PARSIPPANY — The United Methodist Church of Parsippany, located at 903 South Beverwyck Road, invites the community to a Ham Dinner on Saturday, October 25, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

This buffet-style dinner will feature ham, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw, baked beans, rolls, vegetables, and homemade desserts — with seconds encouraged!

Tickets:
    •    Adults: $20.00
    •    Seniors (62+): $17.00
    •    Children (ages 6–12): $10.00

Takeout orders will also be available, and tickets can be purchased at the door.

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Latham Tiver (R-8) and Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) introduced legislation that would alleviate the burden of rising energy costs by suspending the sales and use tax, as well as the Societal Benefits Charge (SBC) on electric bills. 

The pair introduced similar legislation in May to help lower energy bills when costs typically peak during the summer, but the bill was never brought up for a vote. When pressed about the Republican plan to reduce energy costs, Governor Murphy defended the added taxes as necessary for the Board of Public Utilities—an agency poised for a major financial windfall. The State anticipates $1.15 billion in tax collections from energy bills in Fiscal Year 2026, a 15.7% increase of nearly $156 million from FY24. 

“Governor Murphy and Trenton Democrats have made their priorities clear—they’re more interested in collecting your tax dollars than helping families who need relief from soaring energy bills,” said Sen. Tiver. “New Jersey has an affordability crisis, and our plan puts taxpayers first by suspending unnecessary sales tax and SBC collections for the entire year of 2026. We cannot continue to feed the bloated bureaucracy at the BPU while our families are forced to choose between paying their electric bill or purchasing prescriptions.” 

The Tiver, Pennacchio bill would suspend the sales and use tax and the SBC on electric and gas utility bills for one year beginning January 1, 2026. The proposal is expected to save the average household hundreds of dollars on energy costs. 

“The summer has come and gone, and families are still waiting for relief from Trenton,” said Sen. Pennacchio. “While Democrats touted a $100 gimmick as a solution, they balked on our plan to provide real, substantial savings to New Jersey families. There’s a lot more work to do to lower energy bills and expand power generation, but our proposal is a critical first step toward easing the burden of rising energy costs.” 

You can read a draft of the bill, S-4765, online.

PARSIPPANYv— The Parsippany Library is proud to announce its participation in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The library’s team, Team Parsippany Library, is walking under the inspirational motto “Turning the Page on Breast Cancer.”

Community members are invited to support the team’s fundraising efforts by donating directly through the teams page.

In addition, the library will host a special Think Pink Craft Event on Thursday, October 23rd at the Main Library. Participants can enjoy an evening of creativity and community spirit while making pink-themed crafts. A $5 donation per person will go directly to benefit Team Parsippany Library’s fundraising for the Making Strides Walk.

“We’re honored to walk alongside survivors, supporters, and community members who share our hope for a world without breast cancer,” said Melissa Kuzma, Parsippany Library Director. “Every step and every donation brings us closer to that goal.”

To learn more about the Think Pink event or to register to attend, visit parsippanylibrary.org or visit https://live-parsippany.pantheonsite.io/event/think-pink-craft-event-12366.

About Parsippany Library

The Parsippany Library serves a vibrant and diverse community of more than 56,000 residents across three locations: Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, and Mount Tabor. As a hub for information, education, and entertainment, the Library provides access to a wide range of resources, including books, media, and digital collections. Through its membership in the Main Library Alliance, patrons also have borrowing access to materials from over 50 libraries across Essex, Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren counties. Committed to lifelong learning and community enrichment, the Parsippany Library offers a robust calendar of programs—from classes and workshops to cultural and civic events—that support health, creativity, and connection. Learn more at parsippanylibrary.org, where you can find current hours, services, and upcoming programs.

PARSIPPANY — The Golden Age Club celebrated its 60th anniversary with a special gathering held at the Parsippany Community Center on Monday, October 20.

The Golden Age Club began in 1965 at Saint Peter the Apostle Church. Like many community organizations, it started small—meeting first at the church, later at the Jewish Center in Lake Hiawatha, and now at the Parsippany Senior Community Center, where it has grown by leaps and bounds.

The club was formed during a time when many seniors were seeking opportunities to socialize, meet new people, and stay active during their “golden years.” Over the decades, the Golden Age Club has flourished thanks to the dedication of its past presidents, vice presidents, officers, and committee members, all of whom have generously volunteered their time and energy to make the organization what it is today.

Displayed at the celebration were the names of past presidents dating back to 1994. Although information prior to that date was unavailable, the club extended heartfelt gratitude to every volunteer and leader who helped build and sustain this welcoming community.

The purpose of the Golden Age Club has always been to reach out to local seniors, helping them stay connected, active, and informed. Meeting at the Senior Community Center provides members access to vital services—from flu shots and Medicare sign-ups to transportation assistance and housing information.

A special thank-you was extended to Saint Peter the Apostle Church and Pastor Father David for their ongoing support.

The club also expressed deep appreciation to Mayor James Barberio and the Town of Parsippany for their continued assistance—especially for providing buses that make affordable trips and outings possible. Gratitude was also shared with Michele, Gloria, and Stacy from the township for their constant help and kindness.

A warm thank-you was given to Barbara Freda, Director of Marketing at Genesis Healthcare of Parsippany-Troy Hills, for donating the cake and beverages for this special milestone celebration.

PARSIPPANY — The League of Women Voters of the Morris Area and its co-sponsors will host a virtual debate for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayoral candidates on Wednesday, October 22, at 7:00 p.m.

The debate will be live-streamed and available for public viewing on the LWV Morris Area YouTube channel at youtube.com/@lwvmorrisarea.

Residents are encouraged to take part in the civic process by submitting questions for the candidates in advance. The League has extended the submission period and continues to accept community input. Questions may be submitted using the online form available here.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering voters and defending democracy through education and participation in the electoral process.

MORRIS COUNTY — Homeless Solutions, Inc. (HSI) recently held its 18th Annual Women’s Day event to raise funds for childcare and other critical services for families in its programs. On Monday, September 22nd, over 200 local women gathered at Morris County Golf Club for a day filled with health and wellness activities including golf, yoga, and pickleball, along with socializing, a ticket auction, and lunch. Their common goal: to support working parents in HSI’s programs on their journey towards housing stability.

Childcare is an essential component of the support that HSI, the leading provider of shelter services in Morris County, offers. Many parents who enter HSI’s shelter or Transitional Housing Program (THP) are seeking employment or already employed, and maintaining these jobs is critical to graduating from the programs. These parents rely on New Jersey’s childcare subsidy, with Homeless Solutions providing additional support for co-pays. However, with the state pausing new applications to the Child Care Assistance Program, the gap in what families can afford grows even larger, greatly increasing the need for additional support.

As Maggie, the guest speaker at Women’s Day, eloquently stated, “My story is my own, but my needs are not unique. Families all over Morris County need the kind of support provided by Homeless Solutions’ childcare fund. Without stable childcare, low-income parents like me cannot get reliable work to support their children, let alone build their careers.”
With generous donations from Women’s Day supporters, HSI is able to provide more of this critical childcare funding, softening the impact of these funding cuts on families who are working hard to maintain their jobs, regain self-sufficiency, and move into stable, independent housing. Homeless Solutions is grateful for the support, and is thrilled to have raised a significant amount to help the families in our programs.

In addition to raising funds, Women’s Day often motivates attendees to engage in more active and meaningful service at HSI. Along with the success of this longstanding event, Homeless Solutions is proud to welcome a new trustee to the Board, Dagmar Rosa-Bjorkeson.

Inspired by those around her already involved with Homeless Solutions, Dagmar is motivated to make a meaningful difference for people facing housing insecurity. Having recently retired as Chief Operating Officer at global biotechnology company Mesoblast Limited, she is ready for her next chapter of service. Dagmar has been actively involved with HSI, attending events like Women’s Day and volunteering at our Women’s Campus. During conversations with HSI guests, she realized how easily housing insecurity could affect anyone and saw an opportunity to channel her extensive business expertise more directly: “The impact of stable housing and the support offered to be able to sustain it has reverberations through families and generations.”

With 35 years in pharmaceutical and biotech industries, Dagmar holds a Master of Science in Chemistry and MBA in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin. She serves on multiple boards and is a Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association member.
Ms. Bjorkeson will join HSI’s existing Board, made up of 16 fellow community and professional leaders. Homeless Solutions’ Board of Trustees provides strategic, financial, and governance support to the organization to help achieve its philosophy of “a Hand UP, not a Handout.” She will serve on various committees to help advance the work of the organization, including the Committee on Trustees, Fund Development, and Programs & Property.

Homeless Solutions is excited to have Dagmar’s experience, passion, and commitment strengthening our mission.

About Homeless Solutions
Our Philosophy is “A Hand UP, not a HandOUT.” Since 1983, Homeless Solutions has been helping people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in our community. As a private, nonprofit organization, we are unique in what we do. We offer more than just a healthy meal and a place to sleep. We create pathways for people to rebuild stability, achieve lasting housing and pursue their long-term goals.

What sets Homeless Solutions apart from others is our comprehensive continuum of housing options, including our Main Shelter, Transitional Housing Program (THP) for families, Warming Center for individuals living unsheltered during the winter, Mt. Kemble Home for senior women, Women’s Campus for single women, and 72 additional units of affordable rental housing, owned and operated by HSI, throughout Morris County. Each of our programs is designed to meet people where they are and support their journey to sustainable housing.

For more information on how you can support Homeless Solutions, click here.

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany, in partnership with the Morris County SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), will host an informational presentation on Medicare Open Enrollment on Wednesday, October 22, at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place at the Parsippany Senior Center, located at 1130 Knoll Road.

Each year, Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, providing an opportunity for individuals to review and make changes to their Medicare coverage. This session will focus on understanding Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans, helping attendees make informed decisions about their health insurance options for 2026.

Representatives from Morris County SHIP will also share information about NJ SAVE, a valuable program that helps qualifying individuals save money on Medicare premiums, prescription costs, and living expenses.

“Many seniors find the Medicare process confusing,” said a spokesperson for the Office on Aging. “This presentation is designed to simplify the information and ensure everyone understands their choices.”

Registration is required to attend. Those interested can sign up at the Office on Aging or call (973) 263-7351 for more information.

New Jersey gaming regulators are weighing whether to allow cryptocurrency in the state’s casino system. The Division of Gaming Enforcement has spent months reviewing how digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum could work with existing player protection rules. Officials said they need to balance new technology with current safety standards.

The current rules do not allow crypto gambling within New Jersey’s licensed casinos. This creates a gap where players who want to use digital currencies go to offshore sites instead. Many of these international platforms operate without the consumer protections that New Jersey requires from its licensed operators.

Players often turn to offshore sites because of convenience features. Some operate as no account casino sites where users can connect their crypto wallet and start playing immediately. These sites skip the registration forms and verification steps that traditional casinos require. A player can link their Bitcoin wallet and be spinning slots within minutes.

State officials recognize the appeal but worry about several issues. Cryptocurrency prices change rapidly throughout each day. A $100 Bitcoin wager at the start of a poker game might be worth $85 or $120 when the hand ends. This volatility makes it hard for casinos to handle accounting and payouts properly.

New Jersey has a track record of gambling innovation. Atlantic City casinos opened in 1976 when most states banned all casino games. Online casinos launched in 2013, years before other states adopted internet gaming. The state also led the 2018 Supreme Court case that opened sports betting across America.

Gaming officials are now considering a “regulatory sandbox” approach for crypto gambling. Licensed operators could test digital currency features under close state supervision. The idea would let casinos accept Bitcoin deposits that convert immediately into U.S. dollars. Players would get crypto convenience without the wild price swings.

Some New Jersey sportsbooks already offer limited crypto options. They accept Bitcoin and Ethereum deposits but convert everything to dollars before placing any bets. This hybrid system addresses volatility concerns while giving players more payment choices.

Federal law adds complications to state decisions. The 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act creates unclear areas around cryptocurrency transactions. Without clear federal guidance, states must figure out their own approaches to digital currency gambling.

David Rebuck led New Jersey’s gaming enforcement division until his retirement in 2024. He previously said regulators should “sit on the sidelines” and watch crypto developments before making quick decisions. His careful approach still influences current policy discussions.

Consumer protection remains the top priority. New Jersey recently proposed stronger responsible gambling requirements that would force licensed operators to monitor player behavior more closely. Any crypto gambling system would need to include similar safeguards for problem gambling prevention.

The pressure to act keeps building as New Jersey’s online gambling revenue hit record highs in mid-2025. Atlantic City casinos reported year-over-year declines even as online gambling grew. More New Jersey residents try offshore crypto gambling sites each month, taking their money outside the regulated system. Officials said they need to balance innovation with protecting a thriving sector that generates millions in state revenue.

Anti-money laundering rules create another challenge. Cryptocurrency transactions require sophisticated tracking systems to meet federal reporting standards. Licensed operators would need expensive new technology to monitor digital currency flows and flag suspicious activity.

State officials do not expect quick action on crypto gambling rules. New Jersey learned from past gambling expansions that careful planning works better than rushed implementation. They would rather take extra time to get the regulations right than be first to market.

Industry analysts think New Jersey will eventually approve some form of crypto gambling, but officials want strong consumer protections in place first. Other states are watching the approach closely since whatever rules emerge here will likely influence crypto gambling policy elsewhere. Committee hearings might begin later this year if regulators move ahead with crypto gambling rules. The process would require public comment periods and testing before any new regulations go into effect.

PARSIPPANY — he Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, the early 20th-century historic home of Gustav Stickley, will host a FREE Fall Open House on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.

The celebration will take place across the scenic Craftsman Farms property and will include open house access to the Log House, beautifully adorned with period-inspired All Hallows Eve décor.

Docents will be stationed throughout the Log House and surrounding landscape to share fascinating insights about the history and significance of this national treasure. Completed in 1911, the Log House is recognized as one of the most important architectural achievements of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Originally designed as a clubhouse, it later became the Stickley family home and continues to serve as the heart of the property today.

Visitors of all ages are invited to create their own leaf print tile at the craft table and enjoy VIP shopping in The Craftsman Shop (completed in 2024), featuring custom jewelry, home décor, the museum’s new children’s book, and other visitor favorites.

Guests can also enter a Door Prize Drawing for a chance to win a Mystery Gift from The Craftsman Shop and a Household Membership to the museum.

For an additional fee, visitors may take a Docent-led Autumn Grounds Tour of Gustav Stickley’s country estate, exploring its lush landscape nestled “deep in the sunny New Jersey hills.” Advance purchase for the tour is recommended.

The FREE Fall Open House runs from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

For more information, visit www.stickleymuseum.org

PARSIPPANY — Joan Cutrone has volunteered for years at Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey’s major fundraiser as a Chester Lioness, supporting the nonprofit’s efforts to empower people with vision loss or blindness. At an open house at VLANJ’s new space in Morris Plains, Cutrone saw that commitment in action as staff demonstrated how they teach adaptive skills and technology that foster independence.

“VLANJ does so much for this community, and they do it so well,” Cutrone said. Throughout the Oct. 9 tour, staff showed how VLANJ helps people live independently — from mastering technology to cooking safely. “This building is amazing, with everything on one floor — but it’s the staff who make this place,” she said.

The open house was held in conjunction with VLANJ’s 4th Annual Day of Giving, which ran through October 10 and raised more than $12,000 in 1 day, 9 hours and 43 minutes — honoring the organization’s founding year, 1943. Proceeds will support VLANJ’s expanding technology program, which teaches participants how to use accessible devices and apps, many powered by artificial intelligence.

VLANJ President and CEO Bill Schuldt invited guests to imagine how they would handle everyday tasks if they suddenly lost their vision — choosing clothes, navigating their homes or cooking dinner for their families. “Our programs are geared to help provide the answers to these questions,” Schuldt said.

Accessibility in Action

Staff led guests through the new center, demonstrating how technology, adaptive skills and confidence come together to foster independence.

Technology Coordinator Anthony Filingeri showcased the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which use AI to describe surroundings. Wearing a pair, he asked the device to identify what was in front of him, then what was beyond the windows, and it accurately identified cars in the parking lot. “Anything a sighted person can see, these glasses can describe,” he said.

Program Director Vicki Lowrie and Program Coordinator Liz Edwards explained orientation and mobility training, including mental mapping of familiar spaces and keeping designated spots for key items. Edwards, who also facilitates the self-advocacy group, said VLANJ also helps people cope with “the emotional and mental elements of losing one’s sight.”

They also offered guidance on how to assist respectfully. “Don’t grab the person,” said Edwards, who has significant vision loss and began at VLANJ as a participant. “Always ask, ‘Do you need assistance?’”

In the teaching kitchen, Outreach Specialist Patricia Ebel demonstrated safe cooking techniques using adaptive tools such as knife guards. “Participants make the most amazing dishes,” Ebel said. “You just have to take your time and do it slowly.”

Guests Bill Houck, principal and wealth manager at Modera Wealth Management, and Heather Govic, client service specialist at the firm, called the experience “incredible.” Modera served as the event’s presenting sponsor. Both were impressed by the hands-on demonstrations and by the display of artwork created by participants.

Anthony Camuso, case management supervisor at DAWN Center for Independent Living in Denville, attended to learn how VLANJ’s programs might benefit DAWN clients with vision loss and to explore future collaboration.

Honoring VLANJ’s Legacy

Photos along the hallways trace VLANJ’s evolution from its Newark roots in 1943, when adults with vision loss or blindness formed a social club to support one another and challenge bias. In 1955, the organization moved to Denville as the New Jersey Foundation for the Blind, launched a summer camp for blind women, and over time broadened its programs to include wellness and technology education.

Renamed Vision Loss Alliance of New Jersey in 2016, it continued to innovate — adding low vision occupational therapy and expanding its range of services. During the pandemic, VLANJ introduced virtual programming that remains a vital option today. The nonprofit now offers in-center and virtual programs that build life skills, teach technology use and mobility, and help participants gain confidence and independence. VLANJ also collaborates with the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired to host in-person events that foster connection and intergenerational mentorship.

PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany recently donated $500 to Spectrum360, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving children and adults with autism and related disabilities throughout northern New Jersey.

Spectrum360 provides a continuum of educational, therapeutic, and vocational programs designed to help individuals reach their fullest potential. Through its schools, Academy360 and Independence360, the organization empowers students and adults to gain academic, social, and life skills that lead to independence and community inclusion.

The mission of Spectrum360 aligns closely with Kiwanis’ global purpose — improving the world one child and one community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, part of Kiwanis International, is a service organization of volunteers dedicated to supporting youth, promoting leadership, and fostering opportunities for all members of the community.

“Supporting Spectrum360 fits perfectly with our mission,” said Frank Cahill, Governor of the New Jersey District of Kiwanis International and member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. “Both organizations share a common goal — helping young people and adults develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive.”

The donation will help Spectrum360 continue providing vital programs that make a lasting difference for individuals with autism and their families.