available in Lot 6.

For more information, click here.

Click here to learn about the numerous creative learning pathways available at CCM.

PARSIPPANY – The Northvail Elementary School PTA is set to host an exciting Tricky Tray fundraiser on Wednesday, February 19, at 6:00 p.m. at Hanover Manor, 16 Eagle Rock Ave., East Hanover.

Attendees can look forward to fun games of chance and basket raffles, with various prizes, including Swiss Gear luggage and other grand prizes.

Event Details:

• Admission: $65 per person
  • Includes one sheet of Tier 1 tickets and a four-course dinner
  • Cash bar available
• Raffle Ticket Add-On Bundle: Available until February 10 for $30
  • Includes three sheets of Tier 1 tickets, one sheet of Tier 2 tickets, and three grand prize tickets
• 50/50 Raffle: Additional tickets will be available for purchase at the event.

Important Note: This event is for adults only (18+).

For more information or to purchase tickets, click here or contact NorthvailPTA@gmail.com.

This highly anticipated fundraiser is a fantastic opportunity to support Northvail Elementary while enjoying a fun-filled evening of raffles and community engagement.

PARSIPPANY – Mayor James Barberio joined Parsippany’s Muslim community members on Saturday, January 25, to celebrate Muslim Heritage at the Parsippany Library. The event allowed visitors to explore the rich traditions of Islam across various cultures while sampling traditional foods.

Attendees engaged in educational displays and cultural exhibits showcasing the diversity of Islamic traditions worldwide. The celebration aimed to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the Muslim community’s contributions to Parsippany’s vibrant cultural landscape.

“It’s always great to come together to learn about the traditions enjoyed by our neighbors,” said Mayor Barberio. “Our community is strengthened when we share and grow in knowledge; diversity makes Parsippany the amazing place to live.”

The event highlighted the township’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural appreciation, reinforcing the importance of unity within the community.

PARSIPPANY – Love is in the air at the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, where visitors can experience a heartwarming celebration of history, craftsmanship, and Valentine’s Day traditions.

On Saturday, February 8, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the museum will host a FREE Valentine’s Open House. This rare opportunity will allow guests to explore the beautifully restored Log House, once home to Gustav Stickley and his family. Step inside and travel back to 1912, when the Stickley daughters were busy preparing for a festive Valentine’s Day party.

A Perfect Valentine’s Shopping & Crafting Experience

Looking for the perfect Valentine’s gift? Stop by The Craftsman Shop, which has been newly re-opened and features a curated selection of Arts & Crafts-inspired pottery, prints, puzzles, jewelry, candles, and more—ideal for that special someone or a well-deserved treat for yourself.

Guests of all ages can embrace the spirit of Valentine’s Day with a hands-on crafting activity. Using construction paper, paper lace, Victorian-inspired stickers, and other scrapbooking materials, visitors can create their own unique Valentine’s card to take home as a heartfelt keepsake.

While advance reservations are optional, guests can register by clicking here.

A Deeper Dive: Cavaliers & Ladies – The Stickley Valentine’s Tour

For those eager to uncover the history of Valentine’s Day and its traditions, the museum is also offering a special guided tour:

📅 Saturday, February 8, 2025
🕛 Tours at 11:15 a.m. & 4:15 p.m.
🎟️ $18 per person (Free for Members)

Led by the museum’s Executive Director, Cavaliers & Ladies, the Stickley Valentine’s Tour will take visitors through the Log House, showcasing its remarkable Craftsman furnishings and objects adorned in romantic colors and symbols. This immersive experience highlights Valentine’s Day customs that would have been familiar to the Stickley family and offers a glimpse into their lives at Craftsman Farms.

🔹 Advance registration is required for this tour and can be made at stickleymuseum.org. This tour is designed for adults but is appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Whether you’re looking to explore history, create something special, or simply soak in the nostalgic charm of Craftsman Farms, this Valentine’s Open House is the perfect way to celebrate the season of love. 💘

PARSIPPANY — Liquid Church, one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches, is thrilled to announce its participation in the globally celebrated Night to Shine event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This unforgettable prom night experience for individuals with special needs ages 14 and older will be hosted simultaneously at two Liquid Church locations—in Parsippany and Princeton—on Friday, February 7th, 2025. The event is expected to welcome over 700 honored guests and involve 1,000 dedicated volunteers at no cost to attendees.

“Night to Shine is one of the most joyful and meaningful nights of the year at Liquid Church,” said Tim Lucas, lead pastor and founder of Liquid Church. “It’s more than a prom—it’s a celebration of each individual’s unique value and God’s unconditional love for them. This night is about creating a space where guests feel special, loved, and celebrated as royalty.”

First launched in 2014, Night to Shine has grown worldwide. This February, over 800 churches in all 50 states and more than 60 countries will host the event on the same night.

Pre-registered guests can look forward to an extraordinary night at Liquid Church’s events. The festivities include a red carpet entrance, limousine rides, a Beauty Bar for hair and makeup touch-ups, shoe-shining stations, karaoke, a delicious dinner, exciting games, and dancing. Each guest is paired with a personal host, or “buddy,” who provides them with VIP treatment throughout the evening.

“Every guest is treated like the king or queen of the prom,” Lucas added. “Our goal is to go above and beyond to make sure each person feels cherished and experiences the joy and love that Night to Shine represents.”

For more information about Night to Shine at Liquid Church, click here.

For additional information on the global Night to Shine movement sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Did you know the United States government does not maintain a complete inventory of all service members who have earned the Purple Heart? This distinguished military decoration, the oldest in U.S. history, is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who have been killed or wounded by enemy action.

Now, you have the unique opportunity to learn more about the history and significance of the Purple Heart by joining a special bus trip to the Purple Heart Hall of Honor Museum on Saturday, February 1.

This memorable trip will allow attendees to meet other veterans, connect with Purple Heart recipients, and gain a deeper understanding of the award through an immersive museum tour.

• Departure: A luxury bus with a restroom departs at 9:00 a.m. from Baldwin Plaza, 136 Baldwin Road, Parsippany.
• Cost: $60 per person.
• Optional Luncheon: Pre-fixed lunch for $25 at the Gourmet Café, 136 Baldwin Road, Parsippany, at approximately 12:30 p.m.

This event is sponsored by the Morris County Women’s Republican Club, and pre-registration is required.

To reserve your spot or for more information, contact Debra Eckert-Casha at 201-694-8067 or email dcasha31@gmail.com.

Don’t miss this chance to honor the brave men and women of the Armed Forces while enjoying a meaningful day filled with history, camaraderie, and community.

MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin confirmed that the Division of Consumer Affairs sent letters to nearly 11,000 New Jersey businesses, advancing efforts to protect New Jerseyans from the hazards of electronic cigarettes. The letters reminded them that selling flavored vapor products is unlawful and directed them to cease such sales immediately.

The warning letters, sent to New Jersey businesses licensed to sell tobacco and vapor products in the state, were issued as part of a coordinated, multi-state enforcement initiative to address the unlawful sales of flavored e-cigarettes, vape pens, and accessories.

These products—characterized by candy, fruit, chocolate, and other flavors—are particularly appealing to children and have been linked to a nationwide rise in tobacco use among adolescents. In 2020, New Jersey, the first state in the country, permanently banned the sale of these products.

“New Jersey has been a nationwide leader in the fight to protect kids from the harmful effects of vapor products that lure them in with enticing flavors and bright packaging,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Today, we’re proud to take a unified stand with partner states to combat this problem.”

“Flavored vaping products are hooking a new generation on nicotine, putting millions of kids at risk, and undermining decades of progress in reducing adolescent tobacco use,” said Cari Fais, Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Together with our ally states, we’re telling retailers that we will not allow them to get rich by breaking our laws and putting consumers—including the youngest and most vulnerable—at risk.”

In its letter to New Jersey retailers, the Division warns that offering or selling vapor products characterized by a flavor, taste, or aroma other than tobacco—including mint, menthol, and wintergreen—in violation of the flavored vape ban is a violation of New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act (CFA) and punishable by up to $10,000 for the first violation and $20,000 for each subsequent violation.

In August 2024, the Division also issued Notices of Violation with assessed civil monetary penalties of $4,500 each against 19 retailers for alleged CFA violations in offering or selling flavored vapor products.

Despite containing dangerously high amounts of nicotine, e-cigarettes come in kid-friendly flavors, playful shapes, and bright colors, and some even include video games that encourage young consumers to earn virtual coins by vaping. To date, these products are the most widely used tobacco products among youth, jeopardizing their health and well-being. 

Today, New Jersey joins California, Connecticut, Illinois, Hawaii, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Ohio, and Washington, D.C., in enforcing their respective licensing and consumer protection laws to pursue the companies responsible for importing, distributing, selling, and marketing flavored e-cigarettes. States within the coalition are employing a range of enforcement tools, from sending warning letters to e-cigarette retailers to serving subpoenas or civil investigative demands to filing lawsuits.

Consumers aware of businesses offering and selling flavored vapor products are urged to file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-(800) 242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or (973) 504-6200.