Darden Restaurants to Acquire Ruth’s Hospitality

Frank L. Cahill
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Darden Restaurants to Acquire Ruth’s Hospitality

PARSIPPANY — Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. jointly announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Darden will commence a tender offer to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Ruth’s for $21.50 per share in an all-cash transaction with an equity value of approximately $715 million. Ruth’s, owner and operator of Ruth’s Chris Steak House will complement Darden’s portfolio of differentiated brands, which currently includes The Capital Grille, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen,  Seasons 52, Bahama Breeze and Eddie V’s.

Ruth’s Chris was founded in 1965 in New Orleans, Louisiana, by Ruth Fertel and features signature USDA Prime steaks served sizzling on 500-degree plates, New Orleans-inspired sides, and an award-winning wine list. Ruth’s Chris has 154 locations around the globe, including in the Parsippany Hilton, including 80 company-owned or -operated restaurants and 74 franchised restaurants, generating systemwide sales of over $860 million, total revenues of over $500 million, and average annual restaurant volumes for company-owned or -operated locations of $6.2 million in Ruth’s fiscal year 2022.

“Ruth’s Chris is a strong and distinctive brand in the fine dining segment with an impressive history of delivering elevated dining experiences to their loyal guests,” said Darden President and CEO Rick Cardenas. “It fits our criteria for adding a brand to our portfolio and supports our winning strategy. Ruth’s Chris is a great complement to our portfolio of brands, and I’m pleased to welcome their nearly 5,000 team members to Darden.”

Cheryl Henry, President, CEO, and Chairperson of Ruth’s, stated, “We are excited about the opportunity to join the Darden family. Our strategy and operating philosophy align well with Darden, and we have a strong cultural fit that should ensure a smooth transition. This transaction will also provide more opportunities for our team members to develop in their careers as we continue to grow our 57-year-old iconic brand.”

Mayor of Parsippany Join VSA Future for Grand Opening Celebration

Frank L. Cahill
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Mayor of Parsippany Join VSA Future for Grand Opening Celebration

PARSIPPANY — VSA Future, the enrichment learning center that has served students in New Jersey and worldwide since 2015, celebrated the grand opening of its Morris Plains/Parsippany location at 2561 Route 10 East on Saturday, April 29.

Among those attending the VSA ribbon-cutting ceremony were Parsippany Mayor James R.
Barberio, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, the Parsippany Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Frank L. Cahill, Chairman Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development and members.

Mayor James Barberio and Dr. Julia Guo of VSA Future Cut Ribbon at the Grand Opening Celebration

At the ribbon cutting, Mayor Barberio said to VSA Director Dr. Julia Guo, “Welcome to
Parsippany, and I wish you the very best with VSA! Thank you for being a member of
businesses in Parsippany. If you need anything, feel free to contact my office. We’re here for you.”

VSA teachers and directors were present alongside the current and new parents and students who attended the academic center’s classes.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presented a plaque to VSA Future in congratulations for the new location and thanked Dr. Guo for choosing Parsippany.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, VSA teachers Cary Griffin, Kaitlyn Lally, and Julius Adena, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development member Adam Kandil were in attendance to celebrate the opening of VSA Future. 


Cahill presented a plaque for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development, congratulating VSA Future on its new location.

“We’re excited to welcome students to our new home base for learning and academic
excellence, right here in Morris Plains and Parsippany,” said Dr. Guo. “And we’re
so grateful to local leadership for welcoming our presence here in the community as we
continue to build upon the work we’ve done in the last eight years, teaching and inspiring
students across New Jersey, the country, and the world.”

Dr. Guo, a lifelong education advocate and a biologist who previously conducted research at
Merck, in New Jersey, and the Hospital for Special Surgery, in New York, now apply her
scientific background to developing data-driven, rigorous curricula for children ages 5 to 18 in English, Math, Writing, Public Speaking, Vocabulary, and more.
VSA Future offers in-person and virtual courses across academic disciplines, challenging
students to become self-sufficient thinkers and learners with strong interpersonal skills.

The April 29 grand opening paves the way for the academic center’s 2023 in-person summer camp, which will run from June 26 to September 1.

VSA Future is located at 2561 Route 10 East, Morris Plains. You can reach VSA at (973) 951-9600 or by clicking here.

Cathryn Smith Earns Citizenship Badge

Frank L. Cahill
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Cathryn Smith Earns Citizenship Badge

PARSIPPANY — To earn her “Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge,” Cathryn Smith, a member of BSA Troop 72 and a student at Central Middle School, participated in a recent Parsippany-Troy Hills Council meeting.

One of the requirements in earning the “Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge” is to attend a meeting of your city, town, or county council or school board; Or attend a municipal, county, or state court session; then Choose one of the issues discussed at the meeting where a difference of opinions was expressed, and explain to your counselor why you agree with one opinion more than you do another one.

Cathryn is a proud scout in Troop 72.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment – May 3, 2023

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment – May 3, 2023

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board Meeting – May 3, 2023.

Click here to download the agenda.

Click here to download the agenda for the special meeting.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Zoning Board of Adjustment
2023 Members and Term Dates

    • Robert Iracane            Chairman         12/31/26
    • Dave Kaplan                Vice-Chair        12/31/23
    • Bernard Berkowitz       Member           12/31/24
    • Scott Joskowitz           Member            12/31/25
    • Nancy Snyder             Member            12/31/23
    • Sridath Reddy            Member            12/31/26
    • Davey Willans            Member             12/31/24
    • Casey Parikh              Alt. No. 1           12/31/23
    • Chris Mazzarella        Alt. No. 2            12/31/23
    • John Chadwick, Planner, John T. Chadwick IV P.P.
    • Chas Holloway, Engineer, GPI
    • Peter King, Attorney, King Moench Hirniak & Collins, LLP
    • Nora O. Jolie, Board Secretary

Agenda subject to change without notice
Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.

Class of 2023 IPLE Students at PHHS Host Their Annual Debates

Focus contributor
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Class of 2023 IPLE Students at PHHS Host Their Annual Debates

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Hills High School IPLE Class of 2023 hosted their highly anticipated annual debates beginning on Tuesday, April 25. 

This year’s candidates from the Matrix party (the liberal side) and the Munch party (the conservative side) debated relevant local and federal issues. The topics that the candidates debated include rescinding all financial support from Ukraine, prohibiting homeschooling in New Jersey, increasing the U.S. nuclear arsenal, banning smartphones on Parsippany school campuses, banning capital punishment, banning mandatory pledge of allegiance, mandating the sale of electric cars, and prohibiting transgender athletes in New Jersey schools. 

The PHHS Seniors, who were part of these parties, had been working hard for months preparing for the series of debates and campaigning in school classrooms. Leading up to the event, the school’s walls were filled with propaganda from each side, attempting to persuade students and staff to vote. The hour-long debates were held twice daily from Tuesday through Friday of last week in the auditorium. Each debate was packed with hundreds of students eager to watch the candidates politically battle each other. After each candidate delivered their speech, the crowd could fire questions at both sides. Many of the audience members attempted to challenge and stump the speakers.

Some of the highlights of the debates included when candidate Vincent Paglucci asked the audience to stand up and recite the pledge of allegiance and when multiple members of the Munch party brought ‘munchkins on stage and ate them. 

The advisor, and the teacher who runs this special program, Adam Pavese, shared what he thought of this year’s debates, “Ms. Hestevold and I were very impressed with the debates this year. The general student body only sees the debates, which is the highlight of the election, but I enjoy the work behind the scenes the most. The class takes countless work hours to pull off the debates and elections. We look forward to next year and hope they go as smoothly as this year.“

Students raise their hands to ask speakers a question

Elections took place a few days ago, and the entire student body cast their ballots. Just recently, on May 3, the outcome of the elections was announced in the morning. Here are the winning candidates, the position they ran for, their stance, and their party:

Isabella Brison for President: Rescinding all Financial Support From Ukraine- Matrix party

Christopher Stearns Senate: Against Federal Ban on Capital Punishment- Munch party

Hunter Tam Nguyen House of Reps.- Against Increasing U.S Nuclear Arsenal-Matrix party

Tyler Lutkowski- Governor- Against Mandate on Electric Cars- Munch party

Rebecca Steere- State Senate- Allowing Homeschooling in NJ- Munch party

Alex Hockwitt- State assembly- Prohibiting Transgender Athletes From Competing in Preferred Gender- Munch party

Vincent Paglucci- County commissioner- Anti Banning Pledge In Schools- Munch party

Ridhi Rohatagi- Board of Education- Keep Smartphones in PTHSD Schools- Matrix party 

Overall, this year’s debates were definitely memorable, and the students are already looking forward to the next debates. Congratulations to all the candidates who won and to both parties!

 

Barbara Sargent Leaves Parsippany-Troy Hills for West Morris Regional High School District

Frank L. Cahill
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Barbara Sargent Leaves Parsippany-Troy Hills for West Morris Regional High School District

PARSIPPANY — Barbara Sargent has been appointed as the new superintendent of the grades 9-12 West Morris Regional High School District Board of Education, effective August 1. Sargent is currently serving as the superintendent of the grades K-12 Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, a position she has held since 2017. The West Morris Regional student population was 2,289 as of 2020–21.

She will be succeeding Michael Ban-David, leaving after eight years to assume a similar role at Tenafly. Sargent’s five-year contract will begin with a yearly salary of $260,000.

In a press release by the West Morris district, the board expressed its appreciation for attracting an accomplished educator like Barbara Sargent. The board attributed this success to the district’s outstanding reputation, especially concerning its teachers, and the long-standing commitment of the communities to quality education.

As the superintendent of the largest regional district in Morris County, Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, Sargent oversaw numerous improvements during her tenure, including introducing an elementary strings instruction program and adding more Advanced Placement classes, and an increase in opportunities for teacher leadership.

Barbara Sargent began her career as a superintendent in Readington Township, Hunterdon County, in 2011. While there, she spearheaded strategic planning initiatives for three elementary schools to implement full-day kindergarten, Mandarin language instruction, online coursework for students, and Green Ribbon recognition in environmental and sustainable practices.

Before becoming a superintendent, Sargent served as an assistant superintendent in the Madison school district and a principal of Village School and Orchard Hills School in Montgomery Township for six years. She received the New Jersey Principal of the Year award from the State Department of Education in 2003.

Sargent earned her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in 1986 and pursued a master’s in Reading/Language Arts from Rider University in 1992. In 1997, she completed her doctoral degree in Educational Administration from Seton Hall University.

In addition to her administrative roles, Sargent has taught courses in school leadership, curriculum, and research as an adjunct professor for Seton Hall University, Drew University, and Ramapo College.

The West Morris Regional High School District is a public school district that provides high school education to students from several Morris County communities, including Chester Borough, Chester Township, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, and Washington Township.

United Methodist Church Holds Roast Beef Dinner Fundraiser

Frank L. Cahill
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United Methodist Church Holds Roast Beef Dinner Fundraiser

PARSIPPANY — On May 6, Parsippany United Methodist Church held its annual Roast Beef fundraiser, where attendees could indulge in a buffet-style dinner of the church’s renowned Roast Beef, delicious Cole Slaw, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetables, and a large assortment of homemade desserts.

Parsippany residents Judy Hernandez and Joanne Rich enjoying the roast beef dinner at United Methodist Church.

The Parsippany United Methodist Church (PUMC) congregation was founded in 1830. A parcel of land was given by a wealthy member of the Presbyterian Church with the idea that the servants of the wealthy should have their own church. Our roots are humble.

At the event, customers were served by triplets Madilynn, Abi, and Nicole, who are all ten years old and currently attend Littleton Elementary School. The talented trio offered freshly made drinks to attendees.
Steve Blake, Bill Gripp, Justin Cogan, and Tracy Booth were working in the kitchen, preparing the delicious dinner for the event.
Laurie Wilken, Lonnie Wallace, Michele Chaffee, Rev. Marissa van der Valk, Renee Luongo, Carolyn Dipsey, Paul Adams, and Jahn Schnetzer took charge of serving the scrumptious food to the guests.
Connie Keller and Denise White skillfully served a wide variety of desserts to the attendees.

In 1962, our original church building on Route 46 was torn down to make room for Highway 287. The congregation worshipped in local schools and met in members’ homes until, in 1964, an education building and fellowship hall were built at 903 South Beverwyck Road.

For years the congregation dreamed of a new, dedicated sanctuary. The congregation worshipped in the fellowship hall for church dinners and play productions. For forty years, the congregation forged an identity based on the quality of love found in our fellowship and worship. People were drawn to the congregation, not for the edifice — the school-like building was not much to look at –- but rather by the spirit of compassion, inclusion, humor, and artistic creativity.

In 1989, the congregation’s growth made it possible to plan for actively constructing a new worship space. Together we engaged in an extended process of envisioning, fundraising, and planning for a new sanctuary that — with its simple and open design — was in keeping with the spirit of our congregation. Construction began in November of 2001 amid the national grief of 9/11. As we witnessed people spontaneously flock to communal sacred spaces seeking contact with the holy, it seemed timely to be building the sanctuary as an expression of the peace and presence of God in unsettling times.

Construction began in November of 2001, amid the national grief of 9/11. As we witnessed people spontaneously flock to communal holy spaces seeking contact with the holy, it seemed timely to be building the sanctuary as an expression of the peace and presence of God in unsettling times.

Six months into construction, amid the typical frustrations and setbacks that are a part of this process, Henry “Hank” Heitschel, the building committee chairperson, suddenly died. Shortly thereafter, his wife Myra also died. When finally the new sanctuary was dedicated six months later, in December of 2002, the joy we felt was mixed with sadness that this much-beloved couple who had been so instrumental in sustaining our dream of the new sanctuary for forty years was not with us to share in the celebration.

Relay For Life of Morris County: Dedicated to Raising Funds for Cancer

Frank L. Cahill
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Relay For Life of Morris County: Dedicated to Raising Funds for Cancer

PARSIPPANY — The Relay For Life of Morris County is dedicated to raising money for cancer research and was held at Parsippany Hills High School, 20 Rita Drive, on Saturday, June 6. As of press time, the event raised $11,795.79. The two top teams raised Cerullo Strong at $4,666 and Answer for Cancer at #3,947. The top three participants are Hannah Cerullo, $2,116; Ella Manoff, $1,132 and Douglas Gabel, $1,089.

PHHS Junior Nicolas Hornung, 16, Jill Cerullo amd Junior Tyler Hanenberg, 17
 
PHHS Junior Thomas Ruppert, 17 and Judy Hernandez. Ruppert is part of PHHS Green Team
Dee dePierro, Parsippany Hills High School Key Club Advisor Kristine Bushong, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Michael dePierro

The Relay for Life is a noncompetitive walk event to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s fight against cancer.

Adam Kandil, Councilman Frank Neglia, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr., Council Vice President Michael dePierro, Mayor James Barberio, Karen DeChristopher, and Councilman Justin Musella.

The day and night will be filled with music from a DJ and guest entertainers—many activities, including Contests, Corn Hole, and Flag Football.

Themed Laps scattered throughout the event, including Water Balloon Lap, Three-legged Lap,

Dan Cassidy and Three-time cancer survivor Karen DeChristopher

Egg & Spoon Lap, Freeze-Dance Lap, Skipping Lap, Partner Lap, Cupid Shuffle Lap,  Speed Walk Lap, and Backwards Lap.

Survivors walk around the track.

There are three central themes to every Relay for Life Event – Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back. The celebration portion includes a dinner for cancer Survivors and their CareGivers.  The remembrance portion includes a moving Luminaria Ceremony in which friends and loved ones lost to cancer are remembered. The event is a way of fighting against cancer by raising funds for Research.  The American Cancer Society funds research for all types of cancer. 93% of all money raised goes to continuing research efforts.

By supporting Relay For Life, you help the American Cancer Society save lives, and that helps us move closer to our ultimate goal of a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

You can still donate by clicking here.

PHHS Junior Thomas Ruppert, 17 and Judy Hernandez. Ruppert is part of PHHS Green Team

For more information on the American Cancer Society, click here.

 

Desai – Martin Holds Success Fundraiser for Township Council Primary Election

Frank L. Cahill
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Desai – Martin Holds Success Fundraiser for Township Council Primary Election
During the fundraiser, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Candidate Danny Desai addressed the audience.

PARSIPPANY — Gary Martin and Danny Desai, candidates for Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, were joined by approximately 75 supporters at a fundraiser on Thursday, May 4, held at Rishta Banquet Hall, 269 Littleton Road.

Danny Desai and Gary Martin are dedicated to serving all communities with trustworthiness and fearlessness, and they will work to improve the quality of life for the residents of Parsippany.

Desai said, “I am a successful business owner. I know how to micromanagement. I know how to spend our taxpayer’s dollars efficiently; transparently and fiscally responsible governance will lead to a brighter future. We can’t sustain ourselves if we keep on increasing taxes on our residents. There has to be accountability and responsibility from each and every department. Parsippany is a beautiful place to raise a family.”

“It is important to consider the impact of taxes on our senior population, as continuously increasing tax burdens may lead to their displacement from the town. We should prioritize our seniors’ well-being and ensure they are not facing unnecessary financial hardship that would force them to relocate,” said Martin.

Gary Martin and Danny Desai are in Column 3 in the June primary.

On Thursday, May 4th, Gary Martin and Danny Desai, both candidates for the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township, held a fundraiser that was attended by around 75 supporters.
Shardul Kothare, Vamshi, Casey Parikh, Umesh Desai and Davey Willans
Danny Desai, Gary Martin, Raj Dichpally, Santosh Peddi, and Nikhil Patel

ShopRite Holds Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony After Renovations

Frank L. Cahill
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ShopRite Holds Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony After Renovations

PARSIPPANY — The local family-owned grocery store, ShopRite, recently completed a large-scale renovation of its Parsippany store on Route 46, celebrated with an official re-opening ceremony last weekend. Customers can enjoy the new interior decor, an expanded produce section, a completely remodeled store, and a range of new services and amenities.

“Congratulations to Dara Sblendorio and the ShopRite family. You have been a fixture of Parsippany for many years and have given back so much to the community,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.

Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills cuts the ribbon at the re-grand opening celebration.

“Congratulations to Dara Sblendorio and the ShopRite family. You have been a fixture of Parsippany for many years and have given back so much to the community,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.

Produce Manager Kieth is showing off the fresh produce to Mayor James Barberio.

To celebrate the grand reopening, ShopRite organized a series of special store tastings and Sunrise Kitchens product tastings.

Sunrise ShopRite, a family-owned business run by the Gladstein family, who have been in the grocery business for four generations, recently completed a large-scale renovation of its ShopRite store on Route 46 in Parsippany.

Council Vice President Michael dePierro, Dara Sblendorio, and Ned Gladstein

The family joined the Wakefern cooperative in 1951 and opened ShopRite stores. Ned Gladstein was named president in 1982 and serves as an advisor and chief financial officer. His daughter, Dara Sblendorio, was elected president in 2017, and her husband, Frank, manages the ShopRite of Parsippany.

ShopRite offers various flowers, including popular options like roses, daisies, carnations, seasonal blooms, and special arrangements.

Customers will find new interior decor, an expanded produce section, a new Wines and Spirits entrance, and an expanded Sunrise Kitchens section offering more store-made entrees, sides, and ready-to-eat, ready-to-heat, and ready-to-cook items.

Dara Sblendorio and Ned Gladstein, owners of ShopRite, were presented with a plaque by Frank Cahill, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman, in recognition of the store’s re-grand opening. The plaque also expressed gratitude for ShopRite’s contributions to local organizations.
ShopRite has expanded its selection of fresh produce, offering its customers a wider variety of fruits and vegetables. The expansion is part of the store’s commitment to providing high-quality and locally sourced produce and catering to customers’ evolving dietary needs and preferences.
ShopRite now offers an extensive selection of cheeses worldwide, providing customers with diverse options. The store’s cheese selection includes well-known and specialty varieties, such as cheddar, brie, and gouda, sourced from different regions across the globe. This expansion is part of ShopRite’s efforts to provide customers with diverse, high-quality products that meet their culinary preferences and needs.
ShopRite now offers a range of hot Chinese selections, providing customers with a convenient and delicious option for lunch or dinner. The store’s Chinese selection includes popular dishes such as General Tso’s chicken, lo mein, fried rice, and dumplings, prepared fresh and ready to eat. This expansion is part of ShopRite’s commitment to offering a diverse range of ready-to-eat options that cater to customers’ tastes and preferences.

The store, located at 808 Route 46 in the Arlington Plaza, is open daily from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Sunrise ShopRite operates another location at 540 Passaic Avenue in West Caldwell. The West Caldwell location offers a range of high-quality products and services, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, bakery items, and prepared foods. With its convenient location and diverse product offerings, the West Caldwell ShopRite is a popular shopping destination for customers in the area.

 

 

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