Parsippany Democrats Gather for Summertime Party Building

Parsippany Democrats braved threateningly gray skies to come together for an anything but gloomy summer picnic Sunday afternoon at the historic Livingston-Benedict House on Old Parsippany Road. The annual event was organized by the township's Democratic Party.

While the sun did not make more than a cursory appearance during the event, no rain fell at all, so spirits at the picnic remained high.

The gathering, a laughter-filled potluck affair featuring burgers and dogs along with vegetarian and vegan fare, mostly was about fun and socializing. Conversations revolved around the Par-Troy East All-Stars, who are competing in the 2012 Little League World Series, township news, art appreciation and the history surrounding the Livingston-Benedict house. And some picnickers took the opportunity to have themselves photographed with a lifesize cardboard photo of President Obama.

But some business was transacted as well: Party Chair Michael Soriano introduced the eventgoers to two Democratic candidates for the Nov. 6 general election: 11th District House of Representatives hopeful John Arvanites and Jonathan Nelson, who is running in the special Town Council race. Volunteers also were recruited for political canvassing of neighborhoods in advance of the election.

In addition, Soriano announced that after the general election, the party will move forward with plans to form a Parsippany Democratic Club, which will serve as a social organization for township progressives.