MORRIS COUNTY — Community Hope’s Sparkle of Hope Gala is returning to an in-person event after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic on Tuesday, November 15 at 5:30 p.m.
The gala is one of the largest fundraising events in New Jersey and benefits Community Hope’s programs to assist more than 1,000 veterans and veteran families annually with housing stability and mental wellness. The gala also supports Community Hope’s residential programs serving more than 100 individuals daily in recovery from mental illness. This year’s gala will be held at the Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, and more than 500 people are expected to attend.
Community Hope is proud to present the Sparkle of Hope Award this year to two well-deserving honorees, Aaron Graff, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, and Joseph Papa, Chief Executive Officer at Bausch+Lomb. These dynamic industry leaders are being recognized for their Corporations’ support of Community Hope for over a decade as well as their personal commitment to the organization’s mission and their advocacy for those served by the charity.
Fred Hassan
This year’s event is led by Fred Hassan, Chairman of the Caret Group and Director, Warburg Pincus. The Sparkle of Hope event has raised more than $18 million since 1997 and continues to grow into an event that brings together pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other related industries in support of a common cause.
This will be among Community Hope’s largest galas in the 26 years since Fred Hassan, then-Chief Executive Officer of Pharmacia & Upjohn, founded the charity event to enhance community-based services to coincide with pharmaceutical advances in mental health treatment.
Aaron Graff
The 2022 Honorary Co-Chairs are Robert Bradway, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amgen, Terrie Curran, Chief Executive Officer and President of Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Kenneth Frazier, Executive Chairman of Merck & Co., Adele Gulfo, Chief Commercial, and BD Officer at Sumitovant Biopharma, Thomas Kendris, US Country President at Novartis Corporation, Catherine Owen, Senior Vice President and General Manager, US Commercial at Bristol Myers Squibb, Tarek Rabah, Chief Executive Officer of Otsuka America, Inc., and Brent Ragans, President of Ferring US. Corporate Sponsors of the event include Accenture – Life Sciences, Amgen, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Arnold & Porter, Bayer, BD, Bausch+Lomb, Bausch Health, Bristol Myers Squibb, The Boston Consulting Group, CommVault, Davis Polk Wardell, LLC, Deloitte, Embecta, Ferring, Freshfields Bruckhause & Deringer, Goldman Sachs, IQVIA, J. Knipper & Company, Johnson & Johnson, JP Morgan, Lowenstein Sandler, Matthijssen, Inc., McKinsey & Co., Merck, Morgan Stanley, Mutual of America, NJM Insurance, Norton Rose Fulbright, Novartis, Ogilvy Health, P360 Optiks Solution, Otsuka, Paul Boudreau & Associates, Pfizer, Inc., Peabody Properties, PhRMA, Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Prometheus, Inc., Roivant Sciences, RSM US, SAGE Broadview Wealth Management, Sanofi US, Spencer Savings Bank, Sumitovant Biopharma, Tandym Group, The Cheeley Consulting Group, Tris Pharma, Venable, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen and Katz, Warburg Pincus, The Westfield Group, USA and Withum.
To purchase tables and tickets or to make a donation to the Sparkle of Hope Gala, visit the events section of Community Hope’s click here or contact Peggy Banko, Development Director at (973) 463-9600, extension 303 or (973) 444-0364.
Community Hope, an NJ non-profit organization, provides housing and support services over 1,000 veterans, veteran families, and people living with mental illness each year. Since 1985, our team of over 150 employees has provided clinical case management, housing (emergency, transitional, and affordable), and homeless prevention services enabling thousands to recover from mental illness, homelessness, substance use, and poverty.
PARSIPPANY — Florence Church, 32, Parsippany, was traveling east on Edwards Road, on Sunday, November 6 at 9:31 a.m. and fell asleep while driving.
Ms. Church’s vehicle struck the curb located in front of Rockaway Meadow School, 160 Edwards Road, then struck the curb in front of 149 Edwards Road, drove off the road and onto the front lawn of 149 Edwards Road, then the front lawn of 169 Edwards Road, prior to crashing into a utility pole located between 149 and 169 Edwards Road before coming to final rest on the front lawn of 169 Edwards Road.
She was driving a 2019 Black Nissan Pathfinder. The vehicle became disabled and was towed from the scene by Eagle Towing.
Officer Ed Banks determined the cause of the crash was the driver falling asleep while operating a motor vehicle.
There was no summons issued at the time of the investigation.
PARSIPPANY — Aruna Vaddiraju was promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Analysis and User Experience at Lakeland Bank.
Vaddiraju joined the Bank in 2021 as Vice President, Business Analysis, and User Experience Lead.
Prior to that, she was the Lead Business Analyst at Prudential Group Insurance in Roseland. Vaddiraju holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master of Business Administration degree from Andhra University. She is an ICAgile Certified Professional and is a resident of Parsippany.
Lakeland Bank is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Lakeland Bancorp, Inc., with over $10 billion in total assets. With an extensive branch network and commercial lending centers throughout New Jersey and Highland Mills, NY, the Bank continues to build on its infrastructure of financial strength, profitability, efficiency, and quality service as it moves into the future.
Business services include commercial loans and lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, loans for healthcare services, asset-based lending, equipment financing, small business loans and lines, and treasury management services. Consumer services include checking and savings accounts, digital banking, home equity loans and lines, mortgage options, and wealth management solutions. Lakeland is proud and honored to be recognized as one of America’s Best-In-State Banks by Forbes and Statista, rated a 5-Star Bank by Bauer Financial, and named one of New Jersey’s 50 Fastest Growing Companies by NJBIZ.
For over 50 years, Lakeland Bank has been serving our local community as both a trusted financial service provider and a strongly committed corporate citizen. As a community bank, Lakeland Bank is connected to the neighborhoods they serve through its volunteer efforts and contributions. They invest time, talent, and resources in organizations that help make local communities better places.
Voters waiting at Lake Parsippany firehouse for the machines to be fixed. At one point both machines, for District 10 and District 12 were broken, and the lines became longer
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Commissioners spent nearly $5 million to replace its 20-year-old voting machines. But some of those machines rolled out to local polling districts for Election Day are malfunctioning while other towns are struggling to accommodate a large voter turnout with half the voting machines they have received in the past.
At the Lake Parsippany Firehouse, when a Parsippany Focus reporter arrived to vote, both machines were not working and voters were patiently waiting to vote. After about 45 minutes, one machine was reprogrammed and the line of voters started moving. By the end of the night, when the doors were locked at 8:00 p.m. there were approximately 40 voters waiting in line to vote. The final vote was cast at about 8:35 p.m.
This experience was voiced across many voting districts in Morris County.
Election workers in Parsippany trying to fix the voting machine in District 12Voters waiting patiently at Lake Parsippany Firehouse while election workers were fixing the machines
MORRIS COUNTY — The three Republican Candidates for Morris County Commissioners received most of the votes in Tuesday’s election. Current Commissioner Kathryn A. DeFillippo decided not to run for re-election.
The total ballots cast was 181,864 (45.75%), and there are 397,485 registered voters in Morris County.
Thomas ‘T.C.’ McCOURT
Democrat
72,353
14.26%
Judith HERNANDEZ
Democrat
74,708
14.72%
Baramdai ‘Alicia’ SHARMA
Democrat
72,094
14.21%
Doug CABANA
Republican
95,478
18.82%
Christine MYERS
Republican
96,798
19.08%
Tom MASTRANGELO
Republican
95,640
18.85%
Write-In
348
0.07%
Total Votes Cast
507,419
Early Voting results & Mail-In Ballots received before the close of polls are included.
Timely postmarked Mail-In Ballot results are pending
Provisional Ballot results pending
Results are updated as they become available and are subject to change until all ballots are counted.
Results don’t become official until Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi certifies them.
PARSIPPANY — The results of the Parsippany Board of Education election:
Three seats were up, each for a three-year term.
Andy Choffo
5,340
Jack S. Raia
5,647
Yvonne Ferise
3,597
Alison C. Cogan
5,495
Kendra Von Achen
4,311
Michelle Shappell
6,248
Falgun Bakhtarwala
3,832
Write In
113
The Board of Education comprises nine registered voters of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township elect. Members are elected to three-year terms. The Board President and Vice-President are elected by the majority vote of their fellow Board members.
Mayor James Barberio drops off some food at the Kiwanis Food Collection
PARSIPPANY — The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany with assistance from Parsippany High School Key Club, and Parsippany Hills High School Key Club teamed up and conducted a food drive at ShopRite, Parsippany on Sunday, November 5.
Kiwanis Club Vice President Carol Tiesi, President Nicolas Limanov and Michele Picone, Director of Health and Human Services
The food was collected for the Parsippany Food Pantry. In addition, they received $110.00 in Shop Rite gift cards
$250.00 in donations.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President-elect Carol Tiesi said “When I was sworn in October, one of my initiatives is to work with the Key Club on their goal of collecting food for the needy. We started in Parsippany and will continue throughout next year and collect as much food as needed.” The Key Club is comprised of passionate, hard-working high schoolers dedicated to serving their homes, schools, and communities. We strive to make the world a better place through service and caring.
The Parsippany Emergency Food Pantry is located at Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, Lake Hiawatha. For more information call (973) 263-7163. Their hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.
Anyone interested in joining the new Kiwanis Club please contact Nicolas Limanov at (917) 499-7299.
Kiwanis Club collected food at ShopRite to be donated to Parsippany Food PantryKiwanis Club collected food at ShopRite to be donated to Parsippany Food Pantry
Chief Warrant Officer Jack Ambrose, Sheriff James M. Gannon, Sergeant Travis Somerville,
Detective Lieutenant Tracy Medwin, Detective Sergeant Greg Lukaszyck,
Chief Sheriff’s Officer Kelley Zienowicz, Undersheriff Mark Spitzer, Undersheriff Richard Rose
MORRIS COUNTY — Sheriff James M. Gannon is pleased to announce the promotions of three members, Detective Lieutenant Tracy Medwin, Detective Sergeant Greg Lukaszyk, and Sergeant Travis Somerville.
Detective Lieutenant Tracy Medwin was hired by the Sheriff’s Office in December of 2000. She has previously been assigned to the Protective Services Division, the Research and Planning Section of the Administration Division, and the Process Section of the Legal Services Division. She will assume command of the Community Outreach and Planning Section of the Office.
Detective Sergeant Greg Lukaszyk joined the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in January 2008 and attended the 71st Basic Police Academy Class. He spent the first 12 years of his career in the Protective Services Division, with additional assignments to the Marine Patrol Unit and as an agency firearms instructor. During these years, He also served in the NJ Army National Guard until retiring, at the rank of Sergeant First Class, with 22 years of service in 2018. In September 2020, he was selected to become a Detective in the Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab, with special emphasis on Ballistics and Firearms Examination. Detective Sergeant Lukaszyk has since attended the New Jersey State Police Forensic Investigations Course, along with numerous firearms training and armorer courses. With his current promotion, Detective Sergeant Lukaszyk will supervise the new Ballistics and Firearms Section within Crime Scene Investigation Services.
Sergeant Somerville earned an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and went on to study at the College of St Elizabeth where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in 2012. He was hired by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office in July 2013. He successfully completed his police academy training in December 2013. After his academy graduation, Sergeant Somerville was assigned to the Protective Services Division, working in Criminal Courts and Holding until April 2016 when he was reassigned to the Community Outreach and Planning Section. While assigned there, his responsibilities included the Explorer Program, Project Lifesaver, Crime Stopper, and the agency’s CALEA Accreditation function. He is also a member of the Marine Patrol Unit and agency Search and Rescue Operations. With his current promotion, Sergeant Somerville will now supervise the Community Outreach and Planning Section.
Chief Sheriff’s Officer Kelley Zienowicz stated, “I am so proud of these three stand-out members. They bring experience and knowledge to their well-deserved new ranks and will continue to be a benefit to the agency in their new roles.” The Morris County Sheriff’s Office recognized these individuals and their accomplishments in a promotional ceremony held in the historic courtroom at the Morris County Superior Courthouse this Monday, November 7, 2022. Sheriff Gannon said, “It is my honor to promote Detective Lieutenant Tracy Medwin, Detective Sergeant Greg Lukaszyk, and Sergeant Travis Somerville today. I’ve witnessed each of these great leaders professionally serve the citizens of Morris County every day. I am very confident in their collective knowledge, skills, and abilities to further advance the goals and objectives of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.” These promotions will enhance the professionalism of the Community Planning and Outreach Section and the Criminal Investigation Services Division of the Sheriff’s Office.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment – November 2, 2022. Please note there is no video due to technical difficulties, you can just hear the meeting.
The announcement is made that adequate notice of this meeting has been given and that it is being conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq. of the New Jersey “Open Public Meetings Act”
MORRIS PLAINS — The New Jersey State Police and the Morris Plains Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a suspect wanted for allegedly scamming and robbing a victim in Morris Plains.
On Friday, October 21, at approximately 5:15 p.m., the suspect called the victim pretending to be a New York prosecutor and advised that a family member had been in a car accident with a pregnant woman.
The suspect stated that the family member needed cash for bail money and instructed the victim to meet him at the Morris Plains Municipal Building with the cash.
The suspect later changed the meeting location to the Dunkin Donuts located on Speedwell Avenue.
When they met, the suspect took the cash and brandished a firearm that he was wearing on the inside of his jacket before fleeing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers at (973) 267-2255 or click here to visit the website.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council meeting of November 1, 2022
PARSIPPANY — About two dozen Parsippany residents attended the council meeting on Tuesday, November 1 to ask the Mayor and Council to repeal the PLA (Project Labor Agreement) which was voted on by a majority of the Council on October 18. (Click here to read a related article).
During the meeting, multiple speakers saying they represented the town’s Indian-American community stated they were intimidated by the large presence of union members at the previous two meetings and were hesitant to speak out then. Some residents also expressed they couldn’t get into the meeting held on October 11. (Click here to read a residents letter to the editor)
A vehicle owned by the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters was parked at Parsippany Hills High School with a rotating display of messages on October 18 where the Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting was being held. The message seen here was directed at Councilman Justin Musella
Parsippany resident Debbie Nemorovich said “I have been a lifelong Republican and a volunteer for various causes. During the mayor’s previous election, I asked all of my friends in town to vote for him against the previous mayor. I am horrified to see that a Republican mayor openly supported liberal policies like project labor agreements; that will now drive up my taxes to pay for the favors of special interest groups. I was offended that at the previous council meeting, the mayor referred to those who wrote online about this ordinance as “Keyboard warriors”. Well, I can say that I attempted to come to the previous meeting to speak my mind, but felt a little scared, very scared of the union protestors that were there. No good reason I walk with a cane, so I’m not gonna get involved in any of that. Mayor Barberio, if you wanna keep the faith of Republicans like me, which we shook hands a couple of weeks ago, I’m hoping you and the council consider overturning this ordinance at this time.”
Click here to view the video of the November 1, 2022, Council meeting.
“My name is Raymond Gallop. I live in Lake Hiawatha. I’m here about the PLA, the Project Labor Agreement. The only person that was against it was Justin Musella. And I commend him for that. In 1985, I worked at a communications company in Piscataway and they had a labor union there. I was a white-collar worker there in Accounts Receivable. It lasted six months. It was the Teamsters Union. I’m against unions basically. And I’m also a lifelong Republican. And I’ve been living here in town since 1982. I hope you repeal this terrible agreement because Democrats only benefit from it. It’s costly. Being in bed with labor unions is not a good thing. Only Democrats do that. Joe Biden and the Democrats are in this.”
On October 18, Union workers met at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 102, 50 Parsippany Road, and drove in caravans to Parsippany Hills High School. Pictured is a truck with the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters logo. A large video sign on the side of the truck displayed the image “PLA ALL THE Way.”
“I’m here to voice my opposition to the project labor agreement ordinance. I fail to see how this ordinance will save Parsippany taxpayers’ a dime. The ordinance will not provide a fair and competitive bidding process. If a project is put out the bid with an estimated value of $5 million, how can it become a competitive bid if the contractors that have an agreement with the union know that this is a starting point? Who will be responsible for the taxpayers’ dollars when the union assigns the low bidder? You say this ordinance will prevent lowballing. How will it prevent gouging? It is said that by employing union labor, the workers will be more skilled. I know this is not true. I am a local contractor. I do bid public work and have my men attending the same classes as the union workers. It is this town’s responsibility to ensure the contractors are registered with the state’s apprenticeship program. My men go through the same four years of schooling and on-the-job training. They’re equally capable. They receive the same pay scale as unionized workers. In fact, they see more money in their checks because there are no deductions for dues or other obligations. You say the ordinance will prevent delays from labor conflicts. By approving this haven’t you just let the wolves overrun the hen house? If labor conflicts are an issue, why not introduce an ordinance to allow the union workers space to voice their disagreement? And the non-union workers to continue working. The town has an obligation to taxpayers to be good stewards of their money,” said Ken Dua.
“PLAs have been around for a while. They’re nothing new. They came into play in the “Big dig” in Boston in 2001, which was a debacle. Cost overruns for days. In fact, George W. Bush prohibited all project labor agreements from all federal projects. Bids should go to the lowest responsible bidder union or non-union. I was really shocked when I found out that a Republican administration in this town introduced and passed this legislation. Republicans generally run on fiscal responsibility and the responsibility of the taxpayers. This is a complete violation of that. Back around 2001, the courts threw out some PLA agreements for two high school building projects in Lynn and one in Boston’s High Park. When the new bids came in, they were $500,000 and $664,000 lower respectively for these projects. It’s a big saving. There have been cost overruns with these agreements. There was an arena in Cleveland, which was originally estimated at $118 million and came in 25% overestimate. The Ohio legislature subsequently voted to prohibit union-only deals on state projects. It really limits who is going to bid on these projects. Nationwide 87.4% of the construction industry does not belong to a union; in New Jersey, it’s not quite that high, but still, 73.10% of the construction industry in New Jersey is non-union. That means you’re eliminating approximately three-quarters of the potential contractors, and you’re leaving it to about a quarter of the potential contractors to bid on these projects. The ordinance doesn’t prohibit a non-union contractor to bid on the contract, but then he has to hire the union labor. Does he really want to put his reputation on the line with people he doesn’t know? Have to use union employees that he’s never met before or dealt with before? You have an opportunity to repeal this ordinance and restore fiscal responsibility and give everybody an equal opportunity to bid on these contracts,” said Parsippany resident Ken Kaplan.
Another resident, Elaine Gavalas, said “I was at the last meeting about the PLA agreement at the high school, and it was quite an experience. The hundreds of union people were very intimidating and made you feel like you couldn’t disagree with them. In my area of Lake Parsippany, I know of a group of people from the Indian community who attended the first meeting. They were so fearful that they felt like they were going to be beaten up. Unfortunately, most of them will not be attending any more town hall meetings. This is not right. They really felt very fearful. All they wanted to do was express their opinions. Doing my own research, I believe the cons outweigh the pros. Increased costs will raise our taxes. PLAs are anti-competitive and inherently unfair to non-union contractors and non-union employees. No one can guarantee 100% that their work is going to be perfect. I think this ordinance should be repealed. And I support Justin’s vote of no.”
Parsippany resident Hank Heller. File Photo
“Most of you know me and I know most of you I’d like to address myself, to the mayor who spoke strongly for PLAs as well as for the rest of you who supported it as strongly as you did. And I owe it to myself and to each of you to share some information. Three voting seasons ago, I voted for most of you and I was very happy with that. And then two voting seasons ago, I didn’t vote for most of you. I voted for the other guys. And that was something that troubled me a great deal because I have, I have been a conservative person, for most of my life. And then in the last voting season, I voted for you, most of you again. Okay? And I’m saying this to you because I think it’s really important that you understand what’s, what’s really happening. Okay? When I didn’t vote for you, I was, I didn’t vote for you because I was dissatisfied with the way you were spending our money, our taxpayer money. Okay? But I ultimately became more dissatisfied with the folks who replaced some of you. Okay? And now we’re back again. I have confidence in you people. I really like most of you people, and I am telling you that I think that the vote, the vote to make PLAs Law in Parsippany is a terrible mistake. The reason that I feel this is because when the county and the state suggested they brought forth that PLAs would be a good thing to consider. That was one thing, but it did not have to be, it did not have to be adhered to; It could be considered. When you folks decided under a great deal of pressure from the union representatives that this would become the law of Parsippany. I think you made a terrible mistake. And I that you disappointed yourself and will pay for that. And I don’t want you to pay for that. Additionally, the fact of the matter is that it’s also disrespectful to the intelligence of the voters that support you. And, and that’s all I have to say. Honor, I’d like you to rethink that entire issue,” said Parsippany resident Hank Heller.
“As I sit back there and I watch carefully how attentively you listen to the speakers up here. I thank you very much for that because I know that at least are dear. We may disagree on issues, but I appreciate the respectfulness and attentiveness to which you give all the speakers. I think that’s very important. I was at the town council meeting on October 18. I was in the minority in speaking against the ordinance requiring PLAs for projects over $5 million. Listening to the majority on October 18 one might believe that hiring union workers precludes cost overruns, ensures time and completion of projects, and guarantees quality workmanship. My experience proves different. As a former union member, I was in Local 333 and M.E.B.A.-2 and am a current employee in the public sector. My experience is course overruns and delays are so common in the public sector, they’re expected. Furthermore, if a newly completed project fails, it’s really the architect that should be held accountable, not the workers. And believe me, I support the rights of all workers to earn a fair and living wage more over their entitled to fair labor practices and safe working conditions. And frankly, I admire their skills. However, PLAs are not right for Parsippany. I appeal to the town council, and to the mayor to protect the fiduciary interests of the town and its residents. Keep this town fiscally solvent and repeal ordinance 2022:24,” said Parsippany resident Richard Corbett.
“My name is, Jeff Golderer. At the last council meeting, the mayor referred to my wife and me as keyboard warriors for writing a letter to the editor rather than speaking in person. Well, we stand by what we expressed in writing, and we are not afraid of speaking up for our principles and our beliefs. I am also representing my wife to say exactly what we wrote to the council, Republican committee members, and in the letter to the editor. We do not agree with the PLA ordinance that was passed by the majority of this council. We thought that by having an all-Republican council and mayor, we would have an administration that would support Republican values and principles. And this has not happened in this particular case. Republicans generally advocate for traditional values, a low degree of government interference, and large support of the private sector. And the party’s fiscal conservatism includes support for lower taxes, free-market capitalism, and deregulation. As important as it is to vote for Republicans, as we are asked to do, we must make sure that they are the right Republicans. What is the point of voting someone into a position just because they’re Republicans if they’re going to present legislation and ordinances? Similar to the Democrat representatives. Earlier this year, President Joe Biden directed federal government agencies to use PLAs on projects on federal projects. So what does that tell you about where the policy stands on the political spectrum? Parsippany is important to each one of us, and we must make sure that stays out of the swamps that Democrats like to swim in. Let’s be clear, our mayor and council are people we have known for a very long time. Residents have known them for a lifetime. So we must help them stay on the right side of the party and the issues. We are not against unions, we are against the government restricting the rights of free-loving Americans that believe in a free market. Please don’t continue to go in this direction by restricting these freedoms as mentioned, um, by a previous speaker, um, over 75% of construction workers are non-union. So this truly is a carve-out for this special union interest. We are not judging your personal integrity and values that are between you and your own conscience, but we are speaking out for our values and integrity as part of any taxpayers and members of the Republican party for the representatives that we voted for. This keyboard warrior will always stand up to try to keep Parsippany to be the best place to live, for its suburban lifestyle and conservative leadership that has helped our community prosper. What was the purpose of the PLA ordinance? What problem is it meant to solve? By what metric will we measure any success or impact? And now that the PLA ordinance has passed, how long will it be before the council is pressured to lower the dollar minimum, Please keep the political controversies to a minimum and concentrate on fixing what the previous administrator has broken. Continue to bring more businesses to our town that our families can enjoy and keep our conservative values protected. Thank you for your time and attention.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio
Mayor James Barberio responded “I do want to answer one question. Mr. Golderer came up and with the keyboard warrior’s statement they made, I’ll make it again. And the reason why I’m making it again is that what I meant by keyboard warriors, it was certain individuals whose comments were so generic that it was the same comment going forward, Forward and forward and forward. And it all came from ABC, which is the Associated Builder and Construction. They made some comments with regard to us doing a PLA. What the ABC does not tell you. There’s a supply chain issue and there’s a labor shortage, They want to hire, be able to hire, individuals with no experience. They want to hire undocumented with no experience whatsoever. I read that in a magazine. It was a February 2022 study by ABC itself. This ordinance puts residents to work.”
“The previous speaker said ‘I don’t know why he made this change. We had a level playing field. The small business owner had a chance to compete with everybody else. I heard at the last meeting about fair wages, fair pay, and all those things. I have never been paid a fair rate in all my life. I get paid what I got paid, what I earned, what I strived for, what I got. No law was set in place to pay me a wage. I earned it. The open bidding process allows us as taxpayers to pay a fair rate to anybody who’s bidding. In New York City a few years ago, they made an ordinance change by law where all bellmen and bellhops in hotel and, apartment buildings had to be unionized. It pushed all the non-union buildings into a very strange situation. Either they do this or they get fined. I don’t want us to be put into a position where we have to do something without any flexibility. The key in business as well as in government is flexibility. You gotta be able to move and maneuver properly. At the last meeting, one neighbor said to me, Tom, in the last year my cost has gone up $1,000 a month living in Parsippany. Gas inflation and all those things. Will this new ordinance cost me more money? Or will we be doing fewer projects? That means Parsippany now goes down. We’re in a big circle. I would like your consideration and think about your taxpayers, what the impact will be long term, and also your flexibility,” said Parsippany resident Thomas Williams.
Lake Parsippany resident Danny (Dharmesh) Desai said “I’m here with due respect to all of you guys. I’m not opposing the union. I do respect unions. But it goes case by case. This town shouls not require PLA for sure. The community is very upset. The Indian community is upset. I’m representing many of them today. Many of them were scared to come to the last meeting. That doesn’t mean they agree with your decision. They worked for you guys. They’re not going to work in the future because of the action you guys have taken. I am also a town county committee member. You all know me as a Republican. I am a business owner. I used union workers and non-union union workers for my construction jobs. They definitely are higher in price. There is no doubt about it. I personally experience this myself. So is no way there is a comparison. Competition has been limited, which is not a good idea. Guess what? How are we gonna pay for the cost increase? It’s a domino effect when you increase the cost of any project is going to come to the residents of price like me and the rest of the folks sitting here. Now, let’s think about it. How can we eliminate 75% of people living in Parsippany who are contractors, eliminate them from paying the taxes in this town and not give them the opportunity to do this project or bidding? That’s absolutely disgusting. Why are we in this direction? We need to rethink this. Only this gentleman has opposed this and I shall applaud you. Justin thank you. Well done. I had expressed my personal opinion to each of you personally. I did before even this started. I had given the explanation. I disagree with this and that other thing is bringing hundreds of people, union folks from out of our area. Not a good idea. Why are we bringing those here to speak? Give the fair opportunity to bring local people to speak here. They’re all scared because of hundreds of union members. That was absolutely wrong. I was here twice. I couldn’t speak because of them. That’s absolutely wrong. I do respect you guys. We all trust it. We all work for you. We all put you into office. Please don’t disrespect the residents of Parsippany.”
Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella listens to the speakers at the Council Meeting of October 11. File Photo
Musella thanked the residents for speaking out.
“I understand the last two meetings, to have done what you did tonight would have been extraordinarily difficult,” he said. “You can take that from somebody who was there. And I do hope my colleagues will take into serious consideration the effort to repeal this ordinance. I do not feel it will benefit the taxpayers and I don’t want to wait for the impacts it will have on your future before it’s too late.”
“The procurement process is important to understand. You can hear about the PLAs coming over cost funds. We put a bid out at a certain price. If that bid comes over, we deny it. The township will deny the bid even on projects 5 million. if they don’t come under what we need them to be we can deny it. We can deny it again. And then the third time you can negotiate with a union or non-union. When you hear about competitive bidding with regards that it’s not fair, I can cite the United States Supreme Court which said that it is fair that all non-union or unions can bid. It was a case heard at the Supreme Court and that’s why PLA still exists because it is competitive,” Mayor Barberio continued.
“I know many union members that are Republican. I know many union members that are Democrats. I know many non-union members that are Democrats. I know many nonunion members that are Republican. When you can’t get your issue out, what do you do? You used a political stance. It’s a Democrat thing. It’s a Republican thing. I don’t look at it that way. I don’t look at it as Republican or Democrat. I’m the Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills. If a Democrat comes to me and has a good idea. I’m not going to shut them out. No, I’m not. that’s where this has gotten at. That it’s, it’s like you heard Mr. Golderer, who’s a par been a Republican committee member, which I will address our par republican committee meetings, um, with regards to, you know, Republicans don’t do this, Republicans don’t do that.”
“I’m for good government. I’m sure you heard that the unions contributed to my campaign. Yeah, nonunions contributed too. I guarantee them good government. That’s all. I don’t guarantee them anything else. So what you need to figure out, why do those union members come out and droves that day. I don’t know why. I asked them why. And they have a reason and asked for them to express why they came out against one individual.
That’s a question you need to ask them. Not me, not the rest of the council. They came out for a reason. I didn’t like it. I truly didn’t like how many and I didn’t like, I get the applauding, I got broad shoulders. I had the Waterview project where I was being quoted names. That’s politics. I don’t feel intimidated by anybody. I know some people are intimidated and I apologize for that. I can’t control what happens in a meeting. But to be totally honest with you, it’s not just for per residents that can come here. Any member of the public throughout the whole entire county can come to our meetings, enforce their concerns any way they want, and we have to hear them just as well. I don’t like the fact that they try to make it a Republican and Democrat thing. That becomes very frustrating. Cause it shouldn’t be that way. It could be about good government,” continued Barberio.
The audience listens to Mayor James Barberio explain his position on the PLA
Click here to download a copy of the Ordinance 2022:24.
Parsippany’s PLA ordinance was approved with a 4-to-1 vote, with Musella being the lone Councilman voting against approving the ordinance.
Click here to view a video of union workers marching into the council meeting at Parsippany Hills High School.
The Adams Family entertained the children with the theme song and all the characters
PARSIPPANY — Popular Halloween costumes may change every year, but over the past few decades, trick-or-treating has stayed essentially the same: Grab a pillowcase and some friends, then go door-to-door threatening your neighbors to give you something good to eat or face the wrath of your stinky feet. Or so the saying goes.
Ezra Dean Avalos enjoying “Trick or Treating”
Over the past few years a trend has bubbled up in cities nationwide, particularly in Parsippany where you may not know your neighbors very well—or the houses are so far apart that by the time the kids have hit house No. 4, everyone’s ready to call it a night. It’s called Trunk-or-Treating, and the premise is simple: A bunch of residents, non-profit groups, and local businesses band together deck out their trunks with Halloween decorations like they’re starring in an episode of Pimp My Ride: Spooktacular Edition, and let their kids meander from car to car, collecting candy at each stop. This year, Trunk or Treat was held on Monday, October 31 at Veterans Park. Every child has to bring a bag of candy to enter the park, and members of Parsippany Park and Recreation distributed the candy to the vehicles.
If at first, this seems a little lackluster, just wait until you see all of the decorated cars. Some people really got into creating themed designs, such as the Adams Family, complete with the theme song playing, and the members pinching their fingers to every part of the song, that blow away most of the houses in a typical neighborhood. Simple beautiful vehicles, like The Nest Family, Pediatric, and Prenatal Chiropractic, just decorate their vehicle with pumpkins and other Halloween decorations. Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrolman Ryan Tayor decorated his vehicle as a “Police Vehicle” with police line tape, not to cross. The variations were endless.
The children in the hundreds strolled Veterans Park and collected bags of candy.
Ann Marie Ferrara, Mayor James Barberio, and Haleema Ahmed handing our treats to all the Trick or TreatersThe Nest Family, Pediatric and Prenatal ChiropracticParsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Ryan TaylorParsippany-Troy Hills CERT distributing information as well as candyParsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire Department District SixParsippany Volunteer AmbulanceRockaway Neck Volunteer AmbulanceCouncil Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Councilman Frank Neglia, Mayor James Barberio, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Council President Michael dePierro, and Councilman Justin MusellaCouncil Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Courtney Musella and Councilman Justin MusellaParsippany residents distributing candyYvonne Ferise, Jack Raia and Andy ChoffoDonna Martone and Andrea Martone, Realty Executives handing out goodiesAlison Cogan and Michelle ShappellMichelle ShappellWoman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy HillsFrozen’s Olaf
At the most recent Parsippany Town Council meeting (October 18) a majority of the council caved to organized labor to pass Ordinance 2022:24 requiring the use of PLAs for any project over 5 million dollars. I was in the minority and part of a Goliath fight attempting to sway the majority of council members toward a position that protects the financial interests of Parsippany residents. Unlike David, we did not prevail; at least for now.
I believe my experience as a former union member (Local 333 and M.E.B.A.-2) and current employee in the public sector provides a unique and balanced perspective that is sensitive to both sides. I support the rights of all workers to earn a fair wage. Moreover, they are entitled to fair labor practices and safe working conditions. Their skills and technical abilities are admirable.
However, after listening to the majority at Tuesday night’s meeting, one might believe that hiring union workers precludes cost overruns, ensures the timely completion of projects, and guarantees quality workmanship. My experience proves different. In fact, cost overruns, and delays are so common in the public sector they are expected. Furthermore, if a newly completed project fails, the architect is likely the one accountable, not the workers.
Tuesday, October 18 was a sad night for Parsippany residents who were let down by the Mayor and the majority of the Town Council, elected to protect the fiduciary interests of the Town and its residents. My hope is that the fight to keep Parsippany fiscally solvent is not over. I encourage Parsippany residents to rally around Justin Muscella, the only council member with the courage to stand up against “Goliath,” and repeal Ordinance 2022:24 that requires the use of PLAs for contractual work above 5 million dollars.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, October 29, 2022, colors, lights, and food fused with joy and tradition, as Diwali – The Festival of Lights – was celebrated at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Diwali is the most widely celebrated festival by Indians and Hindus around the world. October is being celebrated as Hindu Heritage Month, and community leaders as well as policymakers, including US President Joe Biden, are participating in lighting lamps and offering best wishes for the festivities.
Visitors were greeted with a festive and traditional welcome at the temple entrance by a colorful Rangoli, an ornate floor design made from colored powder, displaying various traditional Hindu symbols.
“It’s great to be starting the year off with family, friends, and community members,” said Dr. Raunaq Bhatt.
In preparation for the festivities, many devotees, young and old, gave their time to help create decorations, prepare for children’s Diwali, and set the stage for the most significant ritual of Diwali, ‘Annakut’. Annakut, which literally means ‘a mountain of food’, is traditionally offered to God to celebrate the beginning of the Hindu New Year.
Paul and Sharon DeGroot
“The preparation begins very early in the morning for us,” explained Seema Trambadia, a volunteer of BAPS. “The vegetarian food is traditionally arranged in tiers or steps in front of the sacred images of God. Today over 850 food items have been offered to God.”
“Diwali is my favorite festival because of the excitement that fills the air when the festival nears. Having recently migrated to the US, I did not know what to expect,” said Kishan Patel, “However, after coming to the mandir, I felt like I was back in India. I experienced my culture while getting a taste of fine Indian cuisine. Every person I met had an expression of warmth and happiness on their face. I truly felt at home.”
At mandirs across North America, the glow of the lights, bright colors, and festive ambiance at the mandirs welcomed visitors as they took in the colors of the rangoli. Visitors joyfully offered prayers for the year ahead, and also had the opportunity to partake in prasadam (sanctified food).
Diwali traditions are founded in deep spiritual meaning and encourage communities to reflect at each step of the celebrations. The ancient tradition of lighting diyas, or traditional lamps, symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. While the lamps lit on Diwali erase the physical darkness, the festival’s rich traditions, and rituals help individuals remove the darkness from within, in the forms of anger, envy, greed, arrogance, and resentment. The celebrations and traditions observed during the Diwali period present an opportunity to reflect and introspect on one’s personal, professional, and spiritual growth, and to start anew.
The multiple days of Diwali are steeped in traditions and rituals that symbolize new beginnings and a renewed commitment to family. The bright colors of Rangoli, the lamps, and the elaborate offering of vegetarian food (Annakut) to God, all mark a renewal of the good within and the goodwill towards all around us.
This year His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj celebrated Diwali and Annakut in Gondal, in the state of Gujarat in India. He blessed the devotees with a happy and peaceful new year. He also stressed that since this year is also the centennial celebration of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, may all be blessed to live according to his virtuous life.
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) is a spiritual, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving society through individual growth by fostering the Hindu ideals of faith, unity, and selfless service. Its worldwide network of 3,800 centers supports these character-building activities. Under the guidance and leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, BAPS aspires to build a community that is free of addictions as well as morally, ethically, and spiritually pure. For more details, please visit www.baps.org.
About Mahant Swami Maharaj
His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj is the sixth and current spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. He has ordained a swami by Yogiji Maharaj in 1961 and named Sadhu Keshavjivandas. As he has appointed the head (Mahant) of the Mandir in Mumbai, he became known as Mahant Swami. His devout, humble, and service-focused life earned him the innermost blessings of Yogiji Maharaj and Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Mahant Swami Maharaj travels throughout the world inspiring people through his insightful spiritual discourses and disciplined conduct. His virtuous lifestyle and profound devotion to Bhagwan Swaminarayan and gurus are ideals toward which devotees strive. Mahant Swami Maharaj became the guru and President of BAPS upon Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s passing in 2016.
Pramukh Swami Maharaj Pramukh Swami Maharaj was the fifth spiritual successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Under his leadership, BAPS grew into an international spiritual and humanitarian organization with over 3,300 centers worldwide. He dedicated his life to the well-being of others, traveling throughout the world to foster love, peace, harmony, righteousness, faith in God, and service to humanity. With genuine care and compassion, he reached out to all members of society irrespective of class, color, or age. Recognized and respected as one of India’s greatest spiritual teachers, he lived by and promoted the principle: “In the joy of others, lies our own.”
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting was held on Tuesday, November 1.
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 prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Littleton Elementary School serves 422 students in grades Prekindergarten-5.
Littleton Elementary School placed in the top 10% of all schools in New Jersey for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 20%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 75-79% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 44%) for the 2018-19 school year. The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75-79% (which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 57%) for the 2018-19 school year.
The student: teacher ratio of 15:1 is higher than the New Jersey state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Asian), which is higher than the New Jersey state average of 59% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Littleton Elementary School is located at 250 Brooklawn Drive.
PARSIPPANY — Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting on October 19, 2022, was held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany.
The announcement is made that adequate notice of this meeting has been given and that it is being conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq. of the New Jersey “Open Public Meetings Act”
Members of the Township Council congratulate Barbara Krajkowski
PARSIPPANY — Mayor James Barberio presented Barbara Krajkowski with a Proclamation at the Township Council meeting on Tuesday, November 1.
Jane Krajkowski, best known for her starring role as Jenna Maroney in the NBC satirical comedy series 30 Rock, hugs her mom, Barbara, after Mayor James Barberio presented her with a proclamation at Parsippany Town Hall on Tuesday, November 1
Barbara Krajkowski was one of the three original founding members of the Women’s Theater Company, a non-profit organization operating under a “Special Appearance Contract” with the Actors Equity Association, in 1993.
Under Barbara’s tutelage as Executive Director and Producing Artistic Director, the company evolved from a theater group that performed only original works by women to include a broader mission to produce original and established works by women, productions of interest to women, and productions by local playwrights.
Barbara earned a BA from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an MA from William Paterson University where she served for many years as an adjunct professor.
Members of Parsippany-Troy Hills Women’s Club congratulate Barbara Krajkowski
Barbara’s honors include “2008 Outstanding Arts Advocate” from the Arts Council of the Morris Area, the “2009 Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment” award from Garden State Woman Magazine, and “2010 Female Legend of Morris County” from the Morris County Chamber of Commerce; and Barbara used her 30+ years of skill and experience in theater to guide this unique group to its accolades through many venues through the years, such as The Playwright Theater in Madison, The Bickford Theater in Morristown and, since 2005, it’s current home at The Parsippany Playhouse in the Senior Center.