PARSIPPANY — Manya Sharma, Anika Arora, Prisha Khanna, and Riya Jain are four Girl Scouts from Troop 95750 in Parsippany, who worked towards their silver award by supporting Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.
Several animal shelters are in poor condition, and the pandemic made it even more difficult for them to run smoothly. They chose the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter to support because they knew they wanted to better their facilities.
All of the girls have all been big pet lovers and jumped at the chance to help them! When they went to visit the shelter, they found out that they were in need of receptionist chairs and a lot of cleaning supplies.
The girls made tie-dye shirts and gave them to everyone that donatedThe girls made tie-dye shirts and gave them to everyone that donated
The girls decided to tackle this by calling our project “Paws for Peeps” and asking people for donations, and giving them handmade tie-dye shirts (that were made during the pandemic) in return.
This was a little thank-you to the donors and a way to spread awareness. By doing this, they were able to purchase receptionist chairs and more supplies for the shelter.
Items Donated:
Two receptionist chairs
Four Cat Litter Boxes with carbon filters
Dawn Soap
Bleach
Paper towels
The girls would like to thanks their troop leaders Sara Chebishev, Kellie Andersen, Ann Marie Atwell for their guidance and help.
MORRIS COUNTY — When one hears Mediterranean food, visions of Kebabs, hummus, baba ghanoush, baklava, and olive oil, at once come to mind. Of course, there is so much more to the various cuisines of the wide-ranging Mediterranean region than anyone usually realizes. Eastern Mediterranean cuisine includes regions such as Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Israel; the Southern Med would include Italy, France, and Spain, and finally, North Africa, including countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya; and of course, this list of country’s is not all-inclusive, but you get the idea. We basically all use the same main ingredients wherever you may find yourself, but somehow every culture someone manages to produce something very distinct and unique relative to its own region. The fact is that Turkish food is remarkably like American food. All that differs is how it is cooked, some of the spices, and the name of it.
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant, located in the Walmart shopping center in Boonton Plaza
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant, located in the Walmart shopping center in Boonton Plaza, describes itself as specializing in Mediterranean food, grilled to perfection, specifically from Turkey. They go on to explain that their entrees are like Greek, Arabic, as well as other Mediterranean Country dishes. We in Morris County are fortunate to have several excellent Turkish restaurants where we can enjoy this cuisine and Fasil certainly fits into that select category. My neighbor, who is from Turkey and goes back annually, told me that Fasil always makes her feel at home.
That is a good enough recommendation for me to stop by. As stated earlier, Turkey is considered the eastern Mediterranean where foods are often made with a lot of yogurts and cheeses. In addition, spices such as parsley, sumac, mint, and lemon juice dominate dishes in this region. It is also known for its nuts, rice, pitas, chickpeas, and meat kabobs; it is the combination and preparation of these items that are at the heart of what makes this Mediterranean cuisine so incredibly unique, flavorful, and healthy, and as in every culture Turkish cuisine is a combination of the many other cultures that have left their influence over many centuries dating back to the times of then ever-expanding Ottoman Empire.
Tasteful Turkish décor throughout
Fasil Mediterranean, which translates to a suite in Ottoman classical music, exudes a classy, upscale-looking interior, yet the modern, yet rustic, ambiance is casual, comfortable, and welcoming. It is exceptionally clean and organized both inside and out. The beautifully tiled floors and walls, tasteful Turkish décor throughout, pleasant Turkish background music, bright but subtle lighting, soft black leather chairs, and nicely appointed wood-grained tables, all helped to create a vibrant, enticing, and true ethnic atmosphere that transports you to Turkey for the evening.
Yasin (waiter), Tulay (owner) and Pat Minutillo
The outdoor patio dining area is nicely covered, both overhead and along the sides for shade, privacy, and protection from the weather, along with well-spaced seating. There were several groups enjoying their meals al fresco on my arrival, but my guests and I dined inside.
Patrick Minutillo
I arrived at Fasil a little earlier than my guests and was sincerely and warmly welcomed to the restaurant by the owner, Tülay, and several staff members. Yaşin, apparently our head waiter, offered me a choice of tables and I chose one with window seating. The wine was opened and water glasses were filled immediately, and Yasin graciously offered me a complimentary glass of Turkish tea as we discussed various Turkish wines.
Since Fasil is a BYOB, I brought along a delicious 2012 Kavaklidere Öküzgözü d’Elazig dry red wine that my Turkish neighbors brought home from their recent trip to Turkey and gave to me as a gift, and which Yaşin immediately recognized from his homeland. My initial impression of Fasil was excellent, and I was looking forward to enjoying some of their fine cuisines.
Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Ezme, Stuffed Grape Leaves
As my guests arrived and were seated our very attentive, pleasant, and helpful waitress, Özüm was spot on seeing that everyone was comfortable and helped explain any questions we may have had regarding the menu. For our appetizers, we started by sharing a selection of hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Ezme, Stuffed Grape Leaves (Yaprak sarma), and a Tabouli Salad. The hummus was smooth, creamy, and oozing with rich umami flavors, while the Baba Ghanoush tasted equally smooth while being luxurious, smoky, and savory. The Ezme served as the perfect spicy condiment to go with our fresh and flavorful homemade pita bread. The Tabouli salad was bright, fresh, flavorful, and refreshing and was a perfect complement to the hummus and the pita. The grape leaves with their citrusy, green, and tangy taste were a great kick-off for the entrees to come.
The Tabouli salad was bright, fresh, flavorful, and refreshing and was a perfect complement to the hummus and the pita
As entrées, my guests settled on the Shrimp Kebab and the Iskender Kebab. I went with the Mixed Grill; one skewer each of lamb Adana kebab, lamb shish kebab, chicken and lamb kofte, lamb gyro kebab, and chicken kebab, which was an abundant dish and clearly a meal for two, so I knew I was going to be having it again for lunch the next day.
Shrimp Kebab
Everything was prepared, presented, and plated perfectly. All the meats were tender, moist, juicy, expertly seasoned, savory, and satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed my dish. The Iskender Kebab; sauteed buttered bread topped over sliced lamb gyro served with fresh tomato sauce and yogurt also looked delicious and my friend told me it was fantastic. The Shrimp Kebab; grilled jumbo shrimp marinated with garlic, black pepper, and olive oil, and served with rice and a side salad, was tender and full of flavor. The portion sizes of all our entrees were more than ample and everyone left with enough take-out so that they could enjoy it again the next day.
Kazan DibiThe waitress, Özüm
As full and satiated as we were, we could not leave with trying some of Fasil’s desserts. I ordered the Kazan Dibi (Bottom of Cauldron), and my friends wanted to try the Baklava. The caramelized top of Kazan Dibi was fantastic and contrasted quite nicely with the sweet and milky flavors on the interior. It perfectly paired it with my cup of bright, fruity, sweet, hot Turkish tea. The baklava, the most popular dessert in this part of the world, a layered filo pastry dessert, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey, was a definite crowd-pleaser. Interestingly, Özüm (our waitress) explained to my friend that his fortune could be revealed by the residual coffee grinds left on the bottom of his Turkish coffee. After a first flawed attempt, and with the assistance of a phone app and Özüm, his fortune was revealed. Of course, it was very positive.
Yasin (waiter), Tulay (owner) and Pat Minutillo
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant is highly recommended. The food was delicious, and the menu is extensive enough to meet anyone’s needs or tastes. Prices are moderate and you get a lot for your money. The gracious hospitality and service cannot be beaten. If you do not have the time or inclination to travel, there is no doubt that one great way to experience a different culture is not by necessarily by going, but through their cuisine. Experience a taste of Turkey, visit Fasil!
Dine-in · Take Out – Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery; BYOB – Nearby Liquor Store – ample parking – outdoor dining; Closed on Tuesdays
Bir kahvenin kirk yil hatiri vardir
Translation – A coffee between new friends/acquaintance offers 40 years of friendship.
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant is located at 308 Wootton Street, Boonton, NJ 07005. Call (973) 917-3334 or visit www.fasil.us.
PARSIPPANY — The University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken) celebrates August 2021 graduates. Congratulations to graduate Vaibhav Patel, from Parsippany. Patel graduated with a Master of Business Admin. in Business Administration.
UofSC Aiken, a comprehensive university in the University of South Carolina system, offers undergraduate and master’s degrees to approximately 3,700 students in 50 programs of study. U.S. News and World Report (2021): #1 Regional Comprehensive Public College in the South. This 2021 distinction marks UofSC Aiken’s 23rd consecutive ranking among the top three in this category. The university has won the first place ranking fifteen times.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) President Anthony J. Iacono once again has joined a highly respected group of New Jersey higher education presidents who have been named to ROI-NJ’s Influencers list.
The latest listing is of top community college presidents in New Jersey. This is the third time Iacono has been selected by ROI-NJ as a predominant leader in higher education in the state. The latest ranking credits Iacono for leading CCM to its position as a top community college in New Jersey as rated by Intelligent and Academic Influence, as the top community college in New Jersey for graduates who earn the best salaries as reported by Newsweek and PayScale, and for the college’s $25+ million planned expansion of career readiness programs for high school students through adults.
“It is an honor to be named by ROI-NJ as an influencer in higher education and to be included among such an extraordinary group of colleagues,” remarked Iacono. “CCM would not be the strong community college it is without the support of our community and our industry partners, students, faculty, and staff, who have accomplished so much even during these challenging times. I am incredibly fortunate to work with remarkable people across our campus and honored to serve the community.”
CCM continues to grow in many ways, which includes its recent announcement about expanded partnerships with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD), resulting in new programs and facilities at the college. The planned expansion will provide opportunities for individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds to pursue rewarding careers. The new facilities are being made possible through the support of the New Jersey Legislature and Morris County Commissioners whose vision and commitment have been instrumental in supporting CCM’s growth and contributions to Morris County and northern New Jersey.
The newest facilities expansion includes the Center for Entrepreneurship, developed in partnership with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. This expansion will focus on degrees in business and entrepreneurship and certificates in hospitality management and event planning, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain management. The center also will allow CCM and MCVSD to develop a dual-enrolled program for high school students interested in earning college credits toward a business degree.
Also included in the expansion is the Career and Technical Education Center to be constructed by MCVSD near the college’s new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center. That facility will allow more than 500 high school students to take part in dual-enrolled programs in health care, finance, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and supply chain logistics. Students participating in those programs will earn industry credentials, take part in work-based and project-based learning opportunities, and earn college credits.
“As the community’s college, the mission of CCM is to provide an exceptional educational experience that results in the credentials designed to fuel regional growth and to provide people with opportunities to realize their dreams,” said Iacono. “Both of these new facilities build upon our successful programs and demonstrate the college’s dedication to growing, thrive and honor its commitment to Morris County. Through the vision and support of our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and administration and the extraordinary support of state legislators and county commissioners, we continue to strive to make CCM a college and partner of choice for area residents and businesses.”
To learn more about the plans to expand career readiness programs at CCM click here.
MOUNTAIN LAKES – How is faith relevant in my life? How do I deepen my faith? Where is God in my life?
Beginning September 22, an eight-week evening program of faith exploration and discovery will provide an opportunity to explore these questions.
The series will include inspirational talks, discussions, and workshop experiences offered through the collaborative ministry of the Episcopal Churches of Northern Morris County. It is open to anyone interested, whether they belong to a faith community, are exploring different faiths, or have no faith affiliation.
Participants will gather Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 215 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes. Free childcare will be available.
For more information, contact Rev. Michael Muller at St. Peter’s at (973) 334-4429 or mmuller.stpetersml@gmail.com.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, August 14, Morris County criminal defense attorney Robert A. Bianchi was sworn in as President of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), the nation’s largest Italian-American organization. The event was live-streamed on the OSDIA YouTube Channel.
Mr. Bianchi currently serves as the group’s National First Vice President. OSDIA officers frequently meet with White House officials, members of Congress, and other senior federal officials on issues of concern to Italian-Americans.
The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) was established in 1905 to create a support system that would help Italian immigrants with becoming citizens, provide health and death benefits and educational opportunities, and offer assistance with assimilation. In 2017, the Order Sons of Italy in America was renamed the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA).
To date, OSDIA members have given more than $164 million to educational programs, scholarships, charity donations, disaster relief, cultural advancement, and medical research. The group has lodges and chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy.
As Morris County Prosecutor, attorney Robert A. Bianchi was the county’s chief law enforcement officer from 2007 through 2013. He now leads a team of distinguished and dedicated New Jersey criminal defense attorneys (all of whom have served as prosecutors previously) at the Bianchi Law Group, LLC in Parsippany.
Mr. Bianchi is a host/anchor at the Law & Crime Network and is frequently seen as a legal analyst on CNN, ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS, and MSNBC. He has also appeared on legal documentary programs including The Geraldo Rivera Show, Due Process, and New Jersey Capitol Report.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Wine and Cheese Networking event at VentureX, 8 Campus Drive, Parsippany, on Wednesday, September 15.
Share the invite with your friends and associates! You can expect free admission, great vibes, assorted wines, delicious cheeses, new connections, and a great group of attendees.
The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and will run until about 7pm-ish. This free event is being made possible by our generous sponsor VentureX, Arbor Circle South, 8 Campus Drive, Parsippany. This event is for members and non-members.
Any Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce member wishing to sponsor a Wine and Cheese event, contact Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, at (973) 402-6400.
PARSIPPANY — The Women’s Theater Company will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test before entering their venues. The organization joins about 30 New Jersey theaters that will impose the same requirements, along with indoor masking.
Forty members of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance took a pledge for reopening campaign “Opening Night, Opening Right.” All members that took the pledge promise to follow the most current medical advice, meeting or exceeding all local and national safety guidelines, such as:
deep cleaning and disinfecting before all performances
clearly communicated mask policy
contactless transactions available
health screening before entry
flexible ticket policies for anyone feeling ill or at risk due to COVID-19 variants
sanitation stations for all patrons and staff
Audience members 12 and older will need to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the venues. Exceptions will be made for children under 12 and those with medical or religious exemptions. These guests must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 36 hours of the performance time or a negative antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance time.
All guests, regardless of age or vaccination status, will be required to wear masks while inside the theater building.
“The professional theatre community in New Jersey has always been a collaborative one, and we have seen unprecedented engagement and cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said John McEwen, executive director of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. “The unified statement of the safety pledge and the decision by many theatres to require proof of vaccination for audience members were made with great care, thought, and guidance from medical experts.”
The Women’s Theater Company, located in the Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, is a not-for-profit organization operating under an Actors Equity Association contract and is a member of the New Jersey Theater Alliance. For more information call (973) 335-3038 or click here to visit their website.
LAKE HIAWATHA — Kaitlynn Pinero was named to the New Jersey COVID-19 Service Corps (NJCSC).
The Center for Community Engagement at Montclair State University, in collaboration with the NJ Commission on National and Community Service and additional higher education institutions, state entities, and local nonprofit organizations, have come together to establish the New Jersey COVID-19 Service Corps (NJCSC).
This initiative has rapidly boosted New Jersey’s capacity to address and ameliorate the devastating public health impact of COVID-19 by increasing vitally needed services to those community members most affected by the economic, physical, and mental health repercussions of the pandemic. At the same time, it has provided paid training opportunities and education awards to undergraduate students and recent graduates in the allied health fields, including public health, social work, nursing, and counseling.
The NJCSC has leveraged the state’s existing AmeriCorps program to fast-track the deployment of student volunteers to local, on-the-ground community organizations, human service agencies, hospitals, health clinics, affordable housing agencies, and K-12 schools, rapidly boosting the ability of these organizations to efficiently and effectively address the physical and mental health impacts of the coronavirus.
Pinero, a/n Sustainability Science major, was one of 19 current and former Montclair State students to be selected for the NJCSC.
Montclair State University is a research doctoral institution ranked in the top tier of national universities. Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, the University today has 11 colleges and schools that serve 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, masters and baccalaureate programs. Situated on a beautiful, 252-acre suburban campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair State delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated, and diverse academic environment.
MORRIS COUNTY — 26th Legislative District State Senate candidate Christine Clarke has received the endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers in New Jersey.
“Christine Clarke will be a leader who believes workplace safety standards should be extended to all schools and their personnel. She understands these standards should be permanent, not implemented just for the pandemic. As we rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, Clarke is advocating it is done by investing in a clean-energy economy, which means good-paying union jobs with prevailing wage agreements. AFTNJ supports candidates who not only support our values but are strong leaders who put that support into action. It is because of her integrity, commitment, and determination that AFTNJ has endorsed her for Senate in New Jersey’s 26th District,” said Donna M. Chiera, President, AFT New Jersey.
The American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFTNJ) is a federation of unions representing 30,000 education workers in pre-kindergarten to 12 school districts, private, religious, and charter schools. AFT locals represent faculty and staff at all public four-year colleges and universities and half of the state’s community colleges.
Clarke is an environmental advocate, a grassroots organizer, and a mother-of-four running for State Senate to build the job-creating clean energy economy, improve healthcare and lower costs, protect clean air and water, and lead with empathy and fiscal sense.
Her opponent, incumbent LD26 State Senator Joe Pennacchio, has not been a supporter of workers’ rights. Among other concerns, he voted against extending family leave benefits, voted against requiring employers to pay sick leave and voted against raising the minimum wage five times.
“I am honored by AFT New Jersey’s support and looking forward to working together,” said Clarke.
Clarke is endorsed by a growing number of environmental groups, women’s rights groups, unions, civic engagement, and grassroots organizations. She has lived in Jefferson for 16 years with her husband and four children. Learn more about her by clicking here.
The 26th District includes 13 communities in Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties: Butler, Fairfield, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Morris Plains, North Caldwell, Parsippany, Rockaway Township, Verona, West Caldwell, and West Milford.
PARSIPPANY — Like for many of you, at 2:34 a.m. on August 20 my phone sounded jolting me out of sleep with an emergency alert tornado warning. Do I really need to go into my basement? Then it sounded again.
In the basement my family watched a local station as the anchor discussed the record heat and wildfires out west, the tropical storm moving up the east coast, fatal flash flooding in the Midwest, and the spotted lanternfly in NJ. If it wasn’t so serious it would seem like a bad dream. Sadly, young people see these events increasing and intensifying in their lifetimes, not in some distant future.
That tropical storm made it up to us as yet another extreme event. And every year, successively, for the last 20 have been the warmest on record. Climate crises affect health, economy, quality of life, food, and water security.
A couple of weeks ago the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released an alarming scientific report showing that the impacts of climate change are getting worse — and happening faster than previously thought.
We’re seeing raging wildfires, massive floods, extreme heat, tropical cyclones, and killer storms, all supercharged by climate change. Leaders around the world must take swift, decisive action to combat the climate crisis.
Some big takeaways from the report are:
The changes to our planet are accelerating, unprecedented and irreversible
Human impacts to the climate system are the main drivers of change
Every increment of warming matters, driving potentially catastrophic events
We know what we need to do and we must act now!
Many local mayors have been advocating and initiating changes to help educate, increase awareness and invest in sustainable initiatives. Working with the Parsippany Green Team the township of Parsippany is actively seeking to cut our carbon emissions. Last February, Mayor Soriano pledged to attain Sustainable Gold in Energy through Sustainable Jersey. This is important because his action offers resources, networking, and education to Parsippany to initiate and succeed in accomplishing this courageous goal. Sustainable objectives benefit the residents and businesses of the Town and also indirectly ensure a more sustainable environment all at no cost to the taxpayers. With efforts like this locally, statewide and now, nationally, there is hope for making impacts on the climate crisis.
Real change, every action no matter how small, is always a grassroots effort and comes from citizens. As co-leader of the Parsippany Green Team, I encourage anyone who wants to feel empowered to join us, participate and learn about how together we can make a difference. Please feel free to contact us at parsippanygreenteam@gmail.com.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill is pleased to announce that Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is now the largest club in New Jersey.
The New Jersey District of Kiwanis International currently has 79 active Kiwanis Clubs, with a total of 1476 members. Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany has a total of 76 active members as of Thursday, August 26.
“I recently conducted a membership drive and recruited six new members into our great organization,” said Frank Cahill. Our volunteers have been active in collecting food at various supermarkets to donate to Parsippany Human Services, been helping distribute food during our ‘Operation Feeding Morris County’, cooking at Homeless Solutions, purchasing school supplies for students in the Parsippany-Troy Hills School district, and buying ShopRite Gift Cards during the pandemic to help families purchase food. We also distribute hot meals to residents that were donated from Calabria Restaurant & Pizzeria. Our volunteers have been tremendous during the pandemic. When other people hear about the Kiwanis initiatives, they want to be part of our organization.”
During the recent membership drive in Parsippany, Cahill was able to sign up six new members, Justin Carifi, Laura Marie Ali, Kent Mancini, Tom Toomey, Jimmy Parikh, and Darshan Parikh. Laura Marie Ali was sponsored by Justin Musella.
Kiwanis Operation Feeding Morris County has distributed over 189,000 pounds of food, to 4,755 families, over 8,000 children with a retail value of over $475,000.
“Kiwanis Operation Feeding Morris County” was started in December by Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury President Cain Pope and has spread to many Morris County Kiwanis Club and other clubs in New Jersey as far away as Asbury Park, South Orange, Maplewood, Clifton, and Bridgewater.
Kiwanis does not ask for proof of income. The only thing we ask for is name, email address, the town of residence, and the number of children. The information is 100% confidential and is used to make sure we have a sufficient supply of food at each location and for informing the public of future food distributions.
Justin Carifi is a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and was a former Key Club member. Lt. Governor Frank Cahill placed the Kiwanis pin on Justin
Justin Carifi is a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and was a former Key Club member. In addition, Tyler Lee, a Parsippany Hills High school graduate, and former Key Club member joined our club in July.
“I am so excited to be part of the greatest and largest Kiwanis chapter in the state! I was a member of the Key Club at Parsippany Hills High School and I look forward to continuing to create ways to better the children of our communities,” said Justin Carifi.
Key Club, part of the Kiwanis family, is an international service organization for high school students. As a student-led organization, Key Club’s goal is to encourage leadership through serving others. In 2020 there were 229,652 members.
“Kiwanis club members believe in service,” said Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Laura Wohland. “They care about children. They’re interested in the community around them because the community matters to them. They’re people like you. Friends. Neighbors. Volunteers who want to make a difference.”
Jimmy Parikh being pinned by Frank Cahill after the official swearing-in
“As a long-term Parsippany resident, I am excited to have the opportunity to join Kiwanis. Moving through the public school system in Parsippany, to now being a young professional, I have formed a genuine understanding and appreciation of the local community and its progressive resources. Kiwanis is an incredible, national and forward-looking, organization with a mission statement that I truly standby. Being a new member of the Parsippany Kiwanis, I look forward to working with the rest of the Kiwanis family to continue to improve and give back to this community, and beyond,” said Jimmy Parikh.
Tom Toomey receiving his official Kiwanis pin during the swearing-in ceremony
Tom Toomey said, “I’m excited and honored to join the Kiwanis Club today – they do incredible work for people that need help in our community and I look forward to doing my part.”
Frank Cahill places the official Kiwanis pin on Darshan Parikh during the swearing-in ceremony
Laura Marie Ali couldn’t make the group swearing-in but will be sworn in at a later date by club President Laura Wohland.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. It is not religious-based or partisan in any way.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports ten K-Kids clubs, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Intervale School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School, and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.
Interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, contact President Laura Wohland, by emailing law4pres@gmail.com. Click here to view the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany website.
PARSIPPANY — “In the last 14 months, we learned how to do more with less. We learned to listen to scientists especially while making policy decisions for people,” said Michael Soriano, Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills.
As COVID was spreading in early 2020, his key challenges were maintaining the community’s health and enforcing the best sanitization practices in the most populous township in Morris County.
“As a team, keeping egos out and doing what’s best for the community was important,” Mayor said. He proudly mentioned an example demonstrating how help was extended to local businesses: “Working with the building department’s director, site plans were approved quickly and outdoor dining permit fees were waived for restaurants.”
“Township community-supported leaders and the youth spirit was uplifting,” Mayor Soriano remembers. Residents and community organizations raised money, donated food, and created masks.
This report focuses on how such local leaders outside the healthcare profession adapted during the COVID pandemic.
At the Board of Education, superintendent Dr. Barbara Sargent prioritized transition to virtual classrooms to minimize interruption in learning. “To find out who had a device and internet connection, we conducted a survey and made the necessary equipment available.” To communicate the BOE’s decisions about school schedules consistently and regularly, during rapidly shifting information, she started a Friday Letter to all parents.
As her proudest moment, Dr. Sargent notes, “Our teachers, principals, BOE members, and administrators — Wow! They rolled up sleeves and worked with sheer will, dedication, determination, innovation, and collaborative attitude!”
“Thinking ahead and planning for what we know today while anticipating the change was critical,” recalled Dr. Sargent.
“Post-pandemic,” she said, “instructional technology innovations, such as online interactions with classroom guests, will continue.”
Police Department Chief Andrew Miller said, “Accurate inventory and sanitization of Personal Protective Equipment were critical.” The Police Department managed budgets and secured emergency funds creatively. Community members provided help by sharing business contacts and donations.
The Police Department reduced indoor staff interactions by minimizing overlapping schedules. He emphasized, “Until late 2020, there was no COVID positive case in the department!”
Because people worked from home, burglaries went down and Calls-For-Service (CFS) was reduced by 70%. This provided additional time to officers for COVID-related training. “Officers read complex medical materials and routinely consulted with experts,” recalled Chief Miller. Sometimes, officers operated with full PPE gear for 10-12 hours which was stressful.
“I am a proud Chief!” He continued with appreciation, “The officers showed great professional attitude in serving the community while overcoming stress.”
In summary, by quickly adapting during the pandemic, these leaders continued to serve and help maintain the well-being of their communities.
This article was written Aadit Tembe, a 5th grader at the Lake Hiawatha Elementary School (LHS). He enjoys singing as well as playing musical instruments. He was the winner of LHS variety show 2020 organized by the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA). Additionally, he enjoys playing cricket & soccer.
Aadit compiled this report as a voluntary extra-curricular activity by interviewing the community leaders.
PARSIPPANY – As the nation pays its respects marking the 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the United States, the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will also honor the victims with an in-person memorial ceremony at Town Hall.
On Saturday, September 11 beginning at 8:30 a.m., Mayor Michael Soriano will be accompanied by civic and faith leaders, along with members of the Township’s Police Department, Fire Crews, and EMTs to honor the memory of the fallen, and reflect on the events that unfolded on that Tuesday morning in New York City, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania.
The event will be live-streamed on the township social media pages and website and will be shown in its entirety on Parsippany’s Own Video on The Go Channel 21 throughout the day.
“It’s been 20 years since 9/11, that fateful day when the whole world came to a halt to watch the horrors unfolding before our eyes,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “It’s almost unimaginable that this took place a generation ago, as it still seems so vivid to so many of us. The feelings we’re all reminded of each September must also include the unity and togetherness we felt in the aftermath. I do hope that residents join us at Town Hall for this memorial ceremony to mark two decades since the horrible tragedy that has shaped so much of our lives in its wake.”
The Township will welcome members of the Christian and Muslim faiths for prayer and reflection, along with patriotic songs and a moment of silence by the Twin Tower steel beam and plaques showing the names of Parsippany’s victims at the front of the Town Hall Courtyard.
“None of us can avoid fear, pain, and suffering,” said Mayor Soriano on the subject of 9/11. “But out of fear comes bravery, out of suffering comes healing, and out of pain comes understanding. It’s my hope that our service helps our residents in the grieving process as we look back on this tragedy while reminding each other that we’re here for one another each and every day.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Enjoy a day out on the links with the County College of Morris (CCM) Foundation and help support students with fulfilling their dreams for a rewarding and satisfying life.
This year’s Annual CCM Foundation Golf Classic takes place Monday, September 27, at the Picatinny Golf Club in Dover and includes lunch and an extended cocktail hour. All participants will receive a special Golfer Gift and there will be a Hole in One Car and Prize Contest. Raffle prizes also will be given out during the evening program. The cost is $175.00 per player.
The outing raises funds for the college’s scholarship programs and this year is focusing on supporting student-athletes and the college’s athletic programs.
Picatinny is an exclusive, membership-only facility that is considered to be the most respected, perfectly balanced course in New Jersey.
“We’re thrilled to offer golfers this opportunity to experience and play on this top-notch, picturesque course in northern New Jersey,” said Katie Olsen, executive director of the CCM Foundation. “Players will discover why this course is so well respected for its toughness, fairness, and excellent greens.”
The day begins with registration at 10:00 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at noon. The extended cocktail reception takes place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Corporate foursomes, sponsorships, and individual players are being sought. For more information and to register, call (973) 328-5060 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — If you’ve lived or grown up in Parsippany, there’s a good chance that you’ve met Lou Contaldi somewhere. Lou has always been a beacon of generosity and a fixture of the town, whether he was offering some landscaping advice, coaching a PTE Little League or PAL basketball team, or bringing over a tray of sausage and peppers to a community event. He’s always happy to help with a big smile and an even bigger laugh.
Unfortunately, over the last month the Contaldi’s discovered that Lou has Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer — metastasized and inoperable. Sadly, Pancreatic Cancer is among the hardest cancers to detect and treat, leading most people to find it only after it’s hit a late stage.
While it would be easy to get overwhelmed with such a serious diagnosis, the Contaldi’s — and Lou specifically — have been brought to tears from the overwhelming support the community has offered. Everyone from long-time friends to distant acquaintances has reached out, looking for ways to help. The love and support have been a massive boost to his emotional and physical wellbeing, and a testament to how much he means to those around him. With chemotherapy on the horizon, Lou is fighting hard to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
With this in mind, Lou has a few hard months ahead of him — the nature of Pancreatic Cancer means his diet will be restricted and treatment will get costly. As the owner and sole employee of Ahead Lawn Service, Lou (at 58 years old) can’t perform the physical tasks needed to run his small family business. As the head of the house, it means the family will be dipping into retirement savings to cover both daily living expenses and medical treatment.
Lou’s always been a helping hand and generous to a fault; let’s rally as a community to support him. Any amount donated will help go towards Lou’s treatment costs and financially supporting his family through these trying times. It would also be a huge help to share this GoFundMe with friends or on social media; we are hoping to reach as many people as possible.
Thank you for any generosity, and keep Lou and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany delivered backpacks filled with over $100 in school supplies to Parsippany Human Services, located at the Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road. Any resident needing help can contact Human Services at (973) 263-7163.
They will be distributed to families with children who need the supplies to go back to school.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany supports ten K-Kids clubs, Lake Parsippany Elementary School, Eastlake Elementary School, Intervale School, Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Littleton Elementary School, Lake Hiawatha Elementary School, Troy Hills Elementary School, Northvail Elementary School, Knollwood School, and Rockaway Meadow Elementary School, two builders clubs, Central Middle School and Brooklawn Middle School; two Key Clubs, Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School and one Aktion Club.
For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Business owners looking for resources, research, and data to help grow their organizations now have a comprehensive online center they can turn to as a result of a partnership between County College of Morris (CCM) and the Morris County Library Consortium.
The newly launched Business Development Resources for Northwest NJ: Market Research (Click here) provides a wealth of information, covering such areas as cost-benefit analysis and managing business credit, market research and consumer spending, business and marketing plans, county business patterns, and demographics, and much more.
The guide aligns with the college’s initiative to assist Morris County with enhancing and supporting entrepreneurial growth. Working with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce, CCM has developed plans to construct an Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science Center on its campus to train and support successful innovators. As part of those plans, the college will be developing new degree and certificate programs focused on entrepreneurship, hospitality management, and event planning, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain management.
“As the community’s college, part of CCM’s mission is to be a resource for the community, including local businesses,” notes Heather Craven, CCM library director and dean of the college’s Learning Resource Center. “Having local businesses who are well resourced and thriving results in a positive impact on the community. The CCM Library is excited to host this resource to promote business development in the region.”
As it stands today, the legality of abortion is one of the most hotly debated issues in American politics. One side finds legalizing abortion to be the legalization of murdering humans, and some find abortion to be against their faith, while the other side, people find that controlling abortion is akin to controlling the functions of people’s bodies. Historically, abortion has been illegal and unsafe, until Margaret Sanger’s push for it in the early 1900s, when it became legal. Its legality was upheld with the Supreme court case Roe v. Wade. Although abortion is immoral in some ways, it should be legal as no level of government has the right to restrict it.
To define its immorality, science shows that a fetus is indeed a living being. According to humanity’s latest biology, there are eight primary conditions to life. A fetus or even the first cell created at conception is living. However, this isn’t disputed by the left and right; the more controversial topic here is whether or not it is moral to kill it, since it has no functional ability. Many pro-abortion scholars point to a 1999 Princeton paper, which concludes that functional life – that is meaningful life (development of lungs, kidneys, etc.) starts much later. I argue that this is irrelevant; life is a life, and intentionally taking someone’s life (even if it’s a fetus) is immoral. Many of these scholars fail to provide differentiation between a fetus’ functionality (that is, none outside of the mother) and a purely dysfunctional human (a bedridden person) outside of their meaning to others. This illustrates a moral discrepancy in the justification of abortion. Although I do believe abortion is immoral, I still believe it should be legal.
One of the biggest progressions for abortion was the Roe v. Wade case, which legalized abortion. The rationale in the 7-2 decision was that the fourth amendment guaranteed the right to privacy within an individual’s own body. Although I do not necessarily disagree with the outcome, I do strongly disagree with the ruling. The fourth amendment states nothing of the kind, and the intentions of the writers of that amendment have nothing to do with abortion, but rather search upon stoppage by the government or police. The actions by that court were clearly judicial activism, attempting to get the desired outcome, with total disregard for the constitution. As argued by Professor Ely of Yale in 1973, the ruling assumed that the 4th amendment covered privacy although not explicitly outlined and that the amendment covered the right to terminate a pregnancy as a subset of the right to privacy. Ely argues that the law should have been about the 9th amendment’s “reservation of rights to the people,” or in the 14th amendment’s right to personal liberties. Richard Cohen of the Washington Post also disagrees with the ruling of ‘right to privacy. Cohen, like me, argues that this ruling was judicial activism, and goes further to say the Court does not care about ‘the right to privacy, as evident in the continuing ban on alcohol to minors, recreational drug use, and all other activities that do not impede on the rights of others and are done outside the public eye. Ely also identifies where the government’s interests lie, as found in the ruling of Roe v. Wade: in the first and second trimester, abortion is only restricted by the health of the mother, whereas in the third trimester, abortion is restricted entirely as the interest of protecting the viable (that is, functionally alive as defined above) is ‘compelling’ (or more relevant) as the Court sees it. This is certainly much more immoral than banning or legalizing abortion outright, as now it tiers the importance of lives: a mother’s will and control over her own body are meaningless beyond a certain point, and the life of the fetus/child is only important when they are functionally able.
Although I firmly believe that abortion is the immoral killing of another human, I find that the government has no jurisdiction over the individual’s bodies and so has no power to stop abortion. A common argument from pro-life scholars is that the fetus has the right to be in the mother, as the fetus is there due to factors beyond his/her control. I disagree because this is irrelevant, the fetus does not have the right to be there, just as the mother has no obligation to hold the fetus. As per the Capitalist Magazine, there is inherent permission granted at the time of conception, or sex. This can be revoked at any time, as desired by the mother, not the government. The government cannot control an individual, and so its collective interest should not lie in stopping an abortion they have no moral right over it. Additionally, banning abortion would not be successful anyway, as pointed out by former Libertarian candidate Harry Browne. Either way, the government will not succeed in stopping abortions, as they failed with stopping drug addictions. The government would close safe abortion facilities, and then women would turn to dangerous alternatives, in almost the same numbers. The risk of aborting illegally will be less than the financial and social consequences of bringing another into the world. Perhaps, the only way to decrease abortion is to incentivize birth control usage and decrease the explicit and implicit cost of having a child. Overall, banning abortion is outside of the control and ability of the government.
PARSIPPANY — As the Class of 2021 leave Parsippany and start a new chapter in their life, Parsippany Focus is publishing a list of where the Parsippany Hills High School Class of 2021 will be attending.
Post Secondary Education
Students
Percentage
Four Year College or University
191
75%
Two Year College
40
15.4%
Career Education
4
1.5%
Continuing Education
5
2%
Employment
3
1.1%
Gap Year
11
4.2%
Military
2
.8%
Total Class of 2021
256
100%
Barnard College
Gowri Konkesa
Maahi Patel
Bath Spa University (England)
Maia Hoffman
Binghamton University
Agamya Rao
Jack Reppen
Boston University
Rithvik Nakirikanti
Brown University
Tyler Gurth
Caldwell University
Brady Kells
Case Western Reserve University
Jimmy Nguyen
Centenary University
Nicholas Andrew
Angela Palazzo
Clemson University
Ian Reo
Coastal Carolina University
Robert Nese
College of Charleston
Emma Peters
Collin County College
Callie Henderson
County College of Morris
Angelina Butarascu
Julian Cachuela
Brandon Callan
Jessica Capozzi
Saad Chaudhry
Susan Chen
Kyle Cipkins
Sumreen Dhillon
Bruce Downing Jr.
Nicholas Floris
Nadirah Freeman
Lauren Higdon
Anthony Iancu
Jake Jasiecki
Mariana Jurado
Gaviria Hinal Kalavadia
Thomas Lally
Avianna Loper
Jaeden Martin
Lillian Martin
Daniel Menendez
Harsh Mistry
Tanyaradzwa Mudzinganyama
Aleksandre Museridze
Tatyana Parker
Jaykumar Patel
Nehaben Patel
Derek Plata Teutle
Allison Rice
Brian Ries
JadenRoman
Trevor Rosamilia
Delia Ryerson
Samantha Salazar
Olivia Smith
Essam Takieddine
Tyler Tran
Jack Tremaroli
Sarah Ziler
Vasili Zois
Rithvik Ayyalasomayajula
Ishaan Bhatt
Samay Desai
Arya Patel
Ravi Shah
Quinnipiac University
Taylor Gudelanis
Dana luspa
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Christine Lam
Shawn Stavrou
Taylor Zitelli
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Adwait Naware
Rochester Institute of Technology
Krystal Hsieh
David Edmiston
Michael Ververs
Rowan University
Emily Arnold
Christopher Dogbe
Jacob Smith
Rutgers University
Mohammad Ali
Varenya Alvakonda
Haseem Arshad
Jessica Currao
Matthew Degady
Michael Degady
Sweta Desai
Samantha Fornini
Russell Hasani
Alyssa Huang
Pearl Caroline Kolluri
Madhava Kunderan
Jeffrey Kwan
Ivy Lai
Marissa Lerman
Robin Mager
Sana Malek
Arnold Nguyen
Juhi Parmar
Amish Patel
Amisha Patel
Avi Patel
Dhruvaben Patel
Isha Patel
Kirtan Patel
Rick Patel
Aneri Path
Aditya Patur
Mansi Rana
Ulises Roldan
Deep Shah
Dev Shah
Rhea Shajan
Rohan Sharma
Ashley Sokolowski
Nicole Sokolowski
Christopher Swanson
Aleesha Syed
Zachary Taylor
Jordan Thompson
Sacred Heart University
Isabella Imperati
Michael Bavas
Christina Culotta
Andrew DiLauri
Brandon Fontanella
Jessica Huang
Sunetra Komathcal
Cristofer Mezger
Jordan Paris
Disha Patel
Rahi Patel
Nadira Rahman
Siena College
Valerie Trento
St. Lawrence University
Catherine O’Neill
Stevens Institute of Technology
Andre Vo
Stony Brook University
Renata Krysztofik
Nandini Majmudar
Temple University
Kamaya Jones
The College of New Jersey
John Bhat
Ridhi Kempegowda
The University of Tampa
Erin Tracy
University of Central Florida
Reva Pathre
University of Connecticut
Jillian Pasquino
University of Delaware
John Shields
University of Florida
Jasmyn Reid
University of Maryland
Aakash Maurya
University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Nerina San Martin
University of New Haven
Andrew Keane
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Shaleen Bordawekar
Esther Fifo
University of Rhode Island
Kendall Pachiolo
University of San. Diego
Tyler Salmon
University of the Sciences
Riti Trambadia
University of Toledo
Ishana Prasad
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Laila Kirstein
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Leticia Moraes
West Virginia University
John Sotardi
Wilkes University
Jarod Palatini
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Marcus Celestino
Nicholas Durso
Chandni Gajipara
James Garcia
Kristina Verderamo
York Technical College
Sean Boufford
Career Education
Michael Agostinho
Camilo Arango
Saileash Srinivasan
Continuing Education
Gian Fuentes
Meer Malek
Alexandra Monroe
Olavo Moraes
Harini Patel
Employment
Marissa Baker
Nayeli Buezo Jimenez
Derrik Mirochnik
Nicholas Zorzoris
GAP Year
Jose Caballero Molina
Matthew Damiano
Nicholas Gubernot
Daniel Jakubiak
Nicole Kafka
Anshika Madan
Alexander Mazzara
Jennifer Portillo
Rodrigo Shauy
Jessica Verile
Nicole Zapata
Dear Editor: