PARSIPPANY — A remarkable display of community spirit filled the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills last week as volunteers from several local and regional organizations came together to deliver more than 4,500 pounds of non-perishable food to the Parsippany Food Pantry, ensuring families in need will be supported throughout the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

The effort was part of Sewa Diwali, a nationwide initiative rooted in the guiding belief that “Service to Humanity is Service to Divinity.” Started in 2018 with the simple idea of giving back during the Hindu festival of Diwali, the project has grown into one of the largest multi-faith, volunteer-driven food collections in the United States.

This year, the initiative spans 38 states, more than 200 townships, and over 250 partner organizations. In 2023, Sewa Diwali volunteers collected 720,000 pounds of food nationwide; this year, the goal is an unprecedented 1 million pounds.

Major Contributions Across Morris County

Parsippany led a strong showing once again, collecting more than 4,500 pounds of food for its local pantry. Additional contributions included:

• 5,900 lbs donated to the Interfaith Food Pantry in Morris Plains
• 1,800 lbs donated to the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry

These totals reflect the generosity of township families who answered the call to help neighbors facing hardship during the holiday months.

Community Organizations Unite

This year’s collection was powered by volunteers from a wide coalition of community groups, including:

• HSS – Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh
• Sewa International
• ISKCON
• BAPS
• Hindus of Parsippany
• Krypton Warriors Robotics
• Samskrita Bharati
• Chatham & Madison Indian Community
• Central Middle School
• Brooklawn Middle School

Students from both Parsippany middle schools played a particularly enthusiastic role, helping transportation, sorting, and packing efforts to meet the growing demand.

Town Leaders Praise the Volunteers

Mayor James Barberio applauded the initiative and the volunteers who made it possible.
“One can at a time, you’ve demonstrated that every act of kindness makes a difference,” the Mayor said. “This impact is profound for the many residents of Parsippany who are facing challenges. You’ve ushered in the season of light and giving, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation.”

Town officials emphasized that all donated food will stay local and directly support families who rely on the Parsippany Food Pantry, noting the critical importance of annual drives like this one in keeping shelves stocked through the winter.

MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Phil Murphy has issued a writ of election to fill the vacancy in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District (CD-11), created when Mikie Sherrill resigned her seat to assume the office of governor.

Key dates to mark on your calendar:

• A special primary election will be held on Wednesday, February 5. Early voting will be available for six days ahead of the primary.
• A special general election will take place on Wednesday, April 16, with nine days of early voting prior to that date.

Which towns are impacted?
CD-11 covers a broad swath of suburban northern New Jersey, including numerous municipalities in Morris, Essex and Passaic Counties. Towns within the district include:

• In Morris County: Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover Township, Harding Township, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Township (part), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock Township, Randolph Township, Riverdale, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township, and Victory Gardens.
• In Essex County: Belleville, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair (part), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, South Orange, and West Caldwell.
• In Passaic County: Little Falls, Totowa, Wayne (part), Woodland Park, and Totowa.

For residents of Parsippany‐Troy Hills and other area towns, the vacancy presents a chance to weigh in on the direction of federal representation. While Sherrill has served the district, her departure opens the seat for fresh competition and an early look at voter sentiment ahead of the next standard election cycle.

Why these elections matter
The office in question is a U.S. House seat, carrying broad responsibilities for federal legislation, constituent services, and advocacy for district priorities. Because this is a special election, turnout and engagement are often lower than during general election years — making each vote particularly important for determining the outcome.

According to election officials, early voting for both the primary and general will be available, giving busy working families and commuters a more flexible way to participate.

What residents should do now

• Check your voter registration status and district assignment. While CD-11 is well‐defined, municipal boundaries and district maps can be complex.
• Make note of your preferred early voting dates (six days ahead of February 5 for primary; nine days ahead of April 16 for general).
• Monitor local election communications for information about polling places, mail‐in ballots, and candidate-filing details.
• Follow announcements from county election boards (in Morris, Essex, or Passaic, depending on your town), since each county administers the vote within its portion of CD-11.

Looking ahead
The outcome of these special elections could offer early signals for broader trends in the region, especially as suburban districts like CD-11 continue to evolve. For local officials and residents alike, engagement now ensures their voice is heard at the national level.

Stay tuned to Parsippany Focus and local outlets for further updates on candidate filings, campaign events, and early-voting logistics in the weeks ahead.

MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey District of Kiwanis held its Inaugural New Jersey Kiwanis Hope and Healing Conference on Thursday, November 6, at Georgian Court University. Developed through the New Jersey Kiwanis Youth Homelessness District Project, the conference brought together youth advocates, agency professionals, and community partners from 18 agencies across the state for a full day of learning, empowerment, and connection.

In the school year 2023-24, 17,315 students in New Jersey were identified as experiencing homelessness.

The list of community partners included Anchor House, Avanzar, Avanzar – Dream Free, CHS, Collier Youth Services, Dream Free Program, Embrella, Georgian Court University, New Jersey Angels, New Jersey Youth Council, NJ DCF, NJ DCF Youth Council, NJ Kiwanis District of Kiwanis International, NJ Kiwanis Foundation, Oceans Harbor House, One Family One Fight, Inc., Plaid House Inc., Prevent Child Abuse NJ, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Str8up Employment Services/PFPC, The Children’s Home Society of NJ, The Pride Center of New Jersey, and Visions & Pathways.

The event featured Keynote Speaker Dashaan Jennings, whose powerful life story set the tone for a day centered on resilience and hope. Dashaan, from Newark, entered foster care at age four and spent his youth navigating New Jersey’s child welfare system until aging out at 21. Despite hardship, he found purpose in his pain, transforming wounds into wisdom. A Kean University graduate and current MPA candidate at Rutgers–Camden, he returned to the same group homes he once lived in, this time as a leader and advocate. He is the founder of STR8UP Employment Services, a DCF consultant, strategist, and devoted father of two. His story embodies resilience and transformation, proving that even broken beginnings can create powerful leaders and change-makers.

Michael Ellithorpe, New Jersey Kiwanis District Project Chair, expressed pride in the collaboration on display. “Our goal has always been to elevate the voices of young people facing housing instability and bring every corner of New Jersey’s support network together. This conference demonstrated what is possible when service organizations, educators, and advocates unite behind a shared mission.”

Attendees participated in workshop sessions and networking opportunities designed for transitionally housed youth, youth-homelessness agency staff, community partners, and Kiwanis members. The event underscored the statewide commitment to addressing youth homelessness through shared purpose and coordinated action.

Frank Cahill, Governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International, highlighted the significance of the day. “This conference proved exactly what Kiwanis stands for — hope, action, and partnership. Seeing so many agencies, advocates, and young people in one room reminded us why we remain committed to this project. Youth experiencing homelessness deserve stability, opportunity, and community, and Kiwanis will continue to stand beside them every step of the way.”

To date, the New Jersey Kiwanis Youth Homelessness District Project has generated nearly $40,000 in donations and thousands of volunteer hours, directly supporting agencies serving youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

Emily Scharf, President of the New Jersey Kiwanis Foundation, praised the shared commitment that shaped the conference. “The Hope and Healing Conference was the culmination of years of work, collaboration, and compassion across New Jersey. Every attendee — from youth to agency leaders — played a part in creating a space of empowerment and healing. This is only the beginning of what we can accomplish together.”

Kiwanis extended its appreciation to Georgian Court University, guest speakers, sponsoring partners, and the many volunteers who made this inaugural event possible.

About the Kiwanis Youth Homelessness District Project

This multi-year initiative supports agencies throughout New Jersey that serve youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The project provides volunteer support, raises essential funds, and builds awareness to help youth thrive.

About Kiwanis

Kiwanis is an international service organization dedicated to serving children, young people, and communities worldwide. The New Jersey District of Kiwanis remains focused on youth-centered service, leadership development, and collaborative outreach to address local needs.

To find a local Kiwanis club in your area, visit joinnjkiwanis.org.

MORRIS COUNTY — With a warm gesture just in time for the colder months, Frank Cahill, Governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International, visited the Dover Early Learning Center to deliver brand new winter jackets for students in need personally. The jackets were donated by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.

Cahill, who also serves as an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, delivered the jackets as part of the district’s ongoing commitment to community service and childhood well-being. Surrounded by student artwork lining the school walls, he proudly presented a variety of colorful coats, helping ensure local children stay warm and ready to learn this winter season.

“This donation represents what Kiwanis is all about—supporting children and making a positive impact where it’s needed most,” said Cahill. “Every child deserves to be warm, safe, and confident in the classroom.”

The Dover Early Learning Center, which serves pre-K students from the local area, was selected for its outstanding work with young learners and its partnership with organizations that support families in need.

The donation aligns with Kiwanis International’s global mission to serve children through local projects focused on education, health, and essential needs.

For more information on how to support similar initiatives, visit www.kiwanis.org.

PARSIPPANY — Just in time for the holiday season, the Friends of the Parsippany Library are inviting residents to their annual Holiday Sale, starting Thursday, November 21 at the Parsippany Main Library.

Held in the Upstairs Living Room and the cozy Little Nook Bookshop, this seasonal event promises a wide variety of high-quality items perfect for holiday gift-giving. Shoppers can expect an assortment of children’s books, holiday-themed titles, stocking stuffers, and festive gifts—all in excellent condition and ideal for gifting.

Organizers note that many items are new or sealed, with all goods curated to meet gift-quality standards. Even gently used books are offered at bargain prices, making it an affordable way for residents to shop locally while supporting a great cause.

“The Holiday Sale is not just a fundraiser—it’s a way to encourage community spirit, support the library, and promote sustainability,” said a member of the Friends group. “Many of these items are environmentally friendly options, as they are being reused and loved again.”

Whether you’re hunting for a unique gift or simply browsing for a good read, the Holiday Sale at the Parsippany Main Library is the perfect stop this season.

PARSIPPANY — Deeply beloved by countless friends and family, Naomi Glucksman Levine, passed away peacefully at home on Friday November 21, 2025. She was 97 years old.

She was a resident of Parsippany for 30+ years of her life and was an active paritioner of St. Ann Roman Catholic Church until she moved on to assisted living. In her life, she positively impacted many with her optimistic positivity, unrelenting faith, and generosity of spirit. Her impact was far-reaching having been a French teacher and a librarian in her career. She found joy in the arts through community theater, then as an artist and published poet later in life.

Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to a charity of your choice. Her memorial took place graveside on Tuesday, November 25, at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mt Airy Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. The family would also welcome tributes to her at her memorial website by clicking here.

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners congratulates Stephanie Gorman, a health officer in the Morris County Division of Public Health, on being sworn in for her second consecutive term as president of the New Jersey Association of County and City Health Officials (NJACCHO).

Gorman took the oath of office during the NJACCHO General Membership Meeting at the Atlantic City Convention Center, held in conjunction with the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference, where Commissioner Douglas Cabana, liaison to the Morris County Department of Law and Public Safety, administered the oath. Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, Commissioners Christine Myers and John Krickus, Sheriff James Gannon and Undersheriff Mark Spitzer also attended.

“We’re proud to have Stephanie representing Morris County again as NJACCHO president,” said Commissioner Cabana. “Her continued leadership at both the county and state levels reflects our commitment to public health and to advancing critical initiatives statewide.”

NJACCHO represents public health leaders from 104 health departments in New Jersey’s 21 counties and 565 municipalities. For more than 113 years, the association has supported community health by promoting wellness, preventing disease and protecting residents, visitors and workers across the state. Gorman has been a member of NJACCHO since 2014 and has served on its board of directors since 2018.

“Stephanie’s leadership has strengthened our local and state health systems. Her reappointment as NJACCHO president recognizes her achievements and her ability to guide New Jersey’s public health community through complex challenges,” said Carlos Perez, chief health officer in Morris County Division of Public Health.

Gorman described her past term as “one of the most challenging, unpredictable, exhausting, yet inspiring years of her career.” She noted that NJACCHO expanded key partnerships throughout the state, advanced 21C public health modernization efforts, protected essential grant funding and completed the state’s first comprehensive costing model, providing a critical foundation for understanding and investment in core public health services.

“Our voices are being heard, our work is being recognized and 21C is finally gaining momentum,” Gorman said, calling the association’s progress a reflection of “resilience, leadership and the unwavering commitment of local public health leaders.”

Looking ahead, she said her next term will be pivotal as New Jersey navigates another period of transition and prepares for major statewide responsibilities, including the 2026 World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary. These events, she noted, underscore the need for a strong, coordinated local public health system and the urgency of sustaining momentum in statewide preparedness and support for New Jersey’s governmental public health network.

“This is our moment to solidify the value of local public health,” said Gorman, reaffirming her commitment to advancing NJACCHO’s strategic goals and strengthening member representation and engagement.

PARSIPPANY — Families in Parsippany are invited to celebrate the season and support their local firefighters at the annual Holiday Pictures with Santa event, hosted by the Lake Hiawatha District 4 Firehouse.

The event will take place on Saturday, December 13, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the firehouse, located at 39 N. Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha.

For a $10 cash donation, families will receive two printed photos with Santa Claus, with all proceeds helping support the volunteer firefighters who serve the community year-round. Refreshments will also be available for guests.

Children will have the chance to meet Santa inside the firehouse, with a festive backdrop featuring fire apparatus and holiday decorations—making it a perfect stop for family holiday memories.

Residents are encouraged to arrive within the event window to ensure they receive their photos and enjoy the refreshments.

This annual tradition brings neighbors together while helping the fire department continue its mission of keeping Lake Hiawatha safe.

PARSIPPANY — Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill announced that she will resign her seat representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District effective 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, November 20.

Sherrill, who has served in Congress since 2019, won the New Jersey gubernatorial election on November 4 and will take office as the state’s next governor on January 20, 2026. Her resignation triggers the start of the formal vacancy process for the district, which encompasses much of Morris County, including Parsippany-Troy Hills.

A Transition for North Jersey Representation

Sherrill submitted a resignation letter stating that it has been “an honor to serve the residents of the 11th District” and highlighted work on major federal priorities such as infrastructure upgrades, flood-mitigation funding, and support for the region’s military installations.

Once her resignation takes effect, the congressional seat becomes officially vacant. Under New Jersey law, the current governor must issue a writ of election to schedule a special primary and general election to fill the remainder of her term. Until a successor is elected and sworn in, the district will be temporarily without representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Special Election Ahead

The forthcoming special election is expected to draw significant interest from both political parties, with several potential candidates already publicly exploring campaigns. The election timeline will become clear once the writ is issued, setting the dates for a special primary roughly 70–76 days later, followed by a special general election approximately two months after the primary.

Local Impact

For Parsippany and surrounding communities, Sherrill’s departure marks a shift in federal advocacy at a critical time as ongoing issues—including transportation improvements, flooding, and municipal funding—remain at the forefront. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates as the special election process unfolds.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson confirmed that Tyrell Lansing, age 32, formerly of Morristown, has been sentenced in connection with an August 18, 2021 homicide that occurred on Clyde Potts Drive in Morristown.

On November 14, 2025, Judge Stephen J. Taylor, P.J. Cr. sentenced Lansing to 25 years in New Jersey State Prison, subject to the No Early Release Act (NERA). On October 6, 2025, Lansing pled guilty to first-degree Aggravated Manslaughter and second-degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose before Judge Taylor.

On November 14, 2025, Judge Taylor sentenced co-defendant De’Quan McDaniel, age 31, to a three year suspended sentence in New Jersey State Prison and 250 hours of community service. On October 3, McDaniel pled guilty to third-degree Hindering the Apprehension or Prosecution of Lansing.

A third co-defendant, Myles Dacres, age 28, previously pled guilty to third-degree Hindering the Apprehension or Prosecution of Lansing in May 2022. On August 4, 2022, Judge Taylor sentenced Dacres to three years in New Jersey State Prison.

The convictions arise from a fatal shooting on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 in Morristown, NJ. At approximately 1:03 a.m., the Morristown Bureau of Police received a 911 call regarding a shooting on Clyde Potts Drive. First responders located a male in the parking lot near 28 Clyde Potts Drive, Morristown, with multiple fatal gunshot wounds. Following an autopsy, the Morris County Deputy Medical Examiner determined the manner of death to be homicide. The victim has been identified as Raijah Scott, 35, of Cedar Knolls.

The investigation revealed that Lansing shot the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene in a motor vehicle. Lansing was apprehended on August 19, 2021, traveling through the State of Oklahoma with De’Quan McDaniel. Lansing was subsequently charged in connection with the homicide and extradited to New Jersey. Following the shooting, McDaniel provided transportation to assist Lansing in avoiding arrest. Myles Dacres provided false information to law enforcement about the shooting during the investigation.

Lansing has remained in custody during the duration of this case.

Prosecutor Carroll acknowledges the collective efforts of the legal and investigative staff – especially Supervising Assistant Prosecutor Tara Wang, Chief Assistant Prosecutor Chris Schellhorn, Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Conrad, MCPO Sergeant Matthew Magnone, MCPO Lt. Mike Gomez, Senior Assistant Prosecutor Michelle Ghali, and Morristown PD Det. Kevin Beal – in this complex case, which involved numerous pretrial motions and appeals. He also recognized the numerous law enforcement agencies for their participation, including members of the Morristown Bureau of Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, the New Jersey State Police, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Digital Forensics Investigations Unit.

PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners presented a framed Resolution of Honor on Monday, November 17, to Frank Cahill in recognition of his decades of community service and his recent assumption of the role of governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International.

Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen led the presentation during the board’s public meeting, joined by Deputy Director Stephen Shaw and Commissioners Christine Myers, John Krickus, Deborah Smith and Thomas Mastrangelo.

“Frank has dedicated much of his life to serving others, especially children and families. His leadership in Kiwanis and his work in Parsippany and Morris County reflect the very best of public service. We are proud to recognize his achievements and his continued commitment to our community,” said Director Selen.

Cahill, a Parsippany resident, has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany since 1991 and has held numerous leadership roles during the past 34 years. He began his term as district governor on Oct. 1, 2025, following his election as governor-elect for the 2024–2025 service year.

Through his involvement with Kiwanis, he has helped establish four new clubs in Morris County, with a fifth planned for January 2026, and is working to expand clubs across New Jersey. He has recruited nearly 130 new members — the most of any Kiwanian in the state — and has strengthened Kiwanis’ sponsored youth programs such as Key Club and Circle K, which engage students in service, leadership, and civic projects, including food drives, assisting senior citizens, and supporting local charities.

“My passion is helping kids. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we delivered food to children who needed it. It was amazing how many people we were able to reach, and clubs grew from that work,” Cahill said.  “My mission this year is focused on addressing youth homelessness throughout New Jersey.”

Cahill is also the publisher of Parsippany Focus and Morris Focus and is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board. Among his many volunteer efforts, he has served meals to the community at Homeless Solutions and fostered dogs through Eleventh Hour Rescue and Furver Home Dog Rescue, both based in Randolph.

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted the resolution of honor, acknowledging Cahill’s service to Parsippany, Morris County and the State of New Jersey with Kiwanis International, and congratulates him on his election as governor for the 2025–2026 term.

Kiwanis International is a global volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. Clubs worldwide complete more than 1 million service projects each year, supporting schools, families, and communities while fostering leadership among young people.

PARSIPPANY — The results are now official, confirming a major shift in Parsippany-Troy Hills leadership as Democrats win the mayor’s race and secure a governing majority on the Township Council.

Pulkit Desai has officially been elected the next Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills, defeating incumbent Mayor James R. Barberio in one of the tightest municipal contests in township history. Desai received 9,978 votes (50.05%), while Barberio finished with 9,898 votes (49.65%)—a margin of just 80 votes out of 19,936 cast.

“I am deeply grateful to every resident who participated in this year’s election, whether you voted for me or not,” said Desai, 60, who lives in Lake Parsippany. “Your engagement is what keeps our democracy strong and our community vibrant.”

Democrats Capture Both Council Seats

The Township Council results are also official, with Democrats winning both open seats:

    •    Matt Kavanagh (DEM) — 10,715 votes (28.06%)

    •    Diya Patel (DEM) — 10,487 votes (27.46%)

    •    Frank Neglia (REP) — 8,684 votes (22.74%)

    •    Jigar Shah (REP) — 8,239 votes (21.58%)

Kavanagh and Patel will join Democratic Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, giving Democrats a majority on the five-member council.

The remaining Republican members are Paul Carifi Jr. and Matt McGrath.

With a Democratic mayor and a newly formed Democratic majority, Parsippany’s local government will begin 2026 under unified party leadership for the first time in several years.

Hernandez Expected to Become Council President

With the new majority in place, it is widely expected that Councilwoman Judy Hernandez will be selected as Council President at the January reorganization meeting. Hernandez has been an influential voice on the current council and will likely help guide the transition into the new administration.

High Voter Turnout Drives a Clear Message

Nearly 20,000 residents voted—an impressive turnout for a non-presidential year—reflecting strong community engagement and the importance local families placed on shaping the township’s future.

Issues such as development, neighborhood integrity, taxes, and transparency played a major role in this year’s election, ultimately leading voters to opt for new leadership and a new direction.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Lions Club, in partnership with the American Red Cross and the Parsippany Library, invites the community to a Holiday Blood Donation Drive – an initiative focused on saving lives with urgency and empathy. The event will be December 13, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Parsippany Main Library

Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. One donation can sustain a trauma victim, empower a cancer patient, or save a newborn. Beyond its humanitarian impact, giving blood also promotes donor health – a reminder that service strengthens both the body and spirit.

“All non-profits share a single purpose: to serve humanity,” said Pratap Jayakar, Vice District Governor & LEO Chair, Lions Clubs International, NJ. “We’re grateful to partner with the American Red Cross, the Parsippany Library, Kiwanis International, and our civic allies in championing community-driven health initiatives.”

This zeal and momentum of this event is further bolstered by the Christmas and Hanukkah holiday sentiment which is all about feeling interconnected and expressing gratitude through gestures of altruism. 

Register today: https://bit.ly/DonateBlood2025

As a token of appreciation, each blood donor will receive ‘Life Saver’ Certificate, a ‘Proud Donor’ magnetic Pin and $15 Amazon e-Gift Card.

Special thanks to our Partners and Sponsors whose support goes a long way in making such events a stellar success. 

Event Partners: American Red Cross, Parsippany Library, Kiwanis International
Sponsors: C2 Education, Kumon of Livingston, New York Life Insurance