Parsippany Focus Magazine - November 2022

PHHS

Jonah Lance

Parsippany

Frank

Cahill,

Patrick Minutillo,

Christine Mercado,

Sharon Maroldi,

Luis A. Matos,

Parsippany

Congratulations Jonah Lance | Cover

Jonah was selected by Coach Dave Albano and Athletic Director Todd Ricker to receive a 2022 Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Plaque. This award is presented to one individual from each member school who demonstrates a selfless commitment to his community, his school, his teammates, and his peers. These individuals have set the bar high, and the Super Football Conference is proud to present them with the 2022 Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Plaque. Each candidate will be honored at a New York Jets game, and they will have the opportunity to be selected as the 2022 Steve DiGregorio Man of the Year for the entire conference, and will all be recognized at the Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Press Conference at Met Life Stadium.

Message from the Mayor | 6

Fortune Magazine listed many reasons why Parsippany is such a great place to live. They highlighted our numerous parks, the convenience of being close to New York City, our history which dates back prior to the Revolutionary War, the highly rated public-school system and plentiful resources for aging citizens.

New York Jets Unveiled New Playground | 5

The New York Jets unveiled a new playground at Parsippany Child Day Care Center as part of the 24th annual Hometown Huddle day of service.

Message from Barbara Sargent | 8

School conferences are critical for promoting positive student-parent-teacher relationships and provide an opportunity for children to become advocates for their own learning. One of the best decisions parents can make is to include their child in the parent-teacher conference.

Kiwanis Club Installs New Officers | 24

Kiwanis Division 9 Lt. Governor Frank Cahill places the official President pin on Nicolas Limanov during the Installation Dinner held at Village Restaurant on Thursday, October 13. Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization in over 96 nations. The major emphasis is SERVING THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.

Parsippany Fire District 5 Holds Open House | 28

Four year old Joe Koczan-Wright a Pre-K student at Eastlake Elementary School tries on the gear the firemen are required to wear when responding to a fire during the open house.

Congratulations Jonah Lance

Todd Ricker

New York Jets Unveiled New Playground at Parsippany Child Day Care

The New York Jets unveiled a new playground at Parsippany Child Day Care Center as part of the 24th annual Hometown Huddle day of service.

The $90,000 playground build was made possible through a collaboration between United Way of Northern New Jersey, Parsippany Child Day Care Center, the New York Jets and ASAP.com.

The Jets Women’s Organization, comprised of the many women who are affiliated with the team, including staff members, significant others of coaches, players, and football personnel, volunteered their time on Wednesday, October 12 to complete the build.

The New York Jets take great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to their

community. Programs funded by the New York Jets Foundation look to positively influence the lives of young men and women in the tri-state area by supporting youth football and promoting social justice, particularly in disadvantaged communities. From launching football teams at urban high schools to unifying our community for change to fostering positive school environments, the New York Jets invest in programs that make a difference in the lives of others. In addition to their focus on youth development, the Jets support the efforts of the Lupus Research Alliance, numerous established charitable organizations and causes sponsored by the NFL.

Parsippany Child Day Care Center was incorporated as non-profit in 1968, with the mission of providing quality, affordable childcare and early education for children of

Yasin Azami with Irvin Charles, 82. Wide Receiver from University of Indiana, PA

Message from Mayor Barberio

Mayor James R. Barberio

“There’s no place like home,” Dorothy proclaimed to Toto after her adventures in the fabled land of The Wizard of Oz. While we may not follow the yellow brick road to reach our destination of home, we certainly know where home is, and that is in Fortune Magazine’s 15th Best Place to Live, Parsippany, New Jersey.

Fortune Magazine listed many reasons why Parsippany is such a great place to live. They highlighted our numerous parks, the convenience of being close to New York City, our history which dates back prior to the Revolutionary War, the highly rated public-school system and plentiful resources for aging citizens. Parsippany has something for everyone, whether young or old, and we have occasions that bring us all together as one community. Though the magazine emphasized all the advantages of making a home in Parsippany, it missed one crucial element. To me, what makes Parsippany a “best place to live,” are the people. Our residents, our business owners, and the people who work in Parsippany are the Township’s biggest assets. All municipalities have something to offer to entice people to purchase a home in their community. I believe what makes Parsippany so attractive are the cultures that come together to form this neighborhood of diversity. We are truly a “melting pot,” where groups can comfortably gather together to share ideas, traditions, customs, and be accepted for who they are. We welcome our differences as we appreciate the similarities that define Parsippany’s uniqueness.

Home is also where we come together to be with family and friends, especially as we gather for Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is the one holiday a year that brings everyone together regardless of faith or culture. An American tradition that began by bringing two distinct cultures together is now celebrated by a vast array of ethnicities. Thanksgiving is the only celebration that is distinctive to us as Americans.

No matter how individual cultures put their own spin on the holiday, at the core is the true meaning of the day, which is being thankful for who we are with and for what we have and hold dear.

This year we have much to be thankful for and being acknowledged once again as a “best place to live” is only one small reason to be grateful. The greater reason is that we are all part of a wonderful group of people that make up Parsippany; our town and the place we call home.

James R. Barberio

A Message From the Superintendent Empowering Children through the School Conference

Dr. Barbara Sargent

We’re about 10 weeks into the school year and approaching the end of the first quarter, which means that school conferences are ready to be scheduled. All schools will have early dismissal on Monday through Wednesday, November 7-9, for meetings with parents and students.

School conferences are critical for promoting positive student-parent-teacher relationships and provide an opportunity for children to become advocates for their own learning. One of the best decisions parents can make is to include their child in the parent-teacher conference. Last year, 4th and 5th grade teachers accomplished this with tremendous success and many more teachers are looking forward to welcoming students to the table.

Why include children in the conference?

Including students in teacher conferences reinforces the “village” concept by surrounding children with the important people in their school lives.

Participating in the school conference is an empowering opportunity for children which typically results in more focused and responsible school behavior and attitude.

Children need regular opportunities to speak with trusted adults. The school conference allows small, structured opportunities in which children can interact with teachers, under the watchful and supportive eyes of their parents.

High school students who successfully conference with their teachers become adults who confidently engage with college professors or future supervisors about academic or work issues.

How to prepare your child?

Many teachers prepare students by having them

self-assess about their transition back to school, set academic goals for themselves, and select examples of their learning of which they are particularly proud. Additional prepping may not be necessary.

Parents are encouraged to talk with children about greeting the teacher with a handshake, looking the teacher in the eyes to say hello, and listening respectfully to what the teacher has to share. Students might think of a question they can ask their teacher, such as “Are there areas you think I can be better at?” or “Math comes easy to me, but I have trouble with writing. How can I get better at this?”

Other Tips:

Parents may excuse their child to the hallway to wait with a book if you or the teacher needs to discuss a sensitive matter.

Conferences are for all students – whether school comes easy to them or they are facing challenges in school.

High school students may wish to ask about their teachers for course suggestions for next year. Teachers are a great source of information about course content and rigor.

The district strives to connect students with authentic experiences and strengthen their leadership skills. Including students in the Parent-Teacher Conference is a critical step in promoting self-advocacy, independence, and confidence in our students. I hope parents embrace this unique opportunity. And don’t forget - the school principals and counselors are always available to assist.

Community Healthy Living Series

Healthy Living Movement classes and lectures help you discover how to live well and equip you with the

needed to improve your

All classes are free and are open to Y members and non-members as well.

No registration is needed for the series; just drop in. Bring a friend and share in this informative series, which takes place on the following Thursday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.:

Thursday, November 10: Total Mobility

Healthy Living Director Darlene Kievit

as rhythmic breathing and meditation.

their

Dress in com fortable clothes.

Thursday, November 17: Nervous-System Regulation

Integrative

Coach Ivette

For more than 100 years Lakeland Hills Family YMCA Y has been the leading community organization serving thousands of people, with its focus on Healthy Living, Youth Development, and Social Responsibility. For more information on Lakeland Hills Family YMCA please visit their website at www.lakelandhillsymca.com or email Kelly Horvath at kellyh@lhymca.com. No one serves the community as powerfully as the Y does every day.

Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes.

REVIEW

Knoll West Bar & Grill Opens to the Public: A New Shining Star for Parsippany

By Patrick Minutillo

If you happen to be a follower of these restaurant reviews, you are aware of the wonderfully eclectic abundance of diverse eateries that fortunately call home in Morris County. In the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills a bright new go to destination has joined that elite group of culinary institutions.

This past September the Knoll West Bar & Grill celebrated their long-awaited grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Attending the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting ceremony was Mayor James Barberio, Council President Michael dePierro, Council Vice President Loretta Gragnani, Councilman Justin Musella, Councilman Frank Neglia, Former Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee Chairman Frank Cahill, members Tom Williams, Drew Blind, Raj Dichpally as well as Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso.

The Bar & Grill will now be open to the public, for the first time, as a full-time sports themed, casual, comfortable upscale restaurant, offering a fine wine, cocktails, and gourmet food experience. I thought this would be a great for a visit to this new, highly anticipated, sports bar and reportedly “upscale continental” dining experience.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio cuts the ribbon at the new Knoll West Bar & Grill - Catering, 990 Greenbank Drive, Boonton, NJ 07005 (Located in Parsippany)

Once you ascend the steps to the Knoll West Country Club, which its majestically perched on the top of a hill, on entry one (Continued on Page 14)

Demetri Rotsides, Joe Jannarone, Jr., Pat Minutillo and Kypros Andreou

Mayor’s Action Center

R.

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.

REVIEW

Knoll West Bar & Grill Opens to the Public: A New Shining Star for Parsippany

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must be impressed with the grandeur of the foyer and sitting room. The attractive, stylish, elegance you initially encounter, with a giant bouquet of flowers, beautiful paintings, decorative fireplace, and perfectly accentuated seating and classy decor immediately creates an atmosphere that tells you that this venue is something special.

A quick left turn leads one into the newly renovated Bar & Grill where you enter a brightly lit, airy, spacious room, with high ceilings, multiple circular wood topped designed tables, thoughtfully spaced throughout the room, accompanied by beautifully matched upholstered white & brown seating, gray patterned carpeting which offset the soothing pale blue walls. Floor to ceiling windows, provide not only great lighting, but captures a picturesque panoramic view of the Knoll West course. In fact, window seating overlooks both the 1st and 10th holes of the West course, as well as an enticing view of the perfectly manicured fairways. Along the back wall sits the lengthy marble designed bar, with ample seating to accommodate approximately fifteen or so people, and along with the usual selection of liquors, specialty cocktails, assorted

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The room was filled with a contagious energy, perfect for a sports bar, with many in the room sporting their blue Giants attire

wines, and nine beers on tap, including local craft beers from three different breweries, IPA’s, Strongbow Cider, Sierra Nevada Hazy, and of course your usual favorites. Four of the

Classic Club

REVIEW

Knoll West Bar & Grill Opens to the Public: A New Shining Star for Parsippany

(Continued from Page 14)

grill’s large screen T.V.’s provides those sitting along the bar with a clear and unencumbered view of the screens. In addition to those T.V.’s at the bar, there are an additional six T.V.’s spaced throughout the dining area, both on the back wall and decorative beams, so those visiting the restaurant can easily watch and enjoy their favorite sports team from any location. I guess I should mention that the Bar & Grill does offer the full “NFL Package.” Despite the obvious activity, the acoustics throughout are excellent and comfortable, allowing diners to easily converse without difficulty.

I returned a couple of days after my initial visit to check out the vibe during the Giants/Packers game. The dining room, which seats approximately one hundred, was packed. The room was filled with a contagious energy, perfect for a sports bar, with many in the room sporting their blue Giants attire. It should be noted that the atmosphere was clearly family friendly as well, with a mixed and happy crowd, including some young ones, totally enjoying the experience. It appears to me that this new venue will be a wonderful new addition to the Township, and appears destined to become one of Parsippany’s shining stars.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Michael dePierro, Kelli Laglia Olsen, Parsippany-Troy

Hills Mayor James Barberio and Knoll Country Club Manager Kevin Brancato, at the ribbon cutting ceremony

A guest and I stopped in for lunch on a Friday afternoon, we sat by a window table overlooking the starter’s shack and enjoyed the golfers teeing off on the first hole as I enjoyed

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10-ounce California Burger

Kiwanis Club Held Successful 26th Wine Tasting Fundraiser

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany held its 26th Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser on Thursday, October 20 at Hanover Manor.

This year the event, attended by approximately 200 guests, was co-sponsor with Order Sons of Italy In America – Lodge 2561. All proceeds from the event will benefit charitable organizations from both the Kiwanis and the Sons of Italy –Lodge 2561.

Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet arranged a top-of-the-line selection of wines, spirits, and beers from 38 distributors and our members were more than happy to pour a generous sample of the products.

Hanover Manor did a fantastic job providing an ample and tasteful hot and cold buffet, cutting stations walk around appetizers, and a dessert/ coffee station to accompany the excellent drinks.

Congratulations on a very successful event

arranged by Kiwanis Greater Parsippany Committee Chairman Michael Mulhaul with President Nicolas Limanov, and Sons of Italy Lodge 2561 President Robert Adamo, and of course, to those members from both organizations without whom these worthwhile events would not be possible.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany President Nicolas Limanov, Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling, Former New Jersey Kiwanis Governor Gordon Meth and Kiwanis International Trustee Michael Mulhaul

Halloween at the Hills was “Scary and Fun”

Halloween reared its creepy head Friday night at the annual Halloween at the Hills event. This safe and controlled holiday effort is intended to be a safe trick-or-treat event for local elementary school kids.

The Student Council, Interact Club, Kiwanis Key Club, Project Graduation, Asian American Club, Peer Buddies, Indian Cultural Club, Erase, DECA, FBLA, Drama Club, French Club, Asian American Club, Anime were among some of the clubs participating in “Halloween at the Hills”.

The children dressed in costumes had fun playing games to win candy.  By the end of the evening, all the children’s bags were full to the top with a variety of candies.

The Interact Club conducted a food drive to be donated to Interfaith Food Pantry.

These spooky individuals are waiting for “Halloween at the Hills” to open

Parsippany Hills Key Club Advisor Kristine Bushong with former Key Club Advisor Bonnie Sturm and Lauren Sturm

Jalen Mui and Andy Adubato

Viking Nation Members of Interact Club: Vidhi Shah, Nick Spada, Nola Anderson, Bridget Skenien and Brielle Wallace was giving out candy to the children

Kiwanis Key Club Presents “Halloween at the High”

Joshua Marks and Alexander Thurkauf

Salma Majid

Felipe Schuck, Joseph Croat, Key Club Member Lucas Craig and Alex Leone

Connor Dombrowski, 10, Hope Dombrowski, 3, and Social Studies Special Education Teacher Lindsay Hulin

Key Club members Darren Kuo, Inderveer Kahlon and Caden DiMacco handing out candy to the children

Key Club members Ananya Mukherjee and Stevani Grosso handing out candy to the children

Kiwanis Key Club hosted another successful “Halloween at the High” on Friday, October 28. Key Club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. It is a student-led organization that teaches leadership through service to others.

New York Jets Unveiled New Playground at Parsippany Child Day Care

technology platform using the “deliver anything ASAP” model making it easy to order food, alcohol, convenience, grocery, flowers, auto parts and more at your fingertips and get them delivered ASAP. Its proprietary instadium mobile ordering technology now provides an enhanced fan experience at sports and entertainment venues, allowing fans to place orders from their favorite in-stadium concessions, directly from their seats. Additionally, the ASAP.com platform facilitates access to third parties that provide payment processing solutions for restaurants and other merchants. It provides a convenient way to discover, order and receive a wide variety of on-demand products – ASAP.

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families living and working in the area, while respecting their diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and empowering children to develop and learn at their own pace in a safe and nurturing environment. The center continues this practice by encouraging civic groups, local businesses, and corporations to be active participants in the center activities by engaging them in fundraising and events.

Parsippany Child Day Care Center is located at 300 Baldwin Road.

United Way of Northern New Jersey is a nonprofit organization fighting to improve life for families and individuals in our five-county footprint who are ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) or in poverty. We believe that by securing racial and economic equity for ALICE we can improve life for all. We’re investing in ALICE’s future in the workplace, at home, and across the commu nity. We do this through our initiatives that fill gaps in services, community partnerships, public policy work, and volunteer efforts. United Way of Northern New Jersey serves Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties as well as portions of suburban Essex County.

ASAP.com, the on-demand delivery brand for Waitr Holdings Inc., is an online ordering

In 1973, the NFL and United Way of America forged a partnership that has become the sports industry’s most visible and longest-running public service program, using players and other NFL personalities to promote community service through public service television ads. Throughout the years, United Way fundraising has soared from $800 million to $3.91 billion, and the NFL-United Way partnership has evolved from a fundraising organization to a community services provider, on programs and services that far surpass the well-known television spots. Teams and their players support the local United Way chapters in their communities year-round through personal appearances, joint programs, and campaign contributions.

Check Presentation

Breece Hall playing with the children of Parsippany Child Day Care Center

Nest Chiropractic Donated to Parsippany Police on First Responders Day

their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes.

Nest Chiropractic donated bagels to the Parsippany Police Department in honor of National First Responders Day.

National First Responders Day on October 28 recognizes the heroic men and women who make it

Dr. Dan is originally from West Orange. He earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Life University in Marietta, Georgia. Prior to that, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from The Catholic University of America. Dr. Dan is proficient in multiple chiropractic techniques including Diversified, cox flexion-distraction, activator Sacro-occipital technique, and Gonstead as well as being Webster certified. He comes from a family of chiropractors – his father, two aunts, an uncle, and a cousin are all currently in practice. When he is not helping others achieve their optimum health through chiropractic, he is an avid sports enthusiast and faithfully follows the Yankees and Giants.

Nest Chiropractic is located at 341 Smith Road, Parsippany. The Nest Chiropractic is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Sergeant Brian J. Conover, Dr. Dan Roses and Police Officer Remo D’Alessandro, Support Services Division

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany Installs New Officers

Meth, who will serve as Treasurer, Carol Tiesi, as President-Elect and Ilmi Bojkovic as Vice President.

Kiwanis Division 9 Lt. Governor Frank Cahill places the official President pin on Nicolas Limanov during the Installation Dinner held at Village Restaurant on Thursday, October 13.

Limanov is the 31st President to serve Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany since it was Charted in 1991, by Kiwanis International.

Also joining Limanov at the swearing in was Gordon

Cahill said “I want to bring up something when I served my first term as President in Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany. I was given the chore of applying for the 50/50 raffle license. When I filled out the application, I realized that I was the youngest one on the application. At that time, I did a survey of our members and found out we were top heavy in older members. I went out and recruited Nicolas Limanov. He was 18 or 19 at the time. He was a former Key Club member, so it was easy to bring him into our club. Nick became our youngest member. Then Nick recruited his mom. They were the two youngest members of the club. With the help of Nick and others we have recruited other younger members. Today, I am proud to be swearing in Nick as President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany.”

Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization in over 96 nations. The major emphasis is SERVING THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD.

For more information visit www.parsippanykiwanis.org.

Kiwanis Lt. Governor Frank Cahill places the President pin on Nicolas Limanov during the Installation Dinner

PUPPY LOVE

Pistachio, a Female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/ Bichon Frise (Cavachon) who is seven months old would like to go home with you.

Pistachio is very young and is looking for an home who is home more often than not to spend time playing and training her. We’d prefer she go into a home with another adult dog to show her the ropes.

Pistachio’s foster says she is energetic, loving, and affectionate. She enjoys being outdoors playing in the grass and chasing the ball. Pistachio also loves going for walk and walks well on her leash! After a long day of play, she is happy to get all of the snuggles and pets she can get!

As she is very young, her forever home must be experienced and ready to put her through training so she can become the well-behaved adult we know she can be!

Why did she come to WISE? Pistachio was rejected by a pet shop and was to be returned to the mill where she was destined to be destroyed. WISE wasn’t going to let that happen and took her into our program.

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application on our website wiseanimalrescue.org/ adoption-application.

Pistachio, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel,

Adopt Pistachio

FIND US ON MORRIS NOW

You can find IHOP- Parsippany on MORRIS NOW. Check in, love us and we will send you offers, just for finding us on MORRIS NOW!

MORRIS NOW APP has everything from businesses, events, venues, news, weather, alerts, and push notification messages that are all 100% locally sourced by only the local members within Morris County that will keep you fully informed about everything going on. All-in-one, easy-to-use app on your mobile phone at absolutely no cost to Morris County residents and visitors.

Our passion and purpose are supporting Morris County’s locally owned businesses! We encourage you to not only download the app but to locate and support the men and women who own them! Download MORRIS NOW in the APP STORE OR ON GOOGLE PLAY.

Parsippany Fire District 5 Holds Open House

Parsippany District 5 Fire Department held an Open House on Saturday, October 15.

There were lots of events for everyone.

-Trucks to view and climb on -Equipment to look at and use

-Fire gear to try on -Fire hose to use

-Thermal Imaging Camera to see what they see -Bounce House

-Fire Extinguisher prop to practice how to prop erly and safely use a Fire Extinguisher

-Fire safety information

-Fire safety giveaways

The Open House was at 200 South Beverwyck Road fire house.

Four year old Joe Koczan-Wright a Pre-K student at Eastlake Elementary School tries on the gear the firemen are required to wear when responding to a fire. Joe lives in the Sedgefield section of Parsippany.

Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills to hold Meeting

Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills General Meeting will hold its next General Meeting on November 28 at 7:00 p.m.

The meeting is at the Lake Parsippany Rescue & Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive.

This is one of their favorite meetings of the year! Once the business meeting ended members filled containers with cookies and hard candies that are distributed to local nursing homes.

New members are always welcome to join the Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills, established in 1954.

The club is one of over 200 clubs that make up the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC.

NJSFWC is the largest volunteer women’s

service organization in the state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service. Follow the club on FACEBOOK, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information email womansclubofpth@ gmail.com or call Ginny at (973) 887-0336.

Proud members of Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills. File Photo

First Ever Diwali Festival Celebrated at Parsippany Library

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library System hosted its first-ever Diwali Festival on Saturday, October 22.

They celebrated Diwali with dancing, henna, food, arts, and crafts with over three hundred of the community! Thank you to the Thillai Fine Arts Dance for their wonderful performance!

The event was sponsored by the Friends of the Parsippany Library!

Diwali, the festival of lights, joy, prosperity, and happiness will be celebrated this year on October 24, 2022. It is a five-day-long celebration that commences with Dhanteras and ends with Bhaiya Dooj. The festival of Diwali is celebrated on the darkest night of the year in the Hindu month of Kartik.

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Library is located at 449 Halsey Road.

2nd Annual DEA National Take Back Held in Parsippany

Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Justin Musella visited the “2nd Annul DEA National Take Back event” held on Saturday, October 29. The collection of unwanted/ unused medication was at Morris Hills Shopping Center (outside Harmon Face Value). Pictured with Musella are Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officer Remo D’Alessandro and Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Sergeant Craig Brooks.

Juice Up Your Morning Networking

Networking is the cornerstone of business. There is nothing more effective than building meaningful business connections in a face-to-face environment. Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce offers many valuable networking opportunities through our Juice Up Your Morning Networking Event. It’s 100% Networking.

Each month our event features a “host spotlight” opportunity for a member to have a 10-minute segment (which can be shared) on their business and every attendee has a one-minute opportunity to share their introduction. The mission of our business networking event is to support the development of your professional network and to help promote your expertise and business capabilities among local business professionals.

90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322 Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (973) 402-6400

Potato-Asiago Soup

• 5 #’s Yukon Gold

• 1 bunch chopped scallions

• 2 large onions, diced

• 4 peeled shallots, diced

• 1 cup grated Asiago cheese

• 1T roasted garlic

• ½ cup white wine

• 4 quarts vegetable stock

• 1 cup heavy cream

In a large stock pot, brown the onions, shallots and scallions in blended oil. Stir and add potatoes and wine, when the wine evaporates add stock, bring to boil, and reduce heat to a

simmer. Add roasted garlic and when the potatoes are soft, purée all with an immersion blender.

Add cream and adjust seasoning. Serve with grated Imported Asiago cheese.

Chef Matthew Pierone, Gourmet Café Restaurant 136 Baldwin Road Parsippany, New Jersey (973) 316-0088 gourmetcafenj@comcast.net

Knoll West Bar & Grill Opens to the Public: A New Shining Star for Parsippany

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my cold draft Yuengling, and we discussed the menu items. For a starter I chose the Bavarian Knot; a Jumbo Pretzel (and I mean humongous), which came presented on a metal stand, and accompanied by Jalapeño Beer Cheese and Honey Mustard dipping sauces. I love hot pretzels, and this one was something I will certainly order over and over. The pretzel was just warm enough, had the right crispiness to the outside, and was nice and chewy inside. Delicious! This could have been my meal by itself. The dipping sauces were the perfect accompaniment, especially the Jalapeño Beer Cheese. Then came my 10-ounce California Burger, topped with lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, mayo and cheese, and served on a Brioche Bun. I know it is only a burger, but it was tasty and very well done. Cooked to perfection and packed with toppings and a side of crispy French Fries. After the pretzel and burger (which even I could not finish) I surrendered. My friend chose the Classic Club; on Country White Roasted Turkey, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Mayo, which was also served with a choice of French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries. It too was a generously sized portion and easily satiated his appetite.

After finishing our dinner, I had the pleasure of having Kypros Andreou, General Manager, and Demetri Rotsides, Food and Beverage Director for the Knoll Country Club and Catering join us at our table to discuss the upcoming plans for the Bar & Grill (www.KnollCatering.com)

A little history, Mr. Andreou had been the long time General Manager of Knoll C.C. Catering prior to its two years and eight month hiatus due to the pandemic, and has now, after being awarded a new contract returned to resume those duties with the municipal utility. Both gentlemen informed me that the restaurant has now acquired two highly renown Chef’s with impressive resumes, both with training at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), and one trained at the French Culinary Institute of New York, as well as extensive culinary experience in some highly acclaimed restaurants, including such places as Ninety Acres. They were proud to note that everything in the Bar & Grill will be made from scratch, using local produce, and with a menu that will indulge your appetite.

The Bar & Grill’s new full menu will include “Brunch,” which offers such choices as Avocado Toast, The Classic Benedict, a Breakfast Burrito, as well as other great selections. “Starters,” include such tantalizing items as Crispy Firecracker Shrimp,

Birria Tacos, Prince Edward Island Mussels, Jumbo Wings. “Handhelds,” offers a Duck Confit Sandwich, Short Rib Sandwich, Hole-in-One Burger, a well as many other delectable choices. The “On the Greens” section offers a choice of appetizing salads, and of course there is a lot more that is too extensive to cover in this review. You will have to check that out for yourself.

Other upcoming plans include opening the outdoor patio area, which overlooks the 18th hole. “Food and Drink Specials” will be offered throughout the season. “Game Day Specials” (buffets and reduced priced drinks), “Rotating Seasonal Menus” will be forthcoming, and after speaking with both Mr. Andreou and Mr. Rotsides I am confident the future holds many great things to come from the Knoll West Bar & Grill.

If you are a sports fan, or just looking for a new, and fun, dining adventure make sure to stop by the Knoll West Bar & Grill. I know I will be stopping in now and again to catch a game, and to try some more of those mouthwatering dishes.

The Knoll West Bar and Grill is open 7 days a week to both members and the public for brunch, lunch and dinner! Current hours are 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with hours expected to expand during the first week of November from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Knoll West Bar & Grill - Catering, 990 Greenbank Drive, Boonton, NJ 07005 (Located in Parsippany)  (973) 263-7110 www.knollcatering.com

Bavarian Knot; a Jumbo Pretzel