PARSIPPANY — When cancer steals, it almost always steals mercilessly. It can be a thief of physical liberty, a thief of mental acuity at any age, and, although often going unrecognized, it can be a callous thief of the patient’s caregiver—whose health may be compromised in the pursuit of caring for the ones they love.

In a heart-rending yet emotionally dynamic debut, AJ Wyman delivers a novel he never expected to write. For a book that started as a “therapeutic exercise” to deal with the repercussions of his infant daughter’s cancer diagnosis, Wyman has transmuted a collection of once-scattered musings into an evocative, full-length piece, delving into poignant themes of grief, mental turmoil, and turbulent recovery.

It all started a little over a decade ago when a couple, AJ and Lindsey Wyman, discovered that no parent ever wants to hear: Emma Marie, their daughter of barely over seven months, had been diagnosed with an aggressive undifferentiated sarcoma. The tumor, which had been spreading malignantly throughout her tiny body, was relentless—stopping her heart only thirty seconds into her first chemotherapy session and causing the young infant to go into a series of successive seizures and experience a brain-altering stroke before she had even turned one.

AJ and Lindsey, understandably, had no idea how their daughter would fare with her cancer treatment in the coming months. The life they had fought so hard to give Emma was now placed in immediate jeopardy, and the heat of that crossfire was too intense for AJ Wyman to bear.

“I didn’t initially cope well with everything,” Wyman tells the Focus. “My wife, Lindsey, she’s a bit more methodical. She talks things out. But during the experience, I was guarded, closed off, clammed up, and angry. So when I eventually had downtime, I wasn’t being healthy with it.”

As detailed in The Grace to Carry On, Wyman’s debut novel, forthcoming on September 1st, his bad habits slowly progressed into a seemingly inescapable substance addiction. For Wyman, after months of struggling with near-fatal drug abuse, being caught in the act was the only way out. “The novel’s a cautionary tale, really,” Wyman reveals. “You still have to care for yourself even when caring for others.”

Now, a decade removed from the experience and clean, Wyman has been able to reflect on his feelings more profoundly. While Emma has been cancer-free since February of 2016, it has taken AJ Wyman a little longer to process and unpack the agitation that had built up inside of him during that fateful summer. His memoir, thus, is the culmination of his newfound angle on his cancer-parent experience—Wyman’s way of releasing pent-up feelings and advising others on how not to repeat his mistakes.

“Writing this novel took a huge weight off my shoulders,” Wyman tells the Parsippany Focus. “I got a lot out there that I had never gotten out before, and it felt like a big sigh of relief.”

The roughly 85,000-word project, which is entirely written from Wyman’s perspective, is just as much a recounting of his daughter’s cancer experience as it is a vulnerable tale of a father’s foggy, disoriented lens. Wyman doesn’t shy away from the taboo—in fact, he embraces it, or rather, lets you feel it as unfiltered as he did. It’s raw, honest, and “intentionally open.”

“The goal is to get [the novel] in the hands of someone who could use it—like a social worker, oncologist, caregiver, or even a cancer patient,” Wyman elaborates. “I want to show the importance of communication, open dialogues, and not letting things get bottled up. In other words: ‘This is what happened to us. Don’t let it happen to you.’”

Although the experience has left its indelible marks—such as routine check-up visits for Emma to monitor her cancer remission status and addiction rehabilitation on AJ’s part—Wyman feels “lucky to be around and relatively unscathed.” Now, Emma’s Angels, a makeshift community Facebook group that formed around Emma following her life-threatening chemotherapy treatment, serves as a vessel to inform supporters about other families’ journeys with cancer.

“Lindsey and I are both very open to talking to those going through similar journeys, whether it be addiction, cancer, or any other hardships,” Wyman adds. Understanding the weight a cancer diagnosis has for everyone in the family, the couple is “always happy to help individuals in need.”

For more information regarding The Grace to Carry On, click the attached link to the publisher’s (Open Books) page. Once the book is launched on September 1st, it will be available online on Amazon and Barnes & Noble’s websites. You can pre-order The Grace to Carry On by scanning the QR code on the cover.

Parsippany-Troy Hills, a thriving township in New Jersey, has witnessed a striking shift in its entertainment culture over the decades. From the days of community-centric movie theaters and live shows to a present driven by digital streaming and online engagement, the landscape has experienced remarkable transformation. This article delves into each element of that evolution—laying out the statistics, names, and real-world implications of how Parsippany’s residents have navigated from analog charm to digital dynamism.

The Golden Era of Parsippany’s Local Theaters

For much of the 20th century, Parsippany’s social life orbited around its neighborhood theaters. One of the most beloved was the Parsippany Playhouse, a venue that seated over 150 and frequently hosted plays, recitals, and community productions. By the late 1980s, the town had three operational movie theaters within a ten-mile radius, with a collective seating capacity of 1,100. These venues were not just entertainment hubs—they were cultural centers, where families, students, and older residents gathered week after week.

Transition to Multiplexes and Regional Cinemas

As the 1990s approached, multiplexes in surrounding areas like Rockaway and East Hanover began to draw Parsippany residents. AMC Rockaway 16 opened in 1999, bringing in digital projection and surround sound, outclassing local theaters in both scale and tech. It featured 3,400 total seats and quickly became the go-to option for film premieres. By 2005, only one small-screen theater remained operational within Parsippany itself, prompting many to lament the disappearance of locally-owned cinema.

The Streaming Boom’s Impact on Viewing Habits

Netflix entered the scene in Parsippany households around 2009, and within five years, over 72% of homes with broadband had at least one streaming subscription. Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+ followed, making in-home viewing the primary form of cinematic entertainment. A 2022 township survey found that 84% of adults under 40 in Parsippany now prefer watching new movie releases at home rather than in a theater, citing convenience and cost. This shift marks a definitive departure from the collective experience of moviegoing.

The Rise of Mobile Entertainment and App Integration

The 2010s ushered in an era where content consumption became 24/7. Parsippany residents averaged 3.7 hours of mobile screen time per day in 2023, up from just 1.9 hours a decade prior. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram became entertainment staples. More than 60% of teens in Parsippany report using mobile apps as their primary source for watching videos, overtaking TV by 2019. This explosion in mobile-based content reshaped not just what people watched, but how and when they consumed it.

Online Gaming and Virtual Socialization

Online gaming is another realm that has reshaped Parsippany’s entertainment landscape. Between 2018 and 2024, the number of households with at least one online gamer rose by 47%. Platforms like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network have turned gaming into a social activity. Games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft are now common topics among Parsippany youth, replacing conversations about sports or movies. A local 2023 high school poll showed 76% of students play multiplayer games weekly, illustrating just how embedded gaming has become.

The Integration of Digital Sports Betting

With the legalization of online sports betting in New Jersey in 2018, Parsippany saw an immediate uptick in participation. By 2024, more than 11% of adult residents placed bets online during major events like the Super Bowl and March Madness. As digital platforms gain popularity, many residents are exploring online entertainment options. For those interested in sports betting, utilizing a BetMGM bonus code can enhance the experience by offering promotional benefits to new users. Sports viewership increased by 38% locally during 2023, heavily influenced by interactive betting apps and personalized odds notifications.

Social Media’s Dominance in Daily Leisure

From Facebook groups to trending TikTok clips, social media is no longer a supplementary tool—it is central to Parsippany’s leisure. According to a township analytics report, over 89% of adults in Parsippany use at least two social platforms daily. Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have become primary forms of entertainment for users under 35. Residents also credit platforms like Reddit and Discord for fostering hyperlocal communities centered around niche hobbies, television shows, and tech trends.

Virtual Events and Local Content Creators

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit 2020, Parsippany’s local arts community quickly adapted by hosting digital events. The Parsippany Arts Council saw over 5,000 virtual attendees across eight online showcases in 2021. Musicians, podcasters, and YouTubers emerged from the area with increasing digital clout. One example is Parsippany native Jason Liu, whose YouTube tech review channel surpassed 300,000 subscribers by late 2023. These local creators are shaping a new type of grassroots entertainment that blends accessibility with homegrown flair.

The Role of Subscription Services in Daily Routines

Over 67% of Parsippany households now pay for at least three entertainment subscriptions. Bundled packages like Hulu + Disney+ + ESPN+ have become the norm, offering content across genres from children’s programming to international sports. Spotify Premium and Apple Music are also prevalent, with township residents streaming an average of 14.5 hours of music weekly. This on-demand ecosystem has allowed residents to tailor their daily routines around personalized content without waiting for scheduled programming.

Economic and Cultural Implications

The evolution from local theaters to digital platforms has not come without consequences. The closure of community venues led to a 12% drop in part-time employment in the local arts sector between 2000 and 2020. At the same time, residents have gained access to global cinema, multilingual content, and real-time sports from international leagues. While this global integration expands cultural horizons, it also creates tension with preserving Parsippany’s local identity, especially for older residents accustomed to community-focused entertainment.

What the Future Holds for Parsippany Entertainment

Looking ahead, Parsippany appears poised for a hybrid entertainment future—one where community events merge with digital interactivity. Concepts like augmented reality art walks, drive-in movie reinventions, and mobile-based local scavenger hunts are being discussed by local officials and entrepreneurs. The township library is even exploring a VR program for seniors. This blend of innovation and accessibility could offer the next chapter in Parsippany’s dynamic entertainment evolution—one that respects the past while embracing the future.

This comprehensive look at Parsippany-Troy Hills’ entertainment evolution underscores a deeper narrative—one of adaptation, modernization, and communal reinvention. As digital platforms continue to grow, so too does the town’s appetite for progressive, tech-infused cultural experiences

PARSIPPANY — Sanjana Medapati, a dedicated senior at The Academy for Mathematics, Science & Engineering, is turning her admiration for our nation’s service members into a heartfelt community initiative. Inspired by her brother attending the U.S. Military Academy, Sanjana has developed a deep respect for the commitment and sacrifices made by those in uniform.

As part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Sanjana is leading an effort to honor local veterans by creating and displaying banners celebrating their service. The banners will proudly feature each veteran’s name, branch of service, and years of duty as a lasting tribute to the brave individuals who have defended our country.

“These banners are a way to recognize the incredible sacrifices veterans have made,” said Sanjana. “It’s important that we, as a community, never forget their contributions and continue to honor their legacy.”

Sanjana is currently seeking submissions from the community. If you have a veteran in your family or know someone from Parsippany who deserves recognition, you can complete the form by clicking here.

“By sharing their stories, we can ensure that their dedication is remembered by all who see these banners,” she added.

Sanjana extends her gratitude to everyone supporting this initiative and invites residents to join her in showing appreciation for our veterans. With the community’s help, this project aims to provide public, meaningful recognition to those who have served.

For more information or to submit a veteran for recognition, click here to complete the form.

PARSIPPANY — Voters in Parsippany-Troy Hills cast their ballots in the 2025 primary election to nominate candidates for two open seats on the Township Council. In a competitive race, Democratic candidates emerged with the highest vote totals, setting the stage for the general election in November.

Democratic Candidates – Top Vote-Getters:

• Matt Kavanagh – 3,290 votes
• Diya Patel – 3,255 votes

Republican Candidates:

• Frank Neglia – 2,989 votes
• Jigar Shah – 2,451 votes
• John Bielen – 2,441 votes
• Kaushik (Casey) Parikh – 2,233 votes

The top two candidates from each party will advance to the general election in November. Democrats Kavanagh and Patel will face Republicans Neglia and Shah.

PARSIPPANY—The 2025 Primary Election results for the Parsippany-Troy Hills mayoral race have been reported. Pulkit Desai emerged as the Democratic candidate, and incumbent Mayor James R. Barberio secured more votes than fellow Republican challenger Justin Musella.

Official Primary Vote Totals:

• Pulkit Desai (Democrat) – 3,412 votes
• James R. Barberio (Republican) – 3,166 votes
• Justin Musella (Republican) – 2,581 votes

In Morris County, voter turnout for the election was 23.73%, with 90,131 ballots cast out of 379,744 registered voters.

Desai will face off against the Republican nominee, Barberio, in the November General Election.

PARSIPPANY — The Board of Trustees of The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms—Gustav Stickley’s early 20th-century historic home—announced today that Executive Director Vonda K. Givens will conclude seventeen years of service to the organization with a celebratory sendoff at the museum’s annual autumn fundraiser on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

A search committee has begun selecting the museum’s next Executive Director. Before departing to embrace new career opportunities, Ms. Givens will remain in her role through the fall and will work closely with the Board and staff to ensure a smooth transition. Further details about the search are located on the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms website, which can be accessed by clicking here.

“Vonda has been a visionary and resilient leader,” said Barbara Weiskittel, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “First as Education Director, and then over the past ten years as Executive Director, she has guided the museum with creativity, dedication, and strength—especially during some of our most challenging moments. From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, which shuttered in-person operations, to leading the construction of a new education center and overseeing the rebuilding of the Annex, following Tropical Storm Isaias, Vonda’s leadership has been both steadfast and inspiring.”

Ms. Weiskittel continued, “Under Vonda’s direction, the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms saw significant advancement as a museum and achieved major strides in restoring Craftsman Farms, a National Historic Landmark. She also fostered deeper community engagement and built a dedicated, professional team. Her work consistently reflected the values Gustav Stickley championed in his craftsmanship—honesty, integrity, and a commitment to enhancing family and community life.”

“Vonda leaves a lasting legacy at The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms,” Ms. Weiskittel concluded. “While we will deeply miss her, we wholeheartedly support her decision and look forward to seeing her next chapter unfold. In her tenure at the museum, Vonda has well positioned us to address the opportunities and challenges of our future.”

The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, Inc. (SMCF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of New Jersey. Established in 1989, it was formerly named The Craftsman Farms Foundation, Inc. Craftsman Farms, the former home of noted designer Gustav Stickley, is owned by the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills and is operated by The Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms, Inc., (“SMCF”) (formerly known as The Craftsman Farms Foundation, Inc.). SMCF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization incorporated in New Jersey. Restoration of the National Historic Landmark, Craftsman Farms, is made possible, in part, by a Save America’s Treasures Grant administered by the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior, and by support from the Morris County Historic Preservation Trust, the New Jersey Historic Trust, and individual donors. SMCF received an operating support grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, and a grant from the New Jersey Arts & Culture Recovery Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation. Educational programs are funded, in part, by grants from the Arts & Crafts Research Fund.

HANOVER — Cub Scout Packs 40 and 142 are holding a Fishing Derby at Malapardis Park in Cedar Knolls on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Cub Scouts is a family-oriented, youth program for K-5 boys and girls that develops character and leadership through outdoor activities and community involvement.

If you would like to learn about Cub Scouts, please join us. You can bring your own equipment or make a bamboo rod here. For more information, please contact Matt Panek at [email protected]’t hesitate to get in touch with Matt Panek.

PARSIPPANY — Members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Literature Group recently had the pleasure of meeting Parsippany author Brian Bothe, who writes under the pen name Jack Torrance, for an engaging discussion about his debut novel, The Silent Canvas.

The book, a dark romance psychological thriller, is Bothe’s first published work and has already sparked interest among local readers for its gripping narrative and emotional complexity. During the meeting, Bothe shared insights into his writing process, the inspiration behind his characters, and what it takes to bring a story from concept to publication.

“It was a pleasure meeting him and getting a glimpse into his mind and creative journey,” said one club member. “It’s inspiring to see such talent come from our own community.”

Club members received signed copies of The Silent Canvas and expressed their enthusiasm for Bothe’s future projects. The Woman’s Club looks forward to following his career and hopes to read more from this rising local talent.

General Meetings occur on the fourth Monday from September through April at 6:30 p.m. Those interested in learning more about the club’s activities are encouraged to contact Ginny at 973-887-0336, visit the club’s website by clicking here, email [email protected], or follow the club on Facebook and Instagram.