PARSIPPANY — The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) announced that student Bhavishya Boga had been selected to join the esteemed organization.
The Society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship, and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS Co-founder and President James W. Lewis. “On behalf of NSHSS and our co-founder Claes Nobel, a member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, I am honored to recognize the hard work, passion, and commitment that Bhavishya has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” said Lewis.
“Bhavishya is now a member of a unique community of scholars – a community that represents our very best hope for the future.” “We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” stated Lewis. “We help students like Bhavishya build on their academic success by connecting them with learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.” NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. Each step along the way – from high school to college to career – NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions. Formed in 2002 by James W Lewis and Claes Nobel, members of the family that established the Nobel Prizes, the National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study, and peer networks.
Currently, there are more than 1,700,000 members in over 170 countries. To help us further efforts that provide students with the continued opportunity, please acknowledge NSHSS in any press release by providing a resource link to www.nshss.org. For more information about NSHSS, click here.
Local Student Receives National Honor
New Jersey Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Municipalities Over Gannett
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled unanimously in a landmark decision that Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC, the owner of many of New Jersey’s largest newspapers as well as the USA Today, is not entitled to attorney’s fees in a lawsuit they filed to obtain Internal Affairs records from Neptune Township for a police officer who was convicted of violently murdering his ex-wife.
Even though Gannett was entitled to the records under what is known to lawyers and public records requestors as the “common law right of access,” the Appellate Division had previously held in the same case that they were personnel records that are not subject to disclosure under the Open Public Records Act (“OPRA”).
The OPRA statute defines government records and informs municipal clerks and other custodians what records must be disclosed and what records, like personnel files, are exempt. OPRA also provides that a requestor who prevails in any proceeding is entitled to statutory attorney fees.
In contrast, the common law right of public access is undefined and requires the custodian of records to consider a balancing test with many complex factors, which is a difficult assignment for a judge, much less a non-attorney like most municipal clerks and other government records custodians.
Counsel for Neptune Township, Jonathan F. Cohen, of Plosia Cohen LLC in Chester, explained that “unlike the Open Public Records Act, the common law right of public access is subject to the American Rule, which means that each side generally bears the cost of their attorney.” The issue of whether fees are available in these types of cases, in which records are available under the common law but not OPRA, has been in controversy since 2008 when the Supreme Court issued its decision in Mason v. City of Hoboken, which established how attorney’s fees were to be determined in OPRA cases and left an open issue as to whether common law fees might be similarly available.
Cohen said, “Today the Supreme Court closed the door on the availability of common law fees, thereby saving New Jersey taxpayers untold funds which would otherwise go to attorneys who have made a cottage industry suing municipalities and other public entities for records.” Cohen, who has represented Parsippany and many other Morris County municipalities over the past several years, celebrated his second win for a municipal client at the Supreme Court. Cohen stated that he and his client were “pleased that the New Jersey Supreme Court once again got it right and struck the proper balance between the public interest in obtaining documents and the government interest in protecting taxpayer funds from opportunistic attorneys.” As noted by Cohen, Gannett could fund this litigation and hired one of New Jersey’s most prestigious law firms for the case. There is no reason New Jersey taxpayers should be left holding the bag if a court disagrees with a municipal clerk or records custodian on something as complicated as the common law right of the access balancing test.
Click here to download the syllabus of the case.
Parsippany Voters Voice Their Choices in Contested Races of the 2023 Primary Elections
PARSIPPANY — The voters have spoken in the 2023 Primary races. Parsippany Focus highlighted how Parsippany voters responded to the candidates. Please note: We only show the contested races and how Parsippany voters cast their votes. These numbers do not reflect the entire Morris County and/or LD26.
| Total Registered Voters | 36,485 |
| Total – Republican | 11,590 |
| Total – Democrat | 11,980 |
| Total – Nonpartisan | 12,915 |
| Total Votes Cast | 5,692 |
| Total Republican | 4,016 |
| Total Democratic | 1,676 |
| Total Nonpartisan | 0 |
| Total Voter Turnout | 15.60% |
| Total Republican Turnout | 34.65% |
| Total Democratic Turnout | 13.99% |
| Total Nonpartisan Turnout | 0.00% |
| State Senate – 26th LD | |
| Joseph Pennacchio | 1,895 |
| Thomas Mastrangelo | 1,525 |
| General Assembly – 26th LD | (vote for two) |
| Jay Webber | 2,220 |
| Brian Bergen | 1,777 |
| Robert Peluso | 1,383 |
| BettyLou DeCroce | 1,297 |
| Morris County Clerk | |
| Ann Grossi | 2,660 |
| Morris County Commissioner | |
| Paul DeGroot | 1,596 |
| Tayfun Selen | 1,557 |
| Township Council | (vote for three) |
| Matthew McGrath | 2,488 |
| Paul Carifi, Jr. | 2,413 |
| Adam Kandil | 2,223 |
| Danny Desai | 1,424 |
| Gary Martin | 1,327 |
Video: Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting – June 13, 2023
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Meeting was held on June 13, 2023.
Regular Township Council Meetings will commence at 7:00 p.m. All meetings will be held on Tuesday evenings. Council meetings are held at Parsippany Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.
Click here to download the agenda.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.
Click here to download the 2023 agenda schedule.
Mayor and Council
Mayor James R Barberio
Council President Loretta Gragnani
Council Vice-President Michael J. dePierro
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
New Jersey Allocates $10 Million to Combat Rise in Auto Thefts with License Plate Recognition Technology
MORRIS COUNTY —
MORRIS COUNTY — Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin have announced a significant investment of $10 million in automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology. The funding, sourced from the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) State Fiscal Recovery Fund, aims to tackle the rise in auto thefts and associated violent crime across New Jersey.
The allocated funds will be utilized to acquire and expand high-speed, automated camera systems capable of capturing and storing computer-readable images of license plates. These systems will be integrated into a centralized database accessible to law enforcement agencies, providing them with a valuable tool to combat the escalating rates of motor vehicle thefts.
ALPR technology will be deployed at fixed locations throughout the state and mounted on police vehicles. This strategic placement will enhance law enforcement’s ability to address the increased incidents of motor vehicle thefts, which have been observed in both suburban and urban areas of New Jersey.
Acting Attorney General Platkin emphasized the life-saving potential of deploying automated license plate readers, as stolen vehicles are often used in violent shootings. The implementation of this technology is expected to have a significant impact on reducing crime and enhancing public safety.
A portion of the funding will be allocated to the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) to install cameras along major roadways and highways across the state. The intelligence gathered from these cameras will be shared in real-time with relevant law enforcement partners through the Regional Operations Intelligence Center and Real-Time Crime Centers operated by the NJSP, supporting ongoing investigations.
The remaining funds will be made available to county and local law enforcement agencies, with the condition that they comply with ARP rules and agree to share captured license plate information with the NJSP.
New Jersey has experienced a concerning surge in motor vehicle thefts since the onset of the pandemic, reaching a record high of 14,320 stolen vehicles in 2021. The first quarter of 2022 is on track to exhibit a 53% increase in motor vehicle thefts compared to 2020.
The alarming trend of stolen vehicles being utilized in more violent crimes, particularly shootings, necessitates swift action. The $10 million investment in ALPR technology is crucial to making communities safer, preventing criminal activities such as human trafficking and gunrunning, and enabling law enforcement officers to effectively address the rising tide of motor vehicle thefts throughout the state.
The initiative has received support from Senator Vin Gopal, who recognizes it as an essential component in the collective effort to combat the rise in car thefts, enhance community safety, and mitigate criminal activities. Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, expressed confidence in the investment, highlighting its potential to combat the growing number of motor vehicle thefts and associated violent crimes.
By leveraging license plate recognition technology, New Jersey is taking proactive measures to protect its residents, curb auto thefts, and create a safer environment for all.
Rep. Sherrill Announces Appointments to U.S. Service Academies
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) is announcing the 27 students from New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District appointed to the U.S. Service Academies and Service Academy Preparatory Schools. These students will begin their education and service careers this year at the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Military Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and their associated Preparatory Schools. Rep. Sherrill hosted an event to recognize the students yesterday in Denville.
“Each and every year, I continue to be so impressed by the caliber of students who apply to my office for nominations to the military service academies. From personal experience, I know how rigorous the course of instruction is at these schools – both academically and physically – and I’m proud to wish them well as they begin their careers as future leaders of our men and women in uniform,” said Rep. Sherrill.
The students attending U.S. Service Academies:
- Kelly Keyes, Parsippany – U.S. Military Academy
- Chirag Chandnani, Mountain Lakes – U.S. Naval Academy
- David Farrell, Morris Plains – U.S. Naval Academy
- Elizabeth Habjan, Montclair – U.S. Naval Academy
- Delaney Moynihan, Chatham – U.S. Naval Academy
- Kyle James, Whippany – U.S. Naval Academy
- Jaycen Burke, Whippany – U.S. Military Academy
- Matthew Leslie, Rockaway – U.S. Military Academy
- Sophia Levitt, Livingston – U.S. Military Academy
- William Parrella, Kinnelon – U.S. Military Academy
- Remy Ronen, Cedar Grove – U.S. Military Academy
- Gina Oswald, Riverdale – U.S. Military Academy
- Heainz Manoj, Livingston – U.S. Military Academy
- Robert Simone, North Caldwell – U.S. Military Academy
- Joey Shi, Livingston – U.S. Military Academy
- Thomas Schottland, Sparta – U.S. Military Academy
- Bennett Marshall, Chatham – U.S. Military Academy
- Sarah Thabit, Morristown – U.S. Military Academy
- Clark Wagner, Madison – U.S. Military Academy
- Vincent Wong, Millburn – U.S. Military Academy
- Audrey Baker, Essex Fells – U.S. Air Force Academy
- Christian Greene, Chatham – U.S. Air Force Academy
- John Freeman, Montclair – U.S. Air Force Academy
- Joseph White, Pompton Plains – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
- Zak Li, Wayne – U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
Rep. Sherrill graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 and served as a Sea King helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer in the U.S. Navy for almost 10 years.
Bowman Consulting Opens Offices in Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Bowman Consulting Group recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new offices at Six Campus Drive. Moving all employees from a nearby location in Cedar Knolls, the company leased 11,765 newly renovated square feet in the “The Arbors at Parsippany.”
Bowman is a trusted, multi-disciplinary consulting firm offering public and private clients nationwide a broad range of real estate, energy, infrastructure, and environmental management solutions. From large commercial developments to master-planned communities to local transportation projects, Bowman delivers outstanding project results, builds long-lasting relationships, and leverages our organization’s growth to serve our clients’ constantly changing needs.
As a result of systematic corporate planning and diligent implementation, Bowman’s dynamic leadership has focused on a strategic expansion that has resulted in a national project portfolio and opportunities to increase its geographic presence for both new and existing clients. Bowman offers on-demand technical genius and industry-leading talent that, when combined, produce innovative and effective results.
Bowman provided civil engineering, designing, and planning construction documents for Veterans Park in Parsippany. Working with a landscape architect, Bowman provided all necessary civil engineering documents and obtained the required permits.
Kiwanis Club’s Touch-A-Truck Event Overcomes Weather Challenges
PARSIPPANY — The weatherman proved uncooperative regarding the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany’s Touch-A-Truck Event at the beginning of the week, as forecasted heavy thunderstorms. However, as the week unfolded, there was a notable change. The weatherman began to cooperate and provided a more favorable prediction: temperatures in the 70s, with a slight 20% chance of rain. This shift in the weather forecast relieved Nicolas Limanov, the event organizer, as he could anticipate a more pleasant atmosphere. The event ended at 3:00 p.m., and the showers moved in shortly after.
What was an annual event was preempted due to COVID-19 and logistic issues until Liquid Church stepped up and offered their property for the massive gathering.
Touch-a-Truck, organized by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, is a remarkable fundraising event to benefit the community. It offers children of all ages a unique opportunity to engage with various vehicles while interacting with esteemed community leaders such as police officers, firefighters, first aid squad volunteers, sanitation workers, and more. This hands-on experience fosters an environment of learning and excitement.
Beyond being a fantastic outing for families, the event serves a greater purpose by supporting the Kiwanis Club’s major initiatives. Kiwanis International, a global organization of dedicated volunteers, is committed to positively impacting the world, one child, and one community at a time. With our Parsippany-based group actively involved, we contribute to and sponsor numerous community causes, striving to enhance the lives of those around us.
Among the many participants were Markovski Landscaping and Tree Service, Everest Landscaping Construction, Bob Hegarty North Jersey Crane Services, Ajaco Towing, Saraceno Disposal, Direct Waste Services and Car John Recycling, Carner Brothers, Minutemen Limousine, Tanis Concrete, A Rent-All Center, Student Transportation of America (STA), Parsippany DPW, Parsippany Parks Forestry, Parsippany Police, Parsippany Office of Emergency Management, Parsippany Rescue and Recovery, Mt. Tabor Volunteer Fire Department District 1, Lake Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 3, Rockaway Neck Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 5, Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department District 6, Boonton Volunteer Fire Department, Morris County Office of Emergency Management, Rockaway Neck Volunteer First Aid Squad, Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance, NJ State Police, NJ Urban Search and Rescue, NJ Transit Police, US Marines Corps, Florham Park Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, and Crime Scene and Emergency Service Units.
Lake Hiawatha Dairy played a delightful role in the Touch-A-Truck event by supplying “tickets” distributed to children by law enforcement agencies. These special tickets were a token of appreciation and excitement for the young participants. Each ticket granted the child a well-deserved treat of free ice cream, creating a sense of joy and anticipation.
The Jersey Tunes Band took the stage and delivered captivating live performances throughout the day, captivating audiences of all ages. Their musical talents and energetic presence created an entertaining atmosphere for everyone. From youngsters to adults, the band’s vibrant performances resonated with the diverse crowd, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
In addition, Liquid Church, Clean Water Cafe, Morris Now, Parsippany IHOP, Mr. Sam Ice Cream Truck, Eddie’s Amusements, The Hot Dog Guys, David Warner Photography, Cornerstone First Mortgage, Kumon, VSA Learning Center, AT & T, Mary Kay and A Rent All Center, Pinebrook were among the many local organizations donating to the success of the event.
By attending Touch-a-Truck and participating in its various activities, families create lasting memories and play a vital role in supporting the Kiwanis Club’s efforts to improve the lives of children and communities. Together, we can make a significant difference and inspire positive change.
Coyne Public Relations Named to Inc. Magazine’s Annual Best Workplaces
PARSIPPANY — Coyne Public Relations has been named to Inc. magazine’s annual Best Workplaces list. Featured in the May/June 2023 issue, which hit newsstands on May 16, 2023, and prominently featured on Inc.com, the list is the result of a comprehensive measurement of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company culture, whether operating in a physical or a virtual facility.
Founded in 1991 by CEO Tom Coyne, the agency’s mission statement has never wavered: “Our mission is not to be the best agency in America, but the best one to work for. If we are the best workplace, we will attract the best people. If we have the best people, we will attract the best clients. If we have the best people and clients, how can we not be the best agency in America?”
Inc. selected honorees this year after collecting data from thousands of submissions. Each company that was nominated took part in an employee survey, conducted by Quantum Workplace, which included topics such as management effectiveness, perks, fostering employee growth, and overall company culture. The organization’s benefits were also audited to determine the overall score and ranking.
“We have worked very hard to maintain our one-of-a-kind culture that has gotten us where we are over the past three decades. We are grateful to have received incredible recognition as the best place to work from across the PR industry this year,” said Rich Lukis, President. “But, adding this recognition from Inc. is the icing on the cake for us in 2023.”
“Being named to Best Workplaces is an honor that only a small fraction of companies have been able to claim,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “Proving to the world that you’re a magnet for talent and have a culture that keeps teams engaged, productive, and proud to come to work is a remarkable achievement.”
Founded in 1991, Coyne PR has become one of the top independent public relations firms in the United States. Recognized throughout the industry as “The Best Place to Work,” we have wildly creative offices in New York and New Jersey and colleagues in 115 cities, 49 countries, and six continents through a partnership with The Worldcom Public Relations Group. Our clients include many of the world’s most respected companies… and those that want to be. Our reputation is built upon three decades of creativity, strategy, and service. It is confirmed by more than 1,000 industry awards. For more information, click here.
Taste of Southern Italian Street Food Comes to Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — Josephina Spinosa and her husband Sergio Capdevielle’s culinary vision to share their love and passion for simple Italian cuisine came to fruition this past April with the opening of their beautiful new restaurant, Lo Sfizio Italian Street Food. The restaurant, which offers a new concept for the local Italian scene, is located at 77 New Road in Parsippany. It allows customers to experience a traditional and authentic touch of Southern Italian street fare, just like Josephina experienced as a child in Naples and later while growing up in her family’s pizzeria. Many of the dishes at Lo Sfizio are based on Josephina’s grandmother’s and mother’s recipes.
In Italy, street food is ready-to-eat food sold by vendors or hawkers, particularly in urban areas. Street foods are often simple dishes reinvented using a modern approach, often modifying and enhancing them to elegant simplicity. Lo Sfizio translates as “to satisfy one’s whim,” which is exactly what their menu accomplishes. More about the menu later!
The glass and brick-fronted restaurant stands among a row of other eateries and businesses in a small strip mall off New Road at the intersection of Route 46. Their large, bright white business sign is easy to spot as you pass by, and ample free parking is available.
On entering, if you use your imagination, you will be transported to a bucolic and whimsical setting reminiscent of a small trattoria on a busy street in Naples. The large full glass frontage provides soothing ambient lighting, with bright tile floors, sparsely spaced tables covered with glass over green and white checkered tablecloths, comfortable wooden chairs, walls covered in rustic decorative brick, foliage hanging from the ceiling along with straw covered basket lighting. A lighted accent tree helps to complete a serene, welcoming, relaxed, and cozy atmosphere as soft music plays in the background. The focused design, obviously carefully and painstakingly thought out by Josephina and Sergio, certainly accomplishes its intention and creates a mesmerizing ambiance that perfectly matches Lo Sfizio’s food style.
The canopy-covered open kitchen and host station are also artfully designed to accentuate the dining area. Quite frankly, taking in and enjoying the planning and commitment dedicated to the interior decor of Lo Sfizio alone is worth the visit.
Our friendly hostess, Ofelia, welcomed us immediately on arrival and offered us our choice of seating. Menus arrived quickly, and our wine was uncorked. Yes, Lo Sfizio is BYOB. As is customary with our group, we took plenty of time to review the menu and banter over our agreed-upon shared appetizers.
Ofelia was more than happy to answer any questions we had. We finally decided on the Arancini Siciliana (Rice balls filled with meat ragu, peas, and cheese), Panzarotti Napoletani (Potato croquettes with mozzarella cheese), Fried Calamari, Polpette E Patatine Fritte (Mini fried meatballs and fries with a side of sauce), and from what I have been told is the house special, Pizzetta Montanara (Fried personal pizza with sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil). Pizzetta Montanara dates way back in time and is believed to have roots in the mountains surrounding Naples.
The menu’s Frittura (Fried Food) section included Battered Stuffed Zucchini Flowers, Wurstel E Patatine Fritte, Olive Ascolana, Suppli Romani, and more. However, as tempted as we were to try as much as possible, our entrees still lie ahead.
We know that food can bring people together, and sharing these simple, finger-style foods seem to have been made for that purpose. In Italian, buono means good, gustoso is tasty, and Saporito means flavorful. All our appetizers easily fit into those categories. Every dish was high-quality, fresh, perfectly made, professionally presented, and quickly devoured.
The menu consists of Frittura (Fried Food), Italian Sandwiches, Hot Sandwiches, Croissant Sandwiches, Desserts, and Hot and Cold Drinks. Like I said, simple street food, simple menu. Simple, but plenty of delectable selections to satisfy anyone’s taste.
The Hot sandwiches section of the menu offers seven selections, which include Via Veneto (Chopped Flank Steak, Arugula, Mozzarella, Sauteed Onion, Red Roasted Peppers), Via Delle Liberta (Meatballs with sauce, basil, and Mozzarella), Via Rizzoli (Chicken Cutlet Melt with Fresh Mozzarella, Pesto, Sun Dried Tomato Spread), to name a few. The Italian sandwich section of the menu gives you ten choices, and you get to pick your bread: Piadina, Ciabatta, or Focaccia. Choices include Via Monte Napoleone (Melted Cooked Ham and melted Mozzarella Cheese), Via Della Spiga (Crispy Pancetta, Stracciatella Cheese, and Honey), and Via Polo (Grilled Zucchini, Grilled Eggplant, Red Roasted Peppers, Fresh Mozzarella, Red Onions, Arugula, Pesto) to give you a sampling. There was not one sandwich on the list that I would not be happy with. The remainder of the menu offers a choice of two Croissant Sandwiches, the Via Caprese and the Via Dell’Amore, and assorted desserts: including Nutella Croissant, Pistachio Truffle, Cannoli, Foccaccia with Nutella, Mascarpone, and Strawberries.
For their entrée, my group went with the Via Torino (Flank Steak, Fried Onions, Sauce, Provolone Cheese), the Via Mazzini (Salami, Prosciutto di Parma, Sopressata, Fresh Mozzarella, Arugula, Pesto), and the Via Dei Tribunali (Sweet Italian Sausage and spicy Broccoli Rabe). All were pleased with their picks, providing many delicious, savory flavors with high-quality fresh ingredients. Elegant, simple food!
As for me, I went with the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Lo Sfizio Special Pasta of the Week. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is an Italian grandmother’s common comfort dish in Naples. The ample portion of fresh homemade gnocchi was well made, light, tender, and airy and was presented in a light tomato sauce. With their mild and subtle potato flavor, these soft, fatty, chewy dumplings were a great choice.
Dessert consisted of a Pistachio Truffle and our customary Cappuccino—a perfect ending to a nice meal and our newest dining adventure.
To sum up, Lo Sfizio is a great new family-owned and operated addition to Parsippany’s diverse culinary scene. If you are looking for traditional, authentic, high quality flavorful, yet simple southern Italian street food made with fresh ingredients and prepared with love and passion, you will want to visit Josephina and Sergio at their stunning new restaurant.
Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Closed Monday). Dine-in – Takeout – No Contact Delivery – Catering. BYOB – Accepts Reservations – Free Off-Street Parking. www.losfizionj.com