PARSIPPANY — Tabitha Gessling of Lake Hiawatha is graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC. Her notable achievements include:
Associate of Applied Sciences in Advertising and Marketing Communications (May 2022)
Study Abroad in Milan, Paris, and London (2023)
Bachelor of Science in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing (May 2024)
Minor in Ethics and Sustainability
Beauty Director for FIT’s student-run magazine “Blush,” Spring 2023 publication
Senator for Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing in the Student Government Association, Fall 2023-Spring 2024
Member of Phi Theta Kappa
Tabitha graduated from Parsippany High School, Class of 2020.
The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City is a globally recognized institution known for its outstanding design, fashion, business, and technology programs. Established in 1944, FIT is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The college is celebrated for its rigorous academics, industry connections, and hands-on learning opportunities. FIT’s location in the heart of New York City provides students unparalleled access to the fashion and creative industries, fostering a dynamic learning environment that prepares graduates for successful careers in their chosen fields. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including specialized labs, studios, and exhibition spaces, reflecting its commitment to innovation and excellence.
PARSIPPANY — Join for a “Pasta Dinner” fundraiser hosted by the Sons of the American Legion Post 249 on Saturday, May 18th. Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
Delight in a delectable dinner that includes Pasta, Meatballs, Bread, and Dessert, provided by the Sons of Italy Lodge 2561. Tickets are $25.00 each, and a cash bar will be available. DJ Nick from Anytime Entertainment will play music.
Find us at the American Legion Post 249, 91 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. For more details, contact (973) 335-9266 or email americanlegion249@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Councilman Justin Musella with the recent recognition accorded to him by the 1995 Society and America’s Future, honoring his tireless commitment to speaking about and acting in the best interests of all of his constituents in Parsippany,
This award not only honors Justin but speaks loudly and positively to the future choice Justin will offer Parsippany residents should he run for Mayor in the Republican primary in 2025,
That future choice is abundantly clear when one listens to the bombastic, angry, self-defensive, and self-serving rhetoric espoused by a panicked and paid-for Mayor Barberio and the thoughtful, reasoned approach taken by Councilman Musella as Parsippany residents face multiple public safety and economic challenges.
Forward to the future with Justin or back to the past with Jamie??
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella will be inducted into the 1995 Society and America’s Future. The Gala and Showcase will be held on Thursday, May 30, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., at Larz Anderson House, 2118 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC. Click here to purchase tickets.
More than 100 outstanding nominations were received for the inaugural inductees to The 1995 Society and America’s Future.
These young leaders have made it their mission to promote freedom and individual liberty in our society, and their work is inspirational.
Through their work of advancing the ideas of a free society through impactful research, leading grassroots initiatives, enacting meaningful policy reforms at the state level, and giving a voice to free-market ideas in the media – the efforts of this year’s winners to promote freedom and limited government better the lives and happiness of all Americans.
Justin Musella
Justin Musella is a new Councilman in Parsippany-Troy Hills Township. His campaign focused on keeping Parsippany the safe, prosperous, and community-oriented township his constituents know and love. Musella has been active in politics since an early age, having worked as a volunteer on Governor Christie’s campaign in 2009 and eventually becoming Chair of the Morris County Young Republicans in 2020.
Even before taking the oath of office, Musella was ranked 11th on Insider NJ’s 2021 list of “most influential millennials” in New Jersey politics. Musella was honored by the NJ Globe for being selected as having one of the best-run campaigns of 2021. Recently, he was ranked by Insider NJ as the 13th most influential millennial in politics of 2022 and 10th in 2023 on the same list.
Unafraid to take a controversial position, Musella separated himself from his GOP colleagues in Parsippany. He kept his campaign promise by voting against every tax increase since the election and a union mandate for taxpayer-funded projects in 2022. Musella strongly believes in helping a new generation of Republican leaders find their voice in the state of New Jersey and is eager to be a leader in this effort.
In addition to Musella, Nicholas Horton, and Daniel Di Martino will also be inducted into The 1995 Society and America’s Future.
Nicholas Horton
A lifelong Arkansan, Nicholas Horton has done political and policy work in roughly half the country, ranging from Maine to Montana. His original research and analysis have been highlighted in The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, Forbes, National ReviewOnline, the Washington Examiner, and Townhall, among other national outlets. Nic has also appeared on numerous talk radio shows across the country.
Starting in the political world volunteering for local in Arkansas campaigns, Nic eventually founded and led The Arkansas Patriot, one of the leading conservative news sites in the South. Much of Nic’s work focused on holding local governments and elected officials accountable on wasteful spending, lack of transparency, and tax hikes. Partnering with local concerned citizens, Nic played an instrumental role in defeating numerous local tax increases at the ballot.
Daniel Di Martino
Daniel was born in 1999 in Venezuela to a middle-class family. His grandparents escaped poverty and oppression in Italy and Spain in the 1950s, seeking a better future in the then 4th richest country in the world, Venezuela. Italy was destroyed by fascism and World War II, and Spain by the Spanish Civil War and the Franco regime.
Yet, despite not having a high school education and having to learn a new language, his family prospered under Venezuela’s relatively free market and strong democracy in the second half of the 20th century.
But Daniel saw how socialism transformed the once prosperous nation that welcomed his grandparents into a poor and dangerous place. His family’s income was drastically reduced due to inflation, and he was forced to line up for food and basic necessities for hours due to the socialist policies of Hugo Chavez and Nicolas Maduro.
PARSIPPANY — On Monday, May 27, at 12:00 Noon, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will hold its Memorial Day Parade on North Beverwyck Road. Starting at approximately 10:30 a.m., numerous roads will be closed to ensure a safe and secure parade route. These roads are expected to reopen around 3:00 p.m. Please refer to the diagram below for details on the parade route, road closures, and limited access areas.
• To maintain a safe flow of traffic in the surrounding streets of the parade route, “Emergency No Parking Signs” will be placed in the below areas:
A) Knoll Road from Greenbank Road to North Beverwyck Road
B) North Beverwyck Road from Knoll Road to Vail Road
C) Lake Shore Drive from Madison Avenue to Dacotah Avenue
D) Katherine Drive from Knoll Road to North Beverwyck Road
E) Claudine Terr. from North Beverwyck Road to Crescent Drive
F) Crescent Drive from Claudine Terrace to Condit Avenue
G) Condit Ave from North Beverwyck Road to Rockaway Place
• Residents of Knoll Gardens and Knoll Manor, you can access/leave your homes by utilizing the blue route. All entry and exit from Knoll Gardens and Knoll Manor will be limited to the driveway at the top of Van Wyk Road. Due to the staging of the parade vehicles and groups along Knoll Road the very top driveway will be the only driveway which vehicles will be allowed to enter or exit from. Please advise any guest you may be expecting this limited access to as well. All traffic exiting Knoll Gardens onto Knoll Road must turn left while the Parade vehicles/Marching Bands are staged on Knoll Road. Additionally, there will be a police officer and barricades located at the Knoll Road intersection with Lake Shore Drive/Greenbank Road. Kindly inform the officer that you are going to Knoll Gardens/Knoll Manor and not traveling through the closed parade area. Also, advise any visitors that you may be expecting that they need to enter Knoll Gardens/Knoll Manor from Knoll Road and that they, too, must inform the officer stationed at Lake Shore Road/Greenbank Road that they are just visiting Knoll Gardens/Knoll Manor.
Finally, we apologize for the temporary inconvenience that this may cause. We hope that you have the opportunity to watch and enjoy the Parade.
PARSIPPANY — The Memorial Day Ceremony will take place on Monday, May 27, at 10:00 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 1839 Route 46 East.
Memorial Day is a solemn federal holiday in the United States dedicated to remembering and honoring the military personnel who have lost their lives in service to their country. Observed on the last Monday of May, this day was originally known as Decoration Day. It emerged after the American Civil War as a way to honor both Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the conflict. Over time, it has come to commemorate all U.S. military members who have died while serving.
On Memorial Day, it is customary to visit cemeteries and memorials to pay respects to the fallen, often decorating their graves with American flags as a sign of gratitude and remembrance. While the day marks the beginning of summer and is typically associated with family gatherings and public festivities, its true essence lies in the reflective homage paid to those who sacrificed for their country.
MORRIS COUNTY — On Wednesday, June 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., the Wellness Gala presents “The Power of Thoughts and Words” at the Best Western Fairfield Executive Inn, 216 Route 46 East, Fairfield.
This enlightening event features a panel of esteemed psychics, mediums, and healers, including Jamie Butler, The Everyday Medium; Jaye Regincos, Thought Strategist; Ray Sette, Spiritualist, and Astrologer; Laurie Wheeler, Illuminary Futurist; and Lee Grabarczyk, Intuitive Artist. They will provide prophetic messages and personalized guidance during an audience Q&A session, offering connections to departed loved ones.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for mini psychic readings and the chance to explore high-vibrational products. Tickets are available for $59.00 in advance or $65.00 at the door.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Advancing efforts that led to a 16% drop in the number of vehicles stolen in New Jersey between September 2022 and March 2023, Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that 34 law enforcement agencies in 21 counties and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) will receive grant funding to acquire or expand technology to combat auto theft thanks to $10 million in funding made available by the Murphy Administration.
The towns in Morris County will receive:
Morris
Chatham Township Police Department
$69,194.00
Morris
Long Hill Police Department
$72,000.00
Morris
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office
$372,000.00
Morris
Town of Dover Police Department
$48,000.00
At least one local enforcement agency in each county across New Jersey will receive grants ranging from $23,400 to $595,000 to acquire and expand existing Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology systems. These systems utilize high-speed, automated camera networks to capture and store computer-readable images of license plates in a centralized database accessible to law enforcement. This information assists law enforcement in identifying, locating, and recovering stolen vehicles, interrupting auto theft networks, and apprehending individuals involved in vehicle theft and other violent crimes.
The grants, made available by Governor Phil Murphy using federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds, ensure that for the first time, all 21 counties will have usage of ALPR technology at fixed locations within their jurisdictions. The grants are the latest investments to law enforcement agencies to combat auto theft in New Jersey and reduce the violent crime it gives rise to.
“Residents across New Jersey deserve to feel safe in their communities. As we continue to address the ongoing wave of auto theft in our state, it is important that we equip our law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools they need to identify and catch these bad actors,” said Governor Murphy.“We appreciate our congressional delegation’s continued support in our efforts to combat crime here in New Jersey. We have witnessed the success that new technology, including the Automated License Plate Readers, has played in this process, and we are committed to further investing in this cause until the number of auto thefts in our state hits zero.”
“Reducing auto thefts across New Jersey is a top priority, and thanks to the leadership and support of Governor Murphy and our congressional delegation, we are investing millions of dollars to provide law enforcement officers in all 21 counties with the tools they need to protect residents, make communities safer, and save lives,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We know that car thefts on their own are bad enough, but they are also used to commit other violent crimes. By equipping law enforcement with sophisticated Automated License Plate Reader technology, we are sending a clear message of deterrence against committing auto thefts.”
“Auto theft not only victimizes the owner of the vehicle, but it can also victimize the whole community. Stolen vehicles are often used in committing crimes and can be found driving recklessly on our roadways, creating a dangerous environment for everyone,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “The funding to expand ALPR technology throughout the state will be pivotal in our effort to combat this ongoing issue. The steps taken to approve this funding represent a commitment to supporting not only law enforcement but a commitment to the safety of all New Jersey residents.”
ALPR technology is a critical component in New Jersey’s comprehensive strategy to combat auto theft. This effort has led to a 16% reduction in the number of vehicles stolen statewide over a six-month period from September 2022 through March 2023.
In April 2022, Governor Murphy announced he would invest $10 million in ARP funding for ALPR technology.
NJSP will receive just over $3 million of the grant funding to deploy ALPR units along major roadways throughout the state. The intelligence gathered will be shared by NJSP in real-time through the Regional Operations Intelligence Center and Real Time Crime Centers operated by the NJSP with relevant law enforcement partners as appropriate for investigative and operational needs.
The remaining funds were made accessible through a competitive grant process open to all law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in New Jersey that serve communities demonstrating an increase in violent crime, gun violence, and/or auto theft. Funding decisions were made to ensure the broadest and deepest levels of service coverage practicable, with consideration given to the type of deliverables, the desired outcomes, and the geographical location of the project in comparison with crime statistics and data.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) students, known as the CCM Data Titans, recently received two impressive awards from the Spring 2024 American Statistical Association (ASA) national DataFest competition.
They earned first place in the Two-Year College Category and were awarded for Best Statistical Analysis. Founded in 2011, this annual event requires undergraduates to work 24/7 to find and share the meaning of data in what is becoming a popular field of discovery.
CCM congratulates team members Hamza Alvi of Rockaway, Favio Jasso of Dover, David Maldonado of Wharton, Rohan Sharma of Mt. Olive, and Lucas Spitzer of Succasunna for an amazing job. The students are pursuing their Associate of Science degree in Mathematics, Computer Science-Data Science option, and are enrolled in the Certificate of Achievement in Data Analytics program at CCM.
Professor Kelly Fitzpatrick, CFA of the college’s Department of Mathematics and a Tableau Desktop Specialist, served as the team’s faculty advisor. Fitzpatrick takes the students from zero to 100 in just 15 weeks to learn data science in MAT 114, Introduction to Data Science class.
“It is impressive every semester to see how quickly students can grasp high-level data science techniques using technology and perform at a high level to win national competitions,” said Fitzpatrick.
Each year, the ASA DataFest challenges students to analyze real-world data and make recommendations to address interesting and timely topics. The 2024 challenge was to investigate the CourseKata student data and find discoveries that could help improve student success in statistics and data science courses.
Team CCM Data Titans won Best Statistical Analysis by using box plots to detect and remove outliers and extraneous input, regression analysis, decision trees, and a heat map to determine how to improve student success. During the weekend in April, the team worked aggressively in R, Python, and Tableau to perform tidy data techniques and create custom categorical fields and visualizations.
They presented their results in a five-minute video to the judges. Each team member will receive a $25 gift card to the campus store and a complimentary ASA student membership on behalf of the Campus Life Center.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Morris Plains Police Chief Michael Koroski, who also serves as President of the Morris County Police Chief’s Association, have announced the wider distribution of spike strips to local police departments throughout Morris County. This initiative aims to curtail vehicle pursuits and reduce auto thefts.
Tire deflation devices can be stored in patrol cars and quickly positioned to cause the controlled deflation of tires in fleeing vehicles. Using hollow steel spikes, the strips are designed to prevent blowouts and reduce the speed of the target vehicle.
This technology can potentially bring a police pursuit – which poses a risk to fleeing criminals, officers, and bystanders alike – to a safer end. The deployment of these devices will follow the Attorney General’s Office guidelines.
Ninety Stinger Spike System Model 90200 Trooper Tire Deflation Devices, produced by Federal Signal, have been purchased for $52,007. The purchase was funded by Morris County Prosecutor’s Office forfeiture funds. The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Sheriff’s Office, and 13 municipal police departments have opted to receive the devices.
On May 9, 2024, employees of Federal Signal trained officers from each of these agencies, who will, in turn, train officers at their respective departments in utilizing the devices.
Officers from the MCPO and MCSO demonstrated using a spike strip to hobble a moving car during a demonstration in a parking lot at the Community College of Morris.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Law enforcement working together has proven to be the most effective tool against these organized networks of thieves. These expanded resources are part of a multi-faceted strategy to combat auto theft and the growing number of thieves entering homes searching for valuables and key fobs. These devices are designed to stop criminals in motion, not just car thieves. Fleeing criminals pose a danger to our neighborhoods, and resulting crashes in Morris County have left vehicle occupants with serious injuries and property damage. These devices can bring down a target’s rate of speed and allow officers to conduct a controlled stop.”
Sheriff Gannon said, “It’s important to recognize that these are crimes that are occurring statewide – whether it’s auto theft, robberies, kidnappings, child abductions, or other major crimes. Our goal is to give our officers, who are on the road 24 hours a day, another tool in their toolboxes to safeguard our community. I think this exceptional, hands-on training prepares officers to utilize this equipment. No one wants fleeing cars going out of control down our streets. It’s our mission to intervene before anyone gets hurt, and that’s the public, the police, and even the actors behind the wheel.”
Officer in Charge Captain Chris Petonak recalled how the Boonton Police Department has been utilizing the devices for a few years. “We have used them approximately four or five times, and we have not only been able to recover vehicles but, more importantly, have reduced the speeds of these pursuits from close to 100 mph down to 30 mph. Each officer in our patrol division carries one of these devices. We have captured over a dozen offenders.”
Chief Michael Koroski said, “Just as the deployment of these spike strips will take collaboration and communication between municipal law enforcement agencies for effective use, this program is a further demonstration of the teamwork between Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll, Sheriff James Gannon, and our Morris County Chiefs of Police. Morris County law enforcement agencies will continue to combat auto theft, prevent and deter property crimes, and most importantly, protect our residents with proactive patrols, technology, and the best available equipment.”
PARSIPPANY — David Smith recently attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
The Eagle Court of Honor occurred at All Saints Academy on Sunday, April 28.
David Smith recently attained the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.
Earning the rank of Eagle Scout requires dedication and a steadfast commitment to the principles of Scouting. This esteemed rank is so challenging that only about 6% of Scouts achieve it. Since its inception in 1911, over two million Scouts have reached this significant milestone.
David started his scouting journey at Lake Hiawatha Elementary School as a first grader. He joined Parsippany Cub Scout Pack 215, where his father, Andy Smith, volunteered as a Den Leader, and his mom, Meg Smith, planned Cub Scout Pack meetings and events as the Committee Chairperson. During his time in the Pack, he enjoyed the annual Cubelos campouts and Pinewood Derby events. He enjoyed overnight overnights at Battleship New Jersey, the Philadelphia Zoo, and the Teterboro Airport Museum.
In February 2020, during the Cub Scout Pack Blue and Gold Banquet event, David bridged to Troop 72 as an Arrow of Light Scout. He could attend regular troop meetings for a few weeks until the COVID-19 lockdown when Troop 72 pivoted and held online meetings and events.
Each Lit Candle Symbolizes David’s Path to Achieving Eagle Scout RankMeg Smith Proudly Pins Eagle Scout Badge on Son David at CeremonyDavid Honors his Father with ‘Dad Pin’ for Dedication to Scouting Journey
David’s first campout had a virtual campfire program, and he stayed overnight in a tent with his brother in his backyard. David used his downtime during COVID-19 to complete merit badges like coin collecting and woodworking. He also took advantage of online merit badge workshops the Patriots Path Council offered. His older brother, Andrew, worked with him on scouting skills and prepared him for upcoming in-person campout events.
In the fall of 2020, he attended his first real campout and was excited to attend his first in-person summer camp in the summer of 2021. David worked with other scouts on scout skills, earned ranks, and completed more merit badges.
Scout June 11, 2020 Tenderfoot February 24, 2021 Second Class March 15, 2022 First Class June 9, 2022 Star Scout October 11, 2022 Life Scout April 19, 2023 Eagle Scout January 31, 2024
David Achieves Notable Milestone with 26 Merit Badges Earned:Archery, Basketry, Camping, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Collections, Coin Collecting, Communications, Cooking, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Science, Family Life, Fingerprinting, First Aid, Mammal Study, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Pets, Reading, Scholarship, Small Boat Sailing, Snow Sports, Swimming, and Woodwork.
David’s Eagle Scout Project Enhances Old Troy County Park with New Wooden Walkways and DrainageDavid’s Eagle Scout Project Enhances Old Troy County Park with New Wooden Walkways and Drainage
David volunteered for many troop community service events and Eagle Scout projects of other scouts, including his brother’s Eagle Project, in October 2021. He attended summer camps and troop events to build his scout skills. In the summer of 2023, he attended National Youth Leadership Training. He used these skills to lead others during his Eagle Scout Project, during which volunteers constructed and installed wooden puncheons (raised wooden walkways) and dug a drainage swale at Old Troy County Park in Parsippany. This project will prevent trail erosion and provide park visitors with a dryer passage.
Cathy Cerbo, Cerbo’s Lumber” donated lumber to David to help him with his projectMayor James Barberio Honors David Smith at Eagle Scout CeremonyFrank Cahill of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Presents David with a Certificate of Appreciation at Eagle Scout Ceremony
As a Freshman at Parsippany High School, David continues to be an active member of Troop 72. He is a Patrol Leader and works with younger scouts, teaching them scout skills. David’s family has a strong connection to scouting, as his uncle, father, and brother have all earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Scouts hailing from various corners of Parsippany and beyond are represented. They attend schools such as Brooklawn Middle School, Central Middle School, Parsippany High School, Parsippany Hills High School, and other institutions beyond the Parsippany public school system.
Troop 72 is sponsored by Saint Peter the Apostle Church and meets in the cafeteria at All Saints Academy. They attend Scout Sunday at Saint Peter’s, and their annual food drive benefits the Saint Peter food pantry.
Troop 72 participates in community service work with multiple churches and civic organizations. They welcome any requests from the community and are always happy to help.
For more information on Scouts BSA Troop 72 Parsippany, click here.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, June 2024.Click here to view.
MORRIS COUNTY — Jigisha Desai from Rockaway, 55, has been living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for 20 years, a condition she discovered unexpectedly while undergoing surgery for a different health issue.
CKD has presented numerous symptoms and challenges. Despite these, Jigisha has persevered through various hardships, including health issues, financial struggles, emotional stress, and physical limitations, while raising two children and coping with the loss of a family business. At around 36, she developed chronic arthritis, particularly severe in her knees, which necessitated a knee replacement. However, due to her kidney condition preventing the use of painkillers, doctors recommended biannual gel knee injections instead. Living with constant pain and extreme fatigue has significantly impacted her family life.
Jigisha is currently listed for a kidney transplant at St. Barnabas in Livingston. Joyce is her transplant coordinator, reachable at (973) 322-5082. Her blood type is O+, less crucial as St. Barnabas participates in the paired exchange program. To help, please complete the living donor referral form available here, indicating “kidney donor for Jigisha Desai” in the submission.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Board of Education will convene on Thursday, May 23. The meeting will commence with a closed session at 6:00 p.m. and a regular session at 6:30 p.m. The venue for this gathering is the Calabria Education Center, located at 292 Parsippany Road in Parsippany.
This meeting will address several crucial matters, including personnel issues, contract awarding, bill payment, fund transfers, and other general business concerns.
For more detailed information and updates, the Superintendent’s Bulletin is available online by clicking here.
Decisions regarding these topics and other issues that may arise after the publication of this notice and are included in the agenda are expected to be made during this meeting.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris Museum in Morristown has introduced a new role, overseeing the development, implementation, execution, and evaluation of its three core mission-based program areas: education, exhibitions and collections, and theater.
Jess Van Nostrand has been appointed the inaugural director of public engagement and curatorial strategies.
In this capacity, Van Nostrand will collaborate with the existing leadership of Exhibitions & Collections and Theater while also directing the museum’s education team. According to a statement released by the museum, the director’s role is to ensure excellence and define success across all three program areas.
As a key partner to the executive director, this role is designed to foster coordinated and aligned efforts within the organization, especially in the areas of planning and program development.
“Central to the success of any cultural institution today is a deep connection with community stakeholders,” stated Thomas J. Loughman, reflecting on his first year as executive director. “Jess brings a rich mix of experience and insight, combined with a professional curiosity and a commitment to serve this esteemed New Jersey arts institution. We are all excited about the contributions she will make moving forward.”
Van Nostrand recently served as the director of exhibitions and public programs at the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. In this role, she managed the exhibitions program at The Arts Center at Governors Island and led the annual River To River Festival, among other public initiatives.
From 2014 to 2020, she was the assistant director of exhibition programs and gallery initiatives at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). There, she engaged in a wide array of adult education programming, including interactive arts experiences at The People’s Studio, MoMA’s pioneering educational platform for adult learning.
Before her tenure at MoMA, Van Nostrand was the founding director of The Project Room, an arts center focused on the creative process that encouraged public engagement through live events, written content, and a podcast series.
Van Nostrand is a trustee of the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey and has also served on the boards of directors for the Smack Mellon Arts Center and ArtTable, a national leadership organization for women in the arts.
PARSIPPANY — Alexes Miranda, a Class of 2020 Parsippany Hills High School graduate, has been named to the Dean’s List at Pennsylvania Western University for the Spring 2024 semester.
Miranda is among over 3,100 students who achieved this honor. The criteria for making the Dean’s List are demanding: degree-seeking undergraduate students must secure a semester GPA of at least 3.40 and complete a minimum of 12 graded credits. These credits cannot include those from proficiency examinations, nor can they include incomplete, temporary, or satisfactory/unsatisfactory grades.
Miranda is currently pursuing studies at PennWest’s California Campus.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Township Council Meeting – May 7, 2024. The meeting will occur in the Council Chambers at 1001 Parsippany Boulevard within the Parsippany Municipal Building.
Formal action may or may not be taken.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for the meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to request an auxiliary aid.
Mayor James Barberio Council President Paul Carifi, Jr. Council Vice President Frank Neglia Councilman Justin Musella Councilman Matt McGrath Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
• John Chadwick, Planner, John T. Chadwick IV P.P.
• Chas Holloway, Engineer, GPI
• William Johnson, Esq. Johnson and Johnson
• Nora O. Jolie, Board Secretary
Agenda subject to change without notice Although the information on this site is believed to be reliable, online postings of meeting agendas are not considered official copies.
I hope Mr. Clarkin’s request to help review the Budget for further possible reductions will be honored. In light of the continued arguments, in the conditions of economic trends, austerity, and the trick-up regressive tax system, being frugal will become necessary and is implied in everything heard about corporate property tax reduction measures.
Perhaps a study of what Parsippany finances would be if just corporate land tax were our only source as some model to build on? Councilwoman Hernandez’s question: “What is the limit in budget reduction threshold that will cause our bonding interest to increase? It was never answered last evening. Wall Street Municipal Bonding seems to be calling the shots, not Parsippany citizens’ right to a real scrutiny of the budget. It is a fact that some PILOT Deals actually pay less than their land tax would be. In 30 years, much could change.
Another important aspect of the original American story was frugality. Being frugal was not only an important family and civic activity but an important religious one as well. I don’t know when I last heard the word frugal. It seems to have been dropped from our lexicon.
Many of the alleged coming tax increases the town will be subjected to, such as water infrastructure, which will be subsidized by Federal Sources under Build Back Better type mandates. Councilman McGrath’s contention that local taxpayers will be burdened with this expense, including PFAS chemical treatment mandates, is also misleading due to a lack of corporate rules.
Council President Carifi reasoned about a “few people” showing up for more Police because of a short crime wave; the reason to hire “more police” indicates an increased quota in recruitment. Parsippany is 103-113 officers. It did not seem to apply when 800-900 residents showed up to protest 30-year PILOT Deals for rich developers, with John Inglesino as the wizard behind the still not transparent deals. (Waterview all over again)
The BOE needs to be called out on its budget. As a retired senior, my monthly tax on my VA mortgage increased by $180.
The Mayor’s rhetoric about multiple housing rounds is also suspect. Endless growth is impossible and unsustainable. He and others have helped use affordable housing as a fear tactic rather than a social responsibility to benefit developers in other ways, such as Waterview Mall and PILOT deals. Would lowering the current market spaces’ rent not be a better solution? The worst-case scenario would be slower profit increases for corporate land barons. We need a better government now than ever. No more markets will bear or privatization. Privatization makes us less free and costs more.
Thank You, Councilman Musella & Councilwoman Hernandez, for proposing further possible budget cuts only to be voted no.
PARSIPPANY — To support a growing number of families seeking high-quality child care and early years education for their young children, BrightPath Early Learning and Child Care has opened a brand-new center at 70 Old Bloomfield Avenue in Parsippany. Part of Busy Bees – one of the world’s largest providers of early childhood education and care – BrightPath Parsippany serves children six weeks to six years old with nurturing early learning programs designed to give every child the best start in life.
The school, which officially opened its doors on April 16, will be hosting a Ribbon-cutting and Opening Celebration on Saturday, May 11 at 9:30 a.m. The event will feature:
Remarks from Parsippany Mayor James R. Barberio and Frank Cahill, Chairman of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board
A check presentation from BrightPath to the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, which will be accepted by Club President Carol Tiesi
Fun activities for the whole family, including face-painting, arts and crafts, and a ‘build your own flower bouquet’ station in honor of Mother’s Day
Tours of the school and a meet-and-greet with educators
“With caring educators, our program is designed to provide children with quality care in a warm and nurturing environment,” says early childhood education professional Monica Zollo, Center Director at BrightPath Parsippany. “Combining that commitment with our holistic approach to meaningful learning opportunities, BrightPath gives every child the best start in life.”
Through a blend of play-based learning activities and child-led curiosities, BrightPath fosters a balanced and comprehensive learning experience with programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten students. This includes a focus on language and literacy, math discovery, global citizenship, building connections, social skills and adaptability, creative discovery, STEM discovery, physical literacy, and environmental stewardship. Children who begin their education at BrightPath will be more than ready for Kindergarten and excited to continue their life of learning.
“We are thrilled to welcome BrightPath to Parsippany,” says Mayor Barberio. “Quality child care programs are essential for our entire community. They are lifelines for working families, enabling parents to set their children up for success in a very meaningful way.”
Learn more about BrightPath Parsippany click here.
BrightPath is a world-class and innovative provider of early childhood education that follows a unique curriculum. With partnerships in programming, nutrition, communication technology, and recreational fitness, we consistently deliver the best in quality, care, and opportunity for early-year development.
