PARSIPPANY — On July 1, 2024, Donald S. Dinsmore, formerly of Casha Casha & Evans, LLC, began working at Morris Plains/Parsippany-based Plosia Cohen LLC.
Dinsmore complements Plosia Cohen’s municipal, school law, and litigation practice and adds to it his considerable experience and expertise in these and related areas. Don has extensive experience assisting businesses to manage their relationships with the New Jersey State and local government. Don served the State of New Jersey for over ten years, first as legal counsel to the New Jersey State Legislature, Chief of Staff to a State Assemblymember, and later as senior staff of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. In addition to legally representing governments and businesses, Don adds to Plosia Cohen his experience handling trust and estates, family law, guardianships, and real estate matters. Don also solidifies the firm’s status as a leader in administrative law and brings with him relationships with government entities and Joint Insurance Funds (“JIF”), thereby supplementing the firm’s already established practices in these areas.
Morris County Firm Plosia Cohen Hires Experienced Administrative, General Practice, and Litigation Attorney, Donald S. Dinsmore, Esq.
Bulldozers Move In: Former Daiichi Sankyo Building Set for Demolition
PARSIPPANY — Daiichi Sankyo relocated from Two Hilton Court in Parsippany to Basking Ridge in 2016. Despite vacating the premises in 2016, Daiichi Sankyo maintained the lease on the building until December 2022. Onyx Equities purchased the building in 2020, and the site is now set to be demolished to make way for a new warehouse.
Onyx Equities has been actively involved in various redevelopment projects in Parsippany, with several approvals from the local zoning board. Onyx acquired a significant portion of the former Mack-Cali complex, including nine buildings in Parsippany, as part of a 1.5 million square foot office portfolio.
Onyx Equities still owns several office buildings nearby, including The Arbors at Parsippany, located at One, Three, Five Sylvan Way, and Four and Six Campus Drive. Onyx’s renovation, which cost $15 million, introduced new amenities and programming that have fueled leasing interest. The enhancements include a fitness center, cafes, game rooms, outdoor activities, and walking trails.
The office buildings at Two and Three Campus Drive, formerly owned by Onyx Equities, were demolished, and AvalonBay Communities purchased the project. They are currently constructing high-density apartment buildings on the site. The new development includes approximately 430 multi-family apartments with an affordable housing component.
In addition, Seven Campus Drive is a 156,000-square-foot, three-story office building originally constructed in 1982. Mack-Cali Realty Corporation sold it to Birch Group in November 2020. The site is currently undergoing redevelopment as part of a PAR Development Urban Renewal project, which plans to convert the office space into industrial use. This redevelopment is part of the township’s broader efforts to repurpose vacant office buildings and introduce new uses to the area.
When Daiichi Sankyo occupied Two Hilton Court, the facility accommodated approximately 480 employees. The 186,000-square-foot building underwent renovations to support the company’s expanding workforce, with plans to eventually house around 600 employees at full capacity. These upgrades were part of Daiichi Sankyo’s broader strategy to enhance their U.S. headquarters and meet the growing needs of their operations. However, the company later relocated to Basking Ridge to consolidate its New Jersey facilities and improve efficiency. This move aimed to foster greater collaboration among their commercial and development divisions, enabling innovation in therapeutic areas such as cardiology, oncology, and pain management.
According to New Jersey property tax records, Two Hilton Court paid $693,610 in annual taxes 2016. By 2023, this amount had been reduced to $479,159.87. This significant decrease in property taxes reflects the building’s valuation and usage changes over the years. The adjustments in tax payments may be attributed to various factors, including property depreciation, changes in occupancy, or reassessment of the property value following Daiichi Sankyo’s departure and the subsequent redevelopment plans for the site.
Unforgettable Dining Experience at Kiori Japanese Kitchen
MORRIS PLAINS — This month, my ravenous group of foodie friends was in the mood for some Asian cuisine. One place that we have been hearing good things about and that has been on our radar was a small Japanese/Korean neighborhood restaurant on Speedwell Avenue in nearby Morris Plains. Kiori is a standalone building attached to a neighboring restaurant, Delicias Latinas, a cute little Latin American eatery.
Kiori Japanese Kitchen, promising a fresh approach to Japanese cuisine, opened to local fanfare in October 2022, when it took over the site previously owned by Aji Sushi Japanese Restaurant. Mayor Karr even presented the ownership with a borough “Key to Success” at the ribbon cutting, proudly displayed on the kitchen’s wall.
Speedwell Avenue is part of a bustling, vibrant street scene with limited parking, so I was pleased to find that Kiori had a private off-street parking lot in the rear of the restaurant. I arrived before my group, and on entry, I was warmly greeted by a smiling Yong Cho, who not only owns the eatery but manages, at least on this occasion, to amicably greet arriving guests, expediently bus tables, and serve customers.
That’s some front-of-the-house multi-tasking! That caring, personal touch is one of those things that is so cool about small, independently-owned businesses. While Mr. Cho is taking care of front-of-house operations, Joe Cho (best I could determine, Joe is Yong’s cousin) and his assistant are busy in the open-faced, immaculate kitchen, expertly preparing the dishes. As expected, all the dishes are made to order, and all ingredients are fresh and prepared at the restaurant, with regularly scheduled delivery of the fish. I should mention that Kiori is a BYOB establishment, and if you forget, do not worry; there’s a liquor store nearby.
Owner Yong Cho arrived in the U.S. 20 years ago from Korea, and Kiori Japanese Kitchen is his first restaurant. The energetic Mr. Cho comes from a restaurant-oriented family. His mother is a Chef in Japan, and he learned how to cook and prepare traditional Japanese food at an early age. His fairly extensive menu incorporates a wide selection of most traditional Japanese dishes and some modern twists on your classic favorites. Included are Appetizers, Bento Boxes ( traditional Japanese single-portion lunch), Donburi (rice bowl dish consisting of fish, meat, vegs), Japanese Fried Chicken (boneless and wings), Regular and Vegetable rolls, Signature rolls, Special rolls, Sushi & Sashimi combos (as well as A La Carte), Noodle dishes (assorted Ramen dishes), Lunch Combos (available 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), Katsu (fried pork, fish, cheese, or chicken with panko bread crumbs & sauce), soft drinks and dessert.
Kiori has about ten tables, including individual and booth seating along the side walls. There are also several stools along the open-faced sushi kitchen if you prefer. Our group of seven was seated at one of the booths, which proved to be comfortable. Seating is appropriately and thoughtfully spaced, and the small restaurant vibe is cozy, inviting, casual, and relaxing. The minimalistic design elements, sparse decorations, modern, dark-themed interior, and natural wood flooring and tables were simple, aesthetic, and reflective of a traditional Japanese restaurant. Ambient lighting from the exterior windows and dropped globe light fixtures were sufficient to create a suitable and desired mood where one can sit back and enjoy a great meal.
As my group finally arrived and were seated, Mr. Cho happily addressed any questions about the menu, and we usually have quite a few. Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, Mr. Cho even helped with our requested recommendations based on all our individual preferences. You felt immediately that this was going to be an enjoyable dining experience. As usual, we arrived at a selection of shared appetizers. After starting with a satisfying bowl of umami-rich Miso Soup, we opted for a couple of servings each of Fried Chicken Wings (deep fried chicken wings, with soy garlic and spicy sauce), Beef Gyoza (handmade beef dumplings with steamed or deep fry), Takoyaki (crispy octopus dumplings, with bonito flake, mayo, and okonomiyaki sauce), and the Appetizer Sampler (2 pieces each of Shumai, Vegetable Gyoza, Harumaki, and Takoyaki (deep fried only).
Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate balance of flavors, fresh ingredients, and meticulous preparation, and this became noticeably more apparent as our meal progressed. Every choice was delicious, and the gorgeous presentation and detail showcased the artistry that Japanese cuisine is noted for. Devoured quickly, there was no debate that everyone thoroughly enjoyed these wonderfully tasteful treats, but now it was time to move on to our entrees.
I went with the Kiori Special Roll (spicy tuna, eel, cucumber, rolled and layered Kani, mixed lobster salad, crunch, with avocado on top with spicy mayo). The roll was expertly crafted, and you could taste the fresh and high-quality ingredients. It was aesthetically enticing, and it was as delicious as it looked. As vast as the menu was, after much bantering, the rest of the group decided to opt for individual Bento Boxes. They included a Beef Bulgogi Box (marinated sliced rib eye beef, with house-made bulgogi sauce), Kalbi Box (broiled, marinated, bone-in short rib, with house-made kalbi sauce), Spicy Salmon Box (marinated and broiled salmon, with Kaori spicy sauce), and a Shrimp Tempura Box (4 pieces of deep-fried shrimp, house-made panko crumbs, with sauce). All the Bento Box selections came with steamed rice, house salad, Harumaki (Japanese Spring Roll), edamame, and a regular roll or Miso Soup. Sadly, I didn’t get to sample all the dishes personally, but everyone gave their choices a hearty thumbs up by unanimous agreement. Not only did everyone in the group agree that their dishes were delicious and their portion sizes were fulfilling, but they were also impressed with the polite, accommodating, and impeccable service. It was a very leisurely, unrushed meal and a dining adventure that was both delicious and culturally enriching.
The meal ended with complimentary Mochi Ice Cream. Mochi is a confection from pounded sticky rice with an ice cream filling. The frozen dessert comes wrapped in plastic. It is sweet and flavorful and a great palette cleanser after a meal. Before this visit, I was unfamiliar with Mochi despite many visits to Japanese eateries. That introduction itself made this visit a worthwhile experience. Enhancing my knowledge of the vast and diverse cuisines we are fortunate to have here in Morris County is a never-ending goal.
Overall, dining at Kiori Japanese Kitchen was a delightful experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Japanese cuisine. The delicious food, excellent service, reasonable prices, and inviting ambiance made it memorable.
Kiori Japanese Kitchen, 645 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains. Phone: (973) 270-0886. kiorikitchen.com; Dine In – Take Out- Delivery; No Reservations – BYOB – Private Parking Lot In Rear; Catering – Party Platters; Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Closed Sunday.
“ごうちそうさまでした”
Gouchiisousama deshita
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine – July 2024. Click here to read the magazine.
Here a Bear, There a Bear, Everywhere a What?
MORRIS COUNTY — Quite a few bear sightings have recently been in and around the local township area. Concurrently, the township has more than doubled in population. Most of these newcomers hail from NYC and other urban areas. Many lack familiarity with the natural world and, as a result, exhibit an irrational fear of any critters, be they bugs, birds, raccoons, and, of course, bears. On our township website, people post incidents of various animals being seen. Their fears are usually expressed by comments such as: “Call the Police immediately,” or “Beware, it’s known to be rabid,” or “I got the fright of my life…!”
Comments about bear sightings will normally solicit an unusual number of responses, which, in turn, pushed the recall button in my brain that unearthed the following scrap of memory:
“When in Eagle River, Alaska, a while ago, I, with two friends, Raissa The Brave and Lorissa The Agreeable, decided to walk down a precarious pathway to visit a small but beautiful chapel in the woods designed by a noted architect. We were quite surprised by coming across bear poop that was still steaming from its owner’s bodily warmth in the crisp, cool morning air. I, the newly appointed bear poop specialist, immediately recognized which species of animal welcomed us visitors to its realm.
Unfortunately, this was an: “Uh oh” moment because, at this time, we were at the point of no return. In other words, it would take the same amount of time to return to home base as to the safety of an open-air chapel-in-the-round. What to do?! I pondered that thought for a brief moment. “After all,” said I with the authority of a newly appointed poop specialist, “if the poop is still steaming, that means its depositor is still nearby.” In a flash, Raissa The Brave reached down and took up a large, quite heavy, thick stick about four feet in length that happened to be lying at her feet and said quite loudly and with abject authority: “I’m not going back. I want to see this chapel, and no bear poop is going to stop me.
Two friends, Raissa The Brave and Lorissa The Agreeable, decided to “With that she raised the stick up over her head and shook it as if to threaten any bear out there that this was war and she would be the ultimate victor come hell or high water. Our other companion in adventures, Lorissa The Agreeable, said, “OK, I’m game. Let’s keep on trucking: Chapel! Here we come!”
Being the plucked chicken of our small group, I whimpered softly: “But what if…?” I had no choice as I didn’t want to retreat to home base alone. After all, there’s strength in numbers.
With two friends, Raissa the Brave and Lorissa the Agreeable, she decided to “With that, she raised the stick up over her head and shook it as if to threaten any bear out there that this was war and she would be the ultimate victor come hell or high water. Our other adventure companion, Lorissa the Agreeable, said; the three of us then proceeded to continue our tour up, down, and around small mounds and more significant hills, stepping gingerly over rocks, stones, and branches through the mud-laden pathway toward the chapel. Eventually, we made it there and back without incident.
The other two were unscathed by the strange excremental cool-down encounter and, given the unending stream of chit-chat between them, most likely forgot all about it by this time. On the other hand, I headed for the nearest watering hole and ordered a double, followed by another. As I raised my glass to the barkeep, trying unsuccessfully to suppress a sob or two, said, ‘Never again! Never again! OMG, Never again!’”
(Based on an actual incident. Its accuracy is without question. Raissa, Lorissa, and I were at Eagle River, and yes, we decided to take a walk to the chapel in the woods, and yes, we came across bear poop that was still steaming. Raissa picked up a large stick, and we proceeded without incident. “Those are the facts, ma’am, just the facts.”)With two friends, Raissa the Brave and Lorissa the Agreeable, she decided to “With that, she raised the stick up over her head and shook it as if to threaten any bear out there that this was war and she would be the ultimate victor come hell or high water. Our other companion in adventures, Lorissa the Agreeable, said.
Hanover resident Sonia S. Kraftician submitted this article.
‘Big Rockshow’ and Fireworks to Light Up Parsippany on the 4th of July
PARSIPPANY — It’s almost Independence Day, and Parsippany is one of many towns in the Garden State set to light up the sky with fireworks to celebrate America’s independence.
This year’s show is on Thursday, July 4, and begins dark at Parsippany Hills High School. Gates open at 5:00 p.m., and the cover band, 90s Rockshow, returns to entertain guests before the fireworks start.
They’ll take the stage at 7:00 p.m., playing rock hits from the 1990s and beyond, including songs from Journey, Green Day, Nirvana, Kelly Clarkson, No Doubt, Alanis Morissette, Goo Goo Dolls, Pearl Jam, Blink 182, The Go-Go’s, Whitney Houston, Cher, Led Zeppelin, Bryan Adams, and more.
Parsippany Hills High School is at 20 Rita Drive.
Please note that no pets are permitted at the fireworks show. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled to Friday, July 5.
Letter to the Editor: Musella’s Mayoral Candidacy Promises Change for Parsippany
Dear Editor:
A refreshing and invigorating breeze blew into Parsippany on a sultry summer afternoon. Unlike the heated and stifling rhetoric that all too frequently spews forth from the office of Parsippany’s Mayor Barberio, Councilman Justin Musella’s announcement that he is running for Mayor promises that Parsippany has better days ahead.
Speaking to the aspirations of residents with families and seniors on fixed incomes, Justin told out-of-town developers and their greedy attorneys that from now on, Parsippany will be about the residents and not about the ill-gotten gains offered by the Mayor and his two Council cronies.
Justin offers calm, rational, and innovative leadership. How refreshing and invigorating that will be.
Bob Crawford
Goddard School in Parsippany Holds Heartwarming Pre-K Graduation Ceremony
PARSIPPANY—The Goddard School held its Annual Pre-K Graduation on Friday, June 28, at 311 Smith Road.
Fourteen students graduated Pre-K and will start Kindergarten in September. The graduates included Aarnav Nagpal, Abhinav Soni, Dhishan Tkakor, Harshil Patel, Hunter Hogstra, Mia Vargas Villegas, Ojas Joshi, Sachi Bhat, Tyler Dendulk, Vihaan Rana, Dhaara Bagali, James Lin, Vedant Praveen, and Landon Imhof.
The Goddard School in Parsippany is a private preschool that offers early childhood education programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten children. Located at 311 Smith Road, the school is known for its play-based learning approach, which balances academic, social, and emotional development. The curriculum includes a variety of subjects, such as math, science, literacy, and the arts, all designed to stimulate young minds and foster a love of learning.
The Goddard School strongly emphasizes creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can thrive. It employs qualified and caring teachers dedicated to providing personalized attention and support to each child. Additionally, the school incorporates enrichment programs, including physical fitness, music, and foreign language, to enhance the overall educational experience.
Parents appreciate the school’s commitment to communication and partnership, ensuring they are actively involved in their child’s education. The Goddard School in Parsippany also organizes numerous events and activities throughout the year, including the annual Pre-K graduation ceremony, which celebrates young learners’ achievements as they transition to kindergarten.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine – July 2024. Click here to read the magazine.
Parsippany Welcomes Four New Police Cadets at Town Council Meeting
PARSIPPANY — At the June 25th Parsippany-Troy Hills Town Council meeting, Mayor James Barberio swore in four new police officers: Cadet David Przybylo, Cadet Peter Jones, Cadet Keegan McCarthy, and Cadet Shyam Patel.
In the presence of their families and friends, the cadets recited the Oath of Allegiance and received their badge assignments from Mayor Barberio and Chief Rich Pantina.
They will begin their 20-week training program at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy on July 8th. Mayor Barberio emphasized his commitment to public safety and praised the new officers.
Musella Aims to Unseat Barberio in 2025 Parsippany Mayoral Contest
PARSIPPANY — The New Jersey Globe (click here to read) has reported that Parsippany Councilman Justin Musella, 32, is expected to launch his bid for mayor on Saturday, June 29, announcing plans to challenge incumbent Jamie Barberio in the June 2025 Republican primary. Parsippany Focus confirmed that the announcement will be held at 51 Gibraltar Drive at 1:00 p.m.
The two Republicans have clashed for most of the last three years, with Musella alleging that Barberio’s budget process lacks transparency and criticizing the mayor’s inability to deliver tax cuts while providing developers with 30-year tax breaks through Payment-in-Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) programs.
Musella, a former chairman of Morris County Young Republicans, was elected to the township council in 2021 after local Republicans split their ticket in a contested and divisive primary. Musella emerged as the top vote-getter in the general election among all the candidates.
Barberio was first elected mayor in 2009 and re-elected in 2013. Soriano ousted him in 2017 by 834 votes, 53%-47%. In 2021, Barberio defeated Soriano by a margin of approximately 1,000 votes.
Barberio hasn’t officially announced his candidacy for Mayor, although he filed his intent to run for Mayor with the New Jersey Election Enforcement Committee (Click here to view). Previously, Former Council Vice President Robert Peluso and President Lou Valori challenged Barberio in a Republican primary. Valori has moved from Parsippany.
Peluso has filed his intent to run for Mayor with the New Jersey Election Enforcement Committee (Click here to view).
Musella and Neglia’s council and Barberio’s Mayoral seats are up for re-election in 2025. The Primary will be held on June 3, 2025.
Connect with Loved Ones Through Medium Catherine McCall at Parsippany Rescue Event
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Unit Presents “An Evening of Messages with Medium Catherine McCall.” The event will be held on Saturday, June 29th. Dinner is served at 5:00 p.m., and reading begins at 6:00 p.m. Rescue and Recovery is located at 4 Volunteers Court, Lake Hiawatha.
Catherine McCall is a spiritual medium and intuitive based in Dover. She has been a professional medium since 2007. Catherine discovered her abilities at a young age and has dedicated her life to connecting people with their loved ones who have passed on. She uses her skills in clairvoyance (seeing), clairaudience (hearing), and clairsentience (feeling) to communicate with the spirit world.
Her journey into mediumship began with personal experiences of seeing and hearing spirits, including a life-changing moment in her 30s when she heard the voice of her deceased grandmother. This moment motivated her to pursue a mediumship professionally. Catherine’s sessions often include detailed messages, names, dates, and other specific information that help clarify and comfort her clients. She also extends her mediumship to include communication with pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Ticket Information: $55 per person (includes Pasta Dinner) or Reserve a Table of 10 for $500.00. Payment Options Venmo or PayPal.
For Additional Information, please contact Vicki Sanford at (973) 703-4194 or Nicolas Limonav at (917) 499-7299.
Mail Checks to:
PO Box 45, Lake Hiawatha, NJ 07034
Checks must be received by June 24th
Please put your name in the subject and how many tickets you purchased.
Impact100 Garden State Awards Four $100,000 Grants
MORRIS COUNTY — Impact100 Garden State, an all-women group for collective giving, awarded four organizations grants of $100,000 each when members voted at the group’s annual awards meeting on Wednesday, June 5, at the Birchwood Manor in Hanover Township.
The grants were awarded based on a vote by Impact100 Garden State members.
The recipients are:
Cheshire Home, a provider of short-term rehabilitation for adults with spinal injuries and neurological impairments, for its program “Helping Paralyzed Young Adults Rise&Walk Again.”
Comfort Zone Camp for its program “Free New Jersey Bereavement Camp Where Children Learn to Grieve, Heal and Grow.”
The Institute of Music for Children for its program “Arts Access for High-Need Children.”
Table to Table for its program “Food Rescue Heroes: Bridging the Gap Between Food Waste and Hunger.”
The three remaining finalists each received a $3,000 Merit Grant. They are:
Housing Partnership for Morris County
Passaic County Community College Foundation
Rebuilding Together North Jersey
The all-women, all-volunteer Impact100 Garden State organization pools member contributions to make high-impact grants. Since it began grant-giving in 2013, the group has donated more than $3.5 million to area nonprofits. This year, a record membership of 408 women allowed Impact100 Garden State to give four $100,000 grants for the first time.
“Our collective giving circle empowers each member to give to others in a meaningful way, creating a strong team of female philanthropists,” says Impact100 Garden State President Celeste Campos of Warren. “We work together collaboratively, and in doing so, we have created a true community of women. All women are welcome to join us!”
To learn more, click here.
Senior Law Day: Law & Information for Older Adults
MORRIS COUNTY — Join the session to learn more about navigating the key legal issues facing older adults. Experts will cover topics such as estate planning, advanced directives, government benefit programs, services available, information on long-term care, and payment options. The discussion will also address geriatric care issues at home, including planning and modifications, conducting a home safety assessment, and policy issues facing older adults.
An informational session will be followed by a robust Q-and-A session where experts will answer questions and provide resources.
When: July 16, 2024, 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: In person at NJ Law Center, One Constitution Square, New Brunswick, and virtually via Zoom
Free and Open to the Public
Sponsored and Hosted by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation
Presented by the NJSBA Elder and Disability Law Section
Agenda
- 9:30 – 9:45: Registration and Breakfast
- 9:55 – 10:00: Welcome ~ Charlie J. Stoia, NJSBF President, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman
- 10:00 – 10:15: Basics of Estate Planning ~ Mark Friedman, Esq., Friedman Law
- 10:15 – 10:30: Basics of Long-Term Care ~ Ryann Siclari, Esq., LL.M. (Elder Law), CELA, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman
- 10:30 – 10:45: Home Care Program Options ~ Amy Brown, New Jersey Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
- 10:45 – 11:00: Choosing and Modifying a Home to Age in Place ~ Trish Barbosa, RN-CN, CCM, Certified Geriatric Care Manager, Peace Aging Care Experts, LLC
- 11:00 – 12:00: Questions and Answers
Faustino Calleja Arrested for DUI and Reckless Driving
MOUNTAIN LAKES — On May 5th, 2024, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Mountain Lakes Patrolman Brown conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 46 East after witnessing a vehicle nearly collide with the welcome sign at The Mansion.
Following an investigation, the driver, 23-year-old Faustino Calleja, Parsippany, was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Mr. Calleja was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving, having an open container in the vehicle, obstructing the windshield, making an improper turn, failing to possess an insurance card, driving without a license, and failing to observe a traffic control device.
A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, this Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
University of Rhode Island Celebrates 2024 Commencement, Honoring Sophia Delli Bovi
PARSIPPANY — The University of Rhode Island celebrated more than 4,100 of its newest alumni during the University’s 2024 Commencement, including Sophia Delli Bovi. Nearly 4,000 undergraduate and 800 graduate degrees were conveyed to students during the May 17-19, 2024 ceremonies. Sophia Delli Bovi graduated from Parsippany High School, Class of 2020.
Acclaimed actress Viola Davis, one of only 19 people to have won all four major American performing arts awards, delivered a stirring keynote address, sharing a message of transformation, healing, and love with graduates. Davis, a Rhode Island native, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters. Charles M. Royce and Deborah Goodrich Royce, noted for their considerable literary and investment success and important preservation work across Rhode Island, were awarded honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees during the ceremony.
The University of Rhode Island is a diverse and dynamic community whose members are connected by a common quest for knowledge. As a global education leader and the state of Rhode Island’s flagship public research institution, URI offers distinctive opportunities designed to meet today’s world’s global challenges and tomorrow’s rapidly evolving needs. Founded in 1892, URI now enrolls more than 18,000 students and offers over 200 degree programs across nine schools and colleges. As a land- and sea-grant institution, URI is a crucial driver of economic development in Rhode Island and contributes significantly to the health and vitality of the state, the New England region, and the nation. To learn more click here.
Brooklawn Moving Up Ceremony 2024
PARSIPPANY — Brooklawn Moving Up Ceremony 2024 was held on June 20th.
Kosut Tract Acquisition Marks Milestone in Parsippany’s Open Space Expansion
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has announced that it has successfully acquired a 5.4-acre property on Knoll Road, the Kosut tract. This significant purchase, completed on June 12th, marks the final property acquisition needed to secure the project area, surrounded by over 11 acres of existing Township open space. The Township plans to implement conservation activities and establish a new passive Township park on the site, further enhancing the community’s green spaces.
The acquisition, valued at $1.9 million, was made possible through the generous support of various funding sources. A New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Green Acres matching grant and two grants from the Morris County Municipal and Charitable Conservancy Trust Fund contributed a combined total of $1,450,000. The Township’s Open Space funds covered the remaining balance, showcasing a strong local commitment to land preservation and community improvement.
The Kosut tract is located on Knoll Road across from the Boonton Reservoir (the Jersey City Reservoir). The property surrounding the Kosut Tract is already owned by the Township and makes up the 11.1-acre Fieldfair Property. The Kosut Tract is the final parcel of land required to complete the Fieldfair Property. The acquisition of the Kosut Tract has been a long-time goal of the Township.
Parsippany Library Launches Oral Histories Project
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Library launched a partnership with coLAB Arts to produce oral histories and photo essays documenting the local and immigrant experiences of the Asian community. With the support of a Morris County Heritage Commission re-grant award, oral histories, and photos were created and will be displayed at a public exhibition hosted by the library. The library will host a reception for this project on Wednesday, July 10th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The photographer for this project is Shravya Kag. Shravya is a queer, brown photo and video documentarian based in Brooklyn, New York. Born and raised in Vijayawada, India, she moved to Brooklyn in 2015 and received a Master’s in Photography from the School of Visual Arts. Captivated by oral histories and how they can shape a culture, her work is an exploration of home, identity, and personal space, mainly focusing on the intimate and interpersonal stories of people of color and queer people. Shravya’s work has been internationally commended and exhibited at locations such as Somerset House London, Photoville, and Art Space NYC and featured in publications like Vogue India and NY Times.
All oral histories will be annotated by coLAB Arts’ research team with support from Professor Karen Pechilis, Professor of Religious Studies and NEH Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Drew University. Annotation research is intended to provide historical and social context for the oral history collection through sourcing policy, legislation, and journalism. The finished project will serve as an open-source archive for researchers, policymakers, and storytellers who wish to understand Parsippany’s immigrant experience better.
This project is meant to directly benefit the community reflected in its stories, to provide an increased sense of place and identity, and to facilitate conversations around what makes Parsippany a resilient and safe space for immigrants to create a home.
Photos can be viewed by clicking here.
Why are youth suicides increasing in NJ? Assemblywoman Dunn wants answers
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey’s youth suicide rate is lower than the nation’s, but it has unfortunately trended up over the last decade, Assemblywoman Aura Dunn said.
A new report required under legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn and cleared by an Assembly committee this week focuses on the causes contributing to the increase.
“To significantly reduce and hopefully eliminate youth suicides in New Jersey, legislators need to understand better why it is happening,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “Do we need more mental health support in schools? Should pediatricians screen teens for suicide risk? How many children had increased suicidal thoughts while taking antidepressants? These are questions that I am hopeful this report will help answer so that we can reach kids sooner, get them the right help, and save lives.”
The bill (A3198) directs the state’s health commissioner to work with the Department of Children and Families, the Department of Human Services, and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council to study the causes of youth suicide and associated risk factors like mental illness and substance abuse.
Ninety-four New Jersey youth ages 10 to 24 died by suicide in 2021, making it the second leading cause of death among that age range in the Garden State, Dunn said.
“Every year, thousands of young people end up needing emergency or inpatient care because of a suicide attempt, but oftentimes there are red flags like social isolation or increased anxiety before a person needs a crisis-level intervention,” Dunn said.
Of the youth who died by suicide in the state between 2017 and 2019, 70% were known to be struggling with mental health issues, problems at school, suicidal ideation, and more. Eleven percent disclosed their suicide intent to another person before acting, Dunn said.
Dunn said that after the study, the health commissioner will issue a report that includes recommendations for legislation or regulatory changes to address the causes.
“Recognizing who is at increased risk, the reason why, and the contributing causes will help create successful safety nets and prevention plans,” Dunn added. “Making sure parents are aware of the warning signs and all the available treatments, as well as their benefits and risks, is important, too.”
Dunn noted how the FDA started requiring a black box warning on the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in 2004 to alert doctors that children and teens taking that type of drug might be prone to thoughts of suicide.
According to a mental health industry watchdog organization, 15,840 New Jersey children and teens between the ages of 0 and 17 in 2023 were prescribed antidepressants under Medicaid.
“New Jersey needs a bigger picture, which will be provided through this comprehensive report, to ensure the right programs and information are offered in the right places at the right times,” Dunn said.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the suicide rate among young people ages 10 to 24 increased 62% from 2007 through 2021.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Meeting Scheduled for June 25
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m. 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.
Click here to download the agenda.
Click here for the 2024 calendar.
Mayor James Barberio
Council President Paul Carifi, Jr.
Council Vice President Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
Councilman Matt McGrath
Councilwoman Judy Hernandez
Award-Winning Local Restaurant Still Going Strong After 17 Years
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, June 17th, Parsippany’s Gourmet Café celebrated its 17th anniversary as one of the Township’s premiere Italian restaurants. The cozy, comfortable, upscale/casual BYOB, the pride and joy of Chef Matthew Pierone (aka Chef Matt), is in the Baldwin Plaza at 136 Baldwin Road. The trendy eatery, a family-owned and operated business boasting a large, area-wide regular clientele, is the pride and joy of Chef Matt, who is known to continually roam the room greeting his guests, most of whom he knows by name, and serving up a complimentary glass of his homemade limoncello.
Many of those regulars dressed for the occasion, packed the restaurant, and many arrived bearing gifts to commemorate the occasion. Marie Fragomeni, a paralegal specialist representing Morris County Clerk Ann Grossi, presented Chef Pierone with a proclamation recognizing the Gourmet Café and Chef Pierone for not only its high-quality cuisine and exceptional hospitality but for its commitment to the community and ongoing generosity to various local organizations and charities.
An extensive array of complimentary appetizers continued to arrive from the kitchen, one after another, as the assembled guests chatted, shared stories, enjoyed a glass or two of wine, and just enjoyed the afternoon. Everyone seemed to have a special connection and/or memory that endeared them to the Gourmet Café. Many shared stories of past special occasions, anniversaries, birthdays, or simply a memorable meal or two embedded in their memories. The dining room was filled with a communal feeling, and it is clear that you are welcomed as part of the family as soon as you walk through the doors into what has grown to be one of Parsippany’s most desirable establishments.
Parsippany Mayor James Barberio stopped by to congratulate. Also present were Past Parsippany Council President Michael dePierro, his wife Dee, and Morris County Commissioner Stephen Shaw. It’s hard to believe that 17 years have passed since Chef Matt opened his doors in 2007 and became a staple in the community.
It was a great afternoon to commemorate the occasion, and everyone in the room agreed they were looking forward to enjoying many more delicious meals during the next 17 years.
