Sons of Italy: Working Together to Make a Difference

Patrick Minutillo
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Sons of Italy: Working Together to Make a Difference

PARSIPPANY — The August monthly meeting of Morris County Lodge 2561 of the Sons of Italy included a visit by representatives from two of the organization’s multiple charitable partners, JBWS (Morris County’s Domestic Violence agency), and the Interfaith Food Pantry Network.

Crisis Response Team Manager, Robin M. Hughes, DVS

Representing JBWS was Crisis Response Team Manager, Robin M. Hughes, DVS, who addressed the Lodge, passionately addressing her organization’s role in helping those victims affected by domestic violence.

Ms. Hughes noted that despite the apparent affluence in Morris County, it is not immune from this violent issue. In fact, JBWS has responded to over seven hundred cases of domestic abuse already this year, and seventy cases alone this month. It is estimated that as much as 1 in 4 people suffer from some form of abuse related issues and just do not talk about it for various reasons. It is a serious and important problem that is necessary to address, and Ms. Hughes has been putting her heart and soul into working with and collaborating with police agencies and victims for the past 26 years. Ms. Hughes stated that she herself had been the victim of domestic violence, so she understands the problem, and has devoted herself to “giving people hope.”

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Robin M. Hughes, DVS. Crisis Response Team Manager for JBWS

“If I do everything I can do to help these victims then I can sleep at night” stated Ms. Hughes. She continued, “Donations such as these from the Sons of Italy affords them the opportunity to do the job.”

The Helpline number for JBWS is (973) 267-4763 /1-877-R-U-ABUSED.

Ms. Carolyn Lake, the Executive Director of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network

1st V.P. Joseph Jannarone Jr., who serves as Committee Chairperson for the Fundraising/Philanthropic arm of Lodge 2561, along with Lodge 2561 President Robert Adamo, presented Ms. Hughes a generous donation to assist JBWS continue its efforts on behalf of the Sons of Italy. Jannarone’s responsibilities, which he has done for 20 years, involves the oversight and distribution of the Lodge’s charitable donations, while working hand in hand with the Lodge’s multiple charitable partners.

Following, was an equally powerful presentation by Ms. Carolyn Lake, the Executive Director of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network, headquartered out of Morris Plains. Ms. Lake in an impassioned presentation enlightened the assemble group as to the significant problem of food insecurity plaguing a surprising number of families in the Morris area. It is estimated that as much as 32 percent of working families are struggling with nutritional issues, not to mention senior citizens, whose numbers have blown up since COVID. Ms. Lake stated that those in need are served by two pantries, one in Morris Plains and one in Morristown, as well as a Mobile Pantry.

Ms. Lake explained that the goal of the Interfaith Food Pantry is not only to deal with hunger, but to address a myriad of nutritional issues that affect 40 percent of those served by the Pantry. The organization’s goal is to educate those in need, including seniors, on proper nutrition and appropriate foods to stay healthy. Ms. Lake proudly stated that “85 percent of those they serve are getting healthier because of this education.”  In her closing remarks Ms. Lake stressed, “Our mission is to promote health and well-being of Morris County residents. We need the community involved and volunteers are critical to our success. And, of course, we are always looking for contributions.”

Mrs. Lake was presented with a donation from 2nd V.P. Michael Fazzio and President Robert Adamo

Ms. Lake was also presented with a generous donation from the Lodge in their continuing long-time support. Presenting the donation was 2nd V.P. Michael Fazzio and President Robert Adamo. Fazzio is a longtime volunteer and commits a lot of personal time assisting at the Interfaith Food Pantry.

Lodge President Adamo ended the presentations by thanking both guests for enlightening the group on what they do, and stating, “Our problems seem small in comparison to what others must deal with. It is rewarding to help the less fortunate, and I am proud of the part the Sons of Italy plays in cooperatively working with all our charitable partners as we continue to actively serve Morris County.”

Want to help? JBWS can be reached at (973) 267-7520 ext. 229, and the Interfaith Food Pantry at (973) 538-8049 ext. 211.

Future charitable endeavors coming up for the Sons of Italy-Lodge 2561 include a Wine Tasting Evening the Lodge is co-sponsoring with the Kiwanis at the Hanover Manor on October 20 and their Annual Beefsteak and Comedy Night on November 19 at the Bloomingdale Fire Headquarters. More information on both those events will be available shortly. Check out the Sons of Italy-Lodge 2561 website at www.soi.2561, and/or on their Facebook page.

Robin M. Hughes, DVS. Crisis Response Team Manager for JBWS with Joe Jannarone,Jr.

New Staff Orientation begins for Parsippany-Troy Hills Teachers

Frank L. Cahill
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New Staff Orientation begins for Parsippany-Troy Hills Teachers

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Administrators, Superintendent, Dr. Barbara Sargent, BOE President Tim Berrios, and Vice-President Judy Mayer, greeted our new teachers as they eagerly began their orientation for the 2022-2023 school year.

The feeling of excitement, anticipation and apprehension filled the Media Center at Parsippany High School. The first few weeks of school can be overwhelming which is why our New Staff Orientation workshops, designed by our Assistant Superintendent and Supervisors, are developed to help guide new staff members through the challenges they will face with academics, effective instruction, evaluations, Board Policies, and communication between staff, students, and parents.

The new teachers are given the tools they need to begin a successful year in Parsippany. They learn how to design lessons to reach mastery, how to transform their classrooms into productive learning environments, learn helpful classroom management tips, and how to always have positive expectations that our students will be successful. They began their workshops with reviewing Professional Responsibilities and District Goals, an Overview of the Danielson Evaluation Plan, Business Office procedures, Technology, Genesis, Human Resources overviews, and Department Group Meetings just to name a few.

Our new teachers are invigorated and ready to start the new year!

Chand Palace: Multi-Diverse Culinary Scene

Patrick Minutillo
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Chand Palace: Multi-Diverse Culinary Scene

PARSIPPANY — There is no argument that Parsippany boasts a highly impressive and multi-diverse culinary scene that is second to none. At the intersection of Littleton and Parsippany Roads in the Littleton Plaza you will find one of the township’s longest standing Indian restaurants, Chand Palace. Chand Palace originally opened its doors in 1986 and has been a staple of Parsippany ever since. You must be doing something extremely right to survive 36 years, specializing in vegetarian Indian cuisine, in a community with multiple outstanding Indian restaurants, and with a population of over 20% people of Indian American decent, with discerning taste when it comes to authentic food.

The walls covered with soft ivory colored wallpaper and adorned with tasteful modern artwork

It was my first visit to Chand Palace, after hearing so many suggestions and positive comments about it, I had to stop in. Chand Palace has recently changed hands as of October 2021, and is now owned by Manan Saxena, who is carrying on the restaurant’s legacy by serving only the finest, freshest, authentic, vegetarian cuisine. Mr. Saxena’s passion to provide a superior dining experience was evident during our conversation and I will get back to our conversation a little later in this review.

Pulling into the strip mall parking lot, Chand Palace is situated in the middle of several other Indian markets and businesses. The unassuming facade certainly was not indicative of what one will find once inside. On entry, I was pleasantly surprised with the casual yet upscale, stylish, modernistic, dining room that immediately caught my attention. Our group was warmly greeted by the welcoming staff, as Manager Sarok Shrestha, offered us a table of our choice. We were led to one of the many attractive gold leaf and black trimmed tables, set for four, arranged perfectly, with sparkling glass and silverware. Chand Palace is a BYOB, so we did bring our own wine, which was uncorked and poured without delay. Our server, Itika, could not have been more attentive, helpful or pleasant.

The ambiance was wonderfully comfortable, family friendly, with soft music playing in the background, bright and airy, immaculately clean, with high ceilings which subdued any surrounding noise, walls covered with soft ivory colored wallpaper and adorned with tasteful modern artwork. The rich looking red carpeting, crystal chandeliers, clean and bright white walls and ceiling, with touches of red brick in an attached dining room, perfectly complemented the interior.

The carefully prepared buffet set up, arranged near the rear of the dining area, was appealing. There was an abundance of fresh foods, lots of color and pleasing aromas, with a lavish variety of vegetarian cuisine. I counted over fourteen cold and hot entrée choices, five desserts, ice cream, and soup. Chand Palace is known for their buffet, and it appeared that every diner had come in just for that. Our server, Itika, suggested that we try the buffet so that we could get a nice sampling of the various dishes offered. One can also order straight from Chand’s full and extensive menu if that is your preference. We all decided to go with Itika’s suggestion, and it was a good decision!

This revolving style of service obviously keeps everything fresh and full of flavor.

Of note, the buffet changes its selections on a revolving basis. Lunch is different from dinner, and it is different every day of the week. Selections are chosen from all the different geographical areas of India so you may be served food from southern India on one day, and from the north on another. There are also Indo-Chinese dishes incorporated in the buffet. To ensure authenticity the kitchen staff is comprised of Chef’s from all the different sections of India.  There is even a Chef who specializes in just Indo-Chinese cuisine. This revolving style of service obviously keeps everything fresh and full of flavor. Like the owner told me, “I want to bring every part of India to your table.” One of my guests, Marko, made the comment, “I have never experienced any other food with so much flavor as Indian food.” As we meticulously worked our way through the buffet, dish by dish, we could clearly detect the distinct tastes of sweetness, bitterness, sourness, saltiness, cool, and spicy hot. It truly was like getting all the tastes of India in one sitting. No shortage of taste sensations here, and I think your palate will thank you for it. It is a misconception that Indian cuisine is always spicy hot. It is the spices that provide the flavor to the food, not the heat. Like any cuisine, if you want the heat level brought down on any dish, the restaurant will be glad to accommodate your tastes.

I consider myself a carnivore, but I was very satisfied with this full vegetarian meal. To authenticate the vegetarian status of the food the Chef’s do not even utilize eggs when preparing their dishes. The buffet consisted of Tom Yum Soup, Chana Masala, Spring Rolls, Jalapeno Cheese Samosas, Malai Kofta, Vegetable Hakka Noodles, Jeera Rice, Aloo Tikki, Bhindi Masala, Dal Makhni, Saag, Dal Makhni, Thai Green Curry, Vegetable Fried Rice; and for dessert Gajar Halwa, Gulab Jamun, Ras Malai, Jalebi, Indian Sweets, and Ice Cream. Garlic Naan and Chole Bhature (Curry Bread) also came with the meal. We all went up several time to try to sample everything we could, until we just could not take another bite. It was a great dining experience.

Itika serving Chole Bhature (Curry Bread)

I did get an opportunity to sit down with owner/restauranteur, Manan Saxena, for some quick background information. Mr. Saxena, a very friendly, personable, and enthusiastic man, was born in Jaipur, the capital of India’s Rajasthan state. Jaipur is famous for its traditional cuisine, as well as for its spices and sweets.

He was born into a family with a long history in the food industry and that is where his love of food began. He arrived in America in 2009, where like many a great restaurateur learned his trade from the ground up. Following jobs as a dishwasher, busser, hospitality assistant, and assistant manager to a restaurant, he began fine tuning his trade as a catering manager.

Mr. Saxena utilized his growing knowledge, skills, abilities, and passion to eventually lead him to his first venture, Chand Palace, taking a dangerous chance and opening it during the pandemic. When I asked him why he would take such a chance, he stated, “I was an Indian boy who came to America with a lot of dreams. You can fail one time, you can fail two times, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.  I took a chance opening Chand Palace at the end of the pandemic based on my faith and ability on Indian food and culture to succeed.” “This Country gives you a lot, it is like a force of water; you have to drink it, the opportunities are there.”

For dessert Gajar Halwa

Mr. Saxena will be opening his second restaurant, AAZ (own style) on December 1 in Franklin Park.

The restaurant is currently offering a couple of specials you might be interested in. Family Fun Day: Kids (under 11) eat free on Mondays, with the purchase of one adult buffet (not valid on holidays or long weekends. Thirsty Thursdays: Offering a free freshly made (non-alcoholic) drink with the purchase of one adult buffet, through September.

If you are a vegetarian, I would think this is the place for you. If you have not tried vegetarian cuisine of India yet, I would suggest you stop in and give it a try. I am sure you will enjoy the experience, and believe me, you will not even notice the absence of meat.

Chand Palace is located at 257 Littleton Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054. (973) 334-5444; or visit www.chandpalaceparsippany.com.

Lamar Harris Sentenced to 18 Years in Connection with 2021 Homicide

Frank L. Cahill
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Lamar Harris Sentenced to 18 Years in Connection with 2021 Homicide

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, New Jersey Transit Police Chief Christopher Trucillo, and Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson announce that Lamar Harris, 34, last known address 1 Jean Street, Morristown, has been sentenced to 18 years in New Jersey State Prison.

At approximately 12:29 a.m. on March 29, 2021, law enforcement received information regarding a deceased male at the Morristown Train Station, Morris Street, Morristown.  Subsequent investigation confirmed that the male’s body was located on a stairway at the train station.  The male had sustained head injuries and a brick was located next to the body.  An autopsy was performed by the Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the manner of death was certified as homicide.  The victim was previously identified as Matthew Palla.  Subsequent investigation, including video surveillance, revealed the victim and Lamar Harris were together in Morristown and in the vicinity of the Morristown Train Station prior to the homicide.  The investigation also revealed that Matthew Palla was in possession of approximately $800 prior to the homicide.

On June 15, 2022, Lamar Harris pled guilty to first degree Aggravated Manslaughter and third degree Theft by Unlawful Taking before the Hon. Stephen J. Taylor, P.J.Cr.

On August 11 Judge Taylor imposed a sentence of 18 years in New Jersey State Prison subject to the No Early Release Act, which makes the defendant ineligible for parole until he has served 85% of the sentence, on the Aggravated Manslaughter.

Judge Taylor also imposed a concurrent sentence of five years in New Jersey State Prison on the Theft.  The defendant was also ordered to pay $800 restitution.

Prosecutor Carroll would like to thank and acknowledge the agencies that participated in the investigation that led to the apprehension and prosecution of the defendant, including the Morristown Police Department, the New Jersey Transit Police, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigations Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit.

Physiopros Performance Rehab Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Frank L. Cahill
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Physiopros Performance Rehab Celebrates Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills, The Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon during the official grand opening ceremony of Physiopros Performance Rehab. Physiopros Performance Rehab is located at 3799 Route 46, Suite 110.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio cut the ribbon with the owners Jeff and Fady. Council member Frank Neglia along with Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill joined in.  Also attending was Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Board Member Nicolas Limanov and Robert Peluso, Jr.

Owners Dr. Fady Youssef and Dr.Jeffrey Long proudly holds the plaque presented by Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee Chairman Frank Cahill

Physiopros Performance Rehab’s mission is to provide innovative, one on one Physical Therapy interventions to guide patients through the rehabilitation process and get them back to performing the activities that they love as quickly and safely as possible. They strive to set themselves apart from the other PT clinics that provide minimal one on one time with a Physical Therapist and focuses on passive modalities such as heat, stim, and ice. They pride ourselves on spending a significant amount of time with each patient and delivering individualized, patient centered, and goal oriented treatment; the way that PT is supposed to be.

Jeff Long PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT, CSCS

Jeff Long PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT, CSCS is one of the Physical Therapists and owners at Physiopros Performance Rehab. Jeff’s Physical Therapy journey began when he was in a serious car accident and broke his neck over 10 years ago. He experienced firsthand the positive outcomes and influence Physical Therapy can have on someone’s life and well being and decided that this was the career he wanted to pursue. He graduated with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences in 2018 and received awards of academic achievement and clinical excellence for his performance in the classroom as well as the clinic.

Since graduating, Jeff has been working mainly in the outpatient orthopedic setting where he has gained experience in treating various musculoskeletal and neuromuscular injuries and ailments involving all body parts. He has experience working with all age groups ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics. He has achieved certifications in manual therapy, orthopedics, and strength and conditioning since graduating. He has a passion for developing personalized treatment plans that focus on optimizing movement, regaining quality of life, and helping patients achieve their goals of returning to the activities that they love to do.

Fady Youssef, PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT, CSCS

Fady earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Touro College in 2018. His interest for physical therapy came from his own experiences with being injured while playing sports during his high school and college years. The injuries he experienced while wrestling, playing football, track, and weightlifting led him to experience physical therapy first-hand and helped him grow his passion for the profession.

Fady uses his athletic background and personal experience to improve the lives of those he treats. Along his journey, Fady also became an Orthopedic Certified Specialist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning coach, allowing him to treat a wide variety of clients.

He is also a Certified Manual Physical Therapist through the North American Institute of Orthopedic Manual Therapy. Fady’s goal is to improve the health and well-being of the communities which he serves.

You can reach Physiopros Performance Rehab by calling (973) 265-8621 or by clicking here to visit their website.

Physiopros Performance Rehab is a member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Frank Cahill, Chairman Parsippany Economic Development Committee presented the owners with a plaque congratulating their new business
Physiopros Performance Rehab’s mission is to provide innovative, one on one Physical Therapy interventions to guide patients through the rehabilitation process
Physiopros Performance Rehab’s mission is to provide innovative, one on one Physical Therapy interventions to guide patients through the rehabilitation process
Physiopros Performance Rehab’s mission is to provide innovative, one on one Physical Therapy interventions to guide patients through the rehabilitation process

Driver in Over Turned Box Truck Receives 11 Summons

Frank L. Cahill
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Driver in Over Turned Box Truck Receives 11 Summons

PARSIPPANY —  The driver, Gerard Marichal, 26, was driving a 1998 White Isuzu box truck that flipped onto its roof at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16 on Route 46 East received eleven summons from Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Gregory Lowe. Mr Marichal was traveling east on Route 46, failed to stop for red traffic signal, and turned a hard right onto New Road and slid into the bumper of UPS truck driven by Mr. William Sanders, 2nd.

Mr. Marichal stated “My brakes failed and was unable to stop.” Police investigation reveals that he was traveling too fast and was overweight preventing the vehicle from stopping.

The accident caused a storage tank of cooking oil inside the vehicle to dislodge and spill. State, County, Local and private agencies were dispatched to assist in the cleanup.

The incident prompted the Parsippany Police Department to immediately close the far right lane on Route 46 East at New Road. All lanes have reopened at about 3:00 p.m.

The charges included Reckless Driving; Making an Illegal Right Turn; Delaying Traffic (Creating Risk of Accident); Unsafe Lane Change (Failure to Maintain Lane); No name on Commercial Vehicle; Failure to display gross vehicle weight; Excessive weight; Operate a commercial vehicle with no CDL license; Unsafe vehicle, Uninsured out of state vehicle and Failure to wear seat belt.

According to Officer Lowe “The insurance policy was cancelled on July 22, by the previous owner of the vehicle. The previous insurance company was Allstate.

Click here to view related story.

Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing a complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Atlantic Health System Welcomes Chief Health System Officer

Frank L. Cahill
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Atlantic Health System Welcomes Chief Health System Officer

MORRIS COUNTY — Atlantic Health System announced the arrival of Scott Leighty, FACHE, Executive Vice President, Chief Health System Officer. An experienced leader in hospital performance and strategic growth, Leighty will lend his talents to the health system’s unwavering efforts to ensure extraordinary care and experiences for patients and their families.

Leighty will bring a commitment to teamwork and unparalleled community service to the inner workings of the nationally recognized, integrated care delivery system. To ensure every patient has access to the right care, at the right time, in the right place, he will work closely and collaboratively with the system’s medical center presidents and leaders of its service lines and operations, pharmacy, laboratory and respiratory teams.

“Atlantic Health is well known for excellence in patient care and is a leader in safety, quality and workplace culture,” said Leighty. “Our team is committed to increasing value for the patients we serve – not only through closer coordination of care within our system but through new partnerships in our communities. I’m thrilled to support Atlantic Health’s vision to transform health care by improving safety, access and affordability – for all.”

Throughout his 25 years in health care, Leighty has served as an advocate for care integration and patient satisfaction.  His dedication to a team-based approach to care and professional development for caregivers has led to improved efficiency and growth.  Leighty is also passionate about improving the convenience of care and building better relationships between patients and clinicians.

Leighty previously served as senior vice president, regional hospitals and clinical services for Allina Health, a leading care delivery system with 11 hospitals and 28,000 team members headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  He also served as senior vice president, corporate operations for Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina and held leadership positions with Mercy Medical Center in Mason City, Iowa and Ohio Health in Columbus.

“Scott’s ability to create innovative, supportive environments that work for every member of the team will ensure our future workforce is as strong as our history as an organization,” said Brian Gragnolati, President and CEO, Atlantic Health System. “At this pivotal moment for health care in our country, he is the ideal leader to advance our mission to build healthier communities while caring for our caregivers.”

Leighty has held board positions at various organizations including Community Blood Center of the Carolinas, Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa and the American Red Cross Central Ohio Blood Services, illustrating a deep commitment to local community service. He is also a fellow at the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Learn more about the rest of the Atlantic Health System click here.

Atlantic Health System is at the forefront of medicine, setting standards for quality health care in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the New York metropolitan area. Powered by a workforce of more than 18,000 team members and 4,800 affiliated physicians dedicated to building healthier communities, Atlantic Health System serves more than half of the state of New Jersey including 12 counties and 5.5 million people.

The not-for-profit system offers more than 400 sites of care, including its seven hospitals: Morristown Medical Center in Morristown, NJ, Overlook Medical Center in Summit, NJ, Newton Medical Center in Newton, NJ, Chilton Medical Center in Pompton Plains, NJ, Hackettstown Medical Center in Hackettstown, NJ, Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown, NJ, Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute in Madison, NJ and through its partnership with CentraState Healthcare System in Freehold, NJ.

Atlantic Medical Group, comprised of 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers, represents one of the largest multi-specialty practices in New Jersey and joins Atlantic Accountable Care Organization and Optimus Healthcare Partners as part of Atlantic Alliance, a Clinically Integrated Network of more than 2,500 health care providers throughout northern and central NJ.

Atlantic Health System provides care for the full continuum of health care needs through 23 urgent care centers, Atlantic Visiting Nurse and Atlantic Anywhere Virtual Visits. Facilitating the connection between these services on both land and air is the transportation fleet of Atlantic Mobile Health.

Atlantic Health System leads the Healthcare Transformation Consortium, a partnership of six regional hospitals and health systems dedicated to improving access and affordability and is a founding member of the PIER Consortium – Partners in Innovation, Education, and Research – a streamlined clinical trial system that will expand access to groundbreaking research across five health systems in the region.

Atlantic Health System has a medical school affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University and is home to the regional campus of the Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Morristown and Overlook Medical Centers and is the official health care partner of the New York Jets.

Township Council Passes Budget Increasing Residents’ Local Taxes

Frank L. Cahill
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Township Council Passes Budget Increasing Residents’ Local Taxes

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council passed the 2022 Township Budget on Tuesday, August 16, 4-1. Councilman Justin Musella voted no on the increased budget.

The Mayor presented the 2022 Township Budget at Tuesday, July 19 town council meeting, which includes a 3.3% tax increase. The introduction of the budget was approved unanimously.

“When I looked through this budget, it was disheartening,” Barberio said. “We have a financial crisis. Our budget challenges won’t be solved in one year.”

In this budget, Barberio hopes to increase the police force, saying that Soriano “let the police department become depleted.” The police department is down to 81 deployable officers. We should be at 103 to 109 deployable officers. I would like to increase it to 96 or 97 by the end of 2022.

That same meeting, the council voted unanimously to exceed the state-mandated 2% cap on annual property tax increases.

Councilman Justin Musella said “At the township council meeting last night, the Parsippany municipal budget was presented to the council for a vote. As this budget contained an unreasonable tax increase, I voted no. I understand the difficulties that the mayor faced in cleaning up the mess left by the previous administration, however, I did not feel that this budget went far enough to address those concerns. With inflation at levels unseen since the middle of last century, and a possible recession on the horizon, I don’t believe this is an appropriate time to saddle struggling taxpayers with another large tax increase.”

Councilman Paul Carifi said “The only way to reduce the budget was to layoff in excess of a 100 employees and take away many services that our seniors depend on and there’s NO WAY I was going to do that.”

“Your taxes aren’t going up that much,” Mayor James Barberio said. Barberio, along with the rest of the Council, have maintained that homeowners will still see their total tax bill go up by 3.3%.

Barberio said politics were behind criticisms of the budget, pointing to a statement published online by the Parsippany Democratic Committee. “They called me a liar,” Barberio said. “No one calls me a liar. I don’t care what party you are from.”

During Tuesday’s meeting, Parsippany residents voiced their concerns regarding the budget. Resident Bernie Clarkin had bantered with Barberio over the increase in legal fees this year, which will be $217k.

Councilman Frank Neglia blamed the previous mayor, Michael Soriano, for the town’s financial crisis, citing his “foolish spending” on eye scans and appointing people to “positions that never existed.”

“In my opinion, Soriano was inexperienced and doesn’t know how to run a town like Mayor Barberio does,” Neglia said.

The Council and mayor will begin to “accept responsibility,” Neglia said. “Today is the start of cleaning up this mess,” he added. “The budget will start tonight. It’s ours now.”

The average residential assessment ($312,397.00) tax increase will be $478.00, or just under $40.00 per month, which includes municipal, school, county, open space, library and fire taxes.

The total 2022 budget is $241,553,717.41 as compared to the 2021 budget of $230,055,504.21. The 2022 budget includes an increase in school taxes of $2,643,143.11. (2021 School Tax was $146,841,284.00 and 2022 School Tax is $149,484,427.11).

 

King and Queen Named at Mt. Tabor Children’s Day

Frank L. Cahill
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King and Queen Named at Mt. Tabor Children’s Day

PARSIPPANY — Braylon Moore was named King and Maya Lau was named Queen during Mt. Tabor’s Children’s Day Celebration held August 5 through August 7. Also, Charlie Davis was named the First Attendant and Keegan Tracy was named Second Attendant.

The royal court lead the parade which featured marching bands, community groups, costumes, decorated bicycles and wagons, maypoles and an array of people-created floats.

Charlie Davis was named the First Attendant
Keegan Tracy was named Second Attendant

Maya Lau is the youngest daughter of Jim and Dawn Lau. She is currently a sophomore at Parsippany Hills High School. She loves soccer, singing, performing, art, cosplay, gaming and fashion.

Maya plays soccer for Parsippany Hills High School. When not playing soccer, Maya loves to perform with Mt Tabor ARTs Collaborative as well as Parsippany Hills Players. She was recently seen in MTAC’s highly acclaimed Addams Family as Clara Bow. Maya loves video games and is happiest when at special events such as Comic-Con and Anime-NYC. Maya’s dream is to go to University and pursue a career in fashion design after graduation. She is honored to be the 153rd Queen of Mt. Tabor taking over for her sister, Rhaya Lau, who was Queen last year. When asked what her favorite thing about living on “the hill” is, she said her peaceful walks through town and all the unique activities in her community.

Braylon Moore, son of Devon and Allison Moore, is a varsity athlete at Parsippany Hills High School. He plays football, basketball and track and field for the Hills. In his spare time, he loves hanging out with family and friends, learning about technology and playing golf. After graduation, Braylon is planning on continuing to be a scholar-athlete in college playing basketball and pursuing a business degree.

Grand Marshall Mary Ann O’Brien

The origin of Children’s Day in Mount Tabor grew out of the Sunday School activities. An early program promotes the Sunday School Anniversary held Saturday evening, August 1, 1885, with the instruction that cottages are to be illuminated as the procession of Sunday School students and a band pass through the principal streets of Mount Tabor halting at the new Tabernacle for a program of songs and recitations followed by ice cream and good cheer. A Sermon to Young People followed on Sunday.The special festivities soon came to include athletic games, singing, decorations, and a concert, along with religious instruction and the parade. By 1887, the Tabor Record notes that Children’s Day was a three-day event. A program from 1893 describes the day’s activities starting with a tennis tourney on Saturday morning, an afternoon parade accompanied by Voss’ Military Band to the Young People’s Park for music, children’s carousel, and balloon ascensions. A full schedule of field games, refreshments, prizes, and music was followed by an evening parade with illuminations and decorations and a Promenade Concert.

The children growing up in Mount Tabor gain a healthy appreciation for service at a young age since every year they witness their parents, siblings, and neighbors come together to make this special event happen. They know that one day they will be the volunteers needed to make Children’s Day work, and therein lies the magic. One generation after another, caring enough to make sure Children’s Day happens. That the lanterns are displayed, the show goes on, the maypoles are ready and the ice cream is cold.

Free birch beer was supplied by Hoover’s
Concert and fireworks were held after the parade

Concert and fireworks were held after the parade

Overturned Truck on Route 46

Frank L. Cahill
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Overturned Truck on Route 46

PARSIPPANY — A box truck flipped onto its roof at approximately 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 16 on Route 46 East causing a storage tank of cooking oil inside the vehicle to dislodge and spill.

The incident prompted the Parsippany Police Department to close the far right lane on Route 46 East at New Road. All lanes have reopened at about 300 p.m.

The box truck driver ran a red light and swerved to avoid another vehicle, according to Parsippany Police Sgt. Brian Conover. The three occupants sustained superficial injuries but refused further medical attention on-scene.

Police are investigating the circumstances behind the box truck driver running the red light.

Parsippany Focus will update this article as more information becomes available.

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