February 2022
Township Clerk Khaled Madin, Esq. Inside: News From Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce
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February 2022
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February 2022
Serving 53,515 Households of Parsippany-Troy Hills
February 2022
Interview with Township Clerk: Khaled Madin | Cover, 18, 19
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In a new feature in Parsippany Focus Magazine, we had the opportunity to learn about Khaled Madin, our Township Clerk. Read about his successful career, from his childhood in Parsippany, to college to Town Hall
Frank L. Cahill, Publisher Nicolas Limanov, Photographer Patrick Minutillo, Contributing Writer Christine Mercado, Contributing Writer Sharon Maroldi, Contributing Writer Luis A. Matos, Distribution Manager
District Goals Progress Report | 8
Dr. Barbara Sargent reviews the District Goals. Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools offer a dynamic, engaging, and rigorous learning environment for students. From Humanities to STEM to student leadership, there’s something for everyone. There’s a lot to be proud of!
Design and Layout Zoomus Marketing, LLC 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322 Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (862) 295-1300
Small Business Grant Program for On-line Applications | 10
The Morris County Small Business Grant Program will begin accepting on-line applications at 8:00 a.m. on February14, 2022, Valentine’s Day, to aid local small companies, entrepreneurs and non-profits impacted by the pandemic.
Member of
Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine: Chinese, Thai and Sushi | 12 Pat Minutillo visits Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine and reviews the delicious food. This is a restaurant not to miss!
Employment & Training Services Can Help Jobseekers & Employers | 20
Dozens of people looking for jobs in Morris County were successful in 2021, after improving their skills through Morris County’s Employment and Training Services (ETS), and 2022 could be even better.
Parsippany Welcomes Blue Foundry Bank | 23
Frank Cahill, Vice Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board presented James Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Foundry Bank with a welcome plaque. Blue Foundry Bank recently relocated their Administrative Headquarters from Rutherford to Parsippany.
Parsippany Welcomes NJ Clinical Labs Group | 31 About Parsippany Focus Parsippany Focus was founded on October 1, 1989 by Publisher Frank Cahill. Parsippany Focus is the only dedicated newsource, publishing local news and information for the past thirty years exclusively for Parsippany-Troy Hills. Parsippany Focus Magazine is published monthly by Zoomus Marketing, LLC, 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (c) 2022 Zoomus Marketing, LLC. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.
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NJ Clinical Labs Group celebrated a ribbon cutting grand opening on Monday, January 31.Navigating through this current pandemic has been difficult for all of us. NJ Lab Group believes that having access to fast and effective COVID-19 testing should be the least of our worries during such complicated times.
Meet Wrangler, a Two-Month Old Puppy Ready for Adoption| 33
Wrangler is a Staffordshire Terrier/Italian Greyhound mix. Medium-large when fully grown. Mom is only 30 pounds full-grown but we expect these puppies to be bigger than her.
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February 2022
Message from Mayor Barberio
Mayor James R. Barberio
The Times They are A-Changin’ may have been a prophetic line by the iconic singer-songwriter Bob Dylan for the revolutionizing 1960’s, but it also holds true for today. The world has shifted in a multitude of ways these past years and with that shift has gone the balance of our lives as we knew it. We watch the daily rising costs of gas and groceries. We worry about the ever-altering Covid-19 virus and the effects on our families and our wallets. It seems as if the stability of our lives is threatened every time we turn on the news and hear about the economy. Although we are facing many troublesome times worldwide I want you to know that here, at home, in Parsippany, I take the responsibility of our residents very seriously and want to continue to keep the quality of life that everyone is accustomed to. This month will begin the budgeting process for the Township. While this can be a daunting task during good times it is a moment for reflection during the hardest of economic times. Challenging decisions must be made to keep the services for our residents all while being fiscally responsible. I am prepared to make those difficult choices so that our community can thrive, and our neighborhoods can continue to enjoy all that makes us have Pride in Parsippany. One thing that remains the same are the people that make up our wonderful township. With all of you in mind, I will do my best to ensure the quality of living 6 l Parsippany Focus Magazine
that you have enjoyed through the years will continue. We are all in this together and together we will see this through. Collectively with the budget is transparency. Residents want to know how their tax dollars are being spent. They want an understanding regarding the decisions being made on their behalves. It is one thing to see where taxes are going but there is a need to know why. I am a firm believer that everyone has the right to know what is transpiring in their home town. I would like for all our residents to feel confident that their hard-earned money is being used to benefit them and their community. Much of the township’s fiscal activity is posted on our website. It is there for anyone to view at any time. Transparency and openness, will, I hope, instill a confidence in my administration that we are here to see everyone through the hard times as well as the comfortable times. It is evident that without transparency one cannot have trust in their government or the people that govern. This is especially understandable during turbulent times and this is why I believe government always needs to be open and straightforward regarding its finances. While this year’s budget will be a challenge I hope to keep steady the balance that our community has always known. For we all need an anchor in unsteady times.
James R. Barberio
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February 2022
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February 2022
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A Message From the Superintendent
District Goals Progress Report Dr. Barbara Sargent January was a busy time in the district. Students and staff returned to school from winter holiday break, high school students began to make course selections for the 202223 school year, elementary and middle school winter concerts were performed, and the Board of Education re-organized with a new Board member and new Board President and Vice-President.
Capstones, Ethnic Studies, Geometry (8th Grade), Honors Data Structures and Algorithms, and Honors Engineering and Design have been approved for next year.
The January 28th Board of Education meeting provided an opportunity to update the community on progress made thus far on the 2021-22 District Goals. For full access to the presentation, please go to our district website at www.pthsd.net. Here are the exciting highlights:
• Every student in Grades 5-12 has an individual Chromebook for schoolwork. Younger students have access to these devices in their classrooms.
• The elementary science program has been completely revised with inquiry-based learning in place; • The highly successful STEM Pathways program is heading into its third year with high school students working toward a special STEM endorsement on their diplomas. • Parsippany High School and Parsippany Hills High School are the first official NJ High School chapters for National STEM Honor Society. This is available to all district high school students whether they are a part of our other STEM programs (STEM Pathways, NJIT, etc.) or not. •
• The Strings program will grow to the middle school next year; 46% of eligible elementary school students are involved in the Strings program.
• Many students in elementary and middle school participated in the Parent-Teacher Conferences this past fall. Teachers and parents noted that the conference was an excellent opportunity for students to reflect upon their learning, set academic goals, and gain confidence in speaking with adults. Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Schools offer a dynamic, engaging, and rigorous learning environment for students. From Humanities to STEM to student leadership, there’s something for everyone. There’s a lot to be proud of!
New courses in Women’s Studies, AP
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February 2022
Xa a''n na at tiio on nF Fiit tc cl lu ub b x x E En nv vy y X Open House SATURDAY FEBRUARY 19TH SUNDAY FEBRUARY 20TH 10AM TO 6PM
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Each class will begin w/ a 15 discussion on Nutrition! Then, 45 minutes of one of the following: Aqua Aerobics Zumba Boxing Shadow Boxing Yoga
You can purchase tickets in advance at Envy Sports Club and online at Eventbrite.com. They can also be purchased at the door the day of; we hope you join us for this unique day of fitness and fun!
Members: $10 Day Pass Non-Members: Day Pass $25 Adults/$15 Kids OR $10 Per Class
MEET X'AN LOUIS: OUR LEAD INSTRUCTOR! X'an Pierre Louis is a Haitian-American fitness trainer, entertainer, nutritionist, and professional mixed martial arts fighter. X'an comes to us with an impressive resume that includes specializations in 11 disciplines of mixed martial arts, Latin/ballroom dance, meditation, boxing, AfroZumba, water aerobics, and more! X'an will be leading all of the classes during our open house and is available for personal training at Envy Sports Club as well as AquaAerobics on Monday mornings and Friday nights.
February 2022
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BUSINESS NEWS
Small Business Grant Program for On-line Applications The Morris County Small Business Grant Program will begin accepting on-line applications at 8:00 a.m. on February14, 2022, Valentine’s Day, to aid local small companies, entrepreneurs and non-profits impacted by the pandemic. Details may be found at morriscountysmallbusinessgrant.com on eligibility guidelines, supporting documents required to submit an application and more. The program will provide grants of up to $15,000 to reimburse small businesses and non-profit organizations for specific pandemic recovery expenses incurred on or after March 3, 2021 – a timeline established under the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is the source of the funding. “We have committed $5 million in ARPA dollars
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to this program to help small businesses, which are critical to the character, vitality and economy of every town in Morris County. We also want to help the non-profit organizations that do so much to inspire civic engagement, enrich our culture and provide shelter, food, counseling and comfort to our most vulnerable populations. We would not be able to continue as a community without them,” said Tayfun Selen, Director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners. The Small Business Grant Program eligibility requirements include: · Available to businesses with 25 or fewer full time employees (or equivalent) · In operation since Jan. 1, 2019 · Located within Morris County · Less than $5 million in sales/revenue · Proof of a decline in sales/increased expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic The Morris County Chamber of Commerce will be coordinating outreach to potentially eligible businesses, including those who may not have traditionally sought government grant funding in the past. “We will be working with the Morris County Commissioners to connect qualifying small businesses throughout the county with this grant program. It offers an opportunity for some of them to cover costs they incurred trying to stay open or reopen while struggling to keep their employees working and meet the needs of their customers,” said Meghan Hunscher, President and CEO of the Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Economic Development Corporation. “This grant will give the small businesses of Morris County some much needed financial relief. The Chamber of Commerce truly appreciates the Morris County Commissioners’ commitment to the success of our small businesses,” said Michael Stanzilis, Morris County Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Membership and Government Affairs.
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February 2022
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine: Chinese, Thai and Sushi Have a craving for Asian food, but the family cannot agree on what kind? Someone wants Chinese, another wants Thai, and then someone else is really in the mood for Sushi. Dilemma solved! Joining the eclectic Parsippany culinary scene this past November 29, despite all the unpredictable and challenging issues facing small businesses, was a very welcomed new addition to our community, Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine. Ai Sakae, an attractive, classy-looking, glass-fronted building nestled in the Tabor Road Plaza, a small strip mall on Tabor Road, also known as Route 53. Ai Sakae’s cordial manager, Lynnsie, who was kind enough to spend time answering my many questions, explained that the name comes from “Ai,” a Chinese word for love, and “Sakae” a Japanese word for prosperity. And despite its Morris Plains address, this great new venue is in fact situated in the Township of Parsippany. This family-owned and operated eatery, owned by Ken and Cindy Chen, is not an Asian fusion restaurant, nor is it strictly a sushi restaurant, even though their sushi and sashimi selections are excellent. Ai Sakae’s menu interestingly consists of a wide variety of authentic selections and modern interpretations of classic dishes from China, Japan, and Thailand. Not to forget a wide selection of sushi and sashimi choices artfully prepared and presented by the restaurant’s extraordinarily talented and skilled sushi chef, Ai Sakae’s owner Ken.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce holds a ribbon cutting ceremony for Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine
the different food preparation styles, cooking techniques, and various nuances common to the three diverse cultures to ensure authentic dishes, before he and his wife, Cindy, opened their former restaurant, Mintea in Cedar Knolls, an Asian eatery utilizing the same multi-Asian menu concept that we now find in Ai Sakae.
Ken Chen’s culinary journey includes many years in the restaurant industry, sharpening his skills and mastering
February 2022
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RESTAURANT REVIEW
Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine: Chinese, Thai and Sushi (Continued from Page 11)
Ai Sakae is small in size, with only 10 or 12 tables and a standalone sushi bar with several seats, but it gives the impression of being welcoming, cozy, comfortably spacious, and airy once inside. Newly renovated (formerly part of a neighboring business) the atmosphere and ambiance provide a comfortable, casual (with a touch of semi-elegance), well lighted, and thoughtfully decorated dining room. The warm orange walls adorned with a few tasteful paintings, offset with brown leather wall accents, and tiled walls, all work well together to create the proper mood. Immaculately clean, small wood-grained laminated tables, soft black leather chairs, and well-appointed tables set with chopsticks, soy sauce, and Ai Sakae’s extensive menu, complete the initial introduction to Ai Sakae. I arrived with several friends, and we were immediately
greeted and seated by our attentive and well-humored waiter, Stanley. We never felt rushed and were able to enjoy some of our culturally appropriate BYOB while we perused the menu. Since Ai Sakae is a BYOB, I brought along some Orion, a Japanese lager with a bit of a punch and a depth of flavor. Mike F. went with Japan’s most popular beer, Sapporo, while Mike Z. went Thai with Chang, a full-flavored subtle lager. Dennis preferred a non-alcoholic house Thai Iced Tea. As a special treat, the restaurant sent over a well-appreciated complimentary plate of delicious sushi pizza, a crispy, yet chewy, fried rice patty topped with avocado, salmon, tuna, or crab meat and drizzled with blended mayonnaise and wasabi mix. First time I have had it and it was a treat. Great start! Our group decided to start off with some shared appetizers. First to arrive at our table was one of the Sakae Special Rolls, the Ridgedale Roll. Filled with crunchy spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, and cucumber with soy paper, and topped with avocado, caviar rice, and crunchy yellowtail, and then topped with five diverse kinds of fish and special sauce. It was as good as it sounds. For first-timers, or those not familiar with these cuisines, there are a lot of unfamiliar words, flavor combinations, and ingredients to wrap your head around, but no fear, the staff at Ai Sakae will be more than happy (Continued on Page 14)
Shrimp with Garlic Sauce
The seating area at Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine 12 l Parsippany Focus Magazine
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February 2022
Phone Number: 973-944-8862 | Email: yulianolandscapingllc@hotmail.com
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RESTAURANT REVIEW
Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine: Chinese, Thai and Sushi (Continued from Page 12)
to answer any questions and/or offer recommendations if requested. Remember that while it is true that China, Japan, and Thailand share some ingredients, some methods, and some ideas about food (like using an abundance of fresh ingredients), their cuisines are distinctly different, and Asian cuisine in unique in comparison to various parts of the world. Tempura Shrimp and Tempura Vegetables arrived next. The deep-fried tempura batter covering the elongated shrimp, and veggies, had a super crispy texture and was full of flavor, and perfectly complemented with an accompanying dipping sauce. The “Love Boat” sailed in next. Ten pieces of sushi, six kinds of sashimi, and a love roll. The fish was so fresh it could have just come out of the Ocean. As we dabbed the wasabi with our chopsticks and quickly devoured the abundant assortment of spicy tuna, salmon, striped bass, yellowtail, roe, fluke, white fish, and more, we were beginning to wonder if our mouths were bigger than our stomachs, but we soldiered on. Mike F. enjoyed an aromatic bowl of sour, salty, and spicy Tom Yum Seafood Soup as we pondered over our choice of entrees. This went on for a while, as one might expect based on the vast selection of mouth-watering choices listed on the menu. I finally settled on Mongolian Beef, which came with a choice of white or brown rice (I went with brown), and a side of Miso Soup. The beef had a mild taste, as Mongolian beef should have, and came with those trademark green onions and sauce. Mongolian beef has a complicated sweet and spicy taste and can or cannot be
Hunan Style Chicken; a favorite Chinese American stir fry made with juicy
spicy hot. The dish was scrumptious, but the next time I will ask them to punch up the heat index, as I tend to prefer very spicy food. The Miso Soup was savory with a nice umami flavor. You could taste the fresh ingredients in every bite. Others in the group, for their entrees, went with the Hunan Style Chicken; a favorite Chinese American stir fry made with juicy, thinly sliced chicken breasts and veggies, in a dynamic savory sauce; and the Teriyaki Chicken, grilled chicken lacquered with a sweet soy teriyaki sauce; and a specially made order of Shrimp with Garlic Sauce. You have to love the healthy and light appearance that dominates Japanese cuisine. I should mention that the presentation of every dish was artistic and tantalizing. You could clearly see the effort put into the careful preparation of every serving. As they say, “food presentation is the key to pulling all five senses into the experience of eating.” The consensus was that everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meals, as well as the sincerely warm hospitality and truly professional service by the entire restaurant team. Very pleasant culinary experience, but unfortunately, not one of us had any room left for their tempting, decadent desserts. So, when that craving for Asian food kicks in, I would highly recommend giving Ai Sakae a visit. I am confident you will enjoy it as much as I did. And please remember to continue to support all our local businesses. It is appreciated! Quote from Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine’s Website: “The key to our success is simple: providing quality consistent food that tastes great every single time,”
Teriyaki Chicken, grilled chicken lacquered with a sweet soy teriyaki sauce 14 l Parsippany Focus Magazine
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(Continued on Page 34) February 2022
December 2021
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Emma Swan Named to Hamilton College Dean’s List Emma Swan, of Parsippany, has been named to the Dean’s List at Hamilton College for the 2021 fall semester. To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must have carried throughout the semester a course load of four or more graded credits with an average of 3.5 or above. Swan, a junior majoring in literature, is a graduate of Parsippany High School. Originally founded in 1793 as the Hamilton-Oneida Academy, Hamilton College offers an open curriculum that gives students the freedom to shape their own liberal arts education within a research- and writing-intensive framework. Hamilton enrolls 1,850 students from 49 states and 46 countries. Additional information about the college can be found at www.hamilton.edu.
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Emma Swan
To Place An Advertisement Contact Frank Cahill (862) 295-1300
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February 2022
In Memory
Marceil “Mimi” Letts July 7, 1939 - September 15, 2019
Mayor of Parsippany-Troy Hills from 1994 to 2005
A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.
Happy Valentins Day, Howard Letts February 2022
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Interview with: Law school is also where I met my wife and the next chapter of my story naturally began. Q. What did you do after Law School? A. My wife and I got married and we made the decision to reside in Parsippany and start a family. We were blessed with a daughter shortly after. Professionally, my career in public service and as an attorney began. As an attorney, I did some prosecutorial work and then later worked with an established personal injury law firm before we decided to take the leap and start our law firm. In the interim, an opportunity to work with the State of New Jersey’s Attorney General Office arose and that is where my career in public services truly took off.
Parsippany Focus conducts an interview with Parsippany’s Township Clerk: Khaled Madin Q. How long have you lived in the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills? A. I have been a resident of Parsippany for over 30 years. Q. Where did you attend School? A. I attended Troy-Hills Elementary School, Brooklawn Middle School and Parsippany Hills High School. Q. Did you attend College? A. Yes, I attended William Paterson University where I earned bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology. Q. What did you do after college? A. After college, I obtained numerous management certifications and worked in management with the Marriott Corporation. Although I enjoyed what I was doing with Marriott, I knew my true passion was in public service and the law so I decided to go to law school where I obtained a Juris Doctorate.
At the Attorney General’s Office, I held the position of Executive Director where I managed all aspects of licensing for over 50,000 licensees that were submitted and regulated by the Board of Accountancy, Mortuary Science, Court Reporting and Cemeteries. Q. Why did you become a Municipal Clerk? A. A Municipal Clerk is one of the oldest established public servant positions in local government. It seemed like an appropriate transition after working with the State of New Jersey’s Attorney General’s Office because it would allow me to feed my passion for working with the public while still utilizing my legal skills to effectively contribute to the township that I love and grew up in and for my family. Q. In what States are you licensed as an Attorney? I am licensed in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Q. Are you involved in the community? One of my many passions is in community service and working with law enforcement to better our community and the State of New Jersey. I am currently a Commissioner with the
Township Clerk Khaled Madin Morris County Sheriff’s CrimeStoppers which is a non-profit organization comprised of dedicated volunteers in the fight against crime and strives to make Morris County as safe and secure place for its residents. Similarly, I served as the Board Attorney for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Citizens Academy Alumni Association, a non-profit community outreach organization which partners with the FBI to respond to the needs in our local communities. For many years, I have also been a member of numerous organizations which serve our community. For instance, I have been a member of organizations such as the Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany which serves the needs of children in our community. I am a true believer in the saying that the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the actions of its members and I think its important that we all do our part. Q. What is the role of a Municipal Clerk? The Municipal Clerk is a Constitutional officer and one of few positions that a municipality is statutorily required to have. The Municipal Clerk has certain statutory duties that are to be performed which include records management, dissemination of information to the public through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), chief administrative officer in all Elections in the municipality, Registrar, administering and recording oaths of office, and Licensing to name a few. The role of a Municipal Clerk is misunderstood as clerks are often thought to fulfill a primarily clerical role, but municipal clerks work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation of local government. In fact, municipal clerks are often the first and most direct link between residents and government. The position is also responsible for providing transparency in local government and assisting in the transitions of government when there is a change of administration. A strong, positive professional relationship between the clerk and the mayor is important
for effective service delivery to residents. Q. In your opinion, what is the most important duty of a Municipal Clerk? A. A Municipal Clerk has many important duties but two in particular stand out. The first is the assistance that the Clerk provides to a new administration during the transitioning of government from one administration to another. This is a very important role as the Municipal Clerk ensures continuity in governance during a time of temporary instability. The second, and perhaps the most important role of the Clerk, is to ensure transparency of government. Transparency is the fundamental component of a democratic government. It allows the citizens full access to the actions and decisions of their governing officials and keeps them informed as to any safety and security concerns in their communities. Finally, and most importantly, transparency promotes accountability and trust in their elected officials. These essential roles along with all of the other responsibilities would not be possible without the Municipal Clerk’s Office. Specifically, Leslie Miller, our Deputy Municipal Clerk and staff members Lucy Jensen and Mary Moore all of whom work so diligently every day to make sure our government is giving its community excellent service.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Employment & Training Services Can Help Jobseekers & Employers Dozens of people looking for jobs in Morris County were successful in 2021, after improving their skills through Morris County’s Employment and Training Services (ETS), and 2022 could be even better. The key is getting the exact type of skills that employers in New Jersey’s leading industry clusters are looking for to grow their businesses, and ETS has the ability to place Morris County residents into training programs that provide those skills. Employers too can find the talent they need in the local workforce by working through the ETS, particularly through its On-the-Job Training program. “I never knew this was available. This program and the training have helped me so much in getting my skills up to speed and helping me get a job this year,” said one trainee, who spent over a year searching unsuccessfully for employment prior to training through ETS. “This is a great program and I’m thinking of bringing on more staff using this program,” shared
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a local employer, who hired a Morris County r esident through an ETS training program. Through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant, ETS offers training grants to job seekers to upgrade their skills. ETS also offers employers an opportunity to offset some of their training costs through the On-the-Job Training program. Beyond skills training, many program participants gain important credentials that are in demand by area employers, including certifications in programs involving Project Management, CompTIA, Cosmetology, Pharmacy Technician, commercial truck driver’s license (CDL), Supply Chain Professional and many other fields. There are hundreds of training programs from which to choose. Individuals interested in finding out how to get training, or employers interested in getting funds for hiring and training new staff, please call the ETS at (973) 285-6880, send an email to msw-ets@co.morris.nj.us, or visit their website www.msw-jobtraining.org.
www.parsippanyfocus.news
February 2022
Mayor’s Action Center Mayor James R. Barberio
What The Mayor’s Action Center Does For You
(973) 263-4262
Listens: The Mayor’s Action Center welcomes any request for service or information. No matter what the problem or question, every effort is made to give a prompt response. Please use GovPilot to report a concern, the concern can be reported at any time via online form or through the Gov-Pilot App. Records: All requests for service, received through the Mayor’s Action Center, are automatically logged-in to ensure that every request is on file and can be easily retrieved. Requests are forwarded to the appropriate department and the requester will be updated along the process. Resolves: The Mayor’s Action Center attempts to address residents’ concerns in a timely manner. Every request for action is tracked from inception to completion. Upon completion, residents will receive notice that the issue or complaint was addressed.
Examples of Requests: Repairing of potholes; Drainage problems; Requests for signs; Litter; Icy road conditions; Illegal dumping; Housing maintenance problems; Animal control and removal; Street lighting; Curb repair February 2022
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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 21
COMMUNITY NEWS
Resident Nominated for the NJIT Excellence in Teaching Award Dr. Trivikrama Reddy, an Adjunct Professor at New Jersey Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering Department, at NJIT received “NJIT Excellence in Teaching Award” for 2021. He teaches Machine Design, Stress Analysis, Mechanical system Design, and various other Mechanical Engineering courses at NJIT. He is a top and highly rated professor from NJIT on his ranking on Rate My Professor. In addition to teaching Dr. Trivikrama Reddy is a Staff Engineer in Research and Development Department working for Becton Dickinson Company, Franklin Lakes. He designs and develops various drug delivery medical devices. He holds about seven patents for his designs.
Dr. Trivikrama Reddy
Rainbow Lakes Fire Department Fish and Chips Fundraiser
Where can you get extra copies of
PARSIPPANY FOCUS MAGAZINE 1. Parsippany Municipal Building 2. Parsippany Police Department 3. Parsippany PAL 4. Parsippany Library - Halsey Road 5. Lake Hiawatha Library 6. South Beverwyck Park and Ride 7. Parsippany Post Office 8. Staples 9. IHOP 10. Funny Books 11. Acme - Denville 12.Empire Diner 13. Hog Wash Car Wash 14. Envy Sport Clubs 15. Parsippany Community Center 16. VentureX
Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company Annual Fish and Chips (or chicken and chips) will be held on the second Friday of Lent. This year it is Friday, March 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The meal will be catered by Argyles. Contact Mark Rabson via email to fishandchips@ rlvfc.org if you are interested in receiving a Corporate Sponsor kit that includes signage and tickets. Tickets in advance are $17.00 for adults and $14.00 for a child. Pick up your food from your car/ vehicle. Due to COVID, there is no indoor seating this year.
If your favorite store is not listed, have them call us and we will leave magazines there too. (862) 295-1300
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Pick up location is at Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company, 1 Rainbow Trail, Denville. To purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rlvfc-fish-andchips-tickets-243339333497
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February 2022
BUSINESS NEWS
Parsippany Welcomes Blue Foundry Bank
Frank Cahill, Vice Chairman of Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Advisory Board presented James Nesci, President and Chief Executive Officer, Blue Foundry Bank with a welcome plaque. Blue Foundry Bank recently relocated their Administrative Headquarters from Rutherford to Parsippany. Blue Foundry Bank opened its new 40,000 square-foot administrative offices at Seven Sylvan Way. Blue Foundry Bank’s new corporate hub was designed by Hasbrouck Heights-based DMR Architects. DMR also redesigned Blue Foundry’s Rutherford branch last year. The Parsippany offices reflect the bank’s reinvention and offer employees the opportunity to work collectively in a flexible workspace. The space provides a modern, technologically infused working environment aligned to the company’s growth strategy and plans for February 2022
building teams, expanding products and services, and meeting the needs of its employees, customers and communities. All while keeping the health and safety of its employees a top priority. Blue Foundry Bank’s offices were designed with the current cultural context top-of-mind, supported by the implementation of new technology to keep team members working remotely connected to internal systems. The physical space reflects the same need for fluidity with its technology-enabled environment, which affords team members the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule. The design provides flexibility so that no matter how an employee chooses to work, collaborate or gather there is space in which to do so.
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For more information visit https://bluefoundrybank.com Parsippany Focus Magazine l 23
COMMUNITY NEWS
Morris County Vocational Share Time Allied Health Program Information
The Morris County Vocational School District, in partnership with Pequannock High School and Atlantic Health System’s Chilton Medical Center, offers a unique opportunity for Morris County High School juniors and seniors to take healthcare courses and complete a two-year clinical internship at Chilton Hospital. Interested 10th grade students and their families are invited to learn about this Share Time Program at an Information Session on Wednesday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m., located at Pequannock High School. Registration in advance is requested at www.mcvts. org/apply, click on High School - Share Time Career and Technical Education Programs, Information Session.
specialized career and technical education training as part of a student’s junior and senior year high school program. The programs prepare students for career-related employment and post-secondary placement. For additional information, contact Gina DiDomenico, Student Recruitment & Community Relations Specialist at didomenicog@mcvts.org or call (973) 627-4600 ext. 277.
Over the course of the two-year, half day program, students take college credit-bearing health care courses at Pequannock High School and also participate in a clinical internship at Chilton Hospital in numerous departments, such as Emergency Department, Radiology, ICU, Wound Center, Outpatient, Nutrition/Dietary, Orthopedics among other areas. Students will earn 20 Career and Technical Education high school credits per school year and may earn up to 15 credits from the Rutgers School of Health Professions throughout the program. Students in 10th grade may apply via online application at www.mcvts.org/apply, click on High School - Share Time Career and Technical Education Programs, Share Time Information. The application deadline is March 31. The share time programs provide half-day 24 l Parsippany Focus Magazine
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February 2022
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS
Woman’s Club Donates Two Digital Microscopes to Library
The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills was pleased to donate two digital microscopes to the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library. One of these microscopes will be available at the Main Library and the other will be available at the Lake Hiawatha branch. The digital microscopes will allow students to view items through a flip-out screen rather than a traditional eyepiece, making viewing easier. The screen is adjustable and can magnify items up to 300x. It comes with a set of slides that are included in the case or they can view everyday items like their fingerprint! These microscopes can be borrowed for 14 days at a time by Parsippany residents. Head of Children’s Services, Rose Schulman expressed her thanks to the Woman’s Club stating “Thank you again to the Woman’s Club for thinking of us and for taking the time to see us this morning. The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System is very excited to add these items to our Library of Things. Our community will benefit greatly from having the opportunity to check out this equipment to try at home!” Special thanks to Woman’s Club Education Chairman, Betty Lagitch, for reaching out to Melissa Kuzma, Library Director to see how we can help the February 2022
library. Donations like these are made possible by the various fundraising activities the Woman’s Club conducts throughout the year. Please consider supporting our club with these efforts so we can continue to support various community organizations. The Woman’s Club will be having a Tricky Tray to support our Education/Scholarship Fund on July 12 at the PAL, Baldwin Road. This will be our major fundraiser for the year, so please stay tuned for more information and ways you can help us make this a successful event. The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), which are the largest volunteer women’s service organizations in the country/state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. General Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month September through April at 7:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Fire & Rescue Building at 100 Centerton Road, Parsippany. If you would like to attend our next General Meeting call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703.
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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 25
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February 2022
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FAVORITE RECIPES
Gnocchi with Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Zucchini & Bourbon
Cook 1 pound of Gnocchi in salted water, save cooking water, oil the pasta & set aside. ½ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes 1 large zucchini (or 2 medium) cut on a bias 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup reserve pasta water 1 T of butter 1/3 cup bourbon 1 heaping tablespoon of grated cheese Pepper to taste In a large 2-inch rim skillet sauté the zucchini in butter, then deglaze with Bourbon. 30 l Parsippany Focus Magazine
Add cream and reduce then add tomatoes and simmer. Add the pasta and toss, season with black pepper and grated cheese. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water. Serve right away. Chef Matthew Pierone, Gourmet Café Restaurant 136 Baldwin Road Parsippany, New Jersey (973) 316-0088 gourmetcafenj@comcast.net
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February 2022
PARSIPPANY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Parsippany Welcomes NJ Labs Group
Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member PACC, Timothy Berrios and Robert Peluso, President PACC.
Dr. Mehata of Mount Sinai, Dr, Bullard Zaman, M.D., Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R. Barberio, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Executive Board Member Frank Cahill cutting the ribbon in celebration of the opening of NJ Labs Group
NJ Labs Group celebrated a ribbon cutting grand opening on Monday, January 31. Navigating through this current pandemic has been difficult for all of us. NJ Lab Group believes that having access to fast and effective COVID-19 testing should be the least of our worries during such complicated times. Between no available appointments, long wait times, and delayed results, we’ve realized that many of our lives have been on pause and we are excited to offer the Parsippany community a chance to get fast, accurate test results from the comfort of your car! Conveniently located off Route 46 East in Parsippany, NJ Lab Group has set up a uniquely innovative approach to providing this community with direct access to PCR COVID-19 testing FOR FREE. This drive-up testing facility also offers a solution to our patients from the convenience of their own car. February 2022
You can register for a test at www.njlabgroup.com. Please register before coming to the test site. Upon entering the parking lot, simply follow the signs through the lot and you will have your swab collected before you know it. Because our tests are processed locally, our patients will receive their results within 24-48 hours! Dr. Bulland Zaman, a board-certified Family Physician has been working on the frontlines of this pandemic since March of 2020 and continues to work inpatient as well as outpatient medicine. With the blessings of Mayor Barberio, Dr. Zaman is proud to bring his medical services to this community of Parsippany and looks forward to continuing to provide all healthcare needs. NJ Labs Group is located at 1259 Route 46, Building 3, Suite 307.
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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 31
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while enjoying the foods they love with my online coaching program EA Fitness offers a way to get the right nutrition, accountability and support for your weight loss journey. EA Fitness is an online fitness community that provides online training, custom meal plans, coaching and more to help you lose weight. They believe in creating a sense of accountability by providing members with tracking tools, daily tips from experts on healthy living and weekly check-ins with their coaches. With a personal trainer you spend thousands of dollars on them holding your had 2-3x a week for only 10% of your results. With EA fitness we cover all three main components (nutrtition, exercise, and accountability) so I don’t just hold you accountable and guide you only in the gym but I hold you accountable out of the gym when its most important Members also have access to ebooks with expert advice on how to eat healthfully without sacrificing taste or enjoyment. If you’d like to learn more shoot me a message saying, “I’M READY” on instagram at @ea_fitness23 or text message me at (973) 454-3332 and ill send some more info!
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February 2022
PUPPY LOVE
Meet Wrangler, a Two-Month Old Puppy Ready for Adoption Wrangler is a two-month old American Staffordshire Terrier mix. Wrangler is a Staffordshire Terrier/Italian Greyhound mix. Medium-large when fully grown. Mom is only 30 pounds full-grown but we expect these puppies to be bigger than her. Wrangler is now old enough to be adopted. Personality: The Pit Crew is ready to rev their engines into your heart! According to their wonderful foster mom, “All eight puppies are incredibly sweet with their human family and play beautifully with each other. You simply couldn’t find kinder, sweeter or more wonderful puppies.” He gets along with other dogs and cats, and with children age six and older. If you are interested in adopting Wrangler visit www.wiseanimalrescue.org/adoption-application
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RESTAURANT REVIEW
Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine: Chinese, Thai and Sushi (Continued from Page 14)
“I think it’s important to be open-minded and expand. Be adventurous with your palate and you’ll come across a lot of good people, good food, remarkably interesting cultures.” Vietnamese Chef, Vy Nguyen. Dine-In, Take-Out, Contact Free Delivery (Grubhub), BYOB, and Catering. Special Requests Taken for Food Allergies. Off-Street Parking Lot, Open 7 Days a Week. Ai Sakae Asian Cuisine is located at 970B Tabor Road, Parsippany. (Morris Plains, NJ 07050) - (973) 998-8818 www.aisakae.com
Ridgedale Roll
Love Boat
Pat Minutillo, Cindy Chen, Lynnsie and Chef Ken Chen
For first-timers, or those not familiar with these cuisines, there are a lot of unfamiliar words, flavor combinations, and ingredients to wrap your head around, but no fear, the staff at Ai Sakae will be more than happy to answer any questions and/or offer recommendations if requested. 34 l Parsippany Focus Magazine
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February 2022
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