MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has officially designated Saturday, November 30, adopting a special resolution to observe Small Business Saturday, recognizing the essential role small businesses play in driving the county’s economy and enhancing the overall quality of life for our communities.

Small Business Saturday®, launched by American Express on November 27, 2010, has evolved into a national movement encouraging holiday shoppers to patronize local businesses. This year marks the 15th annual event.

“In Morris County, small businesses are vital to our communities, serving as the backbone of our local economies,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers. “We are proud to have helped many of them after the pandemic through a Small Business Grant program that issued nearly $11 million in aid in 2022, and we continue to invest in marketing campaigns to drive visitors and tourists to our many downtown shopping areas. Small businesses are indispensable to our county’s economic strength and quality of life.”

Small businesses also are a cornerstone of the U.S. economy.  According to a July 2024 report by the U.S. Small Business Administration, there are 34.7 million small businesses nationwide, representing 99.9% of all businesses and employing nearly 59 million people. These businesses have created more than 20 million net new jobs since 1995.

“We support several key resources that help to drive our area’s growth,” said Commissioner Tayfun Selen, liaison to the Morris County Economic Development Committee. “The work of organizations such as the Morris County Economic Development Alliance, Morris County Tourism Bureau, Morris County Economic Development Corporation, and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce are crucial to growing local businesses in our community.”

This year, the Morris County Economic Development Alliance has partnered with American Express as an official community partner for Small Business Saturday®. The partnership reinforces Morris County’s commitment to fostering local business growth by encouraging residents to Shop Small® and support the unique character of the county’s small business community.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, driving innovation, creating jobs, and enriching the fabric of Parsippany. By supporting them, especially on Small Business Saturday, we strengthen our local economy and preserve the unique character that makes our county a truly special place to live and thrive,” said Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development.

“We’re proud to support Small Business Saturday and celebrate the many small businesses that give Morris County its unique charm,” said Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. “We invite everyone to use our online business directory, a year-round resource to discover and support local businesses throughout the county.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to support small businesses throughout the holiday season. “Shopping small” not only bolsters the local economy but also preserves the charm and character that makes Morris County a special place to live, work, and raise a family.

The final paragraph of the resolution reads:

“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that the Board of County Commissioners of the County of Morris and State of New Jersey, in recognition of the crucial role small businesses play in our economy and quality of life in Morris County, hereby proclaims November 30, to be “Small Business Saturday 2024” and urges communities across the nation to “Shop Small®” not only on that day, but throughout the year.”

For more information about “shopping small” in Morris County, visit the Morris County Tourism website

PARSIPPANY — On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving the Sons of Italy-Lodge 2561’s President Joe Jannarone Jr., along with a couple of eager volunteers, began the Lodge’s traditional gift-giving of full Thanksgiving dinners to assist those in need in the community. The Lodge, known for its charitable donations to many local community causes, gets great satisfaction in knowing that it has brightened many holiday gatherings with their efforts.

Early in the day, the volunteers gathered at Parsippany’s Shop Rite to start packing their vehicles with boxes and boxes of “Holiday Turkey Kits” and pies. The kits, comprised of an oven-ready, frozen, 14-pound Butterball Fully Cooked Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Holiday Stuffing, and a Green Bean Casserole. And of course, a full Apple Pie for dessert; all providing a hearty, nutritious, and enjoyable Thanksgiving dinner. 

The first stop was at the Parsippany Child Day Care Center, where they were happily greeted by the center’s Executive Director, Linda Mlynarski, who oversees the distribution of the dinners. From there Lodge President Jannarone Jr. personally drops off the remaining dinners to individual homes who may have trouble picking them up on their own for various reasons.

All in all, there were 32 boxes of full dinners, 32 pies, and $2500.00 in Shop Rite gift cards distributed throughout the day.  Plans are already underway by the Lodge for a similar charitable giveaway project for Christmas.

The Lodge, a charitable, non-profit organization committed to serving the community, would like to wish everyone a happy healthy holiday season! 

Parsippany is known for its strong sense of community and the network of faith-based organizations that also provide a strong basis of support to its residents. The institutions provide spiritual guidance and resources, which are very useful to families, individuals, and vulnerable groups. From charity events to community outreach, the role of faith-based organizations in Parsippany has remained strong for years. 

Nonetheless, as would be the case with several locations within New Jersey, these institutions often face challenges in earning the trust and confidence of the communities they are serving.

The Role of Faith-Based Organizations in Parsippany

Faith-based organizations have formed the cornerstone of Parsippany for quite a while. Local churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples act not only as a spiritual service but also provide an atmosphere of supportiveness and inclusion, a sense of community reach-out. A great number of them run a variety of programs that address both spiritual and material needs, such as the food bank, homeless shelters, and educational programs.

For instance, the local churches in Parsippany hold food drives and clothing donations on a regular basis to help less fortunate families. During the holidays, these faith-based centers typically hold toy and community meal drives to ensure that all are included in the holiday celebrations. Programs such as these show ways in which faith-based service providers might have a positive effect on the local community by offering a safety net to those who may be having less-than-easy times.

Community Outreach and Support Programmes

One of the very strong aspects of faith-based initiatives in Parsippany emanates from outreach and support services. Most of them provide counseling for families, mentorship programs for youth, and health clinics for those in need. Many residents find these initiatives very important in seeking guidance, personal growth, and community.

Most importantly, youth programs become significant parts of any outreach effort within the locality. Many after-school programs are held in churches and synagogues in Parsippany, such as summer camps and workshops, which help Children and teens learn important life skills and build self-esteem among their peers in a safe and supportive environment.

Similarly, local mosques and temples have contributed to the interfaith dialogue by coming up with different communities that discuss common values and work on mutual interests. This has helped bridge cultural gaps, making understanding possible so that Parsippany can stay as friendly as it is for all.

Challenges to Religious Institutions

Despite various pros associated with faith-based organizations, there is still a long way to go before challenges clear out. Community trust forms one of the major obstacles to which religious institutions are increasingly being prone, not only within Parsippany but within the wider New Jersey and even further to the country. Clergy abuse cases have been a highly popular concern for the last few decades and have brought attention to a more overarching conversation regarding transparency and accountability of religious organization leadership.

While such cases may not have had any direct impact on the local institutions of Parsippany, the statewide and national reverberations have indeed made many community members revisit their relations with these religious organizations. These challenges do raise a very important issue about how important it is to make sure faith-based organizations are run appropriately and are open with the communities they work with. 

Over the years, many of Parsippany’s churches, mosques, and synagogues have been hard at work to regain trust with much better safeguarding in place, increasing openness within their operations, and fostering better dialogue between themselves and others. This invites community members into an important conversation, that religious communities will remain a place where people should feel safe to worship, be supported, and give back to others.

How Residents Can Support Faith-Based Organizations

Yet despite these difficulties, there are ways in which the Parsippany community could continue to support faith-based programs so that they would remain a constructive influence in the community. The most constructive avenue of contributing to a difference would involve volunteering. A great number of religious organizations rely on the dedication and hours of their volunteers to conduct programs and services for the benefit of all the members of the community.

Such basic acts, whether it be helping at a local food bank, mentoring youth, or being there to help with community events, can combine to strengthen the bond between faith-based organizations and the citizens they serve.

Equally important, it is financially vital. Donations to the local churches, mosques, synagogues, and other religious establishments open up avenues for these entities to be sufficiently resourced to keep their various programs and outreach running. Even relatively minor contributions can mean the difference between such organizations being able to continue their important work.

Community events supporting faith-based institutions in Parsippany are another great approach. Most of these organizations have cultural, charitable and even sporting events that draw people together. Such gatherings enable residents to learn more about the good work their local religious institutions do and offer an opportunity to form friendships among fellow community members.

Looking Ahead: What’s Coming for Faith-Based Organizations in Parsippany 

These faith-based institutions will continue to remain very vibrant in the social fabric that is Parsippany, as times and activities may command. What is offered by these institutions go beyond spiritual guidance; they build a support network that may help anyone or a family in need. Their success, though, shall be pegged on continuous involvement and community support if these are to continue to thrive. 

New Jersey is a wonderful place to live. Whether you enjoy beachside views or rich autumn leaves, there’s scenery to enjoy for everyone. The job market and economy are thriving, and its connection to major metros like New York City and Philadelphia adds plenty of conveniences, jobs, and amenities. However, New Jersey has a small problem with housing costs due to the popularity of the Garden State. What can prospective buyers do to lower the intimidating price tag of a new home?

Don’t Wait for Price Drops

New Jersey is notorious for its high costs of living, including property taxes. New Jersey has recently seen a 6.2% increase in median property prices, but that doesn’t mean you should wait for it to plunge, as it likely won’t. While prices may fluctuate during certain months or years, you’ll be waiting forever if you’re waiting for a significant price drop.

Lower Your Interest Rate

If you can save up for a decent down payment, you can buy down your interest rate. You’ll pay off your mortgage sooner and have lower monthly payments when you buy down an interest rate. While your home’s price tag won’t change, the lower interest rate will significantly improve the health of your loan. It works by paying for mortgage points that lower the rate by around 0.25% at a time. A mortgage point is usually around 1% of the home’s purchase price. However, these rates may vary per lender or loan.

Take Advantage of Loan Programs

Many government programs aim to help make housing more affordable. FHA (Federal Housing Administration) and USDA (US Department of Agriculture) loans are meant to provide attractive loan terms for families with lower incomes or in rural areas, respectively. There are lower credit score requirements with FHA loans, making homeownership more accessible, even in New Jersey. USDA will require you to live in less populated (rural) areas of New Jersey, but you can cut housing costs significantly. New Jersey also offers down payment assistance programs for first-time homebuyers that can help lower the cost of your mortgage.

Consider a Mild Fixer-Upper

A brand new or turnkey home is going to cost you more for the convenience. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you may want to consider a fixer-upper to cut on housing costs. Renovation costs in New Jersey will likely cost less than a brand-new home, depending on what work needs to be done. Don’t buy a money pit, but it doesn’t have to be turnkey right off the bat. Get homes inspected and obtain estimates before you commit to an older or fixer-upper home.

Build Your Own

In most cases, building your own home through a construction company costs more than buying an existing home. However, you should talk to some construction companies before making a decision. Some builders will offer attractive interest rates or discounts for new builds that you may not receive with existing homes. Compare the costs of all your options; you may be surprised.

Go Modular

Many people confuse modular homes with manufactured homes, as both construction processes can occur offsite. However, manufactured homes are built entirely in warehouses and only adhere to national government Housing and Urban Development (HUD) codes. Modular homes are constructed partially offsite and then completed onsite. For added safety, modular homes must adhere to all regional housing codes, including local New Jersey codes. Modular homes are much cheaper to buy or build than traditional construction, as the offsite labor is easier and quicker. Therefore, they’re much safer and sturdier than manufactured or mobile homes. Modular homes may be a great option to cut housing costs.

Find a Good Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent does far more than look at house listings for you. A great agent will vouch for you and engage in competitive offer battles on your behalf. They’ll know when to double down on a home price and when to back away. Your agent can save you a lot of money on a home and will know when and how to ask for a lower price effectively. 

Browse in the Winter

Winter is not a popular time for real estate; it’s cold, and many holidays interfere with buyer and seller plans. Those who list their home for sale during the winter are likely desperate to get it out of their hands, so you may be able to snag a good deal. Consider browsing listings with your agent during the wintertime.

Find a Small Town

It may be convenient and ideal to live right next to the George Washington Bridge to New York, but you’re going to pay top dollar for it. Many beautiful, quaint, smaller towns will cut your housing costs nearly in half. Towns and cities like Parsippany, Cranbury, and Princeton aren’t major urban hubs but offer many amenities and housing options.

Townhomes or Condos

If you aren’t picky about the type of home you move into, you may want to consider a condo or townhome. These homes can be smaller, and you’ll live in a community close to neighbors. However, you will see cheaper prices compared to single-family homes. If you’re sensitive to loud or close neighbors, it may not be the right choice for you. Check out townhomes and condos in your area before making a final decision.

Conclusion

The cost of housing remains one of the only downsides to living in The Garden State. However, you can lower the costs more easily than one may think. Sometimes, all you need is a great real estate agent and a strike of luck. You can also strategically plan to cut costs with options like modular construction or smaller-town life. 

PARSIPPANY— Parsippany locals enjoyed an engaging and personal afternoon with gubernatorial candidate Jon Bramnick during a meet and greet hosted by Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella at Elmas Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine. The event, held on November 24th offered residents a chance to connect directly with Bramnick, known statewide for his personable demeanor, quick wit, and strong political leadership.

Jon Bramnick, often referred to as “New Jersey’s Funniest Lawyer” for his celebrated sense of humor, is a serious advocate for meaningful change in New Jersey. As a former Assembly Minority Leader, Bramnick has built a reputation for promoting bipartisanship and addressing the critical issues facing the state, including lowering property taxes, improving infrastructure, and fostering economic growth.

The afternoon at Elmas reflected Bramnick’s commitment to grassroots engagement. He greeted every single attendee, making a point to listen to their concerns and share his vision for a better New Jersey. His personal touch left a strong impression on the residents who attended.

“Jon Bramnick exemplifies what it means to be a leader who listens,” said Councilman Justin Musella, who hosted the event. “He greeted every single person in attendance, making everyone feel heard and valued. That kind of connection is exactly what New Jersey needs from its next governor.”

Elmas Turkish & Mediterranean Cuisine, located on Route 46, provided the perfect setting for the community gathering. The intimate atmosphere and warm hospitality matched Bramnick’s approachable style, encouraging open dialogue between the candidate and attendees.

During the event, Bramnick addressed a range of issues, from easing the tax burden on middle-class families to supporting small businesses and enhancing public safety. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in government, pledging to prioritize the needs of everyday New Jerseyans if elected.

The event showcased Bramnick’s ability to connect with voters on a personal level, reinforcing his campaign’s focus on building trust and tackling the challenges facing the Garden State.

For more information about Jon Bramnick’s campaign and upcoming events, visit bramnickforgovernor.com

PARSIPPANY — It’s heartening to see community members like Len Oppenberg of Victory Pest Solutions making a positive impact through their generous donation to the Parsippany Food Pantry, helping local families in need.

The Parsippany Food Pantry is vital in supporting local families in need, and contributions from individuals and businesses are essential to its mission.

The pantry is located at 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha, and operates Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Parsippany Food Pantry welcomes donations of non-perishable food items, household goods, and supermarket gift cards. Canned fruits, vegetables, meats, pasta, rice, and personal care products are always appreciated.

Donations can be dropped off during operating hours. For more information, contact the pantry at (973) 263-7160.

Every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to the well-being of our community. Thank you, Len, and all who support the Parsippany Food Pantry, for your generosity and commitment to helping others.

PARSIPPANY –- The Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) is proud to have partnered with the Center for Family Services for their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, helping to ensure families in need can enjoy a warm meal this holiday season. This community-driven initiative was made even more impactful through the generosity of our exclusive partner, Chick-fil-A, who donated five pounds of food to the drive.

“Our mission at Chick-fil-A extends beyond serving great food; it’s about being a positive force in the communities we serve,” said Charlie Atie, owner and operator of Chick-fil-A. “We’re honored to partner with the Parsippany PAL to help support the Center for Family Services and bring joy to families during the Thanksgiving season.”

The Parsippany PAL is deeply committed to fostering community and giving back, especially during the holidays.

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this food drive,” said Tom Bushnauskas, Executive Director of the Parsippany PAL. “This collaboration underscores the power of community partnerships and the generosity of organizations like Chick-fil-A. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for families in need.”

For more information about the Parsippany PAL and how you can get involved in our community initiatives, click here.

About Parsippany PAL:
The Parsippany Police Athletic League is dedicated to providing youth programs, community events, and resources that strengthen the bonds between residents and public safety officials in Parsippany.

About Chick-fil-A Parsippany:
Chick-fil-A Parsippany, operated by Charlie Atie, is committed to serving the community with exceptional hospitality and actively supporting local causes.

Dear Editor:

Since being elected to the Parsippany Board of Education in 2014, I have been committed to advocating for our taxpayers and schoolchildren. Over the past year, this advocacy has led me to speak out at numerous town council meetings, raising concerns about Mayor James Barberio’s unfunded residential development PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) programs that I believe are putting our town in financial jeopardy.

Every time I speak, I start with a necessary disclaimer:

“The following statements are made in my capacity as a private citizen, not as a member of the Board of Education. These statements do not represent the Board or its members and solely reflect my personal opinions.”

This disclaimer is not a choice; it is a legal and ethical requirement under the School Ethics Act (N.J.S.A. 18A:12-21 et seq.).

But instead of engaging with the issues at hand, Mayor Barberio loves to mock this ethical practice, often quipping that he is “a mayor 24/7” and does not need to bother with disclaimers. It’s a clever little distraction that lets him avoid addressing legitimate questions about his controversial policies—questions about unfunded residential PILOT programs, Board of Education audits, and other hot-button issues.

This isn’t just a problem for me. Anyone who dares to question the mayor or voice an opinion he doesn’t like is met with disdain, ridicule, and a seat on his “enemies list.” Instead of responding with facts or accountability, he resorts to insults and theatrics, treating taxpayers who disagree with him as nuisances rather than as the people he is supposed to serve.

It is hard not to laugh at the irony of hearing the word ethics in the same sentence as “Mayor” lately, but the joke isn’t funny when you consider the damage his policies—and his divisive leadership style—are doing to our community. While he is busy making snide remarks, the rest of us are left picking up the pieces of a town burdened by his unfunded programs and lack of transparency.

Parsippany deserves better. We need leaders who answer tough questions, respect dissenting voices, and work to bring people together instead of tearing them down. Until then, I will keep showing up, making my disclaimers, and fighting for the taxpayers and children of this town—whether the mayor likes it or not.

In service to Parsippany,
Tim Berrios

The statements are made in my capacity as a private citizen, not as a member of the Board of Education. These statements do not represent the Board or its members and solely reflect my personal opinions.