PARSIPPANY — JLL Capital Markets announced that it had completed the $88 million sale of 300 Kimball, an approximate 430,000-square-foot trophy office property.
300 Kimball, an approximate 430,000-square-foot trophy office property.
JLL represented the owner, Sovereign Partners, LLC, in selling the property to Signature Acquisitions. JLL also handled the prior sale from State Farm to Sovereign Partners in 2019, in addition to having sold Signature Acquisitions to the adjacent building at 100 Kimball in 2019.
Completed in 2001 and most recently renovated in 2013, 300 Kimball is a five-story office property that is 87% leased to a variety of tenants, including anchors FM Global, Langan Engineering, embecta, and Western World Insurance/AIG.
The building is LEED Silver-certified, a recipient of the BOMA Building of the Year award, and offers tenants an outstanding variety of features and amenities such as an impressive granite façade, dramatic atrium lobbies, state-of-the-art fitness center with locker rooms and golf simulator, full-service cafeteria with expansive seating, tenant lounge/game room with after-hours grab and go food service, modern conference center, outdoor patio with putting green, electric car charging stations, walking trail and ample covered parking including a separate gated executive section.
300 Kimball Drive is situated on 9.29 acres near the intersection of Interstates 80 and 287, within a four-building, 850,000-square-foot office park called The Center of Morris County. The property benefits from strong visibility along I-80 and is considered one of the absolute best office assets in the Parsippany submarket.
The JLL Capital Markets team representing the seller was led by Senior Managing Directors Kevin O’Hearn, Jose Cruz, and Jeremy Neuer and analyst Peter Kim.
According to O’Hearn, “We’re thrilled to have assisted two long-term, highly valued clients of the firm in a single transaction, Sovereign Partners, with the successful execution of their value-add business strategy for the asset, and Signature Acquisitions with the strategic purchase of their second building in the office park. Additionally, this transaction reflects the flight-to-quality trend that we see in office space. Generally, the top assets in each submarket continue to perform well, and Parsippany is no different.”
JLL Capital Markets is a full-service global provider of capital solutions for real estate investors and occupiers. The firm’s in-depth local market and global investor knowledge deliver the best-in-class solutions for clients — investment sales advisory, debt placement, equity placement, or recapitalization. The firm has over 3,700 Capital Markets specialists worldwide, with offices in nearly 50 countries.
Space available for lease, office located at 300 Kimball Drive, Parsippany.
Available square footage 2,083 – 45,877 square feet.
PARSIPPANY — The proprietors of a popular eatery in downtown Lake Hiawatha state on their website, “Bosphorus Restaurant has been open since 1995. Everything we offer is made from scratch in our kitchen, and it’s made fresh every day. We hope that the warm, intimate atmosphere and our delicious homemade food will make your experience delightful.” That’s saying a lot; don’t say it if you can’t live up to it. I’m glad to report that based on my visit to this long-standing, family-owned and operated Turkish / Mediterranean / Middle Eastern restaurant, they can clearly back up this claim and even exceed it in many ways.
This month’s review led me to Bosphorus and my usual crew of enthusiastic foodie friends. I had always heard positive comments regarding Bosphorus, and I cannot explain why it took me so long to get here, especially since I live within walking distance. But like they say, better late than never.
Step inside, and you are immediately met with a spotlessly clean, warm, cozy, and comfortable atmosphere.
Located on North Beverwyck Road (across from the 7-Eleven), you will find this relatively small restaurant on the end of a small group of businesses. The exterior is simple but attractive and welcoming. Step inside, and you are immediately met with a spotlessly clean, warm, cozy, and comfortable atmosphere. The cute little eatery has a welcoming ambiance, with about ten tables and a capacity of 35 people.
Step inside, and you are immediately met with a spotlessly clean, warm, cozy, and comfortable atmosphere.
The ten tables are carefully situated around the room, offering comfortable spacing for diners. Tables covered with white linen tablecloths, floral Turkish table runners, sparkling glasses, small dishes, and a soft color scheme of wood and faux brick enhance the experience and set a calming mood. Wall decorations, hangings, and accents are simple, except for the large, framed picture of Turkey’s significant Bosphorus Bridge, which is the focal point of one wall. The picture of the suspension bridge is certainly appropriate since the restaurant takes its name in recognition of that bridge. It is one of three suspension bridges in Istanbul, which spans the Bosphorus strait and connects Europe and Asia. Since Faruk and Serap Sahin, owners of the establishment, fare from Istanbul, the honored photo on the wall is certainly understandable.
Server Yahya Pinar, Owner/Chef Faruk Sahin, and Patrick Minutillo.
Two large windows on the face of the building provide comfortable natural lighting, as soft music plays in the background as you peruse Bosphorus’ tantalizing menu. Our very personable and friendly server, Yahya Pinar, immediately addressed our needs as he prepared our chosen table. Service was quick, attentive, and professional. As the group looked over the lunch and dinner menus, Yahya was happy to answer any questions we may have had. By now, this group was familiar with this cuisine based on our previous visits to many of the general area’s excellent choices of Turkish/Mediterranean restaurants.
The Hummus (Mashed Chickpeas seasoned with fresh garlic, lemon, tahini, and herbs)
The menu offers a wide selection of soups, salads, appetizers, hot appetizers, entrees, combinations (lamb, chicken, or a combo of both), sautés (which require a 30-minute cooking time and includes choices of chicken, spinach, calamari, and shrimp), and desserts. Many of your traditional Turkish dishes are listed: Manti, Falafel, Kibbeh, Kebab, Adana, Gyro, Shrimp, Salmon, Bronzini (whole fish), etc., all available. Everything was appealing, and choosing one dish over another was not easy. It was decided to share a couple of appetizers before moving on to the entrees. The hummus was our starting point, with a side of flatbread, Fried Eggplant, and Shepard Salad.
Fried Eggplant
The Hummus (Mashed Chickpeas seasoned with fresh garlic, lemon, tahini, and herbs) was melt-in-your-mouth delectable. A Creamy, light, rich garlicky dip oozing with rich umami flavors, which went perfectly with the pillowy soft Turkish Flatbread. No wonder it’s a Turkish staple. The Fried Eggplant (Sliced eggplant, pan-fried in olive oil, and served with yogurt sauce), a classic Turkish appetizer, had a soft, mild, creamy texture and a fantastic earthy flavor. Our other shared appetizer was their highly praised Shepherd Salad (a mosaic of freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and cucumbers with red wine vinegar and olive oil and topped with feta cheese).
Shepherd Salad (a mosaic of freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and cucumbers with red wine vinegar and olive oil and topped with feta cheese).
The story goes shepherds would go to their farms, taking some of their daily crops, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and other delicious ingredients, and mixing them together into a salad. From then on, this common dish was named after the shepherds who made them. The salad was light and healthy, and you could clearly tell that the vegetables were as crisp and fresh as the day they were picked. The flavors of the seasonings, lemon juice, and olive oil enhanced this very tasty and refreshing appetizer.
Bosphorus Mixed Grill Platter
For an entrée, we decided to share a large Bosphorus Mixed Grill (Combination of Shish, Adana, Chicken Adana, Meatballs, Gyro, Cop Shish, and Lamb Chops). The Bosphorus Mixed Grill is a generously sized platter of food listed on the menu as a serving of three. We made a special request that it be modified to meet the needs of the five of us, and they were more than happy to accommodate our request. Our impressive and visually stunning platter of assorted delicacies arrived quickly, with abundant savory choices. The aroma of the dish itself was a treat. I should note that everything we had was beautifully plated, perfectly seasoned, and expertly prepared. Turkish cuisine is noted as always being hearty, flavorful, and unpretentious, and that was evident in this wonderful meal.
The Mixed Grill included grilled lamb chops that were sweet, juicy, and delicious; fragrant and tender shish kebab; earthy and savory Adana kebab, a spicy, long lamb mince kebab, roasted and beautifully spiced gyros; wooden skewered cop shish, a lamb shish kebab, all marinated to perfection, making every bite flavorful through and through, and perfect to go with the accompanying hot and tzatziki sauces. And all these juicy, tender, and enticing portions of assorted meats came nestled upon a bed of fluffy white rice and vegetables. A highly satisfying dish, and we all agreed, a great selection.
Kunefe
We finished our meal with a Turkish coffee. Kunefe is a classic Turkish dessert. A warm, sweet, crisp, decadent cheese-filled pastry made from shredded dough and topped with powdered pistachios. I’ve never had it before, but I would not hesitate to order it again. The coffee’s strong, bold, bittersweet taste paired well with the Kunefe and was similar to finalizing a meal with an espresso.
Server Yahya Pinar preparing Turkish Coffee
After dinner, I had an opportunity to sit down with Chef/Owner Faruk Sahin. The very personable Mr. Sahin told me that “his greatest satisfaction in owning Bosphorus is seeing his customers enjoy their food and leave his restaurant happy.
When customers leave happy, it makes me happy”! Mr. Sahin immigrated to the United States (New Jersey) from Istanbul, Turkey, in 2018, and he and his wife Serap acquired Bosphorus in 2019. He said he learned everything about the business from his predecessor, Muzaffar Elmas, whose tutelage and mentorship have maintained the same high-quality standards for the restaurant’s food and service. In fact, Bosphorus has had the same Head Chef, Mehmet Kaja, for the past 12 years.
All the dishes at Bosphorus are homemade and fresh. Their produce is sourced from local farmers’ markets every two days. Their meat is sourced regularly from a couple of different distributors, ensuring quality and freshness. As previously stated, Turkish cuisine, distinctive for its variations in tastes, is known to be inherently healthy, highly seasonal, highly nutritious, and fresh-tasting food. Bosphorus definitely hits home on all those qualities. Bosphorus provides a great dining experience, delicious food, a casual yet classy ambiance, friendly service, reasonable prices, and fresh, healthy food made with care. If you have not stopped in yet, or want to try Turkish cuisine for the first time, I recommend stopping in and giving them a try.
Aflyet Olsun! (Enjoy your Meal); Dine In – Takeout – Curbside pickup – No Contact Delivery; Halal – Vegetarian Options – Catering – Special Events. BYO – Takes Reservations-Limited Off-Road Parking.
Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Bosphorus Restaurant (Turkish Restaurant) is located at 32 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. (973) 335-9690. https://bosphorus-nj.com.
Pillowy Soft Turkish Flatbread
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, February 2023. Click here to view the magazine.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Hanover Township Mayor Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, East Hanover Mayor Joseph Pannullo, Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor, and the 200 Club of Morris County announced they are hosting a Law Enforcement Night at Mennen Arena on Friday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m., with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m.
The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices is rapidly becoming a household name in Morris County. Word is spreading about the many initiatives instituted by this unique, powerful group that provides the community with facts and information in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse. Everyone is quickly realizing the benefit to families when they sign on. The importance of introducing kids to new activities and promoting substance-free events to keep them occupied (such as sports, exercise, career days, teen dances, and activities with law enforcement) is of paramount concern when it provides ways to uphold a child’s self-esteem. The Coalition is a proactive team comprised of elected officials, law enforcement, educational leaders, and concerned citizens who are up to date on the latest crazes and abuses plaguing our children.
Join officers and police departments from all over the state at the Coalition’s Annual Law Enforcement Night. At this event, youngsters get to see firsthand how law enforcement officers positively influence our community. Law Enforcement Night has been known to introduce and further develop these relationships, often providing career opportunities for teens who might not have considered such a path. Too often, we only interact with law enforcers and first responders on our worst day. This is a great opportunity to interact with our law enforcement officers and first responders on a very good day.
The equipment on display at this event is known to even awe adults. Never will one see such an array of machinery like this at one location. Kids can see the Morris County Hope Van, peruse ambulances, and emergency vehicles of every shape and size, wear riot gear, try on handcuffs and commingle with the law enforcement community in a fun atmosphere.
The important aspect to remember here is that law enforcement is trained to make these kids feel safe and important. Confidence and self-esteem go a long way in helping a child say no to his peers when the time arises.
PARSIPPANY — The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills (WCPTH) held its Seventh Annual Spelling Bee at Parsippany Hills High School auditorium on Friday, January 13.
Twenty-five fifth-grade students representing all ten of the Parsippany Elementary Schools participated in the Spelling Bee. Enthusiastic parents, family members, and teachers watched the students as they approached the microphone to spell each word.
Melissa Kuzma, Director of Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System, William Westhoven, a Gannett NJ Daily Record reporter, and Dr. Matthew Thompson, Parsippany Hills High School Principal.
Judging the event were Melissa Kuzma, Director of Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System, William Westhoven, a Gannett NJ Daily Record reporter, and Dr. Matthew Thompson, Parsippany Hills High School Principal.
Club member and Pronouncer Marianne Burke
Mary Ann Coyne, WCPTH club member and chairman of the Seventh Annual Spelling Bee, was the Moderator and club member Marianne Burke was the Pronouncer.
After 29 nail-biting rounds, a winner was declared. The winning word was “addition!”
Winners: First Place Yogita Pansare; Second Place Rishaan Sharma; and Third Place Vaikha Bheemana
Taking First Place was Yogita Pansare from Knollwood Elementary School. Rishaan Sharma from Northvail Elementary School captured Second Place. Vaikha Bheemana, from Knollwood Elementary School, came in Third Place.
All three winners are invited to participate in the New Jersey State Federated Women’s Club (NJSFWC) Highlands District Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 11, in Rockaway. The district winners will be invited to the State Championship at the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC) Headquarters on Saturday, March 18, in New Brunswick.
Events like these are made possible by the various fundraising activities the Woman’s Club conducts throughout the year. Please consider supporting the club with these efforts so they can continue to support various community organizations.
The Woman’s Club will have a Tricky Tray to support our Education/Scholarship Fund and other community service projects on July 11 at the Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road. This is their major fundraiser for the year, so please stay tuned for more information and ways you can help make this a successful event. Baskets or monetary donations are especially welcome!
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, which are the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the country/state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. New members are always welcome! Come to the next General Meeting on Monday, February 27, to see if the club is right for you.
For more information, call Ginny at (973) 887-0336, e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com, visit on the web at www.parsippanywomansclub.org, or follow the club on FACEBOOK, Twitter, or Instagram.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, February 2023. Click here to view the magazine.
MORRIS COUNTY — Tayfun Selen for Commissioner Re-election Campaign Kickoff attracts a large crowd at the Mansion at Mountain Lakes on Thursday, January 26.
Senators, Assemblymen, Commissioners, Mayors, Council members, and friends from almost all 39 municipalities in Morris County came out to support Tayfun in his re-election campaign.
Morris County Republican Chairwoman Laura Ali introduced Tayfun to the packed room of supporters.
The room was standing room only as Morris County Chairwoman Laura Ali introduced Tayfun Selen.Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw, Tayfun Selen, and Morris County Sheriff James Sheriff.Senator Joseph Pennachio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill.Ashley Miskovitz, Delores deDePierro, Jennifer Strasle, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani, and Randolph Economic Development member Sydney Ugalde.Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus with Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella.Cristina Mirda, Esq and Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen.Morris County Assistant Administrator Brian T. Murray and Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling.
Sydney Ugalde, and Assemblyman Brian BergenMorris County Commissioners Stephen Shaw and Douglas CabanaFormer Assemblywoman BettyLou deCroce and Chris IlicParsippany’s Finest: Parsippany Republican Committee Chairwoman Delores dePierro, Tayfun, Parsippany-Troy Hills President Loretta Gragnani and Parsippany-Troy Hills Vice President Michael dePierroRockaway Borough Mayor Thomas Mulligan and Morris County Commissioner Stephen ShawDover resident Ilmi Bojkovic and Republican Dover Chairwoman Maria RosarioSharif Shamsudin and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Frank NegliaMorris County Assistant Administrator Brian T. Murray and Morris County Director of Communications Vincent VitaleMount Arlington Mayor Michael Stanzilis, Rockaway Borough Mayor Thomas Mulligan and Jonathan Cohen, Esq.Dover resident Ilmi Bojkovic with Morris County Commissioner Douglas CabanaMorris County Commissioner Douglas Cabana and Senator Anthony BuccoMorris County Commissioner Douglas Cabana with Stephanie Leaver Kaulfers
Tayfun Selen was sworn in to serve a one-year, unexpired term on the board in 2020, and in November of that year, he was elected to serve a full, three-year term that began on January 4, 2021.
Commissioner Selen is Senior Vice President of Administration for Lincoln Educational Services, the leading vocational training school group in the nation, with a presence in 15 states. He is a member of the company’s Executive Team.
Before his role at Lincoln, he served as Global Director of Project Management for CB Richard Ellis, the nation’s largest real estate development company. In that role, he oversaw real estate functions for Hertz Corporation and Bank of America.
He was Vice President of New Store Development for CB Richard Ellis and served as Assistant Managing Director at Montclair State University.
Commissioner Selen is married with one daughter and has lived in Morris County for the past 23 years, including 19 years in the Chathams.
He strongly believes in community engagement and has served as a Chatham Borough Zoning Board of Adjustment member and as a Chatham Township Committeeman and Mayor.
As mayor, Commissioner Selen was responsible for reducing municipal property taxes, helping the township maintain a rare AAA credit rating, and reducing municipal spending by more than $200,000.
He is a member of the Morris County Republican Committee and Chairman of the Chatham Township Republican Committee.
He also holds a seat on the Montclair State University School of Business Advisory Board and New Jersey Board of Nursing and is President-Elect of the Madison Rotary Club.
Commissioner Selen holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture Degree from Istanbul Technical University and an MBA from Montclair State University. He achieved certification as a Six Sigma Black Belt by Rutgers University and Lockheed Martin. Commissioner Selen also is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional certified by U.S. Green Building Council and a certified public accountant (CPA).
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners has announced the appointment of Vincent Vitale as the county’s new Director of Communications.
Vincent Vitale
Mr. Vitale, who started January 17, is filling a vacancy created earlier this month when former Director Brian T. Murray was officially appointed Assistant County Administrator. Mr. Murray filled a post vacated by Deena Leary, who formally took the helm as Morris County Administrator earlier this month after being named by the Commissioners this past summer as the successor to retiring Administrator John Bonanni.
Before joining Morris County, Mr. Vitale was Communications Officer for Randolph Township. He facilitated township communications by working closely with the Randolph Township Council, township departments, and committees to promote local news and events. He also was Supervisor of Broadcasting and Communications for Sussex County Community College, coordinating the Communications program and managing the college’s radio and TV stations.
The Morris County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to hire Mr. Vitale after the administration advertised the post and interviewed and evaluated many applicants this past fall.
Mr. Vitale earned a Master of Business Administration degree from William Paterson University in 2011. He holds undergraduate degrees from Rutgers College in Communication and Psychology. He resides in Andover Township with his wife and two sons.
Media outlets who need information about Morris County programs or events may contact Mr. Vitale at: vvitale@co.morris.nj.us or by calling (973) 285-6015.
PARSIPPANY — Daniel A. Scola, Jr., Managing Partner, Hoffmann & Baron, LLP, was a recent guest on Business RadioX.
In a wide-ranging conversation with Host Lee Kantor, Scola discussed the importance of protecting your intellectual property (IP), the different types of IP you could protect as a business owner, and the liabilities you could be exposed to if you do not protect your IP.
According to Scola, “We do a lot of work for large companies, universities, small companies, and startups. I love startups because when investors are looking to put money into new entities that’s where I feel I can be particularly creative and add value.”
Scola continues, “I have a lot of experience judging when something is going to be too close for comfort and that you need to make a change, so you don’t get into a situation which is uncomfortable, maybe a litigation or maybe someone saying the product isn’t differential enough.”
Hoffmann & Baron, LLP, works with a variety of companies; from entrepreneurial to global. For Scola, it’s about small businesses and startup companies. Scola elaborates, “I can tell you many examples where startup companies have come to me and to my firm and we’ve worked with them to develop an IP portfolio. The experience is very different compared to larger businesses with more developed strategies.”
Daniel A. Scola, Jr. is the managing partner of Hoffmann & Baron and also manages the chemical, pharmaceutical/biochemical, and medical device practice group in the New Jersey office. He has extensive experience in polymers, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. He specializes in building IP portfolios and designing strategies to protect and enhance company value. Previously, he was Counsel, patents, and trademarks as well as Assistant Corporate Secretary at The Warner-Lambert Co. and Intellectual Property Attorney at Loctite Corporation.
Prior to earning his law degree, Scola was an adhesive and composite materials engineer at the Pratt & Whitney Division of United Technologies.
Hoffmann & Baron is a full-service law firm specializing in all areas of intellectual property, both domestically and internationally. For almost four decades, the practice has become known for its unparalleled ability to protect and transform ideas into assets.
With an entrepreneurial spirit, not usually seen in the legal industry, the firm attracts world-class attorneys. Hoffmann & Baron is one of the few firms in the country to use a hybrid model to successfully meld its business side with its technology.
Hoffmann & Baron, LLP provides the most cost-effective approach to achieve the best favorable outcome for the client. Commercial success, efficiency, and discipline are their guides. Established in 1984 by co-founders Charles R. Hoffmann and Ronald J. Baron, the firm has offices in New York, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. The firm is proud to serve clients around the globe in all scientific and engineering fields.
MORRIS COUNTY — Chris Ilic was a recent winner of Morris Now’s monthly contest. He won a $50.00 gift card to Delizia Pizza Kitchen. Tell your friends to download Morris Now, and they can be a winner too! Did I mention, everyone who downloads the APP will automatically receive a $10.00 IHOP Gift Card? The APP is available for FREE on Google Play and in the Apple store.
The Morris Now mobile app is more than just supporting our beloved locally-owned businesses. It’s about our entire community and the local residents that make the entire Morris County, New Jersey area a special place to live and work every day!
All the upcoming local events, venues, news, weather, school alerts, and local push notification messages will keep you fully informed about everything going on in the Morris County, New Jersey area. All-in-one, easy-to-use mobile app on your phone at no cost to download.
Our strong passion is also about supporting locally owned businesses, too! We encourage you to not only download our local app but to also use it to locate and support the men and women who own the local businesses in our town. By working together as a community, we can keep the local revenue from leaving the Morris County, New Jersey area by using our proximity-based technology!
Join us in making the Morris area a smarter community to live in while creating closer relationships within our community!
Please also know that our mobile app is proudly owned and operated right here in Parsippany! www.morrisnow.com
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – January 24, 2023.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
The Planning Board members are:
Mayor Barberio 12/31/2025 I Mayor
Anil Dadheech* 12/31/2024 IV Regular
Michael dePierro 12/31/2023 III Council Rep.
Tom Dinsmore 12/31/2021 IV Regular
Priya Jain 12/31/2022 Alternate No. 2
Dominic Mele* 12/31/2023 IV Regular
Gordon Meth* 12/31/2025 IV Regular
Nick Napolitano 12/31/2024 IV Regular
Ted Stanziale 12/31/2023 Alternate No. 1
Jennifer Vealey* 12/31/2022 II Muni, Rep.
John Von Achen* 12/31/2023 IV Regular
Stuart Wiser Board Planner, ARH
Andrew Cangiano, Engineer, GPI
Dan Lagana, Attorney, Cleary, Giacobbe, Alfieri, Jacobs
Nora O. Jolie, Board Secretary
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio presented Nick Rafanello, Eastern Janitorial Company’s CEO, with a proclamation acknowledging being named “Family Business of the Year for 2022” from Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Founded in 1977, Eastern is a second-generation family-run business currently employing hundreds of workers in the tri-state area. Eastern operates in three main divisions; Commercial Facility Cleaning and Supplies, Specialty Flooring and Surface Restoration, and Engineering/Handyman Services.
In addition to Mayor James Barberio, Frank Cahill, Chairman of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee, presented a plaque to Rafanello. Also attending were Economic Development members Scott Donnelly, Secretary Raj Dichpally, Council Liaison Loretta Gragnani, Mayor James Barberio, and Adam Kandil.
Economic Development members Scott Donnelly, Secretary Raj Dichpally, Council Liaison Loretta Gragnani, Cahill, Rafanello, Mayor James Barberio, and Adam Kandil.Frank Cahill then presented Nick Rafanello with a framed plaque of the article, which appeared in Parsippany Focus Magazine.Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, Nick Rafanello, and Mayor James Barberio.
Assemblyman Brian Bergen attended the meeting to present Eastern Janitorial with a Joint Legislative Resolution from Senator Joe Pennacchio, Assemblyman Jay Webber, Assemblyman Christian Barranco, and himself.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Assemblyman Brian Bergen, Nick Rafanello, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Morris County Commissioners Thomas Mastrangelo, Tyfun Selen, Commissioner Director John Krickus, Nick Rafanello, and Mayor James Barberio.
Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus presented a resolution from the Commissioners. Also attending were Commissioners Tayfun Selen and Thomas Mastrangelo.
Commissioner Mastrangelo also presented a plaque to Nick Rafanello on behalf of himself as a local small business person in Parsippany.
Eastern Janitorial Company is a facility services company based in Parsippany. Eastern is a second-generation NJ-based family business with a legacy that began as R&R Maintenance in 1977.
Eastern has grown substantially over the past decade, organically and through acquiring various strategically positioned peers. Eastern Janitorial’s success results from our unwavering focus on a single, simple guiding principle – find the best people, train and support them with the latest industry tools and practices and treat them like family.
As a result, their motivated team remains highly focused on providing every customer with a consistently superior service experience.
Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo presents a plaque to Nick Rafanello.
Part of Silberman College of Business since 1989, the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship supports, promotes, and researches entrepreneurship with a special focus on family- and veteran-owned businesses. The awards program recognizes extraordinary family businesses’ significant contributions to the economy and community. Rothman has honored outstanding family businesses since 1992.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and Morris County Executive County Superintendent Dr. Nancy Gartenberg hosted a Signing Day and Law Day Symposium on January 20, 2023, at the Morris County Police Safety Academy. The event was intended for educational and law enforcement officials to review the Uniform State Memorandum of Agreement and to address issues on school safety and security.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll
Presenters included Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Juvenile and Homeland Security Units, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey State Police, and New Jersey Department of Education School Preparedness and Emergency Planning Unit. The program brought together community stakeholders and opened up the dialogue about what is expected regarding school safety and security.
Matters such as school drills, campus mapping, threat assessments, reporting guidelines, Juvenile Justice Reform, mental health issues, and other topics were discussed. Prosecutor Carroll said, “Law enforcement and educational officials together reaffirm their commitment to the safety of our students and educators through preparedness and collaboration. For our schools to continue to serve as environments of learning and nurturing, first and foremost, they must be safe. I’m proud to say that the school administrators and law enforcement professionals in Morris County share this same goal.”
PARSIPPANY — During the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting on Tuesday, January 24, Council President Michael dePierro stepped down as Council President and then nominated Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani to serve the remainder of 2023.
dePierro also announced he will not seek re-election after seving forty years on the Township Council.
dePierro, Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, and Paul Carifi, Jr., terms end on December 31, 2023. It is also confirmed that Gragnani will not seek re-election.
Loretta’s Biography includes:
Community Committee, Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
Former Republican Committee Member for District 23; Parsippany Republican Club Secretary
Italian American Women if the Year Award
Legislative Aide to Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, 2013-2014
Married to the late- Adam for 59 years, with two children and three grandchildren
New Jersey State Volunteer Award from Governor Christie and Parsippany-Troy Hills Outstanding Achievement Award for relief efforts assisting victims of Hurricane Irene
Parsippany Board of Adjustment, 2006-present
Successful business owner for 29 years (KBI Design Center); member of Lake Hiawatha Business Association
Trustee, Advisory Board and Finance Council member for St. Ann Church
Council Liasion Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro announced on Tuesday, January 24 that he decided he would not seek re-election. His term on the Council ends on December 31. He has been a Parsippany resident for 57 years and a significant portion of his life has been dedicated to serving my community.
dePierro moved to Parsippany in 1965 when he accepted a job offer from Bell Telephone Laboratories. Michael and his wife Dee raised three children in Parsippany.
Their ten grandchildren, although not living in Parsippany, still have roots here because of his involvement. dePierro has been involved with PTA’s, Boosters, Soccer, Little Leagues, Civic Organizations, Saint Ann Church, Boy Scouts, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Rotary, Sons of Italy, Craftsman Farms, and many more.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro
dePierro said “My efforts have always been to protect and improve our quality of life at the lowest possible cost. I served six years on the Parsippany School Board and am completing my 40th year on the Township Council. Serving Parsippany has been a labor of love for me. I am the only elected official in Parsippany to be inducted into the New Jersey State League of Municipalities “Elected Officials Hall of Fame.”
dePierro involvement in Parsippany’s Open Space spans 52 years (1970-2022) as a leader in COCAP; as a School Board Member; as a Councilman; as a Planning Board member; and as a member of the Open Space Committee.
He initiated saving property or aggressively supported the purchase or development of 11 significant tracts totaling 557 acres.
• 1970, The Knoll Country Club, (352 acres) with COCAP.
• 1977-1982, Volunteers Park, (28 acres) with the School Board and Mayor Priore.
• 1989, Craftsman Farms, (30 acres) with Mayor Priore and others.
• Birch Lane, (25 acres) with the Planning Board.
• Veterans Memorial Park, (17 acres) with Mayor Letts.
• Development of Jannarone Park, (63 acres) with Joe Jannarone Sr.
• Cameron Dog Park, (10 acres) with Mayor Letts.
• Parsippany Roller Hockey Park, (10 acres) with Parents Groups.
• Two Fieldfare Properties, (6 acres and 5 acres) with Open Space Committee.
• Puzzio Property, (5.77 acres) with Open Space Committee.
• Kosut Property, (5.44 acres) with Open Space Committee.
Another seven-acre property just north of the Fieldfare properties that the Township already owns makes up the 30-acre tract that the purchase of the Kosut property completes.
Money Magazine and other publications have consistently named Parsippany as the number one “Small City” to live in New Jersey and number 17 in the Nation. Most of the categories that they evaluated are the quality of life standards that I have supported (i.e., Open Space and Recreation; Quality of our Education System and Libraries; Township services; Township Infrastructures; etc.)
“I like to feel that I have been a part of the collective wisdom that made Parsippany a great place to live and work. I continue to be humbled by the friendships and support after so many years. I have highlighted some of my involvement, but I would be remiss if I did not thank my wife Dee, (my best friend and the Wind Beneath my wings) who was right beside me, supporting everything that I did. It is now time to let go. I will not be running for re-election,” said dePierro.
PARSIPPANY — Dr. Dan Roses, DC, The Nest Family, Pediatric and Prenatal Chiropractic, participated in Staples Small Business Showcase on Saturday, January 21.
“Staples Small Business Showcase” is a member-only feature for Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) members. Member business and area non-profit groups can contact Frank Cahill at (973) 559-6000 if they are interested in participating in this program
Staples is located in the Arlington Shopping Center, 760 Route 46. Their store hours are Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can reach them by calling (973) 541-0300.
Dr. Dan Roses, DC, of The Nest, takes care of all ages through chiropractic with a specialty in pediatrics and prenatal care. Chiropractic is a holistic alternative to prescription medication and uses specific spinal adjustments to reduce the amount of interference in the nervous system. Dr. Dan is proficient in multiple chiropractic techniques, including Diversified, cox flexion-distraction, activator Sacro-occipital technique, and Gonstead, and is certified in the Webster Technique for chiropractic care in pregnancy.
The Nest Family, Pediatric, and Prenatal Chiropractic are located at 341 Smith Road.
Staples General Manager Alicia Sudol, Julie Kayzerman, Dr. Dan Roses, D.C., and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank CahillDr. Dan Roses, DC, The Nest Family, Pediatric and Prenatal Chiropractic, participated in Staples Small Business Showcase on Saturday, January 21.
PACC is a service organization for businesses, merchants, residents, and volunteers that provides education, information, and networking opportunities to the Parsippany Area. PACC works with our local and county governments and stands ready to pursue any matter that can make our community a better place in which to live, conduct business, and make a living. They promote a healthy and prosperous economic climate.
For more information on the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, click here.
PARSIPPANY — NXT LVL Barbershop held a grand opening ribbon cutting on Saturday, January 14. The new barbershop is located at 335 Smith Road.
Brian Halpin cutting the hair of a customer.
Celebrating and cutting the ribbon with owner and Master Barber Brian Halpin was Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro, Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Councilmen Paul Carifi, Jr., Frank Neglia, and Justin Musella. Representing Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee were Chairman Frank Cahill, Vice Chairman Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, and Secretary Raj Dichpally. In addition, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Board members Nicolas Limanov and Ildiko Peluso. Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus, Commoners Stephen Shaw, and Tayfun Selen.
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee presented NXT LVL Barbershop. with a plaque congratulating the new business in Parsippany.
Brian Halpin, 40, the owner and Master Barber of NXT LVL Barbershop, has been passionate about cutting hair since high school.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presents owner Brian Halpin with a plaque congratulating the opening of the new business.
It started as a hobby, then became a passion, so he continued mastering the craft by working in shops throughout Morris County and completing barber school.
Growing up in Parsippany, he always admired how well the community ran with sports, education, etc. His vision was one day to be a part of it, servicing the community here in the heart of Parsippany. The vision is complete, and he looks forward to the future for the NXTLVL brand and me.
NXT LVL Barbershop was established in August 2022. At NXT LVL, they mastered a perfect blend of old-school traditional barbering with the modern twist of fading and sculpting shapes to complement facial structures.
They offer all types of services, from beards, hot towel shaves, and steamed facials. Customer service is the most important attribute, and they welcome everyone from children to adults. They have three 65-inch TVs playing the latest sports games. They offer complimentary drinks and treat every customer as royalty. They deserve the best.
Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen watches the master barber mastering the finishing touches on a client.
NXT LVL Barbershop is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
PARSIPPANY — Stanbery Development Group, Claremont Development, and PCCP* development team have obtained a $146.6 million loan for the multi-structure, mixed-use development to be constructed at 1515 Route 10. The influx of capital by New York Life will be used to fund all construction costs from start to finish.
Tenant amenities include state-of-the-art fitness centers and simulator rooms, a roof deck with a private pool, a lounge area, and a conference center.Architect renderings of “The District at 15fifteen.”
The project, “The District at 15fifteen,” is a three-building development that will offer apartments ranging in size from studios to three-bedroom configurations. These will consist of both market-rate and affordable housing units.
Plans also call for many upscale retail and restaurant options and a multi-story parking garage.
The current stage of the project. The two office buildings on the 17-acre site have already been torn down ahead of construction, and piles of dirt remain.
The development is replacing a 288,742-square-foot office complex on the 17-acre site, which has already been torn down ahead of construction.
Architect renderings of “The District at 15fifteen.”The site plan of The District at 15fifteen.
In December 2020, revisions to the proposed District at 1515 project and a related financial agreement were advanced by Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council, including nearly 500 housing units.
The project began with a proposed 250 residential units and was approved at 441 before the requested revisions.
Under the revisions approved in December 2020, of the 57 units added, 49 would be age-restricted and would not add to any additional burden on the school system.
They are planning a summer 2023 opening of Phase I.
The project is estimated to bring in only $18.6 million through a PILOT program, $11.5 million of which would be generated by the housing-dominated Phase I residential building.
Phase II of this program was on hold due to COVID-19. Moving the retail portion, reduced from 100,000 to 60,000 square feet in the revision, to Phase II would “buy time” for the market to stabilize and produce new tenant partners.
Stanbery Development, LLC., paid $14.1 million for the property in March 2015.
The two office buildings at 1515 Route 10 were demolished in May 2022 to make room for the project. Photo by Brendon Diaz.The two office buildings at 1515 Route 10 were demolished to make room for the project. Photo by Brendon Diaz.
*Editors Note: PCCP is a real estate investment and capital management company with offices throughout the eastern United States, with projects in Hoboken, Lynbrook, Philadelphia, and Cliffside Park. Claremont Development is a real estate firm focused primarily on the ground-up development of multifamily, industrial, and mixed-use properties throughout New Jersey. Stanbery Development Group, LLC is a real estate development firm specializing in the acquisition, development, leasing, and asset management of retail-driven projects.
PARSIPPANY — Former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce announced that she would seek a bid for re-election to the NJ State Assembly. DeCroce is a Parsippany resident who served in the NJ State Assembly from when her husband Alex passed away in 2012 until December 2021.
Parsippany is in Legislative District 26, covering parts of Morris and Passaic Counties. The legislative map has been newly redrawn since the last state-wide election.
According to a Press Release issued by DeCroce, she is running because “we desperately need to elect effective conservatives to the state legislature.”
DeCroce intends to compete for the organization line at the upcoming Morris County GOP convention on March 4.
DeCroce lost the Morris County Republican convention two years ago – the first under a newly-established organization line – to Christian Barranco (R-Jefferson) by nine county committee votes.
Officially the Town of Dover Business Administrator, DeCroce, had previously announced her candidacy at a private fundraiser last June.
“The state continues to slide deeper and deeper into trouble under Democratic leadership,” said DeCroce. “Working people need representatives in Trenton who will put in the extra work it takes to make positive changes in their lives. I am committed to making those changes.”
“We desperately need to elect effective conservatives to the state legislature,” DeCroce said. “Speeches on the statehouse floor are not changing anything, but an informed and the energized electorate will.”
Parsippany Republic Committee Chairwoman Delores dePierro, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro, Sharon DeGroot, Former Passaic County Assistant Prosecutor Paul DeGroot, DeCroce and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani at a fundraiser at DeCroce’s home in the Powdermill Section of Parsippany during June 2022.
Legislative redistricting moved Barranco to the 25th district, with Assemblyman Brian Bergen moving to the 26th. Bergen is running on a slate with Assemblyman Jay Webber and Senator Joseph Pennacchio; the three have secured many endorsements from local elected officials.
The new District 26 includes the following municipalities: Morris County: Boonton, Denville, East Hanover, Hanover, Florham Park, Lincoln Park, Mountain Lakes, Montville, Morris Plains, Parsippany, Pequannock, and Riverdale. In Passaic County: Bloomingdale, Pompton Lakes, Ringwood, & Wanaque.
Greeting cards are widely regarded as one of the best ways to stay in touch with loved ones. The best part is that greeting cards can be customized according to your needs and preferences! For instance, customizing a greeting card by Vista Create and gifting it to your parents must also have fallen victim to this digitization. This blog investigates whether the advancement of technology has rendered well-known greeting cards obsolete.
Do People Still Use Greeting Cards?
Statistics from the Greeting Cards Association say that each year, 6.5 billion greeting cards are bought. In the digital age, almost every single activity that requires manual labor and a lot of effort is replaced by laptops, mobile phones, and computers. Instead of sending out heartfelt letters, the current generation prefers to communicate using email.
Rather than meeting up with our loved ones to stay up to date on their lives, the current generation chooses to text or email them using social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Therefore, which individual would choose to put in the effort and purchase, write, and deliver a postcard instead of emailing or texting their loved ones?
However, unlike what most people think, a significant proportion of people would rather put in the effort than text their loved ones. A greeting card is the best way to break through all the digital noise and break up the monotony of texts. Presently, the younger generation has been sending more greeting cards than the older generation did back in their days!
The current generation loves anything that falls into the “vintage” category. Ultimately, spending time writing a heartfelt note on coffee-scented paper, sealing it with a wax seal, and dropping it into the local mailbox is an activity that fits their aesthetic. Since every inch of their lives is surrounded by technology, prioritizing personal gestures like sending greeting cards helps them step out of the digital world for a brief while.
Why Has the Greeting Card Industry Declined?
Despite what we’ve talked about so far, the greeting card business is falling by 3% each year. Due to the decline in purchases, departmental stores like CVS and Walmart were left with no choice but to limit their display space for greeting cards.
Since we have established that the current generation’s interest in using greeting cards has not declined, the ultimate question is: what has led to the industry’s downfall? The answer to this question is quite simple. The advent of technology has not changed the interest in greeting cards. However, it has definitely changed the format greeting cards take.
Today’s generation loves handiwork and the idea of making greeting cards themselves and putting their love into them. During the pandemic, people were bound to the four walls of their residences. Due to the social networking revolution, people were unable to physically drive to stores and purchase cards to express their sentiments to loved ones.
Fortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic led to the discovery of online shopping. People now purchase greeting cards through online vendors or, better yet, customize them according to their needs and design their greeting cards themselves.
Customers are allowed to choose from thousands of designs and print them – all from the comfort of their homes. Individuals can even personalize the greeting card as per their needs. The current generation prefers to design their own card rather than deliver store-bought cards to their loved ones.
The vast majority of people tend to think that greeting cards are obsolete and are no longer appreciated. This statement holds no truth. If anything, the greeting card industry has grown in popularity, and the Covid-19 pandemic played a crucial role.
Conclusion
Greeting cards are all about the impact that they make. The current generation, or as they label themselves, Gen-Z, adores anything that fits their aesthetic. Receiving a heartfelt note from someone you love is an instant mood-changer. While some believe that texts can have a similar impact, that is not the case.
Texts often get hidden in the flood of notifications and are barely paid attention to. Yes, texts may help an individual experience an instant boost of serotonin. However, the happiness of receiving and reading a text is not constant. A greeting card or a thank-you note can be cherished and preserved for life and is much more personal.
All three winners are invited to participate in the New Jersey State Federated Women’s Club (NJSFWC) Highlands District Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 11, in Rockaway. The district winners will be invited to the State Championship at the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC (NJSFWC) Headquarters on Saturday, March 18, in New Brunswick.
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC, which are the largest volunteer women’s service organization in the country/state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. New members are always welcome! Come to the next General Meeting on Monday, February 27, to see if the club is right for you.
