MORRIS COUNTY — Lakeland Hills Family YMCA and Saint Clare’s Hospital proudly announce a new community partnership that supports local families. Beginning in April, all new parents at Saint Clare’s Hospital will receive a special welcome gift as part of a new initiative called Oh Baby!

This marks the first of many collaborations between the two organizations, rooted in a shared commitment to improving community well-being and fostering connection among families. The Oh Baby! The program welcomes families beginning their parenting journey, reflecting the YMCA’s mission to nurture a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

“We are thrilled to partner with Saint Clare’s Hospital on this meaningful initiative,” said Alex Martinez, CEO of Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. “The Oh Baby! Program is just the beginning of how we work together to support families from day one, providing them with essentials and a connection to a caring community.”

The welcome gift includes helpful resources for new parents and information about YMCA programs and support systems designed to meet families where they are. This initiative is part of Y’s broader vision to strengthen communities and ensure everyone has access to opportunities to thrive.

As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities for over 175 years, the YMCA continues to expand inclusive, accessible, and equity-driven efforts. The Oh Baby! program is a local expression of that mission—one that celebrates new life and welcomes every family with care.

PARSIPPANY — What began as a quick walk to the store for a Parsippany mother turned into a life-altering tragedy on Monday, March 24, leaving a local family devastated and pleading for community support.

When the unthinkable happened, Jessica Cruz, a beloved wife and mother of two, walked from her home to a nearby business to pick up drinks for her family’s dinner. Without warning, she was struck by a vehicle that suddenly accelerated in reverse—jumping the curb, crossing the sidewalk, and crashing into the outdoor patio area of a local business.

According to witnesses, the driver had mistakenly left the vehicle in reverse after backing out of a parking spot. The car continued to accelerate backward, ultimately striking Jessica and pinning her against the building. She was pushed several feet before the impact left her trapped and critically injured. (Click here to read the story)

Jessica sustained a severely injured right arm and numerous other injuries. She now faces a long road to recovery, one that will include multiple surgeries, intense medical treatments, and round-the-clock care. She and her husband, Julio, are both unable to work as they focus on her recovery and the wellbeing of their two children, Matthew and Candida.

The family is now facing not only emotional trauma but also mounting financial stress. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and day-to-day expenses are beginning to pile up, adding to their already heavy burden.

Jessica’s family has launched a heartfelt plea to the community for support—whether through donations, spreading the word, or simply keeping Jessica and her family in their thoughts and prayers.

“Your generosity, no matter the size, will help ease the weight of this tragedy and bring hope to a family in desperate need,” her sibling shared. “Please consider helping Jessica, Julio, and their children as they fight through this difficult and uncertain time.”

For those wishing to contribute or learn more, click here.

Dear Editor:

Wow, what a Town Council Meeting!

First, I would like to say to all parties that I respect how this very divisive issue of “CENSURING” Councilman Justin Musella turned out. I appreciate the many people who came out to voice their opinions publicly with clarity and civility. I respect Councilman McGrath’s thoughtful and sensitive reaction to the testimony of our two neighbors who are active Police Officers in other jurisdictions.

Their procedural clarity resonated strongly with our sitting Councilmen, and I applaud our Town Council for finding a resolution that made sense to all parties. I do not know the names of those two Law Enforcement officers, but I would love them to get the recognition that their integrity and sense of fairness deserve.

We, the citizens of Parsippany, do not agree on all issues, but that seems OK. We should not have to agree to discuss challenging issues honestly and civilly. I ask our Town Council, when future challenging and time-consuming issues come to the fore, NOT to change the usual public speaking allowance from 5 minutes to 1 minute without at least a day of early warning. It sends a message of deep disrespect and causes deep distrust. Speaking only for myself, I prepared a statement that I timed and refined to 4 minutes and 17 seconds. With no prior warning, I found it very upsetting to only share a quarter of my thoughts, all of which I believed to be important, in 60 seconds. That council decision told me plainly that my elected officials did not care what I (and many others) thought about the important issues on the agenda. There was no hint of movement until our Law Enforcement Officer neighbors spoke. By allowing only 60 seconds to convey our thoughts and values, I, and many others, felt that the council members were telling the voters, “Our decision is made. We do not care what you think or say.” Please do not shoot yourselves in your sensitive places by not showing respect for your voters.

That being said, I am glad that our Council members and our entire citizenry can now return to the truly important issues of governance, municipal management, and how we each plan to vote in the near future.

Hank Heller
Parsippany

When the Nets upped sticks and headed for the bright lights of Brooklyn 13 years ago, many local hoops fans decided there was no point cheering on a team that wasn’t local anymore. For a while, the new New York team looked like it was going to succeed at a time when the Knicks were terrible. But the Nets have dipped in recent years, while the Knicks have soared. Even those fans in these parts who still like the Nets had very little to get excited about.

As the current NBA season ramps up to the postseason, it is becoming very clear that the Nets are unlikely to make it even to the play-in tournament. The Knicks, on the other hand, are looking good for a high seeding in the Eastern Conference playoffs and even have some of the best basketball betting apps suggesting a deep run is possible. The Nets fans still in Parsippany will already be looking ahead to next year.

Obviously, the NBA is the evenly balanced league, and it only takes a few years for a team to pick up a few good draft picks and trades to improve. But can the Nets start competing with the Knicks again? We might not have any local skin in the game these days but they are two of our nearest ball clubs and there are a lot of fans in the area. Is there any hope for the Nets?

The Current Situation

As we approach the end of the regular season, fans of the Nets and the Knicks are experiencing very different emotions. While Madison Square Garden is rocking and getting ready for a postseason that was already assured with over 15 games to go, things are a little quieter just over the Brooklyn Bridge.

With Boston and New York a long way out in front, the Nets are battling with the Raptors and the 76ers to avoid finishing bottom of the division. Tanking might be part of the plan, of course, but it does seem as if the Nets are trying to win games – even if they are not being too successful now.

The Plan

As we said, cynical NBA fans might think that the Nets could have done better by tanking and hoovering up some of the best young players through the draft lottery system. Trading Mikal Bridges—to the Knicks, no less—and sending others to the Rockets suggested that was the case, but it hasn’t been that straightforward.

Jordi Fernandez has actually done a pretty good job with the players he was left with and, although the W column doesn’t look very impressive, this is not a Nets team not bothered whether it wins or loses. This is just the beginning of the rebuild and the rest of the regular season will allow Fernandez to take a look at some of the younger players on the roster. Then he can plan ahead for next year when he will be hoping that he has some real star quality from the draft – or even a big player acquired from elsewhere.

No Guarantee of Success

The one thing that hoops fans sometimes forget when it comes to supposedly tanking to pick up the “next big thing”, is that there is no guarantee that it will come off. At the very best, a star rookie will steadily improve the team (and apparel and merchandise sales!). Take the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama as an example. San Antonio is only just beginning to compete again and probably won’t make the playoffs again this year.

The way the Nets have gone about the situation has probably been wise, even though the fans will be impatient. It only makes it worse for them that the Knicks have started to look like one of the best teams in the league in the last few years. Nets fans need to understand that rebuilding takes time and the process has to be respected.

Reasons to Hope

Even with the Nets habitually at the bottom of the Atlantic Division and facing the prospect of back-to-back playoff-less years, there is still some hope to be found. If Nets fans can forget about the Knicks for a moment, they might be able to see that they now have a very good coach who is doing pretty well, considering the circumstances.

After a spate of injuries that really didn’t help the situation, players like Cam Thomas and D’Angelo Russell have actually managed to be on the court at the same time. It remains to be seen whether either of them will be back next season, but if their relationship and understanding of each other’s game grows, it will be something to build on. The Nets have been one of the worst in the league on offense this season, and it is not difficult to understand why this team has lost over two-thirds of its games.

A Genuine New York Rivalry

That phrase might be a little fanciful at the moment. The rivalry between the two New York teams is anything but close right now. The gap between the Knicks and the Nets is probably as wide as it has been since the Nets left New Jersey. But that doesn’t mean the rivalry will not be re-ignited in the next few years.

The Nets look like they have a good coach now and some good young players to work with. There are a whole load of draft picks to use up, and Brooklyn can still be an attractive location for any star player disgruntled with his current situation. Add to that the fact that the Nets could bring in a (much-needed) top point guard through the draft or free agency, and it all adds up to the Nets vastly improving over the next few years. Hoops fans in this area might even soon think of cheering on the Nets again.

Dear Editor:

Well, well, well. What a night at the Parsippany Town Council meeting. Not even the Marx Brothers could have topped the inanity and shenanigans foisted on Parsippany residents by Council members Mr. Carifi, Mr. Neglia, and Mr. McGrath. The three of them got their arguments and rationale for a censure of Councilman Musella so twisted that even they finally realized that they had boxed themselves into a corner that they could neither explain nor justify. To his credit, Councilman McGrath offered up an escape hatch through which Mr. Carifi and Mr. Neglia happily retreated. Speaking of exits, Mayor Barberio, realizing that his latest political ploy was up, left the meeting stage before the Council vote, again displaying his propensity for running away when the going gets tough.    

To be sure, Mr. Musellla and the residents of Parsippany were the winners last evening. Hopefully, the issues facing Parsippany, including out-of-control development, skyrocketing taxes, and public safety, can become the focus of a public debate between Mr. Musella and the now-chastened Mayor Barberio. If and when Mr. Barberio agrees to the debate, be sure to bring your popcorn because it will be another show well worth watching.

Bob Crawford
Montville

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Recreation Department invites you to Visit with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 5th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Town Hall, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Children will have the chance to meet and greet the Easter Bunny, and parents are welcome to take pictures to capture the moment.

Each child will receive candy, so don’t forget to bring a basket or bag to hold your treats.

For more information, contact the Parsippany Recreation Department at (973) 263-7257 or email [email protected]. For details, visit www.parsippany.net.

PARSIPPANY — Joseph J. Jannarone, Sr., a man whose passion for trees, parks, and community service helped shape Parsippany’s landscape—and spirit—for more than three decades.

Jannarone, known affectionately by many as “Joe,” leaves behind a legacy rooted in green spaces, children’s laughter, and civic pride. He served as the first Director of Parks and Forestry for the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, a department he helped launch in 1972 and led until his retirement in 2003. He was responsible for creating or improving at least 18 of the township’s 31 parks during his tenure. His efforts earned Parsippany national recognition as a “Tree City USA,” a designation it continues to hold decades later.

“He does what he does not because it’s his job, but because he believes it’s the right thing to do,” said former Parsippany Mayor Jack Conway in a 2002 Daily Record feature named Jannarone a Morris MVP. “He loves that town. He understands, but he’s just a wonderful human being.”

Born in Belleville and raised in Bloomfield, Jannarone moved to Parsippany in 1957 and never looked back. His first job with the township was as a municipal forester. In the early days, he was a department of one—without vehicles or full-time staff, he oversaw Parsippany’s forests and parks largely on his own. “When I started, no forestry policies were established at all,” he once said. “Everything that was done was done with outside contractors.”

Jannarone built a reputation for innovation and heart. In 1987, when a Parsippany mother approached the township in search of a playground suitable for her disabled son, Jannarone took action. He was astonished to learn there were no disability-friendly playgrounds in the region. Undeterred, he sourced the equipment himself and by 1988 had transformed a small green tract into Knoll Park in Lake Hiawatha—the first handicap-accessible park in New Jersey. The jungle gym, designed with ramps and swings to accommodate wheelchairs, became one of Jannarone’s proudest accomplishments. “When you plant trees, you see them grow, and when you build parks, you get a lot of satisfaction seeing them used,” he once said.

Beyond parks, Jannarone fiercely advocated tree planting and environmental stewardship. In 1974, he launched an Arbor Day program to distribute pine seedlings to every third-grade student in the township. That tradition continues today, with over 150,000 trees estimated to have taken root across Parsippany because of his efforts. He also led the first full tree inventory in town with the help of Rutgers University interns, cataloging more than 22,000 trees and initiating sustainable removal and replanting programs.

His attention to detail and community needs didn’t stop at playgrounds or seedlings. Jannarone was key in revitalizing downtown areas like Lake Hiawatha, converting vacant or neglected properties into pocket parks and community green spaces. The 2002 “Oasis Park” on North Beverwyck Road was an example. “It’s a place where people can sit, relax and enjoy,” he told The Star-Ledger during construction.

In honor of his extraordinary contributions, the township named Jannarone Park after him in 2004. There, near a bustling playground, stands a sign bearing his name—a simple but powerful reminder of a man who dedicated his life to building places where others could laugh, play, and feel at home.

Joseph Jannarone Sr.. was also an active member of many community organizations, including the Colonial Prospect Lodge #24 Masonic Lodge in Chester, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, the Morris County Sons of Italy Lodge 2561, and the 200 Club of Morris County. His commitment to service extended well beyond his municipal duties.

Joseph J. Jannarone’s life was one of service, rooted deeply in the soil of Parsippany. The trees he planted, both literal and metaphorical, will continue to grow for generations.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, April 2025. Click here to view the digital version.

Robert (Bob) Charles Garofalo, a successful and highly respected attorney and developer from Brielle, NJ, passed away peacefully at 91, surrounded by his wife and family. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 65 years, Nina (Annette) Garofalo; son Robert C. Garofalo; daughter Gabrielle Garofalo; adoring grandchildren Luca Constantinos Chokas Garofalo; Micaella Chokas Garofalo; step-grandson David A. Chokas; and Andrew P. Chokas.

Born in Newark in 1934 to Italian immigrant parents, Bob grew up alongside his twin sister Joyce and older brother James in Bloomfield. He attended Bloomfield High School and then went to Gettysburg for college, ultimately receiving his law degree from Rutgers Law. In 1960, he married his true love, Nina, and together, they built a beautiful life, settling in Glen Ridge to raise their children.

A devoted husband, highly engaged father, and loving Pop Pop, Bob was also a trusted confidant to his nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and strangers. Bob’s generosity spans far and wide, leaving a legacy of love and kindness. An avid fan of The New York Times games—such as Scrabble, Wordle, Crosswords, and Connections—his sharp intellect was one of his most defining traits. Bob had a deep connection to his Italian heritage, flying to Italy with family and friends to explore his passion for great food while enjoying his summers at the Jersey Shore. Bob’s home and garden were his sanctuary, where he meticulously planned every plant, fern, and season’s new annuals.

Bob was actively practicing law right up until just days before his passing. His distinguished legal career centered in Morris County, where he first served as Parsippany’s township attorney under former Mayor Henry Luther. Even after Luther’s tenure, Bob remained in Parsippany, representing prominent developers on large-scale, high-profile projects with his firm, most recently Garofalo, O’Neill & Ruggierio. Notably, he was the lead attorney for Edward Mosberg on the then-controversial Glenmont Commons Project and, more recently, played a central role in the Parq Parsippany Project. His dedication to his work extended to his unwavering representation of new Hindi temples in Parsippany, often involving litigation. It is estimated that no single individual has had a greater impact on housing development in Parsippany than Bob.

A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cycle for Survival in his honor. Make checks payable to:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | Team Positivity
Memo: Team Positivity in Memoriam for Robert C. Garofalo
Mail to:
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Cycle for Survival
P.O. Box 27432
New York, NY 10087-7432

Dear Editor:

I have lived in Parsippany, NJ for 40 years. I never thought I would see a zoning application for a 29-unit apartment building asking to be constructed on a temple parking lot next to pristine wetlands on South Beverwyck Road. The zoning meeting for this application is scheduled to be held at Parsippany High School on April 2, 2025, at 7:15 p.m.

There are many big problems with this application. I have listed a few below:

• The parking lot in this proposed development is insufficient for its current use. When religious services are in session, it causes massive traffic problems. Any development removing parking spaces will cause additional significant traffic that negatively impacts the nearby residents and the community. This group should move to another location that is large enough to support their congregation. The current parking is insufficient at best, and I wonder if the fire regulations for its current occupancy are being followed.
• We get our water from an underground aquifer. Building on or near wetlands degrades the quality of our water supply.
• Troy Meadows is a source of many endangered and protected species. This includes the blue-spotted salamander, the bog turtle, and the red-headed woodpecker. Also, this property has deer, fox, wild turkeys, and other wildlife. Any development next to Troy Meadows negatively impacts these species. Parsippany is lucky to have this unusual property.
• If a parking lot can be turned into apartments, then zoning requirements have little meaning, and any business or resident can do so in any part of our town.

Zoning laws, assessment by the zoning committee, and guidance from the mayor and town council are important for everyone living in Parsippany. If our township leaders allow development on parking lots next to pristine wetlands, the town’s leadership will fail our community.
Parsippany leadership’s feelings on this proposed development need to be known and considered when we vote for a new mayor and town council members in the upcoming elections.

Please attend the April 2, 2025 meeting and express your support for protecting our Parsippany wetlands, water supply, and neighborhoods from traffic congestion.

Jackie Puglis

MORRIS COUNTY — Enjoy an evening of culinary delights on April 9 as Employment Horizons hosts its annual A Taste of Spring event at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany. This lively celebration of spring features small plates and tastings from nearly twenty local restaurants and breweries, including Rod’s Steak & Seafood Grille, Central Taqueria, Hibiscus Island Grille, Double Tap Brewing, and Enjou Chocolat. Tickets must be purchased in advance; early reservation is recommended, as seating is limited.

The event will feature an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. Proceeds benefit the Culinary Arts Training Program at Employment Horizons, the premier not-for-profit agency providing comprehensive job training and placement services to people with disabilities and other barriers to employment in the greater Morris County area. The Culinary Arts Training Program was founded in 2011. The organization’s on-site cafeteria, Café Horizons, provides a unique hands-on experience. At the same time, its new comprehensive 10-week program teaches culinary fundamentals such as food safety and customer service skills with daily preparation modules in various cuisines so that participants gain the skills and confidence to obtain community-based employment in food service roles.

To purchase tickets or for more information about the event or Employment Horizons, visit http://www.ehorizons.org or contact Karen Rynearson at (973) 538-8822 ext. 228 or [email protected].

PARSIPPANY — Three candidates committed to Parsippany’s future have launched their campaign to reinvigorate our local government and free our community from the bitter feuds stalling action.

With a demonstrated commitment to community and transparency, Pulkit Desai is announcing his candidacy for Mayor, joined by Council candidates Matt Kavanagh and Diya Patel. United by a shared vision and passion, this team is ready to lead Parsippany out of Town Hall’s current mess.

Pulkit Desai for Mayor
Pulkit Desai, a proud Marine Corps veteran, has already built a reputation for executive leadership as the President of the Lake Parsippany Property Owner’s Association. A cybersecurity expert experienced in the threats of the 21st century, Pulkit’s leadership is defined by public safety, a firm hand on finances, transparency with residents, and collaboration with all who call this community home.

His pragmatism has resulted in the lake association’s first audit, the first-ever focus on publishing budget vs. actual figures, and the reduction of members’ arrears by two-thirds in a few short years. That is exactly the type of governance we’ll bring to Parsippany.

Pulkit Desai delivers results. As your Mayor, he’ll deliver fiscal responsibility, infrastructure improvements, a public safety focus, and true transparency on development proposals. His office won’t focus on political rivals or power plays. He’s not part of that mess. Pulkit wants to be Mayor for you.

Matt Kavanagh for Council
Matt Kavanagh, a proud Navy veteran and the volunteer leader of Parsippany’s Green Team, is running for Council. Matt graduated from the US Naval Academy with a degree in Weapon Systems Engineering. With over 15 years of experience in renewable energy, he has volunteered his time and experience to Parsippany. He also volunteers his time as a coach with the Parsippany Soccer Club.

Matt has led the acquisition of countless grants for a more environmentally and fiscally sustainable Parsippany. But this administration has abandoned and unused much of the funding acquired while taxes went up.

Matt Kavanagh knows what it’s like to do good for your community and be brushed off by the powers that be. As your Councilman, he’ll deliver action over words.

Diya Patel for Council
Diya Patel, a Parsippany native whose passion is inseparable from the community she calls home, is running for Council. Born to immigrant parents who built roots here in town, Diya is now pursuing a JD at Pace University and interning with a judge. A PHHS graduate, Diya earned her bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in political science and criminal justice from the University of Scranton, where she interned for the Mayor of Scranton.

Now, she’s determined to give back to Parsippany by planning for our long-term future rather than clinging to outdated practices.

As your Councilwoman, Diya Patel will work to ensure that our local government prioritizes innovative, community-focused solutions. She will honor the sacrifices of families like hers and secure a prosperous, sustainable future for all who call Parsippany home.

They are asking for your vote in the June 10 Democratic primary and the November 4 general election.

“Pulkit, Matt, and Diya represent three generations of Parsippany and three generations of demonstrated public service,” stated Parsippany Democratic Committee Chair Matt Clarkin, who endorsed the ticket. “Our long-term future will be secure with these community leaders at the helm.”

Together, this team will refocus town hall on what you pay it to do: serve. Drama is this administration’s useful tool to distract from tax hikes and overdevelopment. But the people of this community see through it. We already have political theater, tax breaks for developers, and crumbling infrastructure. If you want your elected officials focused on your tax dollars, neighborhood, roads, and safety, then this is your ticket.

“Our vision for Parsippany is to make local government work for residents again,” said Pulkit Desai. “We are not running to hold an office—we are championing collaboration, accountability, and solving the problems of our neighbors. With my fellow veteran Matt’s experience in sustainable operations and Diya’s fresh perspective on our long-term future, we are ready to make Town Hall work for you. That’s why we ask for your vote in this year’s election.”