Troy Hills Shopping Center Vacancies Reflect Nationwide Retail Downturn

Frank L. Cahill
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Troy Hills Shopping Center Vacancies Reflect Nationwide Retail Downturn

PARSIPPANY — In the last half-year, the Troy Hills Shopping Center has seen a series of retail closures, totaling nearly 74,000 square feet of vacated space. The sequence began with the Dollar Store, followed by Esporta, iStore by St Moritz, Sport Clips, and most recently Berry Bowls. Additionally, a former Subway outlet had already been vacant before these closures.

The sole announced replacement is Phoenix Salon Suites, set to occupy 6,801 square feet within the former Dollar Store space.

The demise of traditional retail has been inexorably linked to the rise of online shopping. As e-commerce platforms burgeoned, offering convenience, extensive variety, and often lower prices, brick-and-mortar stores faced mounting challenges to stay afloat.

Consumers, drawn by the ease of browsing and purchasing from the comfort of their homes, began to shift their shopping habits online. The ability to compare prices, read reviews, and access a vast array of products with just a few clicks proved irresistible.

The respective areas occupied by the closed businesses were: Sports Clips (1,045 sq ft), Berry Bowls (900 sq ft), Former Subway (1,748 sq ft), iStore (1,998 sq ft), and Esporta (61,489 sq ft), totaling over 67,000 square feet.

For context, the total leasable space in the Troy Hills Shopping Center amounts to 211,000 square feet. Among its major tenants are Target, Michaels, Petco, Applebees, McDonalds, Wells Fargo, and Panera Bread.

For retailers, the overhead costs of maintaining physical stores, coupled with the need to adapt to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements, posed significant hurdles. Many struggled to compete with the agility and cost-effectiveness of online counterparts.

The U-Haul truck was stationed in front of Berry Bowls, clearing out the establishment.

While some traditional retailers managed to pivot successfully by integrating online channels into their business models, others faltered, succumbing to the relentless march of digital disruption. As a result, countless iconic brands shuttered their doors, marking the end of an era in retail history.

Empowering Minds: Conference Aims to Improve Quality of Life

Frank L. Cahill
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Empowering Minds: Conference Aims to Improve Quality of Life

MORRIS COUNTY — In a world where the prevalence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is on the rise, education, and awareness play pivotal roles in fostering understanding and support. Join Arden Courts ProMedica Memory Care West Orange, Whippany, and Wayne as we learn from three experts on navigating these complex conditions during our POWER of the Mind conference.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Theresa Redling, DO, FACP, Chief of the Division of Geriatric Health and Disease Management at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, will provide valuable perspectives. Additionally, attendees will benefit from the expertise of Rachael Wonderlin, MS, Dementia & Senior Living Consultant at Dementia By Day, and Eric Goldberg, CELA, Owner & Managing Partner at NJ Elder Law Center, Goldberg Law Group, a three-time author published by Johns Hopkins Press.

Through education and heightened awareness, the aim is to cultivate a more supportive environment for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, enriching their lives and those of their loved ones. Prospective attendees are encouraged to reserve their spot promptly as space is limited. The first 25 registrants will receive a signed copy of Rachael Wonderlin’s book.

Participating Vendors include:
•Care Connect
•Care Patrol
•Coldwell Banker – Morristown
•Dementia By Day
•HomeWatch Caregivers
•NJ Elder Law Center Goldberg Law Group
•Patient Care
•Peace Aging
•Ramapo Behavioral Health/Christian Health
•RetireMD
•Right At Home of Essex County
•RJW Barnabas Health
•Simpler Life
•Summit Psychological Services
•Suncrest Hospice
•The Alzheimer’s Association New Jersey Chapter
•The Cognitive and Research Center of New Jersey

Staffed by specially trained caregivers, Arden Courts compassionately cares for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Arden Courts communities are purpose-built and specialized to accommodate the unique needs of its residents.

They offer programs that serve all levels of memory care, from early stages through end-
of-life care.

To learn more click here.

Skyward Delight: Liquid Church Drops 75,000 Easter Eggs for Spectacular Hunt

Frank L. Cahill
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Skyward Delight: Liquid Church Drops 75,000 Easter Eggs for Spectacular Hunt

PARSIPPANY — On Easter Weekend, Liquid Church, one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing Christian churches, hosted a helicopter Easter Egg Drop event at its Parsippany campus. They also hosted similar Easter Egg Drop at Princeton, Wayne, and Mountainside.

Liquid Church hosted a helicopter Easter Egg Drop where 75,000 colorful Easter eggs filled with candy and prizes were shared with kids ages 12 and under.
The Easter basket will be their ticket to enter the free Easter Egg Drop activity. 

The community was invited to attend the free Easter Egg Drop, where 75,000 colorful Easter eggs filled with candy and prizes and shared with kids ages 12 and under. 

The fun began Saturday with the first drops at its Parsippany campus, where young children hunted down the eggs following services. Two drops were on Saturday, with three drops on Sunday.

To participate in the Easter Egg Drop, each child ages 12 and under received an Easter egg basket after attending Liquid Family. The Easter basket will be their ticket to enter the free Easter Egg Drop activity. 

Liquid Church added a colorful extra attraction to its Easter weekend services by hiring helicopters to drop a total of 75,000 Easter eggs
Clouds of Joy: Liquid Church Sets Free 75,000 Easter Eggs for Sky-Filled Hunt
Children of all ages had the opportunity to hang out with the Easter Bunny.
The helicopter dumped thousands of Easter eggs filled with candy and prizes, which were shared with kids ages 12 and under.

Rep. Sherrill Launches Sixth Annual Congressional Art Competition

Frank L. Cahill
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Rep. Sherrill Launches Sixth Annual Congressional Art Competition

MORRIS COUNTY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) launched her sixth annual Congressional Art Competition for NJ-11 students. The competition offers high school students a chance to showcase their creativity and artistic expression. 

“I am excited to once again launch the Congressional Art Competition! Each year, I am so impressed by the creativity, passion, and talent of our high school students. The Congressional Art Competition provides a unique opportunity to celebrate young artists in our community,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I strongly encourage each high school to participate and I look forward to seeing all of the artwork!”  

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. Since the competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of judges select the winning entries. The winner’s artwork will be displayed alongside winners from across the nation for one year in the U.S. Capitol.

Artwork submitted for NJ-11’s competition will be displayed at an art show and reception at Montclair State University, where this year’s winners will be announced. Art teachers interested in submitting their students’ work can reach out to georgia.turvey@mail.house.gov for additional information. 

Due to limitations of gallery space, NJ-11 high schools will be able to select ONE piece of artwork to represent their school and their selected art must be dropped off to Rep. Sherrill’s District Office. The decision on which artwork is submitted by each school is at the sole discretion of the school, and no entries outside of that process can be included in the competition.  

The deadline for schools to let Rep. Sherrill’s office know which piece they are submitting is Friday, April 12. Artwork must be submitted through the student’s school.

Rep. Sherrill’s office is located at 375 South Livingston Avenue, Suite 201, Livingston NJ 07039. To view more information about the Congressional Art Competition, click here.

A Night of Jazz and Recognition: Students Honored at Mayo Performing Arts Center

Frank L. Cahill
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A Night of Jazz and Recognition: Students Honored at Mayo Performing Arts Center

MORRIS COUNTY — Students from Parsippany, Mt. Olive, Whippany, Randolph, and Kinnelon, were honored as Mayo Performing Arts Center’s March 2024 Music Students of the Month – Outstanding Jazz Musicians — before the Sunday, March 24 performance by Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

Students were nominated by their teachers and were chosen by the Theatre’s Education Department based on their commitment to excellence in the performing arts. The students were honored on stage before the concert and had the opportunity to meet Wynton Marsalis and other band members. 

About the March Music Students of the Month 

Gary Goodson – Grade 8, Brooklawn Middle School; Parsippany; Nominated by Joseph Stella

Gary is a talented baritone saxophonist in our 8th-grade band.  He is always very conscientious of learning his parts for the band and has improved a great deal in the past year.  This is the first year that Gary decided to audition for the school’s jazz band and he has been doing a wonderful job anchoring the saxophone section on the baritone sax.  He is absorbing the jazz concepts and style very quickly and is becoming a stand-out player in the ensemble.  Aside from his musical accomplishments, he is also always very polite and responsible.  Gary’s musicianship and demeanor make him an excellent choice for this month’s MSOM.

Matthew Mendoza – Grade 12, Parsippany High School; Parsippany; Nominated by Gregory Dalakian

Matthew Mendoza has been the guitarist for our Jazz Ensemble for the past 3 years and has done a solid job providing rhythm and substance to our ensemble. He has a true passion for playing jazz music and is always willing to solo whenever the opportunity arises. He spends a great deal of time practicing during his lunch period so he can improve his skills on electric and acoustic guitar, and even gigs professionally with his family. Matt has been a great addition to the rhythm section of our Jazz Ensemble and is worthy of this recognition.

Nathan Bautista – Grade 12, Kinnelon High School; Kinnelon; Nominated by Ryan Stroud

Nate has been one of the most surprising students I’ve ever taught. He came to KHS right out of the pandemic, and things were really challenging that first year. We had so many restrictions. Nate was just a really positive force in the classroom. He made the best out of a rough situation, and once things got back to normal, he really started to shine. He’s been a French Horn player in our Wind Ensemble and Pit Orchestra, but little did I know he was holding out that he was a talented piano player, as well. I learned this when he came out for Jazz Band, and I was floored!  He’s very hardworking and disciplined. He’s really been a fantastic addition to our student ensembles at KHS. He also keeps dropping little bits of craziness on me…like I only learned a few months ago that he has his pilot’s license and he’ll be attending college to further his interest to seek a career in flying. We’re really going to miss him here at KHS, but wherever he “lands”, they’ll have a really great young man to work with. 

Ishaan Devanand – Grade 7, Randolph Middle School; Randolph; Nominated by Tom Davidson

Ishaan Devanand is a prodigious musician and dedicated scholar. Ishaan started his musical journey on the piano when he was four years old. Bringing seven years of piano experience to the table, Ishaan started playing the alto saxophone in 5th grade. As he became more experienced, Ishaan switched to the tenor saxophone in 6th grade and auditioned for the Randolph Middle School Jazz Ensemble and was accepted.  He quickly caught on to the harder levels of music and became a key player in the ensemble.  Ishaan also participated in the North Jersey School Music Association 6th Grade Honor Band while he was in 6th grade and the North Jersey Junior Area Band while in 7th grade, showing his musical skills outside of the Randolph band program. Outside of music, Ishaan plays tennis and cross-country running, making him a well-rounded student. He also enjoys mountain biking and motorcycle riding, and his hobbies include building things like RC planes and boats. He participates in 4-H, which covers archery and rifle shooting. Ishaan also maintains a garden, which includes a greenhouse. Overall, Ishaan is a great musical student and has high hopes for the future.  

James Fico – Grade 10, Whippany Park High School; Whippany; Nominated by Carl Sabatino

James has recently switched to Tenor Saxophone from Bass Clarinet and is working hard to improve his skills as a player and improviser.  He just started taking lessons and is a great lover of jazz music.  Having the opportunity to hear the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra will undoubtedly be a highlight and a huge influence on him at this time.  He’s recently starting to listen to move jazz and Victor Goines would absolutely be someone to model!

Eli Kahn – Grade 10, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nominated by Nick Fantazzi

Eli is a fantastic piano player in our top Jazz Band.  He has been in the top Jazz Band since his freshman year.  He has a great ear and excels at improvising and making great musical choices.

Ansh Parikh – Grade 9, Mount Olive High School; Budd Lake; Nominated by Darrell Hendricks

Ansh is a fantastic bass player who listens to jazz ALL day!!  He is an outstanding citizen of our school and has a lot of respect for LCJO.

Aden Reckler – Grade 8, Pearl R Miller School; Kinnelon; Nominated by Brian Scanlon

Aden has been a member of our school’s Jazz-Rock Ensemble each of his three years in our Middle School. As a 6th-grade student Aden took on the challenge of Jazz guitar and has grown into a very solid and dependable player in our rhythm section. Aden is a very conscientious student who reports to rehearsals before school early and is always prepared with his assigned music. In the spirit of the Jazz style, Aden has grown into a confident improviser and those skills will be featured in our Spring performance. Aden is also a very strong member of our Grade 8 Band and our Advanced Band on Tenor Sax.

Evan Shapo – Grade 12, Randolph High School; Randolph; Nominated by James Scanlon

Evan has a deep theoretical and aural understanding of music and is an accomplished pianist and percussionist. It’s been a pleasure to listen to Evan put his knowledge of music into practice during jazz rehearsals every Wednesday night. Evan is a fearless and creative improviser, yet he is always open to constructive criticism. He does his best to improve his improvisations with the criticism given to him. It is clear to me that Evan comes prepared to each rehearsal having practiced his music and listened to the recordings assigned to the band for daily listening; Evan is truly trying to learn this highly complicated artform. I appreciate his dedication to the music.  Evan exhibits true leadership skills: arriving on time, moving equipment that is not his just to help out, volunteering to try new improvisation techniques when the band is unsure of the concept presented, modeling jazz piano techniques to the younger pianist in the group, and sitting in on drums when our percussionist is out sick. And most important to me, Evan is a kind and sensitive human being. This is why Evan Shapo deserves to be honored as an outstanding jazz musician.

The Theatre honors a group of students every month throughout the season and invites area teachers to nominate students for this honor.

The 2023-2024 Music Student of the Month program is supported by The Walter F. and Alice Gorham Foundation, Inc.

Mayo Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presents a wide range of programs that entertain, enrich, and educate the diverse population of the region and enhance the economic vitality of Northern New Jersey. The 2023-2024 season is made possible, in part, by a grant the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as support received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation and numerous corporations, foundations and individuals. Mayo Performing Arts Center was named 2016 Outstanding Historic Theatre by the League of Historic American Theatres and is ranked in the top 50 mid-sized performing arts centers by Pollstar Magazine.

Prime Location Alert: CBRE to Market 405,000-Square-Foot Office Space at 2 Gatehall Drive

Frank L. Cahill
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Prime Location Alert: CBRE to Market 405,000-Square-Foot Office Space at 2 Gatehall Drive

PARSIPPANY — CBRE has been selected as the leasing agent for a prominent office building spanning 405,000 square feet, as announced by the brokerage team on Wednesday.

Under the leadership of Jon Meisel, Joey A. Sarno, and Erin Wenzler, CBRE will drive the leasing efforts at 2 Gatehall Drive on behalf of 2 Gatehall Drive Associates LLC. Working alongside SRG2 Partners LLC, which oversees the complex, the team aims to attract tenants by highlighting the building’s updated amenities and prime location at the convergence of Route 10 and Route 202.

Wenzler emphasized the appeal of 2 Gatehall Drive, describing it as a valuable asset within Morris County. She highlighted the building’s solid infrastructure, including a backup generator available for tenant use and round-the-clock security. Wenzler also praised SRG2 Partners, a long-standing family-owned company with four decades of experience and a proactive approach to managing its properties.

2 Gatehall Drive is home to several Fortune 500 tenants and forms part of a meticulously planned corporate campus spanning 58 acres near interstates 80 and 287. The three-story property boasts a serene park-like environment with features such as an expansive pond and outdoor courtyard.

Prominent companies currently situated within the premises include Fiserv, Siemens, and Ricoh USA.

In addition, the building offers modern amenities including a striking collaborative work atrium and lounge, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a yoga facility, and a fully equipped café and coffee bar.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Residents on Edge After Home Burglary: Valuable Jewelry Targeted

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany-Troy Hills Residents on Edge After Home Burglary: Valuable Jewelry Targeted

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police are currently probing a residential burglary within the township, during which a significant quantity of jewelry was stolen.

The burglary transpired on Wednesday, March 27, at a residence situated on Hennion Drive between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 10:25 p.m., according to police reports.

Authorities disclosed that the unidentified perpetrator(s) gained entry into the residence using a first-floor patio door and absconded with a 3-foot Oakwood jewelry chest containing a substantial amount of jewelry.

Initial investigations conducted by officers revealed that an unfamiliar vehicle was sighted driving up Hennion Drive and subsequently parking on DeHart Street at approximately 7:45 p.m. However, no detailed descriptions of the suspect or vehicle could be ascertained at the time. The incident remains actively under investigation, as per police statements.

Individuals possessing any pertinent information about the case are urged to reach out to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department’s Investigative Branch at (973) 263-4300.

Local Officials Attend Ramadan Gathering at Jam-e-Masjid Islamic Center

Frank L. Cahill
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Local Officials Attend Ramadan Gathering at Jam-e-Masjid Islamic Center

MORRIS COUNTY — On Wednesday, March 27, the Jam-e-Masjid Islamic Center in Boonton hosted a Ramadan fast-breaking event, bringing together Muslims and community leaders.

Among those in attendance were Mayor James Barberio, Council President Paul Carifi Jr., Councilman Matt McGrath, Councilwoman Judy Hernandez, Sheriff James Gannon, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, representatives from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office, and numerous other dignitaries.

Ramadan, a time of contemplation, introspection, and spiritual renewal, encourages people of the Islamic faith to reflect on the plight of the less fortunate and underscores the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

The event also provided an opportunity to partake in the rich traditions of hospitality that are integral to the Muslim community.

Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling addresses the audience
Montville Police Chief Andrew Caggiano
The Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills is flanked by numerous local dignitaries.
Khaled Madin, the Township Clerk of Parsippany-Troy Hills, actively participates in the cherished traditions of hospitality that hold significant importance within the Muslim community.
Morris County Commissioners John Krickus and Doug Cabana

Morris County Commissioner Doug Cabana, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Paul Carifi Jr., Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Clerk Khaled Madin, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman Judy Hernandez.

Revolutionizing Administration: Parsippany-Troy Hills Unveils New Software for License and Inspection Management

Frank L. Cahill
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Revolutionizing Administration: Parsippany-Troy Hills Unveils New Software for License and Inspection Management

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has introduced new government management software solutions in their municipal offices for 2024, aiming to automate processes, digitally manage data, and enhance citizen engagement through cloud-based services provided by GovPilot – the Operating System for Local Governments. Through collaboration with GovPilot, a government management software provider based in New Jersey, Parsippany has expanded its partnership to access modern software solutions throughout the municipality.

This partnership is geared towards simplifying access to data and information for both citizens and government officials, thereby saving valuable time and resources. GovPilot’s exceptional customer success rates and reviews distinguish it as a leading provider in streamlining the implementation of new software solutions efficiently and effectively for Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Among the solutions added to Parsippany-Troy Hills municipality are modules:
● Retail Food Establishment License Module
● Recreational Bathing/Pool Module
● Retail Food Establishment Inspections Module
● Septic System Permit Module
● Temporary Food License Module
● Miscellaneous Health Inspections

Mayor Barberio expressed excitement about the deployment of the new health department modules from GovPilot, emphasizing how these solutions will save municipal offices time and resources, while also streamlining health permitting and inspection processes. The seamless implementation of this software eliminates work silos that previously burdened the municipality.

The additional software solutions deployed by Parsippany-Troy Hills in 2024 will continue to simplify and digitize once manual, paper-based government processes. This enables government workers to focus on more pressing municipal tasks, while also sparing constituents the inconvenience of visiting city hall in person.

For further information about the Parsippany Health Department and to access the new portal for online Forms and Applications click here.

Parsippany Awarded $111,000 for Recycling and Waste Reduction Programs

Frank L. Cahill
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Parsippany Awarded $111,000 for Recycling and Waste Reduction Programs

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills was awarded a $111,240 grant provided by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection to further its recycling programs. Per the DEP, “The annual grant awards are based on 2021 recycling performance, the most recent year for which data is available. Municipalities must use their funds for various recycling initiatives which can include sponsoring household hazardous waste collection events, providing recycling receptacles in public places or maintaining leaf composting operations.” This marks a significant milestone in Parsippany’s commitment to sustainable waste management practices.

Mayor James R. Barberio expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are thrilled to receive this funding, which will enable us to expand our recycling efforts and make meaningful strides towards a more sustainable future for Parsippany. Recycling plays a crucial role in preserving our environment and conserving natural resources. We are committed to maximizing its impact within our community.”

The Township of Parsippany extends its appreciation to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for its support and partnership in advancing recycling initiatives. With the help of this grant, Parsippany looks forward to building a greener, more environmentally-responsible community for generations to come. For more information about this grant, please visit the DEP site here. 

For more information on Parsippany’s recycling program and initiatives, click here. 

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