Things to do in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ

Explore Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ: Where Business Meets Beauty and Adventure

Nestled in Morris County, New Jersey, Parsippany-Troy Hills is a vibrant township offering a diverse range of attractions and activities for residents and visitors alike. From scenic parks to cultural landmarks and recreational facilities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling community. One of the notable attractions in Parsippany-Troy Hills is the headquarters of the Giant Lockbox company, which stands as a testament to the area’s thriving business community. Beyond its industrial charm, Parsippany-Troy Hills boasts an array of recreational opportunities amidst its natural beauty. Visitors can start their exploration at one of the many picturesque parks scattered throughout the township. Tourne County Park, for instance, offers scenic trails perfect for hiking and birdwatching, while Central Park of Morris County provides expansive fields for picnicking and sports activities.

For those interested in history and culture, a visit to the Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms offers a glimpse into the Arts and Crafts movement through its well-preserved interiors and gardens. The museum, located in a rustic estate, showcases the craftsmanship of Gustav Stickley, a prominent figure in American design and furniture making.

Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Parsippany-Troy Hills, with facilities like the Inline Skating Rink offering a cool escape during the summer months and a thrilling venue for skating and hockey. Meanwhile, the Knoll Country Club provides golfers with a picturesque course set against the backdrop of the New Jersey landscape, perfect for a relaxing day on the greens.

Food lovers can indulge in a diverse culinary scene that reflects the township’s multiculturalism. From casual diners to upscale restaurants, Parsippany-Troy Hills offers a variety of dining options to suit every palate. Local favorites include authentic Italian trattorias, family-owned diners serving classic American fare, and international eateries offering flavors from around the globe.

Throughout the year, Parsippany-Troy Hills hosts a range of community events and festivals that celebrate its rich heritage and diverse community. The Fourth of July fireworks display at Veterans Memorial Park is a highlight, drawing crowds from across the region for a night of music, food, and patriotic celebration. The township also hosts cultural festivals that showcase music, dance, and cuisine from different cultures, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to come together and experience the township’s vibrant community spirit.

For those seeking retail therapy, Parsippany-Troy Hills offers a mix of shopping destinations, from convenient malls to boutique shops. The nearby Rockaway Townsquare Mall features a wide selection of stores and restaurants, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking to shop and dine under one roof.

Parsippany-Troy Hills also serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of Morris County, with easy access to hiking trails, historic sites, and scenic drives. Nearby attractions include the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, where visitors can explore wetlands and observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or considering a move to the area, Parsippany-Troy Hills offers a welcoming community with a wealth of attractions and activities to explore. From its scenic parks and cultural landmarks to its thriving culinary scene and recreational opportunities, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in this dynamic township in the heart of New Jersey.

Is Congress Cutting Social Security

The media in the U.S. is reporting that possible legislation from the House of Representatives could potentially cut Social Security benefits, but, that may not be the full story.

The legislation that the House is looking to pass is bill H.R.5779 – Fiscal Commission Act of 2023.

The Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 is calling for the creation of a 4 person commission that will design a pathway to a balanced budget “at the earliest reasonable date.”

The requirements of this commission will be to “stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio at or below 100% by the end of the 10-year period”.

As of the 3rd Quarter of 2023, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve that U.S. debt-to-GDP is at 120.13%. Meaning that the U.S. is spending well more than what it is taking in.

Is the Fiscal Commission going to be all Republicans?

The construction of the commission, according to the bill, will consist of “3 individuals from among the members of the Senate, and 1 outside expert”.

The Senate Majority Leader, Charles (Chuck) Schumer, will have the responsibility of selecting all members of the commission.

Yes, this is a Republican bill, but the power and control this bill will create will reside within the confines of the Senate Majority Leader and only that person, which until the next election is going to be a Democrat.

Will this commission begin cutting Social Security benefits?

There is nothing specific within the Act to Social Security nor is there any mention of cuts, cutting or even the word cut throughout the entire bill.

Again, the bill from the House is simply requesting that the Senate Majority Leader hand select 4 individuals to devise a plan on how to bring down the country’s debt.

Are Social Security benefits going to be cut?

According to the Social Security Board of Trustees (SSBT), the Social Security program has enough funding to continue benefits as they are today through at least 2034.

However, the Trustee are also reporting that the program’s operating expenses will increase by 5.42% annually while the payroll tax revenue to fund it will only grow by 3.80% over the next 9 years.

Coupling this issue is the demographics within the United States as the Trustees are also stating that the country’s fertility rate will only be 1.99% going forward.

This means that the current Social Security program is in the death spiral of having more and more people aging into the program while less and less people are taking their place to fund the benefits.

Eventually, when it comes to the Social Security benefits, something has to give as it appears that there just won’t be enough revenue from taxes to continue to paying out the same amounts when it comes to benefits.

But, again, there is nothing in this bill that even suggests that Congress will be cutting Social Security benefits.

IRMAA may be able save the Social Security program.

By law Social Security benefits automatically pay Medicare premiums on a monthly basis.

Medicare also has a tax on income through Medicare’s Income Related Monthly adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

IRMAA is simply a surcharge that is added to a retiree’s Part B and or Part D premium if they are earning too much income.

Currently, you have to qualify for IRMAA by generating $103,000 in income a year if you are an individual and $206,000 for couples.

The more income you generate after these initial qualifying points the higher the chances that your Medicare premiums increase even higher.

Saving the Social Security program or at least lowering the obligations of the program can literally just come down to changing the IRMAA qualifications.

The Connection Between Oral Health And Overall Wellness

The Quality of your oral health is connected to your physical wellness. The oral-systemic health connection impacts your body, medical costs, and quality of life.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, oral health and physical health are interdependent. Existing health conditions can increase the risk of oral disease. Conversely, poor oral health can result in the development of health conditions.

Fortunately, with proper care and attention, you can prevent oral-systemic health issues.

How does poor oral health cause other health problems?

Nutrition enters your body through your mouth. And your mouth happens to be teeming with bacteria. Some of the bacteria are good. They are the first step in the digestive process. Other bacteria can be harmful to your health.

If you’re not diligent about keeping your mouth clean, bad bacteria can proliferate. This can lead to tooth decay and periodontitis or gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can cause some serious health conditions. In fact, gum disease can be linked to three of the four pillars of chronic disease including heart disease, Alzheimer’s and autoimmune problems.

Health conditions that can be caused by poor oral health

The following serious health conditions can be the result of poor dental health:

Cardiovascular disease
Research suggests infections and inflammation caused by oral bacteria can result in heart disease, clogged arteries, and stroke.

Endocarditis
This bacterial infection that enters your body through the mouth or other areas affects the proper functioning of your heart.

Birth complications
Gum disease can cause premature births and low birth weight.

Pneumonia
Respiratory diseases and pneumonia are caused by bacteria in your mouth that has been pulled into your lungs.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Some studies suggest that bacteria that develops into gum disease also caused neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and senile plaque formation. These in turn can lead to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Certain diseases themselves can lower the body’s resistance to infection and compromise oral health.

Diabetes
Studies show a reciprocal relationship between gum disease and diabetes. Diabetes makes it hard for the body to fight infections, which can cause gum disease. And people who have gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. So, treating periodontal disease reduces the need for insulin.

Osteoporosis
This bone-weakening disease also causes tooth loss.

Protect your oral health to improve your overall health

It’s not hard to maintain your oral health. By following a few simple oral care tips, you can Support good oral-systemic health for the long haul.

  1. Brush your teeth, gently, twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride. toothpaste. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months.
  2. Floss daily.
  3. Rinse with therapeutic mouthwash to wash away any excess bacteria.
  4. Visit Dr. Frahm for regular dental checkups, your oral cancer screening, and cleanings.

If any oral health problems arise, contact Dr. Frahm. By taking care of your oral health, you’re making a worthwhile investment in your overall health. Click below to learn more. 

Dr. Sarah Frahm

Navigating the OASDI Limit 2023: What You Need

Ever wondered why some numbers in finance seem to shift every year? The OASDI limit for 2023 is one such figure that’s crucial yet often misunderstood. For those scratching their heads, OASDI stands for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability insurance – essentially Social Security. This year brings a fresh twist you’ll definitely want to get cozy with.

The OASDI limit marks the ceiling of your earnings taxed for Social Security purposes. Understanding this number is more than just ticking a box for the sake of it; it’s about smartly mapping out your financial journey ahead. In the same way you manage your credit cards to optimize credit health, understanding the OASDI limit helps optimize your financial health.

Understanding the Social Security Tax Limit 2023

The limit on Social Security tax isn’t something to shrug off. It’s the maximum amount of your earnings that are subject to the Social Security tax each year.

That limit is $160, 200. A nice chunk of change, right?

What Is the Social Security Tax Limit?

Let’s break it down. If your earnings hit that $160, 200 cap, you’ll pay a maximum of $9, 932.40 in Social Security taxes for the year. Your employer will kick in the same amount, for a total of $19, 864.80 paid into the system on your behalf.

But if you’re self-employed, you’re on the hook for the whole enchilada – 12.4% of your earnings up to that $160, 200 limit. The silver lining? You get to deduct half of that amount on your tax return. Every cloud, my friend. This is akin to how wisely managing your credit can lead to significant savings over time.

Now, let’s say you’re an overachiever and earn more than $160, 200. Congrats. But here’s the thing: you don’t pay Social Security taxes on anything over that amount. It’s like hitting the jackpot, tax-wise.

How the Increase Affects Payroll Taxes

So, how does this compare to last year? In 2022, the Social Security tax limit was $147, 000. That means the limit jumped by $13, 200 for 2023. Not too shabby.

But wait, there’s more. If you’re a high earner, you could pay up to $818 more in Social Security taxes this year compared to 2022. It’s all thanks to that increase in the wage base limit.

So, what does this mean for your paycheck? If you earn $160, 200 or more, you’ll see 6.2% taken out for Social Security taxes until you hit that magic number. Then, poof. No more Social Security tax withholdings for the rest of the year. It’s like a little bonus, right? Much like how responsibly using credit cards for monthly expenses can help manage cash flow effectively.