PARSIPPANY — Howard Hendrickson recently conducted a poetry session at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library to commemorate the launch of his fourth poetry anthology.

Entitled ‘Poetry & Art,’ the book features a collection of paintings by Brenda Hendrickson, adding a visual dimension to the literary works.

With numerous accolades to his name for his contributions to poetry, Howard’s poetic prowess is recognized in various anthologies where his work is featured.

Drawing inspiration predominantly from the natural world and personal experiences, Howard has not only been entrusted with penning poems for unique events but also had the distinction of contributing to a golf book published on behalf of a friend.

The book ‘Poetry & Art,’ features a collection of paintings by Brenda Hendrickson, adding a visual dimension to the literary works

PARSIPPANY — Have unused prescription medications cluttering up your cabinet? There’s a safe way to dispose of them.

The Township of Parsippany’s Take Back Day prescription medication collection event on Saturday, October 28, is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Waterview Marketplace Shopping Mall, situated at 70 Waterview Boulevard.

Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. If an original container is submitted, the individual should remove any identifying information from the prescription label.

All solid-dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.

The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

Intravenous solutions, injectables, and syringes will not be accepted due to potential hazards posed by blood-borne pathogens.

Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany township officials have called off the upcoming Farmers Market scheduled for Friday, citing potential adverse weather conditions.

The popular market, which usually runs from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Route 46, will be missed by many.

Forecasts from the National Weather Service suggest that Friday will witness showers before 2:00 p.m., and evening rain could escalate into thunderstorms. Additionally, some of these storms might bring along powerful gusts.

The National Weather Service has issued its latest forecast for Parsippany, highlighting potential showers and thunderstorms for the weekend.

Friday: Prepare for a wet day as showers dominate the forecast. Thunderstorms might also make an appearance after 2:00 p.m. Temperatures will peak near 64°F, accompanied by a southeast wind blowing at 5 to 15 mph. Rain probabilities stand high at 80%, with rainfall measurements estimated between half to three-quarters of an inch.

Friday Night: Thunderstorms are expected to continue up until 11:00 p.m., followed by likely rain until 5:00 a.m., transitioning to probable showers afterward. The night will witness a temperature drop to around 54°F. Winds initially from the southeast will shift to a northerly direction post-midnight, maintaining speeds of around 5 mph. Precipitation chances remain consistent at 80%, with forecasted rain accumulation ranging from a quarter to half an inch.

Saturday: The day might kick off with potential showers, especially before 11:00 a.m. Expect the sky to remain mostly cloudy, as temperatures hover around a comfortable 62°F. Winds from the west will pick up the pace, ranging from 5 to 15 mph, and could gust up to 25 mph. Rain chances are pegged at 60%, although any new rainfall is expected to be minimal, less than a tenth of an inch.

Parsippany Farmers Market has been operational every week since June 9 and will end on Friday, October 27 for the season.

PARSIPPANY - St. Ann’s Church is excited to welcome community members and visitors to its 12th Annual Fall Festival, taking place on November 17 and 18. This cherished event has become a staple of the community’s autumn celebrations, fostering an atmosphere of fellowship, fun, and faith.

This year, the festival boasts an impressive roster of 37 vendors, ensuring a diverse and exciting shopping experience. Attendees can look forward to unique and lovingly crafted items from vendors such as Stitching Queens, as well as renowned brands like Mary Kay and Pampered Chef. From handmade crafts that capture the essence of creativity to high-quality products that make everyday life a bit more luxurious, there’s something for everyone.

But the Fall Festival is more than a shopping spree—it’s an opportunity for spiritual enrichment. The event will encompass ministry opportunities, allowing participants to explore their faith and how they can contribute to its vibrant tapestry. Community members are encouraged to learn more about these opportunities and consider how they might become more actively involved in the church’s mission.

Adding to the festivities, the fair will feature a traditional bake sale, offering a variety of homemade treats that promise to delight your taste buds. Whether you crave sweet, savory, or something in between, our talented community members have you covered with their culinary creations.

The excitement doesn’t stop there! The Tricky Trays event, scheduled for both days, offers participants the chance to win fantastic prizes. With the luck of the draw, you could walk away with a treasure. Additionally, don’t miss out on the 50-50 raffle—a game of chance with the thrill of anticipation.

The festival’s schedule is as follows:

• Friday, November 17: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, November 18: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

It’s all happening at St. Ann’s, located at 781 Smith Road, Parsippany. Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and prepare for a festival filled with joy, faith, and community spirit. Whether you’re continuing a yearly tradition or joining the fun for the first time, St. Ann’s Fall Festival is the place to be this November!

MORRIS COUNTY — Your community needs you! By staffing a polling location, you will:

• Earn $300 for working on Election Day and $21.44 per hour on in-person Early Voting days.
• See our great democracy in action, firsthand, and enjoy the feeling that comes with contributing to your local community, your state, and your country.

Be a part of your democracy – become a Poll Worker! Poll Workers are trained to aid voters on Election Day, guide them through the voting process, and answer any questions voters have. They are a vital part of every election!

Residents of all ages, including college and High School students, are encouraged to apply.

Click here to apply.

PARSIPPANY — Embracing the delightful tradition of enchanting North Beverwyck Road, the warm-hearted business owners gathered to adorn the exteriors of their establishments with whimsical fall decorations.

Smiling scarecrows, cozy haystacks, swaying corn stalks, radiant mums, and an array of other endearing embellishments came together to joyfully celebrate the arrival of the enchanting autumn season.

As daylight waned and the stars began to twinkle, these charming decorations whispered tales of friendly gatherings, where laughter echoed in the crisp autumn air, and the spirit of togetherness flourished in the heartwarming season.

As you embark on a twilight journey along the enchanting North Beverwyck Road, whether you’re indulging in a delightful scoop of pumpkin ice cream at the Dairy of Lake Hiawatha, savoring the exquisite flavors of Afghanistan at Kabab Paradise, entrusting your locks to the talented hands of Parsippany Cuts, or exploring the floral wonders of Landmark Florist, an array of exciting experiences awaits you.

Amidst this captivating parade of wonders, don’t let the bewitching Unity Bank elude your gaze. Within its newly remodeled branch, secrets of grandeur and mystique await discovery, as their decorations weave a spellbinding tale that beckons you to linger in the enchanting realm of Lake Hiawatha.

Established in April 2011, “The Friends of Lake Hiawatha” emerged as a non-profit organization driven by a singular mission: to elevate the aesthetics of the Lake Hiawatha business area and foster a stronger sense of community within the neighborhood.

One of the hallmark events orchestrated by “The Friends of Lake Hiawatha” is the highly anticipated Winterfest, a cherished gathering held annually on Saturday, December 9. This event has garnered widespread popularity among both children and parents alike. Santa Claus himself makes a grand entrance, arriving in splendid style aboard the Lake Hiawatha fire truck, graciously aided by volunteer firefighters.

Once Santa takes his seat in the charming Gazebo, children are treated to a heartwarming visit. Thanks to Santa’s diligent elves, each child receives a sweet candy cane and a ticket to participate in the organization’s annual raffle. While eagerly awaiting their turn with Santa, the little ones savor hot chocolate and cookies while being serenaded by the festive sounds of holiday music. As the evening draws to a close, “The Friends of Lake Hiawatha” host a thrilling raffle, awarding ten-inch girls’ and boys’ bicycles to two fortunate winners, adding an extra dose of excitement to the festivities.

The present custodians of this noble organization, Antoinette Piccolo-Simmons, and John Pascarella, remain dedicated to the ongoing enhancement of Beverwyck Road and the provision of community-oriented activities. Their commitment ensures that the spirit of camaraderie and the beautification of the neighborhood continue to flourish.

PARSIPPANY  — Kelly Lustig passed on October 11, 2023, at the age of 84.

She was born on September 25, 1939, to Dr. Mitchell and Sybil Shack. Though her legal name is Roberta Nancy Shack, in her teens she went by Nancy; but to most people, for most of her life she was known as Kelly. We like to think that’s why she had such a big bright personality. Kelly grew up in Newark and spent her summers at Camp Weequahic in Northeastern Pennsylvania. It was there that she met her husband, Jerry Lustig. The two were captains of the first camp-wide Olympics competition and were directors of the camp for most of their adult lives.

Kelly went to Weequahic High School in Newark, attended Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York, and got her Master’s Degree at Rutgers University. She and Jerry got married on June 23, 1963.

In addition to her work at Weequahic, Kelly taught elementary school in Parsippany until she gave birth to her children Jodi and Steven. She very proudly became a Bat Mitzvah at her older age, singing her haftarah beautifully after long nights practicing with her beloved tuneful dog, Jax. She worked tirelessly for the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, sang in Congregation Agudeth Israel’s choir, and was an avid fan of her grandchildren’s football and lacrosse games. The Twin Boro Bears, New York Giants, and Michigan Wolverines have lost a most cheesetastic fan!

Kelly Lustig was a member of the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter Board for more than 20 years and served as President, Vice President, and Secretary in addition to serving on the Development and Finance Committees. Kelly would often say that her greatest joy was doing Pet Therapy visits with her MPAS adoptees Jax and Dani. Kelly’s thoughtful nature brought smiles to the faces of those whose lives she made better.

She was a long-time member of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany joining the organization in 1994.

Kelly was the beloved wife of Gerald Lustig for 60 years, the loving mother of Jodi Lustig (Adam Wattstein) and Steven Lustig (Kim Lustig), devoted grandmother of Austin, Mason, and Colton.

A funeral service for Kelly will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Road, Livingston, New Jersey. Following the funeral service will be a burial at 2:15 PM at Mount Lebanon Cemetery, 189 Gill Lane, Iselin, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a gift to Kelly’s favorite charity: the Mount Pleasant Animal Shelter, 194 Route 10, East Hanover, New Jersey 07936.

PARSIPPANY  — The Parsippany Historical and Preservation Society invites you to a presentation at Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road, Parsippany, entitled “Stories from Beverwyck: Lives Bought and Sold,” Wednesday, October 18, at 6:30 p.m.

Come listen to the story of Aunt Peggy, an enslaved person who lived and worked at Beverwyck, the large farm plantation once located at the current site of the NJ Transit Bus Stop at Beverwyck and Route 46.