MORRIS COUNTY — To accelerate the rollout of federally compliant REAL ID driver licenses, Governor Phil Murphy and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) Acting Chief Administrator Latrecia Littles-Floyd announced the launch of “REAL ID Tuesdays” — a new initiative to offer additional appointments at MVC licensing centers every other Tuesday, beginning May 20.

The program comes as the federal government prepares to enforce the REAL ID requirement starting May 7. Individuals will need a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of federally approved identification—such as a U.S. passport—to board domestic flights or enter federal facilities.

To help meet the increased demand, the NJMVC will add approximately 5,200 new appointments every two weeks. Beginning May 5, these appointment slots will be available for booking through the MVC’s online scheduler.

“REAL ID Tuesdays” is part of the state’s push to meet federal compliance standards. According to a recent CBS News analysis, New Jersey ranks last among all 50 states in terms of REAL ID adoption, with only 17% of residents having obtained one. Officials believe the state’s high rate of passport holders—79% of residents currently hold a valid U.S. passport, the highest percentage in the nation—may explain the slower adoption of REAL ID licenses.

The cost to upgrade a standard license to a REAL ID is $35.00, compared to the regular $24 fee. The upgrade can be made at the time of renewal, and the license’s expiration date does not change.

William Connolly, spokesperson for NJMVC, noted, “The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has been working non-stop to help as many eligible New Jerseyans as possible obtain a REAL ID. We issue about 23,000 REAL IDs weekly and remain focused on ensuring access and efficiency.”

To obtain a REAL ID, individuals must make an appointment at a licensing center and bring the following:

• Proof of Identity: U.S. birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization
• Proof of Social Security: Social security card, recent W-2, or pay stub with full name and SSN
• Proof of Residency (2 documents): Valid NJ license/ID, recent utility bill, credit card bill, or IRS correspondence
• 6 Points of ID: Standard MVC identity verification documentation

The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission Report, was designed to enhance the security of state-issued identification documents.

New Jersey residents are encouraged to schedule appointments early, as demand is expected to increase significantly before the May 7 enforcement date. Click here for full details and to book your appointment.

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, April 26, the Parsippany PAL building was filled with devotion, joy, and spiritual significance as nearly 300 devotees gathered to celebrate the Sita Rama Kalyanam, the celestial wedding of Lord Rama and Sita.

The ceremony was led with deep spiritual insight by His Holiness Sri Krishna Desika Jeyar Swamiji of Shri Ranganatha Temple in Pomona, New York. Swamiji provided an enlightening commentary on the Sri Sita Kalyanam and the Valmiki Ramayanam, engaging attendees with detailed explanations and answering questions from participants eager to learn more about the epic and its meanings.

The event was graciously hosted and sponsored by Dr. Trivikrama Bhanoji Reddy and his wife Suneetha. Dr. Reddy, a respected Parsippany resident, serves as a Senior Staff Engineer at Becton Dickinson and an Adjunct Professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Mayor James Barberio attended the celebration and addressed the gathering, offering remarks that highlighted the spirit of brotherhood and diversity within the Parsippany community.

A central part of the celebration was the Vedic Kanya Daanam ritual, performed by approximately 70 couples, symbolizing the sacred union of the individual soul (Sita) with the Supreme Self (Rama). The Sita Rama Kalyanam holds deep religious significance and is revered as a celebration of ideal marriage, harmony, and divine love. It is believed to bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to all who witness and participate.

Dr. Reddy offered his heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, volunteers, and the priests and management of the Pomona temple. He extended special thanks and namaskaras to His Holiness Sri Krishna Desika Jeyar Swamiji for his blessings, and to Mayor Barberio and his team for their support.

The evening concluded with a delicious prasadam dinner, shared among all participants in a spirit of unity and devotion.

Dear Editor:

I am sharing a deeply troubling and time-sensitive situation regarding the abrupt closure of Saint Peter’s Orphanage in Denville. This therapeutic residential facility has served adolescent boys in crisis for more than 160 years.

Although a nonprofit, Saint Peter’s contracts with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) through the Children’s System of Care to provide residential treatment for vulnerable youth referred by the state. Many of our residents are developmentally disabled, rely on psychotropic medications, and have experienced severe trauma.

On April 4, 2025, the Board President informed staff that the orphanage would permanently close on May 1. This decision was made without any consultation with staff, residents, their schools, or state partners. Following an outcry, a brief extension to June 15 was granted, but from a clinical standpoint, this timeline remains dangerously inadequate and disruptive to the well-being of our residents.

There was no transparency or effort to explore fiscally responsible alternatives or long-term solutions.

The public deserves to know, and these young men deserve to be heard.
A petition to raise awareness and support has already been launched and can be viewed here.

Deon Hickson

PARSIPPANY — Families from Parsippany and surrounding areas are invited to ignite their children’s imaginations at the Career Carnival for Kids “All Careers Tour”, making a stop at the Parsippany Library on Tuesday, May 13, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 449 Halsey Road.

This free, interactive event is ideal for children ages 8 to 14, though kids of all ages are welcome to attend.

Why You Should Attend:

• Meet inspiring Career Guides who will share firsthand insights into their fields and the passion behind their professions.
• Explore real-world careers in Healthcare, Banking, Public Safety, STEM, and more.
• Enjoy hands-on activities, games, and exciting giveaways that make learning about jobs fun and memorable.

The event is proudly supported by Career Trailblazers including Atlantic Health System Goryeb Children’s Hospital, Weis Markets, Code Ninjas of Denville, and Pathfinders such as AIA Epic, Visions Federal Credit Union, and Bright Beginnings Mentoring.

Special thanks to the event host: Parsippany Library.

Registration is encouraged through Eventbrite, but walk-ins are always welcome!

PARSIPPANY — On April 25, a new chapter in community wellness began with the official opening of The Gathering Place, a Community Wellness Center located at 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 385, in Parsippany. Operated by the Mental Health Association, The Gathering Place offers a safe and welcoming environment for adults in Morris County who are facing mental health and substance use challenges.

The Center is designed to foster healing, connection, and personal growth through peer-led groups, support services, and meaningful opportunities for socialization. Its core mission is to combat loneliness and isolation by creating a space where everyone feels accepted, respected, and supported.

Mayor James Barberio joined local officials, staff, and community members in cutting the ceremonial ribbon, marking the center’s official opening. “Mental health is a priority, and it’s encouraging to see resources like this available here in Parsippany,” said Mayor Barberio. “This facility will make a real difference in the lives of many.”

“The Gathering Place fills a vital need in our community,” said Frank Cahill, Chairman of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee. “It’s not just a center—it’s a lifeline for so many who are navigating mental health and substance use challenges. We are proud to welcome them to Parsippany.”

Beyond mental health and addiction recovery, the Center also supports individuals coping with homelessness, chronic medical conditions, grief and loss, social isolation, and poverty. Through peer support and shared experience, The Gathering Place empowers individuals on their path to recovery and wellness.

The Center operates flexible hours throughout the week to accommodate various needs. Click here for more information, including services and hours of operation.

With the opening of The Gathering Place, Parsippany continues to strengthen its commitment to mental health awareness and support services for all.

PARSIPPANY — On the evening of Sunday, April 27, the Parsippany community came together in a powerful display of unity and mourning at Veterans Park, where a solemn Prayer Meeting and Vigil were held to honor the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India. The attack, which targeted non-Muslim civilians—primarily Hindus—sent shockwaves through the global community and left families in grief and disbelief.

The event, organized by the Hindu Forum of Morris County, drew approximately 350 residents, all standing in solidarity to condemn terrorism and offer prayers for the innocent lives lost. Candles were lit, flowers were presented, and hearts were heavy as the community paid tribute to the victims of senseless violence.

Sunil Hali, a member of the Kashmiri Hindu community whose family fled Kashmir in 1990, addressed the crowd with poignant remarks. He spoke of the enduring trauma experienced by Hindus in Kashmir, drawing parallels between the Pahalgam attack and past atrocities committed by Islamic terrorists supported by Pakistan. “This attack is a haunting reminder of what our families endured,” Hali said, “where non-Muslim men were hunted down and killed in front of their loved ones.”

In attendance were Mayor James Barberio, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilman Justin Musella, and Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, who joined community members in prayer and remembrance. Mayor Barberio expressed heartfelt sympathy and reaffirmed Parsippany’s commitment to peaceful coexistence. “Parsippany is a town where people of all faiths live together peacefully,” he said. “It is tragic that the same cannot be said for other parts of the world.”

The vigil concluded with a candlelight tribute, casting a glow of unity and compassion across Veterans Park. As silence fell over the gathering, the message was clear: the Parsippany community stands firmly against terror, hate, and fanaticism—in all its forms.

The Hindu Forum of Morris County expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, emphasizing a shared vision of a world where every individual, regardless of faith, can live without fear.

PARSIPPANY — Bird lovers and nature enthusiasts are invited to join Wildlife Preserves for a special guided Bird Walk on Saturday, May 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Troy Meadows Nature Preserve, located at 250 Troy Meadows Road in Parsippany. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, May 18.

Led by naturalist and bird enthusiast Will Jayne, who also serves as the Land Steward for Wildlife Preserves and the New Jersey Audubon Society, participants will explore the preserve during peak spring migration season. The walk will focus on identifying migrating birds by sight and sound, including bird calls and songs, and understanding their preferred habitats.

Troy Meadows, one of New Jersey’s most extensive freshwater marshes, offers a unique opportunity to observe various bird species as they travel north for the breeding season.

Registration is required for the event, which is limited to 25 participants. To register, click here.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with nature and learn from a leading New Jersey birding community expert.

Dear Editor:

We are still awaiting answers regarding the profound revelations about Jigar Shah’s past and the allegations of tampering with vote-by-mail ballots. Just today, I read a news alert about the Paterson City Council President now facing 5–10 years in prison for similar ballot tampering. These are not minor concerns — they strike at the very foundation of our democratic process, and they demand a clear and immediate response.

Why are Mr. Shah’s questionable ballot activities still overlooked while the Paterson politician is indicted? 

It confuses me that Mayor Barberio put on his slate a man who admitted to tampering with ballots in our not-too-distant past. I hoped that Mr. Shah would have used the opportunity for a debate to explain what happened, but he sadly declined. Why, Mayor Barberio, did you film a video with Mr. Shah encouraging people to return their vote by mail when his past is extremely shady? 

We, the people of Parsippany, deserve an explanation from either of them on what happened, as the Parsippany Focus reported:

I do not believe that any Republicans dedicated to election integrity can vote for Mayor Barberio, Mr. Neglia, or Shah until this is cleared up. For that reason, I encourage all Republicans to vote for Justin Musella for Mayor and John Bielen and Casey Parikh for Town Councilmen.

Barbara Mathews

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PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education will convene for a meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the Dr. Frank A. Calabria Education Center at 292 Parsippany Road.

The meeting will open with a Closed Session at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Regular Session at 6:30 p.m.

The agenda includes discussion and potential action on a variety of items, including:

• Personnel matters
• Award of bids
• Payment of bills
• Transfer of funds
• General business items

The Superintendent’s Bulletin outlines detailed updates and recommendations and is available for public review by clicking here.

Action may be taken on the listed topics as well as any additional matters that arise after the meeting notice is published and are added to the agenda.

Mrs. Robin Tedesco, Interim School Business Administrator and Board Secretary, issued the notice.

Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about decisions impacting the district’s schools and students.

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council will hold its Special Meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Town Hall. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Click here to download the agenda.

Purpose of Meeting:

• Review and Discussion of the Mayor’s 2025 Budget Recommendations.
• Formal action may or may not be taken.

Meeting Agenda Highlights:

• 5:30–5:45 p.m.: Administration & Finance – 2024 Budget Summary
• 5:45–6:15 p.m.: Police Department Budget Discussion
• 6:15–6:45 p.m.: Public Works, Parks, and Engineering Departments Budget Review
• 6:45–7:15 p.m.: Building Departments Budget Review
• 7:15–7:45 p.m.: Water Department Budget Review
• 7:45–8:15 p.m.: Sewer Department Budget Review
• 8:15–8:45 p.m.: Knoll Utility Budget Review

Dear Editor:

The Puddingstone Community Club (PCC) is hosting a mayoral debate on May 21, giving.
Parsippany residents have a vital chance to hear from the candidates. Yet, Mayor James Barberio has not responded, continuing his troubling pattern of avoiding public engagement.

Over the past four years, Mayor Barberio raised taxes by 22% and championed multiple
residential PILOT deals that hurt taxpayers and the Parsippany school district. When residents demanded answers, he and Councilman Frank Neglia dismissed their concerns and mocked them instead of listening.

On May 15, the League of Women Voters is hosting another debate, but Mayor Barberio has
stated he will only participate via Zoom. Is facing Republican voters in person too much to ask from someone seeking their support?

It does not stop there. Councilmen Frank Neglia and Jigar Shah are refusing to debate John
Bielen and Casey Parikh for the two open council seats. Neglia, a former Board of Education
president who knows how the school budget works, voted “yes” on every one of Barberio’s
PILOT programs—programs that benefit the mayor’s allies and their “connected” few.

Jigar Shah often highlights his contributions to Parsippany, yet he has chosen not to participate in the debate. This decision leaves residents questioning why he will not take the opportunity to engage directly with the community and defend his record.

To top it off, Councilman Neglia recently told the Daily Record, “Mayor Barberio, Jigar, and My team and I work together, and we all share the same vision for our great town.” He added, “Together, we agreed it would be best to have Mayor Barberio represent all of us.” This statement underscores their unwillingness to stand independently and defend their actions.

Meanwhile, Councilman Justin Musella is showing up and answering tough questions. He proves he cares about transparency and the issues that matter to residents, like taxes and town services.

If Mayor Barberio and his allies will not face the public now, why should we trust them to lead if re-elected? Republican voters deserve leaders who respect their concerns and are willing to engage openly.

Timothy P. Berrios