NewBridge JobsPlus Class of 2025 Takes Charge of Their Futures
JobsPlus Class of 2025 Graduate Miranda Morgan celebrating with her family.
Abdullah Jan gave up on high school in his senior year. “I was in such a bad place,” he said. Over the next several years, he worked his way up to a district manager at Domino’s pizzeria, ignoring a friend’s repeated urging to try NewBridge JobsPlus.
On June 12, Jan was one of nearly two dozen young adults celebrated for earning their high school diplomas and preparing for their next steps in life. More than 100 relatives and friends gathered at the Morristown Beard School to hear about their journeys, and those of NewBridge JobsPlus alumni who overcame tremendous challenges to find their path.
Program Director Amy Sheppard
recited the final lines of Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” and said the 33 young adults who completed JobsPlus during the 2024-25 academic year followed that path. (Eleven were not at commencement.)
“That takes courage, it takes faith, and that takes perseverance. That experience will make the difference as they continue their journey,” Sheppard said. “I’m so proud of you!”
Jan called his time at NewBridge JobsPlus “the best learning experience I’ve had anywhere.” With support from the staff, Jan completed six months of training to become a clinical certified medical assistant. “NewBridge JobsPlus put me in the mindset
to realize I could do anything I set my mind to.” He received a $1,000 scholarship from Provident Bank.
Students Find Purpose, and a Path Forward
Class of 2025 graduate Kylie Capavanni and her sister, Kelsey Gonzalez, a 2019 graduate.
Kylie Capavanni has come a long way since leaving high school in 10th grade. She spent several years caring for a much younger sister before enrolling in JobsPlus at age 19, as her sister, Kelsey Gonzalez, had done six years ago.
(Continued on Page 10)
NewBridge
Serving 56,162 Households of Parsippany-Troy Hills
July 2025
Publisher Frank L. Cahill
Photographer Nicolas Limanov
Contributing Writers Christine Mercado Anikait Sota
Distribution Manager Luis A. Matos
Design and Layout
Zoomus Marketing, LLC
90 East Halsey Road, Suite 304
Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (973) 559-6000
MEMBER OF
About
Parsippany Focus
Parsippany Focus was founded on October 1, 1989 by Publisher Frank Cahill. Parsippany Focus is the only dedicated news source, publishing local news and information for over thirty-five years exclusively for Parsippany-Troy Hills.
Parsippany Focus Magazine is published monthly by Zoomus Marketing, LLC, 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 304, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054
©2025 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.
No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any for m without prior written permission of the publisher.
Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.
July Cover Story Systems that scale....
Siteflo, developed by A3DM, is transforming how businesses operate by eliminating inefficiencies and streamlining workflows. With features like real-time updates, automated progress reports, instant job takeoffs, and AI-driven follow-ups, Siteflo enhances communication, accelerates deal closures, and boosts profitability. Built by industry insiders, it’s already saved and generated millions for companies seeking smarter, scalable, and more efficient operations
Story appears on pages 18 and 19.
3 NewBridge JobsPlus Class of 2025 Takes Charge - Abdullah Jan and classmates from NewBridge JobsPlus Class of 2025 overcame obstacles, earned diplomas, and embraced new futures through perseverance, education, and support from dedicated mentors
6 Message from Mayor James Barberio - Mayor James Barberio highlights Parsippany’s vibrant summer, from fireworks and concerts to infrastructure efforts—celebrating unity, safety, and community spirit throughout July and beyond
8 New Superintendent in Town - Dr. Karen Chase has been appointed as the new Superintendent of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools, officially beginning her role on October 1, 2025. With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Chase brings a strong background in curriculum, instructional leadership, and administration.
12 Parsippany Welcomes Smolin - Smolin celebrated the grand opening of its new office at 10 Waterview Blvd. in Parsippany with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 11. The event featured remarks from local leaders, including Mayor James Barberio and Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill. A highlight was the recognition of John Szczomak, newly elected President of the NJCPA, for his leadership and service.
14
BAPS Charities “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run” - Over 400 participants joined the BAPS Charities “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run” in Parsippany on June 1, supporting the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center and Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute. The event, part of a nationwide effort, emphasized health, unity, and service, with proceeds helping fund cancer screenings and cardiovascular care. BAPS Charities continues to impact communities globally through service initiatives
24 Beehler Named to University of Scranton Dean’s List - Rachael F. Beehler, a 2022 Parsippany Hills graduate and forensic chemistry major at The University of Scranton, earned Dean’s List honors and completed a prestigious six-week internship in forensic toxicology at CFSRE. There, she gained hands-on lab experience, authored a 53-page mock case report, and testified in a simulated court, further affirming her passion for forensic science.
25 Falafel is waiting for her Forever Home - Falafel, a 9-year-old Havanese rescued from a commercial puppy mill, is seeking a quiet, loving forever home through WISE Animal Rescue. Gentle and low-energy, she thrives in calm environments and is making steady progress in her training. Adopting Falafel supports WISE’s mission of caring for vulnerable animals.
32 Drought Persists, Conservation Urged Statewide - Shivanshi Joshi, a PHHS STEM Pathway student, highlights New Jersey’s ongoing drought challenges and climate impacts. Despite recent rain, dry conditions persist, stressing water supplies and increasing wildfire risks. Joshi urges water conservation efforts like fixing leaks, using efficient appliances, and landscaping with native plants to protect resources. Public awareness and advocacy are key to long-term climate resilience.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education Appoints Dr. Karen Chase as Superintendent of Schools
The Parsippany-Troy Hills Board of Education announced that Dr. Karen Chase has been appointed the new Superintendent of Schools. With more than 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Chase will officially assume her role on October 1, 2025.
Grounded in the belief that effective leadership is about building strong systems, investing in people, and placing students at the center of every decision, Dr. Chase holds degrees in English Education and Educational Psychology and earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy.
“Our selection process cast a wide net and, ultimately, we met with eight highly qualified candidates. We narrowed the field down to two impressive finalists before selecting Dr. Chase,” the Board of Education said. “We congratulate Dr. Chase on her appointment, and we are confident that her extensive experience, deep knowledge of curriculum, management skills, and love of education will both nurture and expand the quality of education throughout the district. She possesses a realistic vision, a clear sense of priorities, and a strong advocacy for high expectations. We look forward to partnering with her as we collectively address challenges and embrace opportunities to continue providing the highquality education that the Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District has come to expect.”
Dr. Karen Chase, a distinguished educator and visionary leader, prepares to begin her tenure as Superintendent of ParsippanyTroy Hills Township Schools on October 1, 2025.
Dr. Chase began her career as a classroom teacher in the Bridgewater-Raritan School District, where she worked with students of all abilities across elementary, middle, and high school levels.
She served as a supervisor of instruction in the Montville Township School District,
assistant superintendent in the School District of the Chathams, and, most recently, as superintendent in the Branchburg Township School District.
Dr. Chase earned a Bachelor’s
degree in English Education from Kean University, a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Management, and Policy from Seton Hall University.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Schools
•Elementary Schools (10 total – PreK/K to Grade 5)
Eastlake Elementary School: PreK–5
Intervale Elementary School: K–5
Knollwood Elementary School: K–5
Lake Hiawatha Elementary School: PreK–5
Lake Parsippany Elementary School: K–5
Littleton Elementary School: K–5
Mount Tabor Elementary School: K–5
Northvail Elementary School: K–
Rockaway Meadow Elementary School: K–5
Troy Hills Elementary School: K–5
•Middle Schools (2 total – Grades 6–8)
Brooklawn Middle School: Grades 6–8
Central Middle School: Grades 6–8
•High Schools (2 total – Grades 9–12)
Parsippany High School: Grades 9–12
Parsippany Hills High School: Grades 9–12
Dr. Karen Chase
Indoor and Outdoor Pools
Birthday Pool Parties
Jacuzzi / Cedar Sauna
Swim Lessons
Personal Trainers
Cardio Machines
Fitness Center and more.....
199 Smith Rd. Parsippany, NJ
Community Unites for a Cause: BAPS Charities Hosts Annual “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run”
A wave of enthusiasm and commitment swept through Parsippany on Sunday, June 1, as BAPS Charities hosted its annual “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run.” With 400+ participants stepping forward to support Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital and Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, the event underscored the power of unity in making a lasting impact.
Spanning over 100 cities across North America, the BAPS Charities Walk-Run embodies a mission that goes beyond fitness. It champions causes including education, health, environmental stewardship, humanitarian relief, and support for local first responders. This year’s BAPS Charities WalkRun in Parsippany reinforced the organization’s commitment to serving communities locally and globally.
The event was not just about
taking strides for a cause—it was about building a stronger, more compassionate society. Participants of all ages, from youth to seniors, came together to show their support for Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital and Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute and its mission to “ deliver the highest standard of cardiovascular care in the region, utilizing advanced technology, expertise, and research to improve patient outcomes”.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, MS. Jigisha Kothari of Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Morristown Memorial Hospital shared, “Events like BAPS Charities walkathon help do 100s of cancer screenings and free treatment to deserving patients.”
Dr. Dhaval Shah, a guest speaker, remarked, “Diet and exercise are
equally important for cardiovascular health.”
For over 20 years, BAPS Charities has been dedicated to serving communities through health, education, humanitarian relief, environmental preservation, and community empowerment. In North America, it has organized over 1,000 Walk-Runs, 500 health fairs, and 500 blood donation drives, benefiting thousands.
Beyond the Walk-Run, BAPS Charities actively provides aid globally, supporting wildfire relief in Los Angeles, responding to hurricanes Milton and Helene, and assisting thousands of Ukrainian refugees. Through its “Spirit of Service” campaign, it leads food drives, toy drives, and health awareness
(Continued on Page 16)
Community Unites for a Cause: BAPS Charities Hosts Annual “Spirit of Service: Walk-Run”
(Continued from Page 14)
initiatives. Globally, it has planted over 2 million trees and built 55 schools in disaster-hit regions. Committed to service and unity, BAPS Charities continues to make a lasting impact.
Participants expressed enthusiasm for the Walk-Run, with 6th grader Vihaan Patel stating, “I raised awareness by talking to students at school lunch who convinced their parents to participate in a noble cause”. Another 11-year-old participant, Nandini Bhatt, stated, “I spread awareness and raised funds by talking to teachers and friends and explaining about how raising money helps people with cancer.”
Event lead Jalpesh Thaker extended gratitude to all involved, saying, “Thank you all for doing an amazing job to raise donations for the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center and the Gagnon
Cardiovascular Institute. In addition, thank you to everyone in the audience and the volunteers who have done their part for this walkathon and for your generous contributions in making the 2025 BAPS Walkathon a remarkable event yet again. This walk is driven by the belief that “In the Joy of Others, Lies Our Own.”
As another successful Walk-Run
concluded, the event reaffirmed the impact of collective action in fostering change. With every step taken, BAPS Charities inspires service-minded individuals, ensuring that compassion and community engagement remain at the heart of its mission.
For more information on the local activities of BAPS Charities, visit https://www.bapscharities.org/
MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER of Parsippany
4 Century Dr Parsippany, NJ
What is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer?
American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer® is a celebration of courage and hope, a movement uniting communities to end breast cancer as we know it, for everyone Over the past two decades, our 3- to 5-mile noncompetitive walks have collectively grown into the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement –providing a supportive community for courageous breast cancer survivors and metastatic breast cancer thrivers, caregivers, and families alike Making Strides funds lifesaving breast cancer research and is committed to advancing health equity through essential programs and services, believing that all people should have a fair and just opportunity to live a longer, healthier life free from breast cancer.
Join our volunteer committee
Become a corporate partner for our event HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Register and start fundraising for our mission
Donate to our cause and help us end breast cancer as we know it
Spread the word about our event!
Being involved in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer provides the opportunity to help us save lives from breast cancer
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Parsippany NJ - 2024 Impact
6,000 Participants
Over $521,000 raised in the fight against breast cancer
260 registered teams
300 survivors
SiteFlo: The System Behind the Success
How Two Founders and a Breakout Tech Team Are Reshaping the Way Companies Communicate, Operate, and Scale — One Workflow at a Time
Two years ago, A3DM made waves as a local creative powerhouse — blending cinematic storytelling with digital strategy and putting New Jersey entrepreneurs on the map. But the story didn’t stop there.
Today, A3DM has grown beyond storytelling. It's become the parent engine behind Siteflo, the all-in-one
Capture Everything in Real Time
Voice notes, job site photos, material updates — your team uploads it all directly into Siteflo. No group chats. No scattered texts. Just clean, trackable input.
From Notes to Numbers, Everything in One Place
At its core, Siteflo simplifies the mess of running a fast-moving business. Whether it’s a foreman on-site uploading daily photos and voice notes, or a project manager leaving quick updates, everything funnels seamlessly into the system.
That input doesn’t just sit in a folder. Siteflo processes it — transforming raw updates into real-time progress reports, automated summaries, and shared communication threads that keep every team member in sync.
And for ownership or leadership?
operating system helping businesses — especially in traditionally chaotic industries — save time, reduce friction, and unlock millions in revenue and operational efficiency.
What makes Siteflo different is that it was built from the inside — shaped by years of working directly with businesses through A3DM. While
Automatic Daily Progress Reports
Siteflo turns your team’s notes into structured updates — auto-generated reports that keep everyone informed without wasting hours writing them manually.
Custom dashboards break down exactly where time, labor, and materials are being saved — and where profit is accelerating. No guesswork. Just numbers that make sense.
Bids That Sell Themselves
One of Siteflo’s most groundbreaking tools is the Job Bidder — a fully automated quoting system that builds clean, professional proposals in seconds based on scope and specs. It eliminates the bottleneck of writing estimates, and closes more jobs by doing what most people can’t: responding instantly and persuasively.
Your sales team in software form — and it never forgets to follow up.
helping clients with marketing and content, we kept seeing the same deeper issues: missed updates, delayed bids, scattered communication, and lost revenue. Siteflo was created to solve those problems at the source. Every feature reflects what we saw firsthand — a need for structure, clarity, and systems that actually move the needle.
Dashboards That Speak Your Language
Owners and managers get instant visibility into project health, team productivity, and financial impact. No spreadsheets. Just truth.
The People Behind the Platform
Matthew O’Leary, Co-Founder and CEO, drives the big picture — steering the company with relentless vision and helping clients scale fast through creative systems and strategy.
Anthony Santangelo, Siteflo’s Co-Founder and CTO, is the architect of the system — the mind behind the automation and infrastructure that make the whole platform tick.
Harry Cole, Lead AI Developer, turns ideas into working intelligence — building the logic behind the bots, dashboards, and automations.
AI Lead Follow-Up That Closes Deals
Missed calls and cold leads are a thing of the past. Siteflo's AI caller and messenger follow up instantly, qualify leads, and book appointments — automatically.
Zander Moreland, Marketing Director, leads narrative, positioning, and outreach — helping Siteflo speak to the right people in the right way, with clarity and momentum.
Instant Job Takeoffs, No Bottlenecks
Our Takeoff Tool builds polished, ready-to-send scopes in seconds. Faster takeoffs = faster closes = more revenue.
AI That Actually Does the Work Project
At a time when “AI” is slapped on everything, Siteflo actually delivers. From a smart messenger that responds to inbound leads, to a custom voice-calling agent that qualifies and books appointments, Siteflo’s built-in AI assistant handles follow-ups so you don’t have to.
Every lead gets a timely, intelligent response — increasing close rates without increasing workload. It works quietly in the background, so your team can focus on what actually matters. It’s like having a full-time sales assistant that never forgets, never sleeps, and always follows through.
Save Time. Make Money. Scale Smarter. It’s not just about organization — it’s about results. Siteflo has already saved and generated millions for companies that run their ops on it. Yours could be next.
Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Marches Proudly in Memorial Day Parade
Members of the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills proudly marched in the annual Memorial Day Parade, honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. Dressed in blue, the ladies brought energy, pride, and a sense of unity to the event. Their participation is a cherished tradition that reflects their ongoing commitment to community service and civic engagement. Looking good, ladies — and thank you for representing with such grace and enthusiasm!
Rachael Beehler Named to University of Scranton Dean’s List; Completes Prestigious Forensic Internship
Rachael F. Beehler, a 2022 graduate of Parsippany Hills High School and current resident of Lake Intervale, was recently named to the Dean’s List at The University of Scranton for the spring 2025 semester. Beehler is among over 1,725 students recognized for academic excellence at the Jesuit university.
The Dean’s List honors students who achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while completing a minimum number of credit hours during the semester. Beehler is pursuing a degree in forensic chemistry through the College of Arts and Sciences.
In addition to her academic achievements, Beehler recently completed a summer internship at The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), where she gained hands-on experience in forensic toxicology. Over six weeks, she participated in both classroom instruction and laboratory experiments, refining skills essential to the field.
During the internship, Beehler learned to extract substances from blood samples, prepare standards and controls for calibration curves, and set up instrument sequences for accurate analysis. She also worked with advanced analytical instruments, including QTOF, ELISA, LC-MS/MS, HS-GC/ FID, and GC-MS, learning maintenance procedures and data analysis techniques.
One of the most impactful components of her experience was conducting testing on a mock forensic case. Beehler authored a 53-page report in which she identified and quantified substances in a blood sample and later testified in a simulated court setting. The project emphasized the importance of forensic protocols such as
chain of custody and thorough documentation.
“This project challenged me to combine research with what I’ve learned during my time here, which made me feel more confident as a young and aspiring scientist,” Beehler shared.
She expressed gratitude to her mentors and the team at CFSRE for providing a supportive and educational environment. The experience, she said, has further fueled her passion for forensic science and affirmed her commitment to pursuing a career in the field.
Beehler enters her junior year at the University of Scranton this fall, and she has her sights set firmly on a future in forensic science.
Rachael Beehler, a forensic chemistry major at The University of Scranton and member of the Class of 2022 from Parsippany Hills High School, is seen performing a toxicological extraction during her summer internship at The Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE). Throughout the six-week program, Beehler gained valuable hands-on experience working with advanced analytical instruments and conducting real-world forensic casework, further fueling her passion for a future career in forensic science.
Rachael F. Beehler
Meet Falafel: A Gentle Soul Ready for Her Forever Home
Meet Falafel, a 9-year-old Havanese with a heart as soft as her fluffy coat. After spending the first years of her life as a breeding dog in a commercial puppy mill, Falafel is finally getting a taste of what it means to be safe, loved, and part of a family.
Now under the care of WISE Animal Rescue, this sweet and sensitive pup is looking for a peaceful forever home where she can continue to heal and thrive.
Falafel is a quiet, low-energy companion who enjoys soft beds, cozy corners, and the comfort of being near her person. While she can be shy at first—especially when being picked up—she settles quickly once in your arms and enjoys gentle cuddles. Her personality is still blossoming, and each day brings new progress as she learns what it means to be a beloved pet.
The ideal home for Falafel is
a calm, quiet environment with patient adopters who understand her background and are willing to go at her pace. She would do best in a household with children over 10 and may do well with mellow dogs who respect her space. Her behavior around cats is currently unknown.
Falafel is making great strides in her training, including potty training and learning to navigate stairs. Like many dogs rescued from puppy mills, she needs continued support, consistency, and love to fully adjust—but her eagerness to please and gentle nature make her a quick learner.
Adopting Falafel means not just welcoming one dog into your home, but also supporting the mission of WISE Animal Rescue.
As a fully volunteer-run organization, WISE asks for a minimum donation of $850 with each adoption, which helps cover the medical and behavioral
needs of all animals in their care—not just the one being adopted.
If you’re ready to open your heart and home to a dog who truly deserves a second chance, Falafel might just be the perfect match. To learn more or submit an adoption application, visit WiseAnimalRescue.org.
WISE adopts to families located in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
Parsippany Police Honors Deputy Chief Brian Dowd on Retirement
The Parsippany Police Department extends heartfelt congratulations to Deputy Chief Brian Dowd, who has officially retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service in law enforcement.
Deputy Chief Dowd served in both the Operations and Support Services Sections before being promoted to Deputy Chief in 2024. He began his career with the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office before joining the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department.
He graduated from Seton Hall University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
Throughout his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Dowd was a member of the department’s Honor Guard and received multiple commendations, including:
•Life Saving Awards
Deputy Chief Brian Dowd is honored for over 30 years of dedicated service by Chief Richard Pantina and Mayor James Barberio during a retirement ceremony recognizing his distinguished law enforcement career.
Korean Beef Sesame Noodles
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients: For the beef:
•1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced flank steak)
•3 tablespoons soy sauce
•1 tablespoon sesame oil
•1 tablespoon brown sugar
•2 teaspoons minced garlic
•1 teaspoon grated ginger
•1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the noodles:
•8 oz lo mein noodles or spaghetti
•1 tablespoon sesame oil (for tossing noodles)
For the sauce:
•1/4 cup soy sauce
•2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
•1 tablespoon rice vinegar
•1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
•1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
•1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)
•Vegetables (optional but recommended):
•1 cup shredded carrots
•1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
•2 green onions, sliced
•1 cup baby spinach or shredded cabbage
Toppings:
•Toasted sesame seeds
•Extra green onions
•Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional)
Instructions:
Cook the noodles:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse, and toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha. Set aside.
Cook the beef:
In a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat if needed.
Flavor the beef:
Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb flavors.
Add vegetables:
Stir in the carrots, bell pepper, and spinach (or your chosen vegetables). Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Combine everything:
Add the cooked noodles and prepared sauce to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through (1–2 minutes).
Garnish and serve:
Serve hot, topped with sesame seeds, green onions, and optional crushed nuts for crunch.
Tips:
Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a lighter version.
Add kimchi on the side for an extra Korean kick.
Use pre-cut veggies to save time.
Eastern student Nicolas Iannucci Makes Spring 2025 Dean’s List
Eastern Connecticut State University recently released its Dean’s List for the spring 2025 semester, in which 1,302 students were recognized for maintaining high GPAs.
Among them is Nicolas Iannucci, a full-time junior majoring in Finance. Iannucci graduated from Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 23.
To qualify for the Dean’s List, full-time students must complete a minimum of 12 credits in letter-graded courses with an average GPA of 3.5 or higher in the semester. Part-time students are eligible if they’ve accumulated 15 or more credits of letter-graded coursework with an average GPA of 3.5 or higher.
FOCUS LOVES PICTURES
Submit your pictures for August 2022 to news@parsippanyfocus.com
Submit your pictures for upcoming issues. news@parsippanyfocus.com
Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut’s public liberal arts university, serving upwards of 4,000 students annually on its Willimantic campus. A residential campus offering 41 majors and 68 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in various applied learning opportunities. Ranked among the top 25 public institutions in the North by U.S. News & World Report in its 2024-25 Best Colleges ratings, Eastern has also been awarded ‘Green
status by the Princeton Review 15 years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
Nicolas Iannucci Campus’
New Jersey Drought and Climate Change
By Shivanshi Joshi, PHHS STEM Pathway Student
In late March 2025, about 76% of the State of New Jersey was officially under drought conditions, with an additional 12% classified as “abnormally dry.” Although May rains brought relief, groundwater levels— especially in southern regions—remain below normal, which prompted the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJ DEP) to leave eight counties under a drought watch.
Over the last few years, intense rainfall has been followed by extended periods of significantly lower rain totals or no rain.
Experts attribute drought to record-low precipitation, above-normal temperatures, and broader climate change trends. Such dry spells leave an escalated risk of wildfire throughout the state. This spring alone, NJ has fought hundreds of wildfires, such as the Jones Road fire in Ocean County and the Mine Spring fire in Wharton, which burned thousands of acres of land and were only fed by the drought conditions. When reservoirs, including local wells and streamflows drop,
it stresses the management of water supplies, local ecosystems and limits firefighting capacity measures.
Even though drought conditions have improved for most areas, the NJDEP continues to encourage and promote water conservation as droughts become more prevalent.
To help combat the effects of drought in New Jersey, residents can take several simple but effective steps.
These include but are not limited to, using waterefficient appliances, fixing leaks, turning off taps when not in use, and watering plants during cooler parts of the day are all small actions that can significantly reduce water waste.
Additionally, collecting rainwater and landscaping with native plants also help preserve water resources. It’s also crucial to stay informed and advocate for responsible water management and climate action at both the local, state, and national levels so that the community can be made capable of helping to create and enforce longterm solutions to droughts.
By becoming more aware of your water footprint and encouraging others to do the same, individuals help ensure that water is used wisely and preserved for future generations.
For more information on water conservation tips visit https://dep.nj.gov/conservewater/
Metro Exhibits Promotes Denise DiGiacinto to VP of HR
Metro Exhibits announces the promotion of Denise DiGiacinto to Vice President of Human Resources, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the company’s growth and her expertise in human capital management.
DiGiacinto brings a wealth of diverse experience to her new role. She began her career in the Personnel Department of The CIT Group, where she spent six years developing her foundation in human resources and interviewing skills. After leaving the company to raise her family, she dedicated a decade to serving as an aide for autistic children in the Verona school system, further honing her exceptional people skills and demonstrating her commitment to supporting others.
In 2014 DiGiacinto joined Metro Exhibits as a part-time receptionist and office manager. At that time, the company had no formal HR department, but DiGiacinto’s natural abilities and previous experience at The CIT Group positioned her to assume human resources responsibilities gradually. Her intuitive understanding of people management and proven interviewing expertise made her an invaluable asset as the company grew.
Recognizing her contributions, Metro Exhibits promoted DiGiacinto to manager in 2019. Her leadership capabilities were particularly evident during the challenging pandemic years, when the trade show industry faced unprecedented disruption.
As part of the company’s core strategic team, DiGiacinto played a crucial role in managing the company’s shutdown and subsequent rebuild efforts. Her guidance helped Metro Exhibits survive the crisis and emerge stronger, now thriving and surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Amphenol’s dynamic trade show exhibit highlights the company’s leadership in advanced interconnect solutions, drawing attention with a bold, illuminated design and the tagline “Enabling The Electronics Revolution.” The booth features interactive displays, product showcases, and multimedia presentations designed to engage attendees and demonstrate Amphenol’s commitment to innovation across a wide range of industries including aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, and industrial electronics.
“Denise has been instrumental in building our human resources capabilities from the ground up,” said company founder and president Phil Zamloot. He continued, “Turnover here is low, largely due to Denise’s recruiting, hiring, and maintenance intuition. She is a big part of why Metro is a great workplace.”
In her new role as VP of Human Resources, DiGiacinto will oversee all aspects of human capital management, including talent acquisition, employee development, compliance, and strategic workforce planning.
Denise grew up in Parsippany and graduated from Parsippany Hills High School. She met her husband, Anthony, a graduate of Parsippany High School, while they were both in high school.
They now reside in Verona, have two children, Alyssa and Anthony, and expect their first grandchild in September.
Metro Exhibits provides the turnkey experience preferred by thousands of trade show exhibitors. It designs and fabricates custom displays in one of its four owned facilities around the country, for rent or purchase. Its wrap-around support covers every aspect of trade show exhibiting, including all show services, transportation, installation, dismantling, and storage. Metro Exhibits also creates one-of-a-kind luxury corporate and retail environments.
The company’s MetroPlus division provides a comprehensive line of promotional items, a cloud-based portal, marketing inventory management, and event management.
Metro Exhibits is located at 15 Riverside Drive, Pine Brook.
Denise DiGiacinto
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