Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company Fundraiser: A Heartfelt Thank You

PARSIPPANY — The Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company (Parsippany District Two) extends heartfelt thanks for the incredible support and participation in their annual fish and chips fundraiser. This year, they were overjoyed to deliver 340 meals, offering both upstairs dining and takeout, all made possible by the community’s generosity.

The Rainbow Lakes Fire Department was overjoyed to deliver 340 meals, offering both upstairs dining and takeout, all made possible by the community’s generosity.

Gratitude goes out to every member who contributed their time and effort, ensuring meals were served and the takeout process ran smoothly. Their dedication significantly contributed to the success of the event.

Special acknowledgment is given to the event sponsors – BCB Bank, New Jersey Roofing, Planet Fitness, and Shelly DeMartino from Caldwell Banker Realty. Their invaluable support was crucial in bringing the event to life and ensuring its outstanding success.

For those inspired by the event and interested in getting involved with the fire company, they warmly invite individuals to drop by the firehouse on nearly any Monday evening. They’re keen to explore how new members can join their mission and become part of the community of volunteers.

Receiving positive feedback from attendees like Jocelyn Cornine, who called the event “Fabulous, as usual” and praised the amazing food and top-notch takeout service, and Mike Gatzke, who remarked on the deliciousness of the meal, fills the company with pride and fuels their commitment to serving the community.

The Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company extends its gratitude once again to everyone who played a part in the success of the fundraiser. Their generosity and active involvement are the backbone of the strong and resilient community. They eagerly anticipate continued support and hope to see everyone next year, or perhaps even sooner, should they decide to join on a Monday evening.

Dunn Pushes To Certify Sober Living Homes, Operators Following State Report

MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblywoman Aura Dunn’s legislation creating a process to certify sober living homes and owners would protect patients in recovery and support a state agency’s recommendations following its report on widespread misconduct in New Jersey’s addiction rehabilitation industry.

“By certifying sober living homes and operators, New Jersey could hold them accountable for meeting industry best practices that prioritize the needs of patients recovering from drug addiction,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “It would also provide peace of mind to the residents and their families that they are receiving the quality care they deserve in a drug-free environment.”

The state’s Commission of Investigation released a report last week describing misconduct and unethical practices among New Jersey’s drug rehabilitation facilities. Bolstering the regulation of the state’s sober living homes was among the commission’s recommendations to address the findings of overdoses and illicit drugs in homes, and an untold number of unlicensed operations subjecting unwitting patients to harm. The commission also suggested enacting legislation to crack down on deceptive marketing practices.

Dunn’s bill (A3230) requires the Department of Community Affairs to select a credentialing entity to conduct a voluntary annual certification program for sober living homes and recovery residence administrators or owners. The certification program would include criminal background checks for recovery administrators and employees, onsite and unannounced inspections of homes, and regular monitoring. Homes and administrators that falsely claim to be certified would be subject to a fine.

“There are recovery programs that are taking advantage of desperate families who are struggling to find resources to help their loved ones in the throes of addiction. My legislation would make it clear which programs are operating ethically and legally and direct families to legitimate sober living residences in New Jersey,” Dunn explained.

Certified sober living homes and their contact information would be published on a website. The Department of Community Affairs would direct health care practitioners and addiction treatment providers to the website and require them to only refer patients to a certified recovery residence or one that is owned by a licensed or certified treatment provider.

“New Jersey’s sober living homes should be a haven and beacon of hope for people in recovery, but the state is lacking safeguards and not fully enforcing the laws that do exist. Exposing vulnerable people suffering from addiction to additional harm will not only interfere with their recovery, it could cost them their lives. I want to showcase shining examples of places that are getting sober living right so we can connect people to the most effective help,” Dunn said.

Parsippany Implements “Report-A-Concern” Module Through GovPilot

PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has implemented additional government management software solutions into their municipal offices for 2024 to automate processes, digitally manage data, and engage citizens via the cloud with GovPilot – the Operating System for Local Governments.

In collaboration with GovPilot, a government management software provider based in New Jersey, this municipality of Morris County, expanded a partnership that will allow the local government to access new, modern, software solutions across the municipality.

Government officials from Parsippany-Troy Hills are collaborating with GovPilot to give citizens a direct line of communication with the municipality regarding ways the community can be improved and issues can be addressed using the Report-A-Concern Module.

The municipality’s residents can officially use Report-A-Concern to submit complaints online using the Parsippany-Troy Hills Report-A-Concern Form on the township’s website or via the GovAlert mobile app which is available on the App Store and Google Play. The municipal government officially deployed the feature to its government website with the support of the GovPilot onboarding team.

Commonly reported complaints include code violations and infrastructure issues such as potholes. When a concern is reported via the app or government official, it is forwarded to officials in the relevant department to be documented and addressed.

Mayor James R. Barberio was quoted saying, “I and the employees of Parsippany-Troy Hills have always strived to make ourselves as responsive and accessible to our residents as possible, and to that end, I believe this new, stream-lined GovPilot system will improve how concerns move from the residents to our employees. I think this will provide a quicker resolution and a clear indication to the residents of how that resolution was achieved. We will continue to adapt our procedures as needed to better serve the residents of Parsippany.”

All additional software solutions deployed by Parsippany-Troy Hills in 2024 will continue to simplify and digitize once manual, paper-based government processes, allowing for government workers to dedicate their valuable time to more pressing municipal tasks, and saving constituents the hassle of traveling to city hall in person.

Professional Physical Therapy Shines at Staples Small Business Networking Event

PARSIPPANY — Professional Physical Therapy made a notable appearance at the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce (PACC) event, “Staples Small Business Networking.” This initiative allows PACC members to set up a promotional table at Staples, offering a unique opportunity to interact with customers and showcase their services. 

Pictured is Staples General Manager Nicholas Scarpetis, Meera Bajaj, who serves as the Clinical Director at Professional Physical Therapy, and Frank Cahill, an Executive Board Member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Renowned as the premier provider of physical, occupational, and hand therapy services in the Northeast, Professional Physical Therapy stands out for its commitment to exceptional care. With a dedicated team that values patient-centered approaches, the organization has been delivering outstanding services for over two decades. Its focus on continuous clinical education and development ensures the highest standard of care for all patients.

Owned and operated by physical therapists, the company excels in creating personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient, reflecting their dedication to individual care and rehabilitation success.

For further details about Professional Physical Therapy and its services, please reach out to Meera at (973) 577-7850.

Interested parties in the Staples Small Business Networking can contact Frank Cahill at (973) 402-6400 for more information.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, March 2024. Click here to read the magazine.

Sweet Success: Chick-fil-A’s Fundraising Event Delivers Big Impact for Homeless Solutions

MORRIS PLAINS — The “Cookies for a Cause” initiative orchestrated by Chick-fil-A turned out to be a remarkable triumph. Drew Blind, the owner of Chick-fil-A Morris Plains, proudly handed over a check totaling nearly $3,000 to Dan McGuire, CEO of Homeless Solutions, and Stephanie Cicale, Chief Development Officer.

Kicking off on Saturday, February 3, and running through February 17, the campaign allocated a portion of the proceeds from every cookie sold towards supporting Homeless Solutions. This organization dedicates itself to offering shelter, services, and supportive housing to individuals facing hardships within our Morris County community.

Reflecting on the endeavor, Drew Blind remarked, “Our team excelled, selling over four times our usual amount of cookies, all for such a worthy cause.”

How to Budget for Your Clothing Brand Startup?

Starting a clothing brand startup can be an exhilarating journey. It also demands meticulous planning and wise financial management. In this article, we will delve into some advice on allocating your budget for a clothing brand startup. From establishing objectives to monitoring expenditures and prioritizing investments, developing a well-thought-out budget will pave the way for your business’s success.

Establishing Financial Objectives

Before delving into the details of your clothing brand startup budget, it is imperative to define financial goals. What are your long-term aspirations? Are you aiming for expansion or gradual progress? By setting goals about starting a clothing brand, you can devise a budget that aligns with your vision for the company.

Begin by estimating the quarterly revenue you anticipate generating. This estimation will serve as a guide when making decisions about expenses and investments. It is also crucial to have contingency plans in place in case circumstances deviate from expectations.

Expense Tracking

One of the elements in budgeting for your clothing brand startup is diligently tracking expenses.

When starting your business, you’ll encounter expenses along the way. These may include costs for sourcing materials, manufacturing, marketing campaigns, and website development.

To begin, it’s important to create categories that classify types of expenses such as production, marketing, operations, and overhead costs. This will ensure that all expenses are accounted for and make analysis easier in the future.

To effectively track your expenses, consider using budgeting software or apps that allow you to input and monitor all expenditures easily. Regularly reviewing these records will offer insights into spending patterns over time.

Prioritizing Investments

In any startup for a clothing brand, there are investments that require attention. It’s crucial to prioritize these investments based on their returns for growth. For example:

1. Product Development: Allocate funds towards developing high-quality products while considering factors like design aesthetics, quality, and manufacturing costs. This investment will establish the foundation of your brand.

2. Marketing Strategy: Building brand awareness and attracting customers is essential, so allocate your marketing budget accordingly. Consider investing in social media campaigns, collaborating with influencers, and targeted advertising to reach your intended audience.

3. User-Friendliness: Building a user-friendly store is crucial in today’s digital world. It’s important to allocate funds towards creating or improving your e-commerce website to ensure an enjoyable shopping experience for customers.

4. Inventory Management: Accurate inventory management is key to minimizing waste and maintaining operations. Investing in an inventory management system can automate tasks like tracking stock levels and managing orders, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

5. Project Management: Enhance your efficiency while minimizing costs by investing in tools or processes that streamline your operations. This could involve implementing project management software or utilizing data analytics to make decisions.

Contingency Planning

In addition to calculating expenses and prioritizing investments, it’s essential to set aside an emergency fund for certain situations. Startups often face uncertainties like production delays, sudden shifts in market demand, or external factors beyond their control. By allocating a portion of your budget for contingencies, you’ll have peace of mind during times.

Moreover, closely monitoring expenses will help identify areas where cost-cutting measures may be necessary without compromising on quality or customer satisfaction.

Being Adaptable with Your Budget

When starting a clothing brand, it’s important to be prepared for changes that are bound to happen. As your business grows and adjusts to market demands and trends, it’s crucial to review and make adjustments in your budget.

Having a budget allows you to reallocate resources from profitable endeavors toward those that yield higher returns on investment (ROI). This ensures growth for your clothing brand startup.

Conclusion 

By following these suggestions, you can effectively manage the budget for your clothing brand startup. Remember to establish goals diligently, track expenses, prioritize essential investment plans for unexpected events, and maintain flexibility in your budget as your business evolves. Proper budget management not only helps you stay on top of matters but also lays the groundwork for long-term success.

A3Digital Media: Pioneering Digital Solutions with a Passionate Approach

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Barberio inaugurated A3Digital Media’s presence in Parsippany with a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, February 10th, exclaiming, “Another great day in Parsippany!” Pleased with the arrival of the innovative venture, he commended the trio—Matt O’Leary, Steven Sardini, and Anthony Santangelo—who graduated from Parsippany High School in 2022. With their diverse talents and unwavering determination, Mayor Barberio expressed confidence in their success, wishing them well on their new journey.


Steven Sardini, Matt O’Leary, and Anthony Santangelo sat huddled together in their sleek new office space at 90 East Halsey Road, their minds buzzing with excitement and anticipation.

Parsippany Economic Development Chairman, Frank Cahill, bestowed A3Digital Media with a welcoming plaque during the ceremony. Highlighting the founders’ origins from Parsippany High School’s Class of 2022, Cahill emphasized the company’s specialization in crafting digital media solutions that transcend geographical boundaries. With a focus on meticulous customer identification and a fervent dedication to generating leads, A3Digital Media’s services extend beyond Parsippany, encompassing regions such as New Jersey, New York City, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. By shouldering the complexities of customer acquisition, the company ensures its clients a steady stream of potential customers, positioning A3Digital Media as an indispensable asset in their journey toward success.

The celebration was joined by Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella and Matt McGraft; Parsippany Board of Education members Allison Cogan and Michelle Shappell; Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso, Board Member Ildiko Peluso and Parsippany Economic Development member Raj Dichpally.

“We do professional videography/photography, video editing, graphic design, content creation, social media management, and lead generation,” said Matthew O’Leary.

Steven Sardini, Anthony Santangelo, and Matthew O’Leary address the attendees with a heartfelt speech during the event.

Lead generation is our most sought-after and unique service. Many businesses stray away from digital marketing because they often fail to see tangible results. They ask “What do likes, views, traffic, and awareness do for my business?” That’s why they push lead generation but their lead generation is unique. They generate the leads through social media then they nurture the leads through their in-house built CRM by asking them questions that qualify them as a potential customer. Then A3Digital Media takes it a step further by getting potential customers on the phone and live-transfer them straight to the customer or their sales team. This eliminates the struggle and frustration of chasing down bad-quality leads.

A3Digital Media is located at 90 East Halsey Road, Parsippany.

A3Digital Media is located at 90 East Halsey Road, Parsippany. They can be reached by calling (888) 857-7609. Click here to view the website.

Easter Bunny To Visit Parsippany Town Hall

PARSIPPANY — The bunny will visit the Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon on Saturday, March 16 for photos and handing out treats to children.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Municipal Building is located at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard.

Morris County Residents: Shape the Future of Education by Joining the CCM Board of Trustees

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County residents interested in serving on the County College of Morris (CCM) Board of Trustees are invited to send their resumes to a special trustee search committee of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.

Resumes for the one vacant trustee seat must be received by April 1, 2024. The CCM Trustee Search Committee will review all the applications and then submit recommendations to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, who will make the appointment. 

Morris County is seeking to fill the vacancy of a four-year unexpired term, which term shall begin immediately upon appointment and end on October 31, 2027.

To qualify for consideration by the search committee, a candidate must be a resident of Morris County for at least four years and may not currently hold elected office in Morris County or be an employee of Morris County government or CCM.              

Applicants must be able to demonstrate independent judgment, distinction in their profession, knowledge of higher education, involvement in their community and a firm commitment to serving the college. A candidate must be willing to commit at least 20-30 hours a month to his or her duties as a college trustee to be considered for appointment.

Duties of trustees include appointing, supporting, and evaluating the college president; clarifying and, if necessary, revising the college’s mission statement, ratifying long term plans, approving the college’s educational program, ensuring fiscal viability, and maintaining the college’s physical plant.

Requirements: The CCM Trustee Search Committee requests each applicant submit a resume and a background statement outlining why he or she wishes to serve as a trustee and what specific skills the applicant would bring to the board.

Applicants must send one copy of their resume and a brief background statement to the Office of the Morris County Counsel, County of Morris, P.O. Box 900, Morristown, N.J. 07963-0900.

The CCM Board of Trustees is composed of eleven Morris County residents from business, education, law, and other professional fields, who volunteer their services in four-year terms. 

By statute, eight members are appointed by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, and two members are appointed by the Governor. The Morris County Superintendent of Schools is also a member of the Board by statute. One non-voting CCM graduate member is elected for a one-year term by each year’s graduating class. In addition, the CCM President serves as an ex-officio member.

The Board of Trustees sets policy and has final authority over budgets and expenditures, and the President is responsible for internal administrative operations.

For more information on CCM click here.

New Taste Sensation Hits Parsippany: Asado Argentine Grill Opens its Doors

PARSIPPANY — Mayor Barberio presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Asado Argentine Grill on Saturday, February 17th. Accompanied by owner Humberto Juarez and his wife Karen, as well as Council members Matt McGrath, Frank Neglia, and Justin Musella, along with Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany Economic Development, and Nicolas Limanov, Board Member of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor expressed his excitement for the addition of a new culinary experience in Parsippany.

Asado will offer a fusion of favorites from Tino’s Portuguese BBQ and Humberto’s homeland of Argentina. “I’m delighted to welcome Humberto and Karen to Parsippany,” stated the Mayor. “I’m confident Asado will swiftly become a beloved community spot.” Chairman Frank Cahill, representing the Parsippany Economic Development Committee, presented Humberto with a plaque extending a warm welcome to the establishment.

“Welcome to Asado, where we bring the heart and soul of Argentina to your plate in Parnila. Our culinary paradise offers a unique concept: the beloved flavors of Tino’s BBQ, prepared by various recipe specialists. Our chef at Asado brings his own mastery to traditional Argentine dishes. What will you choose for your meal? Whether it’s empanadas, grilled steaks, BBQ chicken, or seafood paella, among other delicious options, we’re confident you’ll enjoy it. As our team suggests, please continue to support local businesses in our town whenever possible,” said Humberto Juarez.

Asado Argentine Grill is situated at 229 Littleton Road, Parsippany.

Frank Cahill, Chairman of Parsippany Economic Development presented Humberto Juarez with a plaque welcoming Asado to Parsippany.
It’s Official! Mayor Barberio Leads Ribbon-Cutting for Asado Argentine Grill on February 17th