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Parsippany’s Hopeful Hands Supports NICU Families Through Care Packages

By
Frank Cahill
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PARSIPPANY — People always say a dream can only go so far, but a vision is the one that grows. That is the definition of Hopeful Hands. What started as a simple idea grew into a student-led initiative that supports NICU parents through handmade care packages.

I am Joanna Mathew, a high school student and the founder of Hopeful Hands, a handmade care package initiative that serves and shares love with NICU parents.

Hopeful Hands has been active for just over a year. Over that time, the initiative has distributed more than 50 care packages, connected with NICU parents, built a team, and grown an online following. We also partnered with the maternal ward at Saint Clare’s Denville, and we recently crossed 1,000 followers on Instagram.

All this success is great, but it makes me want to go back to my roots — the “why” of Hopeful Hands. Why NICU parents? Why care packages? Why care at such a young age? This is the story behind Hopeful Hands.

I grew up hearing the same story over and over again. Every child has a birth story. Mine was a little different. Most birth stories sound something like, “You looked just like your mom the moment I laid eyes on you.” Mine was far from that. Mine goes more like this: “You used to wear your father’s wedding ring as a bangle,” and “the nurses and doctors weren’t sure you would survive.”

Looking back, I truly believe a miracle happened. I was born at about 24 weeks’ gestation. I spent almost four months in the NICU and had multiple health complications, including bronchitis. I relied on oxygen support for most of my time there, and it was my parents’ endless prayers and the amazing doctors, practitioners, and nurses who supported us that got me through.

Hopeful Hands is my way of giving back. The NICU is one of the scariest places for both a child and their parents — waking up every day just hoping and praying that your child will live, seeing a tiny, premature baby struggle. My parents experienced this firsthand, and it was the most emotionally difficult experience of their lives.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this essay, it all started as a dream. It was just an idea. I remember thinking, “It would be so impactful to start something like this.” For a while, it just stayed an idea, until I worked for it, and my dream became a reality. It was no longer a dream, but a working vision.

If this story resonated with you, I invite you to support Hopeful Hands as we continue to serve NICU families, whether through donations or by simply sharing our mission with the world. To learn more, follow us on Instagram or reach out to us by email at [email protected].

Patriotic Boat Parade, Lakeside Festivities Set for Lake Hopatcong’s Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday

By
Frank Cahill
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File Photo

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee, in partnership with the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, will host a free day of patriotic festivities on Saturday, July 11, to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake.

The celebration begins at 11:00 a.m. and features a Patriotic Boat Parade, an All Fleet Sail, a Paddler Flotilla, live music, family-friendly entertainment, and community celebrations around the lake.

Boaters are encouraged to decorate their vessels in red, white and blue and join the Patriotic Boat Parade, departing from Nolan’s Point at 11:00 a.m., with participants gathering in Great Cove by 10:45 a.m. Sailboats are invited to take part in the All Fleet Sail, departing from Bertrand Island to Halsey Island at 11:30 a.m., with vessels gathering in front of the Lake Hopatcong Yacht Club at 11:15 a.m. Kayakers, canoeists and paddleboarders are welcome to join the Paddler Flotilla, gathering on the north side of Lakeside Village at noon.

“Whether you’ve lived here for years or are visiting Lake Hopatcong for the first time, this celebration is a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty, recreation and history that make Morris County so special,” said Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers, a member of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee. “We invite everyone out to celebrate America’s 250th birthday out on the water while creating lasting memories with family, friends and neighbors.”

“Lake Hopatcong has always been more than a lake — it has been a gathering place where history, community, and tradition come together,” said Marty Kane, chair of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and president of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum. “For generations, people have come here to celebrate holidays, spend time with family, and create lasting memories. As America marks its 250th anniversary, we have a unique opportunity to reflect on our shared history while bringing people together in one of New Jersey’s most iconic places. I can think of no better setting to celebrate.”

Residents and businesses throughout the lake communities are encouraged to decorate their docks, homes and storefronts in patriotic colors and join the celebration.

“As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, this event provides a unique way to honor our shared history while enjoying one of New Jersey’s most treasured destinations,” said Sarah Neibart, executive director of the Morris County 250th Anniversary Celebrations Committee. “We hope residents and visitors alike will join us in creating a memorable and patriotic celebration on the lake.”

The event is part of Morris County’s countywide America 250 initiative, commemorating the county’s role in the American Revolution while encouraging residents and visitors to explore its historic sites, communities and destinations.

For a complete schedule of events, visit the America’s 250th Birthday on Lake Hopatcong event page. To learn more about Morris County’s America 250 celebration, visit morriscounty250.morristourism.org.

Madison’s Logan Kvarnlov Named to University of Mississippi Chancellor’s Honor Roll

By
Frank Cahill
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Logan Kvarnlov

MADISON — Logan Kvarnlov of Madison has been named to the University of Mississippi’s spring 2026 Chancellor’s Honor Roll, reserved for students who earn a semester grade point average between 3.75 and 4.00.

Kvarnlov is enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program in general business.

To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must complete at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during that time.

“These students have achieved at the highest academic level, and we are proud to recognize them on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll,” Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “They are exceptional scholars, and their dedication and achievement is reflected in this designation.”

The University of Mississippi, known as Ole Miss, is the state’s flagship university and is included in the Carnegie Classification’s group of R1: Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity. The university’s 16 academic divisions include a medical school and nationally recognized schools of accountancy, law, and pharmacy, along with an Honors College known for combining academic rigor, experiential learning, and community action opportunities. The university’s main campus is in Oxford, Mississippi.

Cedar Knolls’ Brendan Waivada Named to Hamilton College Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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Brendan Waivada

HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Brendan Waivada of Cedar Knolls has been named to the spring 2026 Dean’s List at Hamilton College, a liberal arts institution in Clinton, New York.

Waivada, a rising senior majoring in economics and mathematics, is a graduate of Seton Hall Preparatory School.

To earn a place on the Dean’s List, a student must be a current member of the Class of 2026 or 2027, carry a course load of four or more graded credits throughout the semester, and achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale. More than 500 students were named to the list for the spring 2026 semester.

Hamilton College offers students an open curriculum along with research, internship, and off-campus study opportunities, supported by a need-blind admission policy that ensures access for students with limited financial means. More information is available at hamilton.edu.

Dover’s Jeffrey Thomas Named to Lionel University’s Chancellor’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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DOVER — Jeffrey Thomas of Dover has been named to the Chancellor’s List at Lionel University, the school’s highest academic distinction, after earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average in his coursework.

The recognition, announced June 30, honors students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance throughout their term.

Lionel University is a private, for-profit institution based in Carpinteria, California, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, primarily in exercise science and fitness-related fields. The school was formerly known as the International Sports Sciences Association and offers its programs entirely online.

Additional details about Thomas’ program of study were not immediately available.

Author Lisa Napolitan to Sign Grief-Themed Picture Book at Morris Plains Barnes & Noble

By
Frank Cahill
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The Ones We Love," a picture book by author Lisa Napolitan, explores grief and healing through watercolor illustrations. Napolitan will sign copies July 11 at the Morris Plains Barnes & Noble.

MORRIS PLAINS — Author Lisa Napolitan will sign copies of her book, “The Ones We Love,” on Saturday, July 11, at 1:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, 1940 Route 10 West.

The illustrated picture book is intended for readers of any age confronting grief, from small children to adults. Told through hand-painted watercolor illustrations and few words, the story follows a child who finds comfort in nature, accompanied by a bunny, while navigating the loss of a loved one.

Napolitan is a writer and artist whose stories and essays have appeared in numerous literary journals.

She is a doctoral candidate in literary studies and writing at Drew University, where she also teaches public speaking to international students.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in semiotics from Brown University and a master’s degree in creative writing from Hofstra University. “The Ones We Love” is her first picture book.

Morris Museum to Host Screening of “Drive By History: The Worst Winter of the Revolution”

By
Frank Cahill
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Drive By History: Jockey Hollow Viewing Party & Q&A with Ken Magos

MORRIS COUNTY — History fans can experience one of the most compelling chapters of the American Revolution on Tuesday, July 14, at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road.

The museum will host a special screening of “Drive By History: The Worst Winter of the Revolution: 1779-80,” a PBS episode that explores the Continental Army’s encampment at Jockey Hollow and Morris County’s pivotal role in America’s fight for independence.

The evening begins with a VIP cocktail reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. for $30.00, followed by a free screening and live question-and-answer session from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with creator and host Ken Magos.

Attendees will hear firsthand how the story was brought to life and gain new insight into one of the most significant Revolutionary War sites in the nation.

Registration is required by clicking here.

New Jersey’s ‘Skip the Stuff’ Law Takes Effect August 1, Changing Takeout Orders for Morris County Restaurants

By
Frank Cahill
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A takeout order of French fries, a hot dog and a soft drink illustrates the kind of meal affected by New Jersey’s “Skip the Stuff” law, which limits automatic distribution of disposable utensils and condiments starting August 1.

MORRIS COUNTY — Starting August 1, restaurants, cafés, coffee shops, diners, food trucks, drive-thrus and other food service businesses across Morris County and New Jersey will only be permitted to provide single-use utensils and condiment packets when customers specifically request them, under the state’s new “Skip the Stuff” law.

The law, known as S3195, applies regardless of whether an order is placed in person, by phone, online or through a delivery app. Online ordering systems will also be required to default to “no utensils or condiments,” requiring customers to actively opt in if they want them.

The law also changes dine-in service. Full-service restaurants with seating for ten or more customers will be required to provide reusable, washable utensils for customers eating on-site instead of disposable cutlery.

Customers will still be able to request disposable forks, knives, spoons, chopsticks, napkins and condiment packets. Businesses are not required to offer these items, but if they do, they may only hand out the specific types and quantities a customer asks for.

A related provision takes effect later: starting August 1, 2027, restaurants will no longer be allowed to offer bundled packs containing multiple disposable utensils or condiments, though self-service stations dispensing individual items will still be permitted in certain settings.

The law includes several exemptions. Kindergarten-through-twelfth-grade schools, health care facilities, and county or state correctional facilities are not covered by the requirements, and food court vendors have until August 1, 2028, to comply. Prepackaged food products that include utensils or condiments during manufacturing, along with single-use sauce cups served with specialty menu items, are also exempt.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the measure builds on the state’s broader effort to reduce single-use plastics, following a 2022 ban on single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food containers, and a 2021 requirement that plastic straws be provided only upon request.

Environmental groups, including Clean Water Action, have pointed to the volume of disposable utensils discarded nationally each year, much of it never used, as a driver behind the legislation. The National Caucus of Environmental Legislators has described New Jersey’s law as among the most comprehensive of its kind in the country.

A fiscal analysis by the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services found the law could produce long-term savings for restaurants and government-run food service facilities by reducing the purchase of disposable items, though some businesses may face short-term adjustment costs. The analysis also noted that state and local governments will take on additional enforcement responsibilities, with fines collected supporting litter cleanup and environmental education through the Clean Communities Program Fund.

Businesses that do not comply will receive a warning for a first violation, followed by a $100 fine for a second offense and $250 for a third or subsequent violation within a twelve-month period.

Morris County restaurant and food service owners with questions about compliance can consult guidance from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Morris County Joins Nationwide Reading of Declaration of Independence

By
Frank Cahill
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MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County will join communities across the nation on Wednesday, July 8, for a synchronized public reading of the Declaration of Independence, marking the 250th anniversary of the document’s first public reading and closing out the county’s weeklong “Light to Unite” celebration of America’s semiquincentennial.

The public is invited to gather on the front lawn of the historic Morris County Courthouse, 56 Washington St., beginning at 5:45 p.m., with the reading starting promptly at 6:00 p.m. The timing coincides with communities in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. territories, which will take part in the nationwide “Sharing the Spirit of America” initiative at the same moment.

The reading will also be livestreamed on the Morris County Facebook page. County officials are encouraging municipalities, civic organizations, veterans halls and other local groups to organize their own synchronized readings throughout Morris County at exactly 6:00 p.m. on July 8.

The ceremony will feature members of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners along with county constitutional officers Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Sheriff James M. Gannon, County Clerk Ann F. Grossi and Surrogate Heather J. Darling, as well as Superior Court Morris/Sussex Vicinage Assignment Judge Stuart A. Minkowitz, each reading an assigned portion of the Declaration of Independence.

“This event offers our community a unique opportunity to stand together and commemorate one of the defining moments in our nation’s history,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw. “By joining Americans across the country in reading the Declaration of Independence at the exact same moment, we honor the principles of liberty and self-government that continue to unite us 250 years later.”

The date commemorates July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was first read publicly in the yard of what is now Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The document was also read publicly in Trenton later that same day.

The Morristown ceremony will open with music from the Colonial Musketeers Senior Ancient Fife and Drum Corps of Hackettstown. Just before 6:00 p.m., the historic courthouse bell will ring 13 times before the reading begins.

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to enjoy complimentary Bomb Pop frozen treats, view the Morris County 250th Traveling Mural, and explore a special 250th anniversary exhibit inside the courthouse. The exhibit traces the evolution of Morris County’s courthouses, highlights landmark trials, and features historic artifacts, photographs and interactive displays illustrating the county’s legal history. Visitors can also view exhibits on the history of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office and pick up a complimentary pocket Constitution, courtesy of the New Jersey State Bar Association.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move to the historic courtroom on the second floor of the Morris County Courthouse.

The July 8 reading also caps off Morris County’s “Light to Unite” campaign, which began July 2 and encouraged residents, businesses, schools, houses of worship and local governments to light homes, buildings and landmarks in red, white and blue in celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Meet Striker: Lake Hiawatha Rescue Seeks Home for Yorkie-Chihuahua Mix Puppy

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — Wise Animal Rescue (WISE), a foster-based, all-volunteer nonprofit headquartered in Lake Hiawatha, is looking for a forever home for Striker, a 7-week-old Yorkshire Terrier-Chihuahua mix puppy.

Striker is female and small in size. According to WISE, she is “the total puppy package” — playful, happy and full of life, with days balanced between eating, playing and napping. The rescue describes her as outgoing and eager to make new friends, both human and canine, and says she is already making progress with wee-wee pad training.

Striker is good with kids, dogs and cats, WISE said. She is still working on house training, crate training and basic puppy manners, and the rescue recommends a patient home with time to continue her training, socialization and confidence-building as she grows.

WISE said some of the dogs it takes in come from large-scale breeding programs that are unable to place them due to medical needs, birth defects, appearance differences, or simply a lack of demand. The rescue partners with groups working to give those dogs a second chance, and says it is committed to caring for dogs of all kinds — healthy, medically fragile, senior or with special needs.

WISE is entirely volunteer-run, and donations go directly back to the animals in its care. The organization asks prospective adopters to support its program with a minimum donation of $850, which may not be applied directly to the dog being adopted but goes toward supporting all of the dogs in the rescue’s care.

Those interested in adopting Striker can fill out an application at WiseAnimalRescue.org.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, July 2026. Click here to read more.

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Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.

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