PARSIPPANY — In every neighborhood, there’s always that one house that takes holiday decorations to the next level, becoming a local legend. This Halloween season, if you’re in search of a festive thrill, there’s one place that should be at the top of your list: the home at 24 Sedgefield Drive. Renowned for their annual tradition of outdoing themselves with increasingly elaborate themes, this year’s spectacle is an “Evil Pumpkin Patch” that transforms the yard into a scene straight from a spine-chilling autumn storybook.

Year after year, the house on Sedgefield Drive undergoes a dramatic transformation in October, offering a fresh experience for repeat visitors with themes ranging from haunted mansions to eerie graveyards. This Halloween, the “Evil Pumpkin Patch” is drawing in even larger crowds, and as dusk settles, the magic truly begins. The yard comes alive under the glow of moonlight, featuring a collection of wickedly carved pumpkins, each lit by flickering candlelight that casts eerie shadows. But the visuals are just part of the allure—sound effects ranging from the cackle of witches to the rustling of unseen creatures complete the atmosphere, creating a truly immersive experience.

What sets this display apart is its dynamic, interactive nature. Hidden animatronics surprise visitors with sudden movements, and a rolling fog effect late in the evening blankets the scene in an otherworldly mist. The home at 24 Sedgefield Drive has become more than just a neighborhood curiosity; it’s a celebration of the Halloween spirit and a tribute to community engagement. Families, friends, and even couples on date nights make their way to the house, eager to catch a glimpse of the spectacular display. The night air fills with delighted gasps, laughter, and the occasional startled scream.

The homeowners, who prefer to maintain an air of mystery, pour their passion into this annual event. While they usually stay behind the scenes, they’ve been known to occasionally emerge in costumes that fit the theme, adding an extra layer of fun to the story they’ve created in their yard.

As Halloween approaches, the “Evil Pumpkin Patch” at 24 Sedgefield Drive is a must-see destination. It’s more than just a display—it’s a creative homage to Halloween, bringing joy to the community through shared thrills and good-natured scares. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the spectacle while being mindful of the neighborhood and respectful of the homeowners’ efforts, ensuring this cherished tradition continues to thrive for years to come.

PARSIPPANY — This year, the Parsippany Office on Aging is proudly celebrating its 50th anniversary, continuing to serve as a vital lifeline for the township’s senior residents. Established in 1974 by Rosemarie Agostini at the request of then-Mayor Jack Fahy, it was the first municipal office in New Jersey dedicated solely to the needs of elderly residents. Over the course of the past five decades, it has grown to provide a wide array of services supporting Parsippany’s aging population.

Located at 1130 Knoll Road, the Office on Aging serves about 25 seniors every day with essential services such as help with paperwork for Medicare, tax resources, and assistance with daily needs such as copying and faxing. “Our mission is clear: we do everything to help our seniors. If we can’t help directly, we make sure to connect them with someone who can,” Agostini said in an interview.

A cornerstone of the office’s services is its transportation program, providing seniors with rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations. This is especially helpful for those residing in the Mt. Tabor section of Parsippany, which offers limited public transportation. Furthermore, the office lends out wheelchairs and walkers to needy seniors, as well as canes, free of charge. 

“The Office on Aging is a vital support system for our seniors. Our senior citizens are the backbone of the Parsippany community, and this 50-year-old program continues to offer resources to assist our seniors in any way that would be beneficial to their quality of life. Be it guidance in filling out energy assistance forms, Anchor rebates, or tax returns, aid in navigating email and correspondence, transport to essential medical visits and the food market, the community food pantry or even lending an ear to someone who needs to talk, the Parsippany Office on Aging has performed invaluable services since its inception and I applaud and support their work,“ said Mayor James Barberio.

Senior citizens are also given access to computers and digital assistance to help them navigate the complications of the online world.
 
Over the years, the Office on Aging has introduced over 40 programs designed to enhance the lives of seniors. One of the most prominent programs was its intergenerational program, in which seniors were matched with younger members of the community in projects such as concerts for children and adults and pen pal programs.

While some initiatives are no longer running, they had a lasting impact on the community. Many of those students are now in their 60s, a testament to the office’s long-standing influence. One such initiative was spearheaded by Francesca Agostini, Rosemarie’s daughter: Parsippany’s first-ever senior prom. This event made Parsippany the first municipality in the nation to hold such a celebration. 

This initiative was even recognized by the United States Commissioner of Education for its excellence.

As part of the Office Aging, senior residents have access to the Parsippany Senior Center which is open to residents aged 50 and older and serves as a central hub for social, recreational, and wellness activities. From fitness classes to book clubs, the Parsippany Senior Center provides seniors with the opportunities to stay active and engaged. 

To commemorate the 50th anniversary, Parsippany seniors are encouraged to learn more about available services by contacting the Office on Aging at (973) 263-7351 or visiting their website by clicking here.

Special events and initiatives are planned throughout the year to mark this milestone in service to the community.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council held its meeting on Tuesday, October 8, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting occurred in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.

Any individual who is qualified as a disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids, such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder, for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the agenda.

Click here for the 2024 calendar.

Mayor James Barberio
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Matt McGrath
Councilwoman Judy Hernandez

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, October 22, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.

Formal action may or may not be taken.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.

Click here to download the agenda.

Click here for the 2024 calendar.

Mayor James Barberio
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Matt McGrath
Councilwoman Judy Hernandez

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) was recently honored with the “Legislator of the Year Award” by the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey on October 9, 2024.   

“I am extremely honored and grateful to the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey for this prestigious award,” said Sen. Pennacchio. “From county clerks and registers of deeds and mortgages to sheriffs and surrogates, our constitutional officers provide essential, invaluable services to the people of New Jersey and serve the Garden State with honor and dignity.”

The Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey is a group of elected county sheriffs, clerks, surrogates, and registers of deeds and mortgages across the State. They present the Legislator of the Year Award to lawmakers who show a commitment to improving the effectiveness of public service in New Jersey. 

“It was my honor to award Senator Pennacchio with Legislator of the Year. Senator Pennacchio has been a long-time friend to the Constitutional Officers by creating commonsense legislation that better enables us to fulfill our obligations to the communities we serve,” said Morris County Surrogate Heather J. Darling, Esq. 

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners joined the Morris County Park Commission and local leaders at Lewis Morris County Park yesterday to dedicate two new cricket fields in honor of Russell W. Myers, the first Director of the Morris County Park Commission.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a significant milestone in accommodating the growing popularity of cricket within the county. Among those joining the event were State Senator Joe Pennachio (Morris-26), State Senator Anthony Bucco (Morris-25), Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills, Sheriff James M. Gannon, and representatives of the New Jersey Softball Cricket League. Cricket players from the league, including members of Teams Titans XL and Parsippany Sports Cricket XL, showcased their skills at the event.

“I thank my fellow Commissioners for supporting this project, which started in 2023 when the board passed a resolution to fund the fields,” said Commissioner John Krickus, who served as Commissioner Director when planning for the fields began.

The project’s roots go back several years, when the growing Indian American community in Parsippany Township began searching for more places to play cricket, a popular sport in Britain, India, and many other places around the world. Sen. Pennacchio and Mayor Barberio took up the search, approaching Executive Director Dave Helmer of the Park Commission, which has been accommodating cricket team games for years on picnic grounds.

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners stepped in last year and agreed to finance the development of two cricket fields at Lewis Morris Park when the Park Commission identified an open field area.

“These new cricket fields reflect our commitment to providing a myriad of recreational opportunities for all Morris County residents,” said Commissioner Doug Cabana, liaison to the Morris County Park Commission.

The dedication honored the late Russell W. Myers, who served as Director of the Morris County Park Commission from 1957 to 1983. Under his leadership, the park system expanded dramatically, and his legacy continues to shape Morris County’s recreational spaces today.

The newly developed cricket grounds, located in the Russell W. Myers Recreation Area, will serve as a dedicated space for cricket beginning in spring 2025. Cricketers will need to schedule the use of the fields through the Park Commission.

But the county commissioners, park commissioners, senators, and other dignitaries gave the fields an unofficial test yesterday, taking turns tossing and batting a few cricket balls with various players who attended to dedication.

“Developing plans for this site and learning more about the sport of cricket by collaborating with Amin Khatri, Trustee of the New Jersey Soft Ball Cricket League, was a rewarding experience. We’re thrilled to provide a space where our local teams can play and grow,” said Helmer, who emphasized the teamwork involved in the project.

The two fields are tailored for the softball version of cricket. The site, previously used for overflow parking, is located close to restroom facilities in the park and has ample parking on-site and nearby.

“We ask our immigrant friends to assimilate, but it’s a two-way street. Your culture, traditions, and recreation enrich the American experience. Enjoy these wonderful fields that have been created,” said Senator Pennachio, who is a first-generation Italian American. “Leaders of the Parsippany Indian community told me that having a cricket field was important to them. If it was important to them, it became important to me. Credit goes to Commissioner Krickus and the County Commissioners for making this happen.”

“I want to thank Jigar Shah, Parsippany’s liaison to the Indian community, and I want to thank Commissioner Krickus and the County Commissioners. In Parsippany, we have the largest Indian population in the county and now players from all municipalities will have a place to play. This field is going to be amazing. The county kept their promise to get it done, and they got it done,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.

The ribbon-cutting was also attended by Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Deputy Commissioner Stephen Shaw, Commissioner Deborah Smith, Park Commission President Stuart Lasser, Betty Cass-Schmidt, and Richard Seabury III, who are also on the Park Commission.

The $225,140 construction contract awarded to Aspen Landscaping of Bridgewater, included grading and shaping approximately four acres, installation of a cricket pitch, spreading topsoil, fine grading, hydro seeding, and watering. Full play is expected by spring 2025.

Lewis Morris County Park, established in 1958 as the county’s first park, has grown from 350 acres to 2,213 acres, making it the second-largest park in the Morris County system.

For more information on Morris County parks and facilities, please visit the Morris County Park Commission website.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) is thrilled to announce its selection as the Stop & Shop’s Community Bag Program beneficiary for October. This initiative is designed to make it easy for shoppers to give back to their local communities while supporting environmental sustainability.

Throughout October, every $2.50 reusable Community Bag purchased at the Stop & Shop at 245 Littleton Road will result in a $1 donation to Parsippany PAL. These funds will help support our programs, which aim to foster positive community engagement and provide safe recreational activities for youth in the Parsippany area.

“We’re excited to be part of this wonderful program, which not only helps the environment but also directly supports the work we do at Parsippany PAL,” said Thomas Bushnauskas, Executive Director of Parsippany PAL. “This is a simple and impactful way for the community to get involved and support our mission.”

The Community Bag Program offers an excellent opportunity for PAL supporters to make a difference. We encourage everyone to spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors. The more bags purchased, the greater the impact on our programs and the youth we serve.

For more information about the Community Bag Program click here.

About Parsippany PAL

The Parsippany Police Athletic League provides a wide range of youth-oriented programs that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and community spirit. The goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for young people to learn, grow, and thrive.

To balance the need for consumer protection and crypto innovation, the state of New Jersey has introduced two bills that are similar to one another for consideration. Bill S3694 and A4880 are centered around the ban on cryptocurrency ATMs across the state due to growing concerns about fraudulent activities aimed at leveraging the evolving technologies within this industry.

Although this might sound like a blow to the crypto industry, ATMs constitute a fraction of the vast opportunities available for enthusiasts and investors looking to spend their digital assets. For example, the availability of online industries like e-commerce platforms, software companies, and gaming platforms that accept crypto payments has grown enormously. 

iGaming sites have particularly embraced crypto technology. For those who prefer to gamble at a crypto casino online, these sites offer a variety of perks that traditional online casinos simply can’t match. These include benefits like registrations that don’t require KYC checks, a wider array of games, instant withdrawals, and even anonymous play — traits that even the most advanced online casinos in New Jersey can’t offer. That’s certainly saying something since NJ is one of the few states that offer a legal and thriving iGaming sector.

With the crypto industry now doing well across a multitude of facets, the resilience of crypto in New Jersey and beyond remains likely even if these bills are approved. It will, of course, impact the convenience of withdrawing and depositing funds to crypto wallets for day-to-day purposes. However, there will still be plenty of online ways to use, trade, and pay with cryptocurrencies even with no ATMs around. 

As most Bitcoin ATMs have been a target for fraudsters, state authorities have deemed it necessary to take into consideration their potential effect on the general population. For example, the Federal Trade Commission has reported a surge in scams totaling over $110 million in 2023 alone and $65 million in only the first half of 2024, with a median loss of $10,000 among the elderly aged 60 and above. 

These concerning statistics are one of the core reasons why this legislation has been proposed, making any activities linked to cryptocurrency ATMs illegal. This encompasses elements such as banning the ownership, control, installation, and sale of ATM machines supporting digital assets. These two identical bills propose that enforcement of the stipulated guidelines take place by expanding the scope and legal powers of the Consumer Fraud Act. 

To put this into perspective, violators would be liable for penalties in the form of fines reaching up to $10,000 for first offenses and $20,000 for any subsequent violations. Additionally, state authorities will have the legal power to issue cease-and-desist orders as well as punitive damages to victims.

The regulations entailed by the bills clarify its intention of protecting consumers from any potential dangers related to unregulated crypto ATMs that contribute to significant financial losses. Be that as it may, it could be harder for crypto enthusiasts who are tech-savvy and aware of these dangers to use their digital assets as conveniently as they used to. 

Fortunately, the proposed ban on these ATMs doesn’t completely eliminate the innovation of the decentralized finance scene. Private online transactions and crypto gift cards are still some of the primary ways that digital assets can be spent in New Jersey. For Jersey crypto holders, the online electronics scene also offers another great option. 

Secure methods such as digital wallets, peer-to-peer platforms, and crypto exchanges offer a wide variety of ways to transact using decentralized finance instruments without the potential risk of illegitimate ATMs. At the same time, these methods open up broader opportunities to explore other aspects, like NFT marketplaces for investment purposes or merely for entertainment.

These options also work in tandem with the proposed bills since they allow consumers to have access to customer support channels alongside the robust security measures, set as industry standards for these service providers. Ultimately, the use of mainstream crypto platforms minimizes the risk of fraudulent activity and the burden on state agencies tasked to oversee them.

On the other hand, mainstream methods also allow users to have better control over their transactions, empowering them to make informed decisions in a secure environment. As the digital asset field continues to grow and evolve, newer technologies continue making mainstream crypto options more secure and reliable for better consumer protection.

Although there haven’t been significant advancements in the legislative process of enacting these bills, the discussion has opened varying perspectives on the role of decentralized finance and the technologies supporting it. The most important point raised is the need for a delicate balance between consumer protection and the fast-growing innovation of the financial sector.

Advocates supporting the ban of crypto ATMs have applauded the strides taken by state authorities to reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activity perpetrated toward vulnerable persons. Some skeptics aren’t sold on the efficacy of these bills and have raised concerns over the limitations of cryptocurrencies as an important financial tool.

Nevertheless, the proposed legislation shows the increasing concern for better security measures while ensuring that the availability of cryptocurrencies at a broader scale remains unhindered. As discussions continue, state authorities will be under the microscope on the final approach they decide to implement in response to this issue. 

PARSIPPANY — On October 14th, Columbus Day, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio was joined by the Morris County Sons of Italy Chapter 2561 for a special Italian Flag Raising Ceremony at Town Hall.

Mayor Barberio, along with Sons of Italy President Joe Jannerone and former Council President and Sons of Italy member Mike dePierro, raised the Italian flag following the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. The brief but meaningful ceremony concluded with remarks from both Mike dePierro and Mayor Barberio.

“We’ve held the Italian Flag Raising Ceremony since 2012,” said Mayor Barberio. “I am truly proud to be an Italian-American, and I reflect on the tremendous contributions and achievements made by Italians. It’s important to remember where you came from as you navigate through life.”

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department is currently seeking to recruit entry-level police officers to join their dedicated team. Under the leadership of Chief of Police Richard Pantina, this initiative aims to attract qualified candidates who are committed to serving the community and ensuring public safety.

To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria, including being at least 18 years old but no older than 35 at the time of hiring. A valid New Jersey driver’s license and a minimum of a high school diploma or GED are required. Additionally, candidates must be U.S. citizens residing in Morris County, New Jersey.

The rigorous selection process ensures only the most qualified individuals move forward. It includes a thorough background investigation, an oral interview, and a medical exam that includes both a psychological evaluation and drug screening.

The department is offering prospective applicants the opportunity to become part of an esteemed force dedicated to maintaining law and order in the Parsippany-Troy Hills community. The application deadline is October 25, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply through policeapp.com.

For additional information or questions regarding the position, applicants can reach out via email to hiring@parpolice.com.