Mark your calendars and get ready to be a part of a grand celebration! Parsippany’s Fall Festival is back
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Police Department is advising residents about parking arrangements for the Fall Festival, scheduled to take place at Smith Field Park on Sunday, September 15, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Please be aware of the following:
Parking: Festival parking will be available at Parsippany High School, where multiple shuttles will provide timely transportation to and from the event.
Handicap Parking: Accessible parking for those with disabilities will be located at the Smith Field parking lot, accessible via Baldwin Road.
Pedestrian Safety: If you are walking to the event, please use the designated crosswalks. Officers will stop anyone attempting to cross the roadway outside of a crosswalk.
Officer Assistance: Officers will be stationed at the intersection of Route 46 and Baldwin Road to assist pedestrians using the crosswalk.
No Parking Areas: No parking signs will be posted on surrounding streets, including Baldwin Road, Troy Road, Mazdabrook Court, and portions of Mazdabrook Road and Troy Road.
Residents and attendees are encouraged to plan accordingly and follow all posted regulations for a safe and enjoyable festival experience.
Cannot understand your justification for voting for the 30-year PILOT deals for the warehouses, using PFOS chemical water pollution of our wells. You promote the notion that local taxpayers will be made responsible somehow for industrial polluters and that Parsippany citizens have to face this possible reality.
How exactly does this fit into the PILOTs, will this reduced tax revenue help even if local citizens somehow were subjected to burden the costs of PFOS contamination of our aquifer? Why is your lack of faith in the higher powers of Federal or State sources to remedy this so strong, is that that the purpose of government as intended or the means proper?
When you admitted you did not know enough about the PILOTs rather than vote No, you abstained, allowing the vote to succeed. These PILOTs all initiated by John Inglesino have now divided the town into divisions that can not and will not be remedies by an audit of the BOE, the numbers you say that are “all over the place” seem to be mere estimations of projected children that will live in these so-called affordable units. PILOTs and especially for places like Parsippany only help justify a upside-down and regressive tax system that corporate power has subjected the working class to in this country.
Strange how the warehouse approved for Lanidex 20-30 and in an inappropriate location according to the warehouse guidelines themselves, needs not a PILOT, when it requires major modifications to the present site? The truth is that Lanidex 20-30 would be more suitable for affordable housing. A scorched earth policy of inappropriate development will not change the obligations of the Housing Mandates. The only logical answer is making housing more affordable overall. The only result of this would be slower profits for corporate real estate owners in their usury extraction of fees, and rents, for living space. Housing should be a passive right of citizenship, not a free market enterprise. The Housing Market is totally alienated from the reality of our austerity economy and the working people’s wages and costs of living.
PARSIPPANY — On Tuesday, September 10, the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council approved Resolution #R2024-151, authorizing the hiring of Di Maria & Di Maria LLP for accounting, auditing, and consulting services. Although the resolution did not specify the purpose, it called for an audit of the 2024-2025 Parsippany Board of Education budget.
The resolution includes a payment cap of $17,500.
The resolution passed with a 3-2 vote, with Councilman Justin Musella and Councilwoman Judy Hernandez opposing.
“It’s not an audit, it’s a review of their audit is what it is,” Mayor James Barberio said before the vote. “Their numbers are all over the place.”
Andy Choffo, Parsippany Board of Education President
Board of Education President Andy Choffo argued that the mayor’s objections and characterization of these members as irrational were politically motivated, noting that several members have publicly supported Councilman Justin Musella, who is challenging the mayor in the 2025 Republican primary. The disagreement centers around the PILOT projects approved by the Council in December, which remain a key point of contention between the parties.
The Board of Education claims that the Mayor has refused to meet with them. However, according to the Mayor, he believes the Board of Education is attempting to strong-arm the Township with financial demands. As a result, the Mayor is requesting an audit of their finances before agreeing to any such meeting.
Councilman Frank Neglia reads a prepared statement
Council Vice President Frank Neglia, who ran with Mayor Barberio and Councilman Justin Musella had strong words for Musella and the Board of Ed as he read a prepared statement.
“Musella and certain Board of Ed members continue to lie that PILOTs take money away from the schools. This is a lie and they know it. The truth is that the BOE gets every penny that they budget for, whether there are PILOTs or not”.
This may be why many residents seem confused. Neglia is correct that the BOE will get every penny that they budget for. The debate is regarding the future PILOT revenue that gets sent to the Township. This is what the BOE has stated concerns over since there is no agreement or arrangement with the Mayor.
Mayor James R. Barberio
Barberio has repeatedly stated the board will receive its full share of revenues based on its annual submitted budget, approximately $156 million for the 2024-25 school year.
Neglia was angry. “Stop lying to our residents and children that PILOTs will cause programs to be cut. They don’t…..the other lie is that PILOTs create school-age children. PILOTs aren’t creating the Parsippany housing boom. The Supreme Court of NJ is under the Mt. Laurel Act. ”
Neglia stated that he thought the BOE finances may not be as sound and strong as it was when he left. “Here is what is going on. Their attacks on the Council and Mayor are a shakedown strategy to get money. Andy Choffo, the Board President, you are behaving like a spoiled child demanding money from his parents. Shame on you. You are much better than this. You are a good man.”
His harshest criticism was directed at Musella. “Justin Musella is a fool being used to do the Board of Education’s bidding because he thinks it will earn him votes. Justin, that’s why I can’t respect you. All you care about is yourself, not the kids,” he said. The Mayor maintains that an audit should occur to ensure the Board of Education is responsible for finances before handing over PILOT funds. He further criticized the Board of Education’s support for Musella, calling it unwise. “Embracing a very green, naïve, and wanna-be politician like Musella isn’t going to help you get money.” Additionally, he referred to Musella as a “disgrace.”
In his statement, Neglia also accused Musella of assisting in the distribution of a document that supported the board while criticizing the town’s administration, a claim that Musella strongly denied.
Councilman Musella condemns Mayor Barberio’s audit threat as retaliatory and abusive.
Musella responded. “I do agree with you on one thing. We do have a problem and that problem is elected officials who abuse their power and attack people who question those that have it.”
PARSIPPANY — A Parsippany High School Senior has been recognized as a semifinalist in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. Lithra Sankari is among the select group of New Jersey students moving forward in the prestigious competition.
The semifinalists, announced on Wednesday, September 11, include approximately 16,000 high school seniors nationwide. These students will now compete for scholarships to be awarded next spring.
According to the National Merit Scholarship Program, about 95 percent of semifinalists are expected to advance to the finalist level, with roughly half of those finalists receiving scholarships.
The 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program began with over 1.3 million juniors from about 21,000 high schools, all of whom took the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The semifinalists represent less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors.
The number of semifinalists from each state is proportional to its share of the national total of graduating seniors, officials said.
To become a finalist, each semifinalist, along with their high school, must submit a detailed scholarship application outlining their academic record, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, employment, and any honors or awards.
Winners of the 2025 National Merit Scholarship will be announced in four nationwide news releases beginning in April and concluding in July.
MORRIS COUNTY — Assaults on New Jersey law enforcement officers have surged in recent years, prompting Assemblyman Alex Sauickie to push for harsher penalties to deter potential offenders, many of whom are already incarcerated.
On Thursday, September 12, the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee advanced his bill (A2378), which seeks to increase penalties for assaults on law enforcement officers. Click here for more information.
The proposed legislation would classify assaulting an officer as a second-degree crime, carrying a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $150,000. The bill would also prohibit plea deals to reduce charges.
Currently, assaults causing bodily harm to officers are treated as third-degree crimes, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of $15,000. Assaults without bodily harm are classified as fourth-degree crimes, with penalties of up to 18 months in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Additionally, the bill mandates that anyone using bodily fluids to attack an officer must undergo testing for infectious diseases, with the results made available to the assault victim.
“Not only have attacks on law enforcement officers been rising, but offenders have also resorted to spitting, biting, and other despicable acts that expose officers to disease,” said Sauickie (R-Ocean). “These perpetrators need to understand that such actions will not be tolerated.”
Representatives from the State Troopers Fraternal Association and New Jersey Policemen’s Benevolent Association Local 105, which represent state troopers and corrections officers respectively, reported a sharp increase in assaults over recent years.
In 2022, the Department of Corrections reported 424 attacks on personnel, more than doubling the 200 incidents from the previous year. Nearly half involved the use of bodily fluids, and over 10% of the department’s 4,500-member workforce took leave due to injuries sustained from assaults.
The bill extends protections to law enforcement officers, correctional and probation staff, paid and volunteer firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
“Law enforcement and emergency workers face unimaginable risks just by doing their jobs,” Sauickie said. “They are often targets for disgusting attacks because of their profession. It’s crucial they know that justice will be served when they are assaulted in the line of duty.”
PARSIPPANY – A motorcycle accident occurred at the Jefferson Road and Parsippany Road intersectionon Friday, September 13. The motorcycle involved appears to be a Suzuki GSX-R.
At this time, no further details have been released. Parsippany Focus will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Editors Note: All articles on www.parsippanyfocus.com are subject to copyright protection laws and cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
Just listened to the Town Council meeting of Tuesday, September 10, and can only conclude that Mayor Barberio is scared to death of the challenge that Councilman Musella is posing with his decision to run for Mayor in the upcoming Republican primary.
That became apparent when Mayor Barberio unleashed Vice President Frank Neglia to personally attack Mr. Musella’s integrity and motives in a blatant attempt to discredit Mr. Musella.
The fact that Mr. Neglia was unable to back up a single one of his outlandish accusations raises the question as to why Mr. Neglia is determined to destroy his own well earned reputation of decades of community service. to cover for Mayor Barberio’s self serving and desperate attempts to survive politically?
I served with Mr. Neglia for seven years when we were both on the Parsippany Board of Education and while we may have energetically disagreed on many issues, I always believed and trusted that Mr. Neglia’s motives were sincere and in the best interests of Parsippany’s residents and children. Given his temper tantrum at Tuesday’s Council meeting and his seemly blind and obsequious loyalty to Mayor Barberio, I can’t help but wonder if that is still true.
What happened Frank?
Bob Crawford
Editors Note: All articles on www.parsippanyfocus.com are subject to copyright protection laws and cannot be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Chief Richard Pantina confirmed that charges have been filed in connection with a pedestrian death in Parsippany on August 19, 2024.
Davut Batca, 31, Wayne, has been charged with Knowingly Leaving the Scene of an Accident Under Certain Circumstances, a crime of the Second Degree in violation of N.J.S. 2C:11-5.1.
At approximately 9:56 p.m. on August 19, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office was notified of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle with serious injury that occurred on Route 46 West near Sandra Drive. A male pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle, believed to be a newer model Toyota Rav4, which fled the scene. The victim was transported to Morristown Medical Center, where he was subsequently pronounced deceased. Investigators have confirmed the victim to be Jelson Cabrera, 35, of Trenton.
Subsequent investigation determined Batca as the vehicle’s driver who fled the scene. It is alleged that Batca had been operating his parents’ 2021 Toyota Rav4 when he fatally struck the pedestrian.
Investigators determined Batca had left the United States for Turkey in the days following the incident. Upon his return to the United States, he was taken into custody in New York. He is currently lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings pursuant to the Criminal Justice Reform Act.
Numerous law enforcement agencies have participated in this investigation, including members of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation unit, the Port Authority Police Department, the U.S Department of Homeland Security, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Councilman Justin Musella, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Matt McGrath
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council held its meeting on Tuesday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting took place in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.
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 the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Council Vice President Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella Councilman Matt McGrath Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
The Morris County School of Technology has received a $5,000 grant from the Rachael Ray Foundation to enhance its culinary arts program.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County School of Technology, part of the Morris County Vocational School District, is one of 40 high schools nationwide selected to receive a $5,000 grant from The Rachael Ray Foundation and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to enhance their ProStart culinary arts and restaurant management program with new equipment, curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities.
“The continued support through this grant, which we have been fortunate to receive in the past, has allowed our school to enhance our school-based events as well as our student-run enterprise,” said Miguel Alfonso, teacher, at the Academy for Culinary Arts.
The funds from the Rachael Ray ProStart Grow Grant Program this school year will provide the Academy for Culinary Arts the opportunity to purchase kitchen equipment, such as serving platters, utensils and bowls. Additionally, a portion of the funds will help to offset costs for the National Restaurant Association Show.
“Providing Grow Grants is one of my favorite times of the year. The educators who invest their passion and energy into their classrooms are inspiring. I love to see the impact their work has on the students who graduate from ProStart with the knowledge and excitement for the restaurant industry,” said Rachael Ray.
Parsippany Reflects on the Lives and Legacies of 9/11 Victims
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills held a Ceremony in Remembrance of September 11, 2011.
The National Anthem was performed by Michelle Musolino-Roberts.
The ceremony opened with Former Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Loretta Gragnani with the Pledge of Allegiance. The National Anthem was performed by Michelle Musolino-Roberts. Exactly at 8:46 a.m., there was a moment of silence in remembrance of those killed during the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. This time marked when the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Attendees stood in solemn reflection, honoring the victims, first responders, and all those affected by the tragic events of that day. The silence was a poignant tribute to the lives lost and the enduring impact of the attacks on the nation.
Remembering the Parsippany residents we lost on 9/11:
•Martin Boryczewski, 29, was born in Passaic and grew up in Parsippany. He attended Morris Catholic High School in Denville and later Saint Peter’s College in Jersey City. He went on to play in the A and AA Minor League divisions of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers. Martin was not only a talented ballplayer but also a trader and an avid fly fisherman. He thrived on the fast pace of his trading job at the World Trade Center. Yet, every weekend, he returned to Parsippany to spend time with his family. He would also travel to Pennsylvania to visit his father, where he enjoyed spending the afternoons fishing.
Mark Miller of VFW Post #10184 participated in the tolling of the bell as the names of Parsippany residents who lost their lives on 9/11 were read aloud by Former Council President Michael dePierro. This solemn act of remembrance was part of a larger ceremony honoring the victims and reflecting on the impact of that tragic day on the Parsippany community
•Antoinette Duger, 44, a resident of Belleville, was raised in Newark and attended Barringer High School. She worked as an operations associate for First Union for 26 years, the only company she ever worked for. Born to Italian immigrant parents, Antoinette always prioritized her family. She and her husband, Raymond, were on the verge of purchasing a new home in Parsippany. Although the commute would make her days longer, she believed it would provide her daughter, Megan with a better education.
•Jason Kyle Jacobs, 32, a business partner at Fiduciary Trust Co., Jason had a deep love for both his family and cooking. He and his wife, Jennifer, lived in Randolph, where he was born. They had a 14-month-old daughter, Zoe. Jason was passionate about cooking and subscribed to numerous food and cooking magazines. His favorite dish to make was filet mignon in a red wine-mushroom sauce wrapped in pastry dough, served with a carrot and potato puree. According to his wife, there was one dish he never grew tired of preparing: he would craft a rose from a tomato and place it on his wife’s plate.
•Michael Pescherine, 32, was a wrestler and baseball player at Parsippany High School, graduating with honors in 1987. He earned a master’s degree in business finance and became a successful bond trader with Keefe, Bruyette & Woods. Michael resided with his wife, Lyn, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The couple ran the New York City Marathon together in 1999 and 2000. They were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby boy in March of 2002.
•Thomas H. Polhemus, 39, of Morris Plains, was raised in Bridgewater. He earned his associate degree from Raritan Valley College and worked as a computer consultant for Accenture. Thomas shared 11 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Barbara, and they had been married 4 ½ of those years. A passionate golfer, Thomas was a dedicated member of the Delaware Water Gap Country Club.
•Maria Theresa Santillan, 27, of Morris Plains, graduated from Rutgers University’s Newark campus with a degree in biology. She had always dreamed of working in the city and landed a job at Cantor Fitzgerald. Months before, Maria became engaged to her high school sweetheart, Darren Sasso of Parsippany, after 9 ½ years together. The couple had been dating since their sophomore year and were set to be married in May 2002.
•Michael C. Sorresse, at 34, Michael was a graduate of Whippany Park High School and held a degree in business economics from Rutgers University, as well as a master’s degree in business economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He was vice president at Marsh USA Agencies. Michael met his wife, Catherine Naiva, through a mutual friend, and the two were married in May 2000. The couple bought a house in Morris Plains. He was a family man who would do anything for his family and friends. He also enjoyed running, biking, and hiking.
Guest speaker Richard Palmer Jr., a retired NYC Department of Correction Warden, shares his powerful firsthand experience of leading rescue efforts at Ground Zero on 9/11. Palmer continues to advocate for 9/11 first responders and victims, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten.
Richard Palmer Jr. speaks at Parsippany’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Sharing His Experience and Advocacy.
Richard Palmer Jr. is a retired Warden with the NYC Department of Correction. He was Deputy Warden in Command on September 11th, 2001, when the plane hit the 1st tower. Commissioner Fraser assigned Richard to lead all the uniformed personnel to assist the NYPD with the chaos in the streets outside the World Trade Center.
They were on the street below, directing pedestrians coming from the tower, when the second plane hit. Upon hearing the towers would fall, they were instructed to pull back and watched in horror from 60 Hudson St. as the Twin Towers collapsed.
Within the hour, the DOC personnel returned to Ground Zero, bringing with them generators with lights, telecommunication units, water, blankets, body bags, and everything required for a search and rescue operation. The Correction Department also staffed and ran the entire morgue operation, had Emergency Service Units at Ground Zero around the clock, and had a team at the landfill every day for 12-hour tours.
Joseph Stella, Brooklawn Middle School Band Director, Performs Taps at Parsippany’s 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
In 2008, after several major surgeries, Richard met John Feal on a bus heading to Washington D.C. to advocate for sick and dying first responders. It was the beginning of their next 11 years advocating to Congress on behalf of 9/11 First Responders. Richard personally made 100 trips to D.C. since 2008.
They were successful in getting three bills passed after over 1,300 meetings with Congress and the Senate. It was the effort and dedication of the Fealgood Foundation that precipitated the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund Bill, later renamed after James Zagroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez, in passing.
Richard continues to advocate on victims’ behalf, educate the public on the Department of Corrections’ role in the September 11th rescue and recovery, and works to preserve the memory of that tragic day so future generations will never forget.
As a Resident of Parsippany for the last 29 years, I have tried to be a good resident giving back to my community in as many ways as I could. I am normally a civil person and no one can ever say I disrespected them or have ever raised my voice.
I am a board member of our wonderful school district. When we are not at a school board meeting we are not considered Board Members speaking on behalf of the Board or the School District. It is a disclaimer we have to use per our attorney. So that people are aware that whatever is said cannot legally bind the School District in anyway.
Our voice is only official at a Board Meeting or when the 9 Members of the Board of Education have authorized us to speak on their behalf.
With that being said, I can tell you that nothing upsets me more than someone who takes people for granted and tries to lie and disregard the voice of the people that is why what the Mayor did during tonight’s Town Council Meeting upset me so much.
Why does he get the floor to speak at the Town Council Meetings is bewildering to me since it is a Town Council Meeting and not a Mayor’s meeting. He is invited to the meeting, not part of the Town Council.
I did call out during the meeting and disrupted his speaking and called him a liar. He keeps stating that the Board gets 100% of the budgeted amount and that is true because it is mandated by law. What the Mayor does not say is that as of now we will get zero amount to cover the developments granted Pilots regardless of the children that they bring in. Which in 3 to 5 years when he says the developments will be completed the number of students coming from this developments will be substantial.
The Mayor stated that the Board keeps on telling people that we are not getting any money from the Pilots, but he was on the defensive by stating the town has not received any money either.
That none of the Pilots have been completed and no certificate of occupancy have been issued.
The mayor has at no point stated an intention of sharing any Pilot money with the board.
That is why we keep on insisting that the Mayor agree to meet with us and agree to a percentage amount.
We are not money hungry as he likes to call us, we are just making sure that the residents are aware that he has never included not only the School District in any negotiations with the housing developers but he has not included the Fire Department either.
Yes I was out of order and yes I called him a liar and disrupted the meeting, but when someone can be so obviously unconcerned about the education of our children I could not stay quiet. He likes his photo ops more than he cares about the community, but with actions demonstrating such lack of integrity I could not stay silent.
Had our Mayor done like the Mayor of Hanover did and put forward a resolution on the books that states that the Town will share Pilot revenue with the school district and fire district without being asked to, then that my fellow residents is a man of integrity.
There were more than 900 residents at the December meeting at the PAL to protest the Pilots. The Mayor and the Town Council members at the time disregarded the attendees and voted for Pilots anyway. Where will these politicians be in 10-15-30 years? Residents who may afford to stay in their homes and those that may move in are going to pay.
Parsippany needs a transformative leader who does not get scared to call in people who may disagree with them and maybe just maybe work together.
There is so much good that can happen in our Town without destroying our suburban hometown and making it into an urban town.
In my opinion our Mayor has had such an incestuous relationship with Attorney Inglesino. The mayor was voted out after his first term because of his dealings with this attorney and it will happen again. He cares about putting money into his associates pockets rather than the citizens pockets.
We citizens of Parsippany will be left to hold over 90 million dollars of debt over a 30 year period for the Pilot developments that have already been approved, this amount is on the low estimate.
Who do you think is going to pay for the shortfall? The Residents of Parsippany.
Enough Mr. Mayor you want to enrich your friends and associates, I hope that you won’t regret the consequences.
Be careful who you surround yourself with, who you listen to they are wolves in sheep clothing. You may think they are your friends, but only as long as they can use you. Mr. Mayor you serve us, not the other way around.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Hackettstown man, Edward W. Wess, filed a false police report in Denville Township. On August 31, Wess reported to Denville Police that he had been assaulted by a group of people on Luger Road and that a blunt object had severely damaged his vehicle. However, after investigating the claim, police determined that the incident did not occur as Wess had described.
As a result, Wess was charged with third-degree false reporting to law enforcement authorities. He voluntarily turned himself into the Denville Police Department, where he was served with a criminal complaint summons. Wess has since been released pending a court appearance.
This case highlights the seriousness of filing false reports, which not only misuses police resources but can also carry significant legal consequences.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
PARSIPPANY — Panda Wok, a beloved Chinese restaurant in Parsippany, has made a remarkable comeback following the devastating fire at Green Hills Shopping Center on January 4, 2022. The fire, which started in Joseph’s Pizzeria, quickly spread to neighboring businesses, including Panda Wok, causing significant damage and forcing the restaurant to close its doors. The blaze impacted several stores in the shopping center, leaving the community without some of their favorite local spots for a time(
However, over two years later, Panda Wok is again open and serving the Parsippany community. Known for its authentic Chinese takeout and dine-in options, Panda Wok has resumed operations at a new location at 219 Littleton Road. Customers can once again enjoy their favorite dishes, including party catering services, with convenient delivery options through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
The reopening of Panda Wok is a win for the business and a sign of resilience for the local community, as the restaurant continues to be a staple in Parsippany. Its return has been met with excitement from loyal patrons, who are thrilled to once again indulge in their favorite Chinese meals after the extended closure.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or planning a family dinner, you’ll be welcomed with the friendly service they’re known for. Their operating hours ensure that you can satisfy your cravings any day of the week:
Monday through Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
If you want authentic Chinese food in Parsippany, head to Panda Wok or call them at (973) 884-2555. Don’t forget to check out their catering services for your next event, and keep an eye out for their adorable panda-themed branding, which will add a touch of charm to your dining experience.
PARSIPPANY — A Parsippany man lost his life on Sunday after losing control of his motorcycle and crashing into a car near the Pennsylvania border.
Sung Yi, 56, suffered fatal injuries in the crash, according to Sgt. Jeffrey Lebron, a spokesperson for the New Jersey State Police. The accident occurred around 10:20 a.m. at the intersection of Deckertown Turnpike and New Road, approximately 2.5 miles from the state line.
Yi was riding a Kawasaki motorcycle when he collided with a Mercedes-Benz, both vehicles traveling eastbound on the two-lane road, Lebron reported.
The driver and passenger of the Mercedes-Benz sustained minor injuries. The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
Councilman Justin Musella, Council Vice President Frank Neglia, Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, Council President Paul Carifi, Jr., and Councilman Matt McGrath
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, September 10, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.
Formal action may or may not be taken.
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 the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Council Vice President Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella Councilman Matt McGrath Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
MORRIS COUNTY — The stage is set for one of the most anticipated pet competitions of the year – WDHA’s Ultimate Rock Dog 2025! For years, this beloved calendar contest has rallied the community in support of shelter dogs, raising tens of thousands of dollars for those searching for their forever homes. This year is no different, and your furry friend has the chance to rock out on the cover of the 2025 Ultimate Rock Dog calendar!
With their spiked collars on and ears perked up, local pups are ready to compete for the “Ultimate Rock Dog” title and a shot at calendar stardom. Entries are now open, and dog owners across the region are submitting photos, hoping to see their beloved pets become the next face of WDHA’s annual fundraising calendar. But the clock is ticking — submissions close at the end of the day on Sunday, September 15th.
Following that, the real excitement begins. From Tuesday, September 16th to Sunday, September 29th, the public will vote, narrowing the field to 12 finalists. These rock star canines will have their moment to shine in the 2025 calendar. Then, at the grand Puptoberfest on Saturday, October 5th, at Horseshoe Lake in Succasunna, the finalists will compete head-to-head for the ultimate honor: to be crowned WDHA’s Ultimate Rock Dog.
The winner will land the prestigious calendar cover, and their victory will also help raise funds for a great cause. All proceeds from the calendar sales go toward supporting local animal shelters and helping dogs in need find their forever homes. It’s a contest that truly makes a difference.
Do you think your dog has what it takes? Now’s the time to enter! Visit the WDHA website and submit your pup’s photo today. If you encounter any issues during submission, don’t fret — WDHA’s Promotions & Marketing Director, Mike Bufis, is here to help at michael.bufis@bbgi.com.
After entering, keep an eye on the public gallery, as all submissions will be posted the next business day. Grab your dog’s favorite treat, sit back, and get ready to watch as the battle for rock dog glory unfolds!
From epic puppy poses to wagging tails, it’s time to unleash the rock star within your furry friend. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a paw-some cause and support shelter dogs in style!
PARSIPPANY – The Parsippany High School (PHS) cheerleaders are rolling up their sleeves and getting ready to give your car a sparkling shine, all for a good cause! On Saturday, September 14, the PHS cheerleading squad will host a car wash fundraiser at the high school to raise money for senior scholarships.
From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the cheerleaders will wash cars in the school parking lot for just $5.00 per vehicle. Participants will not only drive away with a clean car but also contribute to a meaningful cause. All funds collected from the event will support senior scholarships, helping PHS students further their education after graduation.
“We’re so excited to have the community come out and support us,” said one of the cheerleaders. “This event is not just about raising money; it’s about giving back to our fellow students and helping them achieve their dreams.”
The event promises to be a fun-filled day where the community can unite and support their local high school. As always, the cheerleaders will bring their enthusiasm and energy, ensuring that the cars and the spirits of those attending will be lifted!
Donations are always welcome for those who can’t attend the event but still want to support. To contribute, contact a PHS cheerleader or the school.
Make sure to swing by PHS, show your support, and leave with a shiny car and a heart full of community pride!
Mount Tabor School, a public school located in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ, serves grade(s) K-5 in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District.
PARSIPPANY — Mount Tabor Elementary School has been chosen as one of the select schools in New Jersey to participate in a groundbreaking research initiative spearheaded by Governor Phil Murphy’s administration. This project, aimed at identifying innovative practices that accelerate student learning, is part of a statewide effort to address academic challenges students have faced in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiative, known as the Promising Practices Project, is a collaboration between the New Jersey Department of Education, the New Jersey State Policy Lab, and the Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies at Rutgers University. The goal is to explore and share successful strategies used by schools nationwide to enhance student performance in key areas such as English Language Arts and Mathematics.
A total of 52 schools from 47 different districts and charter schools have been selected to participate in the project. Mount Tabor Elementary School is one of the few institutions recognized for its exceptional progress in helping students recover from pandemic-related learning losses. These schools were identified based on significant growth in student performance when comparing pre-and post-pandemic outcomes.
“Working together to identify classroom-tested strategies that address our children’s most pressing academic needs is paramount,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Through the Promising Practices Project, we are pulling together invaluable first-hand feedback from educators across the state – from Sussex to Cape May – to support accelerated learning and ensure our students are on pace to meet their educational goals.”
The Rutgers research team has been interviewing school leaders and educators from the selected schools, aiming to identify the most successful strategies implemented during this challenging time. The findings will be presented in a formal report, which will then be shared with educators across the state to help replicate these successful programs in other districts.
“We hope that teachers statewide will be able to capitalize on the information in this initiative to provide students with innovative approaches tailored to their learning needs,” said Kevin Dehmer, Acting Education Commissioner. “We know that students throughout the state have struggled to fully recover academically in the post-pandemic world, and we remain committed to ongoing efforts to support their growth.”
The Promising Practices Project will focus on various aspects of curriculum, school climate, and student support programs, including after-school and summer programs. This effort underscores the state’s commitment to providing resources and tools to help all students meet their educational goals regardless of background.
The project is being funded by a $1 million allocation from the State for fiscal year 2023. To ensure maximum impact and implementation, the findings will be shared through a series of presentations, resources, and convenings across the state.
Mount Tabor Elementary School’s involvement in this project is a testament to its educators’ hard work and students’ resilience. The school’s commitment to innovative learning approaches has not gone unnoticed, and it now serves as an example for other schools looking to accelerate academic growth in the post-pandemic era.
