MORRIS COUNTY — Starting Monday, March 25, New Jersey will join the State-to-State (S2S) Verification Service to further strengthen the security of driver licenses and IDs issued in the Garden State.

By joining the program, New Jersey will finalize its compliance with the federal REAL ID Act.

“Ensuring one driver has one license is the goal of the State-to-State service,” said Latrecia Littles-Floyd, Acting Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). “With New Jersey signing on to the program, the Motor Vehicle Commission will enhance the integrity of the licensing process here and in other states, leading to safer roads and better identity theft protections that benefit everyone.”

For additional information about S2S, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) website. New Jersey will be the 40th state to join the S2S service.

To bring the S2S service online, required NJMVC system maintenance and updates will take place from Saturday, March 23, through Sunday, March 24.

This will result in the following NJMVC service impacts that weekend:

• All NJMVC agencies (Licensing and Vehicle Centers) will be closed on Saturday, March 23. Appointments will not be scheduled, and no customers will be serviced at agencies that day.
• State inspection stations will remain open and on normal operations Saturday, March 23.
• From March 23 to 24, limited online services will be available at the Commission’s website, NJMVC.gov. Online license/ID transactions and changes of address will not be accessible. Some online vehicle transactions that do not require a change of address will be accessible.
• State and law enforcement access to NJMVC systems will not be affected during the system upgrade.

All NJMVC online services will resume normal functionality by 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 24, and all NJMVC agencies and facilities will resume normal operations on Monday, March 25.

For motor vehicle services, appointment scheduling, and more NJMVC information, visit NJMVC.gov.

PARSIPPANY — The cold and inclement weather may have pushed the ceremony inside, but Mayor Barberio was happy to welcome Parsippany’s Muslim Community to TownHall to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan on Sunday, March 10th.

Ramadan is a holy month that is dedicated to fasting, prayer, quality time, reflection, and charity. Ramadan is the most important month in the Islamic calendar. It’s the month in which the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset.

Also joining in the inspiring gathering were many of Morris County’s elected officials, such as Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Morris County Commissioners Deborah Smith and Tayfun Selen, Surrogate Heather Darling, Kellie Doucette from Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s office, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President Frank Neglia and Parsippany Councilmen Matt McGrath and Justin Musella. Also, former Council President Michael dePierro was in attendance.

“This was such a joyful and motivational event,” said Mayor James Barberio. “We can all reflect on the message of doing good, doing for others, and striving to be a better person. I wish Ramadan Kareem, or blessed Ramadan, to all my Muslim friends and neighbors.”

The event was organized by The Islamic Culture Community Center (ICCC), the Muslim Professional Group (MPG), and the Muslim Community of Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — A photo gallery of Troy Meadows is currently on exhibit for viewing at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library, located at 449 Halsey Road, until the end of March 2024.

This showcase features a collection of photographs all captured within the bounds of Troy Meadows Preserve in Parsippany. It represents a singular vision of the diverse plant and animal life, as well as the varied landscapes, that constitute one of Morris County’s remaining natural refuges.

Spanning 2,600 acres in Northern New Jersey, Troy Meadows is a vast tract of conserved land primarily overseen by Wildlife Preserves, Inc. It serves as a vital habitat for a broad spectrum of wildlife.

Artist Profile Dave Blinder, an advocate for open spaces and a local nature photographer, has contributed his talents to this exhibit. Dave actively volunteers with Protect Our Wetlands and Woods, Denville Community Media, and the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, among other organizations.

The exhibit was Matted and Framed at Revelation Gallery located at 27 Broadway, Denville.

MORRIS COUNTY — On Saturday, March 9, crowds lined South Street, Morristown Green, and Washington Street to celebrate a parade rich with Irish heritage, led by Morris Plains Grand Marshall Jack Haren.

As the parade drew nearer, laughter and excited chatter filled the parking lot behind Town Hall, undeterred by the moisture in the air. Although the event is alcohol-free, parade-goers were greeted with the cheerful offer of a free beer as they turned from South Street towards the Green.

Jack Haren, a longtime resident of Morris Plains, was honored on February 17 by the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County. This marked the first-ever “publicity” parade in Morris Plains, celebrating Haren’s selection to lead the renowned St. Patrick’s Day parade in Morristown.

By 11:00 a.m., South Street was alive with 10,000 shades of green, from flags and hoodies to Lucky Charms t-shirts, despite the cold, wet weather. Promptly at noon, the parade kicked off from the Morristown Municipal Building, winding its way around the Morristown Green and up Washington Street, passing by the Morris County courthouse before culminating at the high school.

Among the participants, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon proudly marched in a kilt, while Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop shared an umbrella.

The spirit of the parade remained undeterred by the weather, as it has since its move from Wharton to Morristown in 1991. Organized by the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Morris County and the Irish American Association of North West Jersey, the event continued to thrive.

The sweet and playful aroma of strawberries evokes images of sunny days, picnics in the park, and the irresistible allure of summer treats. Naturally, strawberry perfume is often categorized as a summer fragrance, embodying a carefree and vibrant spirit.

However, the versatility of a strawberry perfume extends far beyond the confines of summer, offering a delightful and unexpected twist to various occasions throughout the year. Let’s explore some of these moments when you can wear your favorite strawberry perfume.

Beyond The Summer Sun

While a fresh strawberry scent can refresh and uplift your spirits during the warmer months, its charm doesn’t fade with the falling leaves. Here are the best occasions to embrace the playful allure of your favorite strawberry perfume:

Spring Awakening

As spring awakens the world, a lighter strawberry scent with hints of citrus or floral notes can add a touch of playful sweetness to your spring wardrobe. Imagine a gentle blend of strawberry and bergamot, echoing the delicate blooms of the season.

Beyond The Beach

While a bold, fruity cocktail of strawberry notes can be perfect for a breezy beach day, explore the versatility of strawberry fragrance paired with other notes for cooler weather. A touch of warm vanilla or woody notes can create a cozy and inviting fragrance that is perfect for fall.

Festive Fun

The holiday season is often associated with rich, spicy scents, but a touch of strawberry can add a playful and unexpected twist. Imagine a unique blend of strawberry perfume with hints of cinnamon and cloves, creating a warm and festive aroma that stands out from the crowd.

Office Chic With A Twist

Contrary to popular belief, strawberry fragrances don’t have to be overly sweet or juvenile. Opt for a more sophisticated interpretation, perhaps with subtle hints of strawberry alongside elegant floral notes like rose or jasmine. This unexpected twist can add a touch of personality to your office attire.

Date Night Delights

Whether it’s a cozy dinner at your favorite restaurant or a night out on the town, a touch of strawberry fragrance can add a touch of playful sweetness and intrigue. Explore fragrances that combine strawberry perfume with subtle hints of musk or amber for a captivating and romantic aroma.

Understanding The Power Of Notes

The key to unlocking the versatility of strawberry perfumes lies in understanding the power of notes. While the core note remains the delicious fragrance of strawberries, the way perfumes blend it with other notes can significantly alter the character of the perfume, making it suitable for various occasions.

Fruity Fusion

Combining strawberry perfume with other fruits like citrus or pear can create a fresh and uplifting scent for warmer months.

Floral Fantasy

Blending strawberry perfume with delicate floral notes like rose or jasmine adds a touch of sophistication and elegance, making it suitable for spring or even office wear.

Warm Embrace

A touch of warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom alongside strawberry can create a cozy and inviting fragrance perfect for fall and winter.

Gourmand Delights

For adventurous souls, exploring gourmands like chocolate or vanilla paired with strawberry can create a playful and unique fragrance experience.

Understand The Context Of Occasion

While personal preference is paramount, the occasion’s context can further enhance your strawberry perfume’s impact. You should keep a couple of considerations in mind:

Daytime vs Evening

Opt for lighter, fresher interpretations of strawberry fragrances during the day. For evening wear, explore richer and more complex blends with notes like amber or musk, adding a touch of sophistication and intrigue.

Weather

Consider the weather when choosing your strawberry scent. While a lighter, citrusy blend can be ideal for humid summer days, a warmer, vanilla-infused strawberry fragrance can be more enjoyable in cooler weather.

Tips For Wearing Strawberry Scents

While exploring the versatility of strawberry perfumes, consider these tips for wearing them with confidence:

Consider The Intensity

Opt for lighter and fresher interpretations for warmer months and daytime wear while exploring richer and more complex blends for cooler weather and evening occasions.

Mindful Applications

Apply your perfume strategically to your pulse points, allowing the scent to unfold naturally. Moreover, avoid over-application, as it can become overwhelming.

Embrace Layering

Experiment with layering your strawberry perfume with other complementary scents. For example, pair it with a floral fragrance for a touch of sweetness or a woody scent for added depth and complexity.

Benefits Beyond Seasons

The versatility of strawberry perfumes extends beyond the typical seasonal categories. There are a few situations where it can add a delightful touch:

Confidence Catalyst

Fragrance plays a role in confidence and self-expression. If your favorite strawberry scent makes you feel confident and empowered, wear it whenever you need an extra dose of self-assurance, regardless of the occasion.

Signature Scent

Every individual has a unique scent profile, and finding a perfume that resonates with your personality can become your signature scent. If your favorite strawberry perfume reflects your personality and makes you feel like the best version of yourself, don’t be afraid to wear it year-round.

Wear Strawberry Perfume With Confidence

The decision of when to wear your favorite strawberry perfume is a personal one. Fragrance is a form of self-expression, and there are no right or wrong answers. So always experiment and learn to unlock new ways to express yourself and discover the unexpected ways a simple scent can enhance your life.