MORRIS COUNTY — The 2025 Morris County Teen Arts Festival will be held on Friday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at County College of Morris (CCM). The day-long festival celebrating youth arts will bring together nearly 1,000 middle and high school artists, musicians from across Morris County, and educators for a full day of creative workshops, performances and exhibits. It also provides a platform for students to showcase their work, receive critique and earn an invitation to the prestigious New Jersey State Teen Arts Festival. The public is also invited to enjoy student artwork and performances at the event.
Each year the festival centers around a thought-provoking theme and the 2025 focus is “Art & Consumerism.” This theme encourages students to explore how consumer culture influences their creative work, from the artist’s perspective to the broader reception in the art world.
The festival’s keynote speaker is Anthony Marques, a prominent comic book artist, educator and local business owner. A graduate of the iconic Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art in New Jersey, Marques began working as an editor for publishers DC Comics and Dynamite Entertainment. A true student of the medium, he has brought new and exciting visions to life as an artist for beloved characters such as Batman, the Green Hornet and the Ghostbusters. In addition to working on numerous projects with these companies, Marques became an instructor at the Kubert School before eventually becoming president and owner of the institution.
Following the keynote, CCM faculty, visiting artists, and current students will offer various activities for participation across CCM’s scenic campus. These include classroom workshops, pop-up performances in the college’s state-of-the-art Music and Technology Building, and outdoor interactive stations on the lawn (weather permitting). This year’s Teen Arts Festival is not to be missed!
Registration opens Tuesday, April 1 and runs through May 1. Space is limited. Visit www.ccm.edu/teenarts/ for more details. Email questions to teenarts@ccm.edu. CCM is located at 214 Center Grove Road in Randolph. The festival is sponsored by Morris Arts, whose mission is to engage and build community through the arts.
If a traffic stop from 2023 has no statute of limitations on its ability to be prosecuted, then neither should the Waterview No Rezone fiasco or the open-space scandal.
The depths of Inglesino corruption at Waterview and the Open Space betrayal of the grassroots accomplishment No Rezone have been ignored.
May, 2015. Open Space was promised in October 2013. In Court to Witness this strange judicial estoppel. That the Judge should have thrown out. The RD developer’s frivolous lawsuit against the Waterview Mall was then dismissed without prejudice by Inglesino in Morristown Court, allowing the setup he needed to allow RD to return. So, while in the service of Parsippany taxpayers, Inglesino, by dismissing without prejudice, allowed the RD developer to return again to threaten and betray the No Rezone Vote!
The use of Public Housing, as a fear tactic, which Parsippany was also sued for during this time period. June 2014 R2014-102 Inglesino ended Highlands Regional Conformance process in 2014, which he had suspended, also in favor of his developer buddies, and for false reasons that did not apply to Highlands Conformance Criteria. PTH officials performed no due diligence at the time. (Mayor Soriano restored us and completed Highlands Conformance, which helps check large developers)
February 2015. On Tuesday, a Morris County Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by RD Realty against Parsippany-Troy Hills seeking to overturn a decision by the township council blocking the construction of a retail development project at Waterview Plaza. (However, the developer was dismissed by Inglesino, while in the pay of Parsippany taxpayers “without prejudice”)
NJDEP Green Acres explains As background, Parsippany Township applied for a Planning Incentive grant in 1999, which was awarded in 2000. This project allowed them to purchase properties that align with the Township’s Open Space and Recreation Plan, but they were not required to identify specific properties in the application. Once a property becomes a priority acquisition, the township identifies it and sends Green Acres a project reference map.
Please note that the township did not apply for funding for this property in 2013. The township identified Block 421 Lot 29 as a priority acquisition in February 2017. The project reference map submitted to our office in November 2017 identified Lot 29 as 26.64 acres, however, a line was placed on the map delineating the area that would be held for open space as 9.26 acres. It was understood by Green Acres that our participation would be for the 9.26 acres, and not the entire 26.64 acres As you know, the township ultimately withdrew this parcel from the project.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres Program. the Highlands Regional Conformance process in 2014, which he had suspended in favor of his developer buddies
So from October 2013, after Barberio’s promise in front of hundreds of people after the No Rezone, no actions occurred for this to come to tuition. Inglesino had another plan.
After the No Rezone Vote, Grassroots Accomplishment, October 2013.
Mayor James Barberio said he would recommend that the township Open Space Committee buy the land to prevent a future developer from trying to force a low-income housing development into Waterview. Note: Affordable Housing by its environmental policies, does not take land in a status of open space or pending open space, nor will it take sensitive landscapes if identified by the municipality.
The theft of the local open space funding for the 300′ buffer called open space, that could of been zoned at no costs. The steep slope protection and tree removal alleged one-time allowance for waterfront, only to be implemented again at 700 Mountain Way. Both sensitive landscapes are important for water protection, Forge Pond was used as a quid pro quo, an already promised wetland that could not be developed was already promised to Parsippany by developer Mosberg
How did officials ignore this, and why did Parsippany pay $3.7 million for a Buffer?
Any land area used as a non-structural stormwater management measure to meet the performance standards in N.J.A.C. 7:8-5.4 and 5.5 shall be dedicated to a government agency, subjected to a conservation restriction filed with the appropriate County Clerk’s office, or subject to Department approved or equivalent restriction that ensures that measure or an equivalent stormwater management measure approved by the reviewing agency is maintained in perpetuity.
During Waterview fiasco the COAH Affordable Housing was suspended, due to Governor Christie’s lack of leadership, and the eventual developer remedy threats for No compliance. RD-Developer issue was against Parsippany’s refusal of another shopping mall, Housing was used a threat.
RD Developer lost to a massive grassroots movement to defend neighborhood character, and preserve a sensitive remaining landscape, steep sloped, forested, and grade A soils the best for groundwater recharge. A Rutgers Troy Brook Study on Stormwater sited this very landscape (Block 421 Lot 29) as a candidate for preservation; it was ignored.,
Finally, what is a traffic warning in 2023, compared to how Parsippany Residents were betrayed by their Town Attorney at the time of his money-machine operating here? There is much more to the story of Inglesino while Town Attorney. Was the local open space funding taken for the buffer a kickback to RD developer for all the inconvenience Parsippany Citizens gave to defend their community?
Honest services fraud occurs when someone violates their fiduciary duty to provide honest services and, in exchange, receives a bribe or kickback. No Rezone means No Rezone. Open Space Promise means Open Space on all 26.+ acres.
Parsippany is Morris County’s largest town, and its government spends time dealing with the pettiest issues and personal vendettas to serve its cause.
While we hear innumerable voices from citizens in our town hall meetings about not hearing back for lengthy periods on their issue, they seem to have plenty of time for issues that concern themselves.
Most citizens’ issues are addressed with “not our fault” “haven’t heard back from xxx” “not our problem” and the list goes on. Even those on which they state they will get back, there is no timeline or resolution.
Meanwhile, they spend time prosecuting the only responsive council member who promises to put citizens first in his campaign for mayoral office this year – Justin Musella.
There is no arguing that Mr. Musella was wrong if he did speed and use his status to avoid a ticket (a citizen mentioned in the last meeting that the Police Officer appeared to already know him). But to litigate a two-year-old issue and look for punishment from the Attorney General seems like an agenda to blemish and silence him in the mayoral run.
As a citizen who needs to be put ahead of vested interests, I would like to register a protest against this pettiness.
Pay attention to us, not to the gallows you plan to send Mr Musella.
Concerned Parsippany Citizen The name was withheld by the publisher upon request due to concerns of retaliation.
The concerted effort by the majority of the Parsippany Town Council to discredit Justin Musella for a speeding incident that occurred two years ago is an abhorrent act of political retribution that most residents will find reprehensible.
More than ever, the Town Council’s censure has not only motivated me to more ardently support Musella for Mayor, but it has also convinced me that James Barberio and his cohorts (Carifi, Neglia, and McGrath) are more interested in personal political attacks than working to improve Parsippany. It seems that they are unable to intelligently debate issues important to residents and so they resort to censuring Mr. Musella for an innocuous interaction with a police officer. They quickly identify the speck in Justin’s eye but pay no attention to the plank in their own eye (Matthew 7: 3-5).
I implore Parsippany residents to remain focused on issues important to our Town. Your vote on June 10 will send a strong message that Parsippany deserves a new Mayor and new leadership.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Schools is set to receive a boost in state aid for the 2025-26 school year, according to figures released by the New Jersey Department of Education. The district will be allocated $12,300,956, reflecting an increase of nearly 2% compared to the current year’s funding of $12,069,785.
The additional aid is part of Governor Phil Murphy’s record-breaking $58.1 billion proposed state budget, which earmarks $12.1 billion for K-12 education. Murphy described the funding as a testament to his administration’s commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and better-prepared New Jersey.
Of the state’s 392 school districts, 175 will see funding cuts, while others, including Parsippany-Troy Hills, will experience an increase. Statewide, most districts saw funding adjustments of no more than a 6% increase or a 3% decrease.
The 2025-26 school year marks the second consecutive year that New Jersey has fully funded its K-12 school aid formula, initially established under the School Funding Reform Act of 2008 and later revised by S2 legislation in 2017. These measures aimed to phase out adjustment aid for some districts while ensuring others received their fair share of funding.
Governor Murphy’s latest budget also aims to curb dramatic fluctuations in state aid, responding to concerns about unpredictable funding levels for the nearly 600 school districts across New Jersey.
This increase in funding is welcome news for Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Schools, helping ensure continued investment in student programs, resources, and educational opportunities.
TRENTON—With the federal enforcement of REAL ID set to begin on May 7, 2025, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) announced additional opportunities for its customers to get a REAL ID, including the creation of dedicated “REAL ID Thursdays” at Licensing Centers across the state.
Beginning Thursday, March 20, NJMVC Licensing Centers will focus on issuing REAL ID, adding nearly 4,500 new appointments for each “REAL ID Thursday” going forward. This will include added license renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring within three months can renew their license and upgrade to REAL ID simultaneously, and REAL ID non-renewal appointments, where customers with licenses expiring after three months can upgrade to REAL ID.
“Over the last few months, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in demand for REAL ID from our customers, and we’ve repeatedly added and reallocated appointments to better meet that demand,” said Acting NJMVC Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd. “The new initiative announced will expand access further, helping to service more customers who need or want to get a b. Suppose you have a passport or another federally accepted ID. In that case, you may continue to use it to meet federal REAL ID requirements, or until you can obtain a REAL ID driver license or ID at a convenient time.”
Getting a REAL ID is not mandatory for New Jerseyans. However, starting May 7, 2025, individuals must provide a REAL ID-compliant driver license or ID, or another federally approved form of identification, like a passport, to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities. Standard New Jersey driver licenses will remain valid for driving and other identification purposes.
To further expand REAL ID availability, the NJMVC will also host a new slate of REAL ID Mobile Unit events on Saturdays, starting April 5. At these events, more customers can be serviced for REAL ID at mobile license renewal and non-renewal appointments. This new slate of events is in addition to the busy Mobile Unit schedule the NJMVC maintains on weekdays in local communities across New Jersey.
The added appointments for “REAL ID Thursdays” will be available for booking starting Friday morning, March 14, on the appointment scheduler at the NJMVC website. Appointments for the new Mobile Unit events will be added to the scheduler later in March. Customers must bring the required REAL ID documents and request an upgrade to REAL ID when serviced at their appointment.
To learn more about REAL ID in New Jersey, customers should visit REALID.nj.gov.
The website contains a detailed FAQ and a document selector that helps customers identify what they need to bring to get a REAL ID: 2 proofs of residential address, 1 verifiable Social Security number, and identity documents that add up to 6 REAL ID Points.
Please visit TSA.gov for more information about federal REAL ID enforcement, including any forthcoming phased enforcement plans.
I was shocked to read an article about Barberio’s opponent being censured by PTH Councilmen. I firmly believe that their action and motivation to censure J. Musella showed neighboring townships that those councilmen have nothing else better to do than representing people who elected them into that position to address/resolve “REAL” matters to PTH residents. SHAME on them!!!
Parsippany residents aren’t fools. We see through your desperate tactics. Instead of leading, you intimidate. Instead of serving, you scheme. Instead of fixing problems, you attack the one person who is.
This town deserves better than a thug who fears accountability. It’s time to end the bullying and the dirty tricks. Justin Musella is proving every day what real leadership looks like.
I understand that Mr. Smith, as a long-time Parsippany Municipal employee, prefers the administration that he currently works for over one that might not be as certain or familiar. That is very understandable to me. In my opinion, what is NOT at all reasonable is Mr. Smith’s equating a Musella traffic stop with, what I think was, a New Jersey Court finding of illegal vote handling by Mr. Shah.
I wrote last week about why I thought the traffic stop experience of Mr. and Mrs. Musella was not important at all in voter evaluation of Mr. Musella’s candidacy for Mayor of Parsippany. I never mentioned, not thought about, the 14-year-old New Jersey State Court case finding that Mr. Shah engaged in, what I believe was, alleged as an attempt to influence an election. So, thank you, Mr. Smith for elevating this discussion and reacquainting me with this information. Frankly, if the Parsippany Republican Party leadership was eager to have a candidate join the Parsippany Town Council from the Indian ethnic community, which is a good idea, I think, Mr. Casey Parikh or Mr. Rupil Shah would have been much better choices, in my personal opinion, since they have never been accused of anything but being good and law-abiding citizens.
If Mr. Smith, or anyone, can find ANY way to fairly compare Justin Musella’s and Jigar Shah’s past actions in matters of judgement OR CHARACTER, as relates to public life, please share that with the rest of the voting citizens of Parsippany. I’d be amazed if Mr. Musella comes up short.
I have recently read several articles in your publication, pursuant to Councilman Musella and members of the Township Council. What follows is my understanding of what is taking place regarding the 2025 mayoral election.
1. The most recent article included ‘Lawfare’ in its title. I understand this term in a political context as attempting to damage or delegitimize an opponent. The term also has a legal component since it may describe a tactic to discourage members of society from forming opinions based in truth and facts, alleging that a law was broken. In what way does this traffic stop and a warning constitute what Councilman Musella has had to endure? I would question why something that knowingly happened 2 years ago is now being raised to the level of censure just 3 months before the party primary election. I would ask if Councilman Carifi ever gave out PBA cards to friends and constituents.
2. Then there is the recent ‘Shining Penny’ article in which the substance of Mr Musella’s character was attacked. In my opinion,this was an attempt of a political hit job. FYI…..The United States has never made a Penny.
3. A council member accused Mr. Musella of causing a riot at the PAL Building on December 28, 2023. Allegedly, a Council Member was cursed at and had items thrown at him. Nothing could be further from the truth. The same Council member berated Mr Musella at a Council meeting several months ago. In my opinion, this crossed the line of what should take place at a public Council event.
If this continues, by June 10th, the Township voters will have an easy decision. I suspect when the votes come in, the current Mayor will be out,
Respectfully yours; Patrick Divitantonio Resident of Parsippany-Troy Hills
After seeing the articles regarding the witch hunt against Councilman Musella over a routine traffic stop that happened almost 2 years ago, I should do my research on the ethical past of the leaders of this public lynching. Let’s start with Council President Carifi, who by trade is a police officer. Does Councilman Carifi give out PBA cards to people? What’s the purpose of him doing this? How many cards has he given out that have resulted in people not paying tickets? He should be asked this at the next council meeting, and explain publicly if he participates in this practice.
Parking that aside, if we take a trip down memory lane, who can forget the decades-long lawsuit between the Barberio-Inglesino administration and Councilman Carifi’s brother. When Councilman Carifi ran for mayor against Barberio, he at the time said that the lawsuit was “politically motivated” and Barberio countered that Carifi’s criticisms were unethical at the time and may have risen to the level of official misconduct. Who said this “time and time again, Jamie Barberio resorts to unscrupulous schemes to ascertain an easy campaign victory”? You’d be wrong if you thought it was Musella because this was Councilman Carifi’s words!
Onto Councilman Neglia, who is running for Council alongside candidate Jigar Shah (not “Mr. Patel,” as Neglia hysterically called his running mate at the March 3rd meeting), has not publicly addressed his role in the absentee ballot fraud debacle that took place a few election cycles ago. Even more, there is the rumor that maybe others should investigate Councilman Neglia giving PBA cards so others could get out of speeding incidents.
Lastly, there’s a proverbial all-you-can-eat buffet of ethical issues Mayor Barberio and his handler John Inglesino have faced over the two decades of their involvement in public life. Most concerning was Mayor Barberio’s turning a blind eye to his pal Inglesino in representing the developers and the township for six 30-year agreements representing hundreds of millions of dollars in missed taxes for the Township and School Board. https://www.tapinto.net/towns/parsippany/articles/john-inglesino-s-firm-paid-over-198-000
I agree with all of the people that protested the censure and drafting of ethics charges against Councilman Musella: keep the debate on the issues and not on the sh*t nobody cares about.
Joseph Damiano, CEO and Managing Partner of SAX LLP
PARSIPPANY — SAX LLP has once again secured a spot on Accounting Today’s prestigious list of the Top 100 accounting firms in the nation, marking its fifth consecutive year on the list. The firm advanced five positions, ranking #66. Additionally, SAX has been recognized as a Top Mid-Atlantic Firm for the ninth consecutive year, further solidifying its regional leadership.
SAX LLP’s CEO and Managing Partner, Joseph Damiano, emphasized that this recognition reflects the entire team’s dedication, expertise, and commitment. He noted that as the firm continues to expand, its focus remains on delivering exceptional service, innovative solutions, and lasting value to its clients.
In 2024, SAX strengthened its advisory services by appointing strategic leaders Jordan Goldman to lead Client Accounting Services and Rob Owen as the firm’s first Chief Information Officer. Owen leads SAX’s digital transformation as Practice Leader of SAX Technology Advisors. These key appointments align with the firm’s ongoing efforts to enhance its advisory offerings and provide comprehensive solutions tailored to evolving client needs.
The firm continues to evolve in response to the dynamic accounting and advisory landscape. SAX remains committed to staying at the forefront of industry changes by embracing innovation and adapting its services to meet the unique needs of its clients. This approach ensures long-term success for both the firm and the businesses it serves.
Accounting Today compiles its annual rankings based on a nationwide survey of accounting firms, providing in-depth benchmarking data and insights from the most successful firms. The 2025 rankings are based on 2024 net revenue.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
PARSIPPANY – On February 6, 2025, at 6:53 p.m., Parsippany-Troy Hills Police responded to a report of a vehicle rollover at the intersection of North Beverwyck Road and Chesapeake Avenue. Officers arrived on the scene after a caller reported the accident.
Upon arrival, officers initially did not locate a crash at the intersection but later discovered the overturned vehicle in front of 92 Chesapeake Avenue. The driver, identified as Christina D. Vignola, 38, Lake Hiawatha, was found outside the vehicle, exhibiting signs of injury with fresh blood on her face and shirt.
Patrolmen Daniel Sisco, Christopher Yi, Ryan McConnell, and Mendez were among the officers on the scene. The 2023 Mazda CX-5 Vignola was driving was found damaged. The investigation revealed that a 2018 Hyundai Tucson parked on Chesapeake Avenue was also sideswiped by the vehicle Vignola was driving.
Christina was transported to Morristown Medical Center for a blood draw. Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance responded to Parsippany Police Headquarters, and Christina was walked over to the stretcher and secured in the back of the ambulance. While en route to the hospital, Christina reported that she had blacked out during the crash but was looking at her phone before losing control on the ice.
Following an investigation, officers determined that Vignola was operating the vehicle while under the influence. As a result, she was issued multiple summons, including:
Driving While Intoxicated (39:4-50)
Driving While Suspended (39:3-40)
Improper Stopping or Parking (39:4-138)
Obstruction of Traffic (39:4-67)
Reckless Driving (39:4-96)
Careless Driving (39:4-97)
Use of handheld wireless telephone (39:4-97.3)
Failure to Possess a Valid Registration (39:3-4)
Failure to Exhibit an Insurance Card (39:3-29)
Failure to Install Interlock/Drive a vehicle without Interlock (39:4-50.19)
Eagle Towing removed the vehicle from the scene,
Officer Jaime Mendez documented the incident, which Officer Luke Costigan reviewed. Despite the severity of the crash, Vignola did not report any serious injuries at the scene. The case remains under review by local authorities.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Councilman Neglia lectured the room on ethics. In the same breath he expressed his outrage over Team Musella calling attention to Mr. Jigar Shah’s ballot tampering past. Councilman Neglia thinks that has no bearing on the upcoming elections. That event should not interfere at all with Mr. Shah’s political aspirations. Why would you even link the two? What a reach Team Musella! During his tirade, Councilman Neglia referred to Mr. Shah, (his running mate) as Mr. Patel.
People, you can’t make this up!
And then there’s Councilman Carifi, and if you’ve followed past town elections, you’re kinda left scratching your head. Integrity? Does he have any? Let’s move on.
Remember, the council members who voted for the PILOTS did not know they could have negotiated term limits. They didn’t have to agree to 30 years! Parsippany was known for its business parks. With return-to-office mandates on the rise, Parsippany has again missed the mark. Now, we are stuck with all these massive empty apartment buildings. That’s not the American Dream, home ownership is, and that dream is becoming harder and harder to attain in Parsippany. It’s not cheap to live here, so why does it look like it is? The re-zoning of properties has completely uprooted our way of life. More traffic, congestion, and a major strain on our emergency services and schools.
Quality of life is a real issue in this town. What’s wrong with wanting a cleaner Parsippany, a more humane Parsippany?
Two years ago, I sent Councilman Musella an email regarding a property owned by a Slumlord. Because of the state of the property and its many occupants, I could no longer enjoy my home. Councilman Musella not only answered my email immediately, but he also came to my house that evening to see things firsthand. I’ve lived here my whole life, I was shocked. That’s unprecedented.
I’m just a girl from Lake Par that lives in a “tear down”, “value in the land” bungalow. I’m not a major Morris County GOP donor like John Inglesino – but the Morris County GOP missed the memo. The party is changing. The Republicans are now looking out for the little guy, the Republicans are now pushing for more open space and less urban sprawl. The Morris County GOP has not evolved.
Team Barberio’s narrative is that Councilman Musella has no solutions, no substance. You know what Councilman Musella has? The people’s trust, earned through actions. He has motivated people to get involved and have civic pride. I don’t believe in a big government; people do daily work.
Their antics are backfiring. At this point, the only thing that could benefit Councilman Musella more is a mugshot. . .
I was at the town hall on March 4. It was an obvious attempt to play politics and distract us from the issues that matter to town residents—responsiveness to our needs and representation of our interests.
Two individuals from the audience walked up to make a highly technical public statement, chapter and verse with statute numbers, read out from a sheet of paper, about a 2-year-old speeding violation by Justin’s wife, when she was rushing him to catch a train.
I don’t know if they were lawyers or if someone gave them a lawyerly piece to read.
And then the mayor went on a long rant about public safety. Where was he when I and other neighbors went to him concerned for our safety when Weiss-Aug was shaking our homes so bad building a factory right on our backyards (which should never have been permitted!) that it knocked picture frames off our walls, and even cracked a neighbor’s chimney!
When we had no response, we followed up by sending videos with audios of our homes being shaken – I don’t mean mere noise, but rafters and floors of homes were rattling, and photos of pictures knocked off our walls.
All we had in response was no response—a deafening silence—until Justin discovered what was happening in the neighborhood and tried to screen us from the monstrosity already built as best he could with funds from his campaign.
We need a leader who is concerned, responsive, and a citizen, not politically focused. What happened at the town hall is the kind of political gamesmanship I detest!
PARSIPPANY – The College of the Holy Cross has announced that more than 1,700 students have been named to the Fall 2024 Dean’s List, recognizing their outstanding academic achievements throughout the semester.
Among the honorees is Gabriel Mansolelli, Class of 2026, a Parsippany Hills High School graduate, Class of 2022. Gabriel’s inclusion on the Dean’s List reflects his dedication to academic excellence and commitment to maintaining high scholarly performance at one of the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must complete four or more letter-graded courses, receive no failing grades, and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This achievement highlights the hard work and perseverance of students who excel in their studies while balancing a rigorous curriculum.
The College of the Holy Cross, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, is a highly selective Jesuit liberal arts college, known for its emphasis on intellectual curiosity, leadership, and service. With a history dating back to 1843, Holy Cross has a long-standing tradition of producing graduates who excel in various professional and civic fields.
Congratulations to Gabriel Mansolelli on this impressive academic achievement! His hard work and dedication inspire students in the Parsippany community.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, March 2024. Click here to view complete magazine.
Councilman Justin Musella, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Matt McGrath
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – March 4, 2025.
"I will not be silenced, and I will not be bullied." — Councilman Justin Musella stands firm against political attacks, vowing to focus on the real issues that matter to Parsippany residents.
PARSIPPANY — Less than 24 hours after Councilman Justin Musella announced his running mates, Mayor Jamie Barberio’s allies—Council members Paul Carifi, Matt McGrath, and Frank Neglia—moved to censure him. Their justification? A rehashed video from Barberio’s campaign, showing a routine traffic stop from August 2023.
In the footage, Musella and his wife were pulled over, and the officer appeared to recognize them before asking for ID. Musella admitted to urging his wife to drive faster to catch a train but requested no special treatment. His wife received only a warning. Despite this, Barberio claimed that her presenting Musella’s council card constituted misconduct, using it as ammunition to justify an ethics probe.
Public outcry was swift and overwhelming. Resident after resident called out the absurdity of the attack, labeling it a transparent smear campaign.
“Politics should be about issues,” said Nick Homyak. “The police officer extended courtesy and moved on. It’s clearly dirty politics!”
Jack Raia, a Board of Education member, slammed the council for focusing on petty attacks instead of real issues, reminding them that Parsippany still hasn’t received answers about Barberio’s politically motivated school district audit.
Others highlighted the hypocrisy of the move. “This is just another attempt to push Musella out of the GOP primary,” said resident Bob Venezia, citing how Morris County GOP Chair Laura Ali had previously pressured Musella to drop out.
Residents like Kim Andersen expressed frustration over misplaced priorities, noting Musella had been one of the few council members addressing local water issues, while Barberio’s administration remained unresponsive.
Hank Heller condemned the censure attempt as a disgrace. “This whole thing is garbage and beneath you,” he told the council. “We should be talking about what matters—not going after people who think differently.”
Despite the overwhelming opposition, the council voted to draw up censure charges, with only Councilwoman Judy Hernandez opposing. Musella, undeterred, issued a defiant response:
“This is not about ethics. This is about punishing someone who challenges the status quo… If they think they can intimidate me, they are gravely mistaken. I will not be silenced, and I will not be bullied.”
Many in attendance at last night’s meeting suspect this attempt at political lawfare will backfire on Barberio given the larger number of residents publicly speaking against Tuesday night’s move by Barberio and his political allies.
The three Parsippany Hills wrestlers—Logan Forgatch, James McGinty, and Anthony Caponegro—will be competing at the NJSIAA State Wrestling Tournament in Atlantic City next weekend, which is scheduled for March 7-9, 2025, at Boardwalk Hall.
PARSIPPANY – Three wrestlers from Parsippany Hills High School secured spots at the Region 2 Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, March 1, earning their way to the State Wrestling Tournament in Atlantic City.
Logan Forgatch placed 2nd at Regions, marking his second consecutive trip to States as a sophomore. Forgatch also set a new PHHS season win record, surpassing the previous mark of 38 wins—he currently sits at 41 wins and counting.
James McGinty, a four-time District Champion, finished 3rd and will make his fourth trip to States. As a Varsity starter since his freshman year, McGinty shattered the previous PHHS career win record (116), set by Justin Carifi in 2017, and now boasts 138 career victories.
Anthony Caponegro, a sophomore, placed 3rd and will compete at States for the first time.
Congratulations to these Vikings wrestlers on their impressive achievements, and best of luck as they compete in Atlantic City this weekend, March 7-9, at Boardwalk Hall.
A moment of hard work and dedication! This picture from the District Tournament showcases the PHHS wrestlers and coaches who earned their way to Regions. Congrats to James McGinty, Anthony Caponegro, and Logan Forgatch for advancing to States! #PHHSWrestling #RoadToAC #VikingsStrong
I have lived in Parsippany for many years; this town is my home. Like many residents, I want a better future for our community. I support Justin Musella for Mayor, Casey Parikh, and John Bielen for Town Council. They are the team that will bring honesty, accountability, and responsible leadership back to our local government.
For too long, we have seen taxes go up, spending get out of control, and decisions made for special interests instead of the people. Justin, Casey, and John will change this. They will stop wasteful spending, control taxes, and ensure residents’ voices are heard in Town Hall.
Justin Musella has already worked hard as a Councilman to fight for taxpayers, stop unnecessary spending, and demand transparency. As Mayor, he will make sure our government works for the people, not for political insiders, developers, and lawyer John Inglesino.
Casey Parikh has many years of experience in planning, zoning, and community service. He understands how the town operates and will work to make smart decisions that benefit all residents, not just a few powerful people.
John Bielen is a business professional, longtime youth coach, and community leader. His experience in teamwork, leadership, and financial responsibility will help make Parsippany a better place to live and work.
Justin, Casey, and John understand our challenges and have the experience and dedication to fix them. On June 10th, vote for Musella, Parikh, and Bielen to bring real leadership back to Parsippany.
