Gourmet Cafe Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

Frank L. Cahill
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Gourmet Cafe Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

PARSIPPANY — “It has been a lifelong goal to own and operate my own restaurant,” said Matt Pierone.  The dream came true on June 7, 2007 when, with the blessing of his wife Rosemary, he purchased the Gourmet Café. At that time, the restaurant had already been in operation for fifteen years. While Matt retained the name, he made the restaurant his own.

“Many people ask about my background so I thought I would share some of my story. I began washing dishes at the Cobblestone in West Caldwell, cooked at the Huddle Inn in Fairfield, and Columbo’s in Orange. I graduated from The New York Restaurant School in Manhattan with highest honors. While attending school, I worked at Gracie Mansion. The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange was my next stop. At the Rainbow Room in New York City, I was the Poissonnier (Fish Chef),” said Matt.

He also worked as Executive Chef at the Racquets Club of Short Hills, Chef de Cuisine at Eccola Italian Bistro, Saucier at Rod’s Steak House, Chef at the Green House & Sous Chef at the Grande Café, Morristown.

“While it was great to work at such quality establishments, perhaps more important was my upbringing. Everyone who entered our home was greeted warmly and offered food and drink. This tradition of hospitality continues…” said Matt.

Matt is proud to offer high quality food at a reasonable price in a friendly Bistro setting.

Patrick Minutillo said “I’m proud to say that I stopped in at the Gourmet Cafe the first week Matt opened ten years ago and was so impressed, I’ve been coming back as a regular ever since.”

Chef Matthew Pierone has the reputation of being both humble and kind, a beloved and attentive chef-owner. Gourmet Cafe has served creative Italian food to loyal customers since 2007. He graduated from The New York Restaurant School. “He says owning his own place has been a dream come true. The Gourmet Cafe is hidden in a strip mall. Fans love the BYOB, warm, casual atmosphere – and of course the fantastic food, served for very reasonable prices,” said Pierone. The Gourmet Cafe is touted as one of the best values in Parsippany, which is why they are almost always booked solid.

The Gourmet Cafe is located at 136 Baldwin Road. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday for Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and for Dinner from5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday. Saturday afternoons and Sundays are available for parties.

Since May of 2008, Matthew Pierone has made it a priority to utilize his restaurant as a way to raise money for many local non-profit organizations. Prior to opening the restaurant, Matt had always been personally involved with charity donations so he wanted his business to do the same. With the belief that as a part of the community it is necessary to help give back to those in need, “Make a Difference Mondays” donates 10% of the day’s sales to a designated non-profit organization. Matt’s generosity applies to all sales for lunch, dinner, take-out, and even gift certificates purchased that day. To date Matt has donated over $70,000 to non-profit organizations.

Gourmet Cafe is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce. For more information click here.

Two Parsippany residents Graduate from Ohio State University

Frank L. Cahill
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Two Parsippany residents Graduate from Ohio State University
Michelle Marie Allen

PARSIPPANY — The Ohio State University has issued the list of students who earned degrees at commencement exercises on May 7, 2017. The university awarded a record 11,734 degrees at the ceremony, including 279 doctoral, 782 professional, 1,849 masters, 8,196 bachelors, 625 associates and three certificates.

Michelle Marie Allen graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Spanish, Magna Cum Laude. She is also a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2013.

Jordan Alexandra Ginsberg graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Cum Laude. She is also a graduate of Parsippany Hills High School, Class of 2013.

Michelle Marie Allen

The Ohio State University, commonly referred to as Ohio State or OSU, is a large, primarily residential, public university in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1870 as a land-grant university and ninth university in Ohio with the Morrill Act of 1862, the university was originally known as the Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College (Mech).

The college began with a focus on training students in various agricultural and mechanical disciplines but was developed into a comprehensive university under the direction of then Governor (later, President) Rutherford B. Hayes, and in 1878 the Ohio General Assembly passed a law changing the name to “The Ohio State University”. It has since grown into the third-largest university campus in the United States. Along with its main campus in Columbus, Ohio State also operates a regional campus system with regional campuses in Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, and Wooster.

Jordan Alexandra Ginsberg

The university has an extensive student life program, with over 1,000 student organizations; intercollegiate, club and recreational sports programs; student media organizations and publications, fraternities and sororities; and three student governments. Ohio State athletic teams compete in Division I (Football Bowl Subdivision for football) of the NCAA and are known as the Ohio State Buckeyes. Athletes from Ohio State have won 100 Olympic medals (44 gold, 35 silver, and 21 bronze).

The university is a member of the Big Ten Conference for the majority of sports. The Ohio State men’s ice hockey program competes in the Big Ten Conference, while its women’s hockey program competes in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.

In addition, the OSU men’s volleyball team is a member of the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA). OSU is one of only 14 universities that plays Division I FBS football and Division I ice hockey.

Noah Andrew Munn earns “Eagle Scout”

Frank L. Cahill
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Noah Andrew Munn earns “Eagle Scout”
Noah Andrew Munn

PARSIPPANY — Noah Munn of Troop 173 had his Eagle Court of Honor on June 24, 2017, which completed his long trail to Eagle Scout.

The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks, the highest being that of Eagle Scout. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.

The Eagle Scout Award is Scouting’s highest rank and among its most familiar icons. Men who have earned it count it among their most treasured possessions. Those who missed it by a whisker remember exactly which requirement they didn’t complete. Americans from all walks of life know that being an Eagle Scout is a great honor. The award is more than a badge. It’s a state of being. The Eagle Scout may have received the badge as a boy, but you earn it every day as a man. In the words of the Eagle Scout Promise, they do your best each day to make their training and example, their rank and their influence count strongly for better Scouting and for better citizenship in the troop, in their community, and in their contacts with other people. And to this they pledge their sacred honor.

Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than two million young men. Only 4% of the Boy Scouts actually earn this rank.

Noah began his Scouting experience in Cub Scout Pack 5 in 2005. He earned the Arrow of Light award and joined Troop 173 in 2010. He quickly advanced to First Class rank with the guidance of Scoutmasters Ken Galley, John Worthington, and Les Wu.

Noah progressed in leadership responsibility with the troop having served as Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader, and Troop Guide. He is a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s honor society.

He has earned several awards including: the Complete Angler Award in recognition of well-rounded fishing endeavors, the World Conservation Award, and the National Outdoor Award for Camping with silver and gold devices in recognition for knowledge and experience in camping, and camping 130 nights. In addition, he has accumulated over 119 Scouting-related service hours.

Noah has benefited from excellent training experiences with Woodsman Thong in 2012 and National Youth Leadership Training in 2013. At age 14, Noah became a Counselor in Training at Mount Allamuchy Scout Reservation, and worked as a Den Leader/Camp Counselor at Camp Wheeler the following summer.

In 2013, Noah participated in the first National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. With over 30,000 in attendance, it was a monumental, memorable and muddy experience.

Eagle Scout Project

For his Eagle Scout Service Project Noah planned, built and installed 10 bat houses in the Mount Tabor community, combining his passion for animals and his desire to have a positive impact on his own neighborhood by providing habitat for the endangered bat species in our area, bolstering the health of the local ecosystem and reducing the mosquito population.

With the overwhelming support of the community, he was able to fully fund his project and build an additional five bat houses to donate to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey along with $100 from excess funds. Noah led 22 volunteer who worked over 120 hours to complete this project. Noah is a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church. He was an altar server for eight years, and is a member of the youth group with whom he has annually worked to serve Thanksgiving meals in the Dover Soup Kitchen, and worked numerous fund raisers for youth group trips and the national youth gathering.

Noah has been active in Mount Tabor community events his whole life. First as a young participant and evolving over the years to be an active volunteer for Easter egg hunts, Christmas carols, and Tabernacle concerts. For over ten years he has volunteered for the Mount Tabor Historical Society’s annual historic House Tour as a costumed docent. He also assists at the Society’s Richardson History House museum.

A huge community event in Mount Tabor is Children’s Day. This tradition started out as a simple parade 148 years ago, but is now a full weekend celebration of the children and a much anticipated annual event. Noah has been active in Mount Tabor Children’s Day since he was five months old. As a volunteer he has helped with the Fun Run, setting up the midway, midway games, bake sales, and car washes. In 2014 he was an attendant in the Royal Court, and in 2015 he was honored to be elected by the children to be the Mount Tabor Children’s Day King. Noah is a graduate of the Morris County School of Technology in the Veterinary Science Academy where he has participated in the robotics club. In the Fall he plans to attend Elizabethtown College and major in biotechnology.

In the world of sports he recently spent a year exploring the challenges of sabre fencing. He is proud to have earned his black belt in Taekwondo.

Over the last year Noah has volunteered 160 hours at Rizzo’s Wildlife World in Flanders as a self-directed animal care-giver and improving habitat management as an intern. Earning 46 merit badges (and 8 partials!) has allowed him to explore a wide range of interests, and by serving in positions of responsibility, he has learned how to be a leader. One of the things he appreciates most about Scouting is that it helped nurture his love of science and the natural world and fed his desire to pursue a career in the sciences.

Noah’s years in Scouting have instilled an invaluable foundation of outdoor skills, leadership and community service. Thanks to all who guided and encouraged him on his 12-year-trail to Eagle.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 173 Eagle Scout Honor Roll includes Norman Schofield, Jr., Michael Gottschalk, James Searing, Geoffrey Brown, John Chervenak, Guy Corbett, Tim Corbett, Robert Burney, Juan Correa, Richard Lauber, Tim Roche,,Christopher Callahan, Thomas Cook, Stephen Corcoran, Stephan Pirylis, Brian Stewart, Patrick Roche, Edward Chiorazzi, Brian Pomarlen, Simon Healey, Keith Henderlong, David Chezem, Alex Lin, Robert Strechay, Jr., John Oleske, Daniel Strechay, Joseph Strechay, Kevin Smithers, Joseph Stevens, James Ward, Jason Viglione, Michael DeGuarde, Michael Smith, Tim Foster, Christopher Malcolm, Mark Viglione, Gary Hwang, William Barcliffe, IV, Jonathan Cook, Daniel Aguanno, Anthony Valvano, Eric Kratz, David Kratz, Thomas Corigliano, David Kinskey-Lebeda, Ryan Diggle, Mike Fulton, Dan Fulton, Brian Galley, Shane Moravsik, Paul Rossnagel, Jesse Garbarino, Shay Grabinsky, Joseph Stretavski, Brendan Barwick, Eric Galley, Bobby Ebel, Sean Michie, Michael Ludwig, Matthew Luther, Chris Gardner, Chris Worthington, Cameron Boone, Daniel Metcalf, Rishi Konkesa and Noah Munn.

 

RACES participating in a 24 Hour National Emergency Radio Drill

Frank L. Cahill
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RACES participating in a 24 Hour National Emergency Radio Drill

PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Office of Emergency Management Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (R.A.C.E.S.) volunteers is participating in the National Emergency Communications Field Day Exercise which started on Saturday, June 24 and will end at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 25.

The massive antenna’s were set up for this Communications Field Day Exercise
Alan Machbitz at the communications station in Veterans Park

The objective of the event is to challenge licensed Amateur “Ham” Radio operators across North America to set up an emergency communications station, and operate their radios for a continuous 24 hour period, rain or shine.

In the event of a large scale disaster, Amateur Radio can be the only form of reliable communications out of a disaster zone. This event provides an opportunity for Hams to practice their skills in emergency communications.

The unofficial motto of the Amateur Radio service is “When all else fails.”. Tens of thousands of Ham Radio operators throughout the country participate in this annual event. Last year the Parsippany RACES team spoke to over 650 participating radio stations across North America, including Hawaii and Alaska.

The Parsippany OEM RACES team set up their emergency communications station at the Veterans Field Gazebo on Route 46, and started operating their station at 2:00 p.m. Saturday and will continue until 2:00 p.m. Sunday. The public is invited to stop by and observe our efforts.

For additional information contact Eric Hubner by clicking here.

Parsippany OEM vehicle is also equipped with radio equipment to use in emergencies

State Creates Highway “Safe Phone Zones” to Reduce Distracted Driving

Frank L. Cahill
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State Creates Highway “Safe Phone Zones” to Reduce Distracted Driving

NEW JERSEY — The New Jersey Department of Transportation, in a public-private partnership with GEICO, this week announced a new, statewide sponsorship of Rest Areas and Scenic Overlooks, rebranding them as “Safe Phone Zones.”

As the summer season begins, with more drivers headed out on the roads, this sponsorship program is aimed at curbing distracted driving on New Jersey’s highways.

Richard T. Hammer

“We have an obligation to raise awareness about distracted driving as a real safety hazard on our roads,” NJ DOT Commissioner Richard T. Hammer said. “Programs such as this partnership with GEICO helps get the message out and reminds every driver who gets behind the wheel they must individually share in that responsibility too.”

As part of a national effort to encourage drivers to pull into a safe location to use their phones for calling, texting and accessing mobile apps, New Jersey has designated 14 Rest Areas and Scenic Overlooks throughout the state as Safe Phone Zones.

Included are trucks-only rest areas on Route 80 in Roxbury and Route 287 in Harding, and others in nearby Warren, Somerset Passaic and Hunterdon counties.

New, informative signs sponsored by GEICO have been installed along the highways leading to these facilities. Additional onsite signage discourages distracted driving and informs visitors about the sponsorship. It is another reminder for motorists to use their cell phones and other communication devices in a safe location.

Attorney General Christopher Porrino

“By working together, we are making New Jersey’s roads safer.  The Safe Phone Zones are yet another tool to combat distracted driving,” said New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino.

“Traffic fatalities continue to rise and we know that distracted driving accounts for part of this increase.  If you don’t have hands–free technology and you want to answer the phone, send a text message or an email, these safe zones are the places to do it.”

The Office of the Attorney General recently announced traffic fatalities in New Jersey rose from 562 in 2015 to 604 in 2016, an average of twelve deaths a week. Division of Highway Traffic Safety officials have said the increase is in part because of distracted driving, such as cell phone use behind the wheel.

The new GEICO Safe Phone Zone sponsorship is another step in New Jersey’s efforts to combat distracted driving, following the recent #77 initiative as well as the state’s 2017 distracted driving crackdown, called “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.”

“Traffic fatalities in New Jersey took a startling jump last year, making the need to eliminate distracted driving more urgent,” said Tim Lamere, GEICO assistant vice president of underwriting for New Jersey and New England.  “GEICO is proud to partner with the New Jersey Department of Transportation to provide these Safe Phone Zones throughout the state where drivers can safely pull off to take a break to check their texts, apps and emails.”

GEICO provides similar support in five other states: New York, Virginia, Arizona, Illinois and Florida. To learn more click here. To join the conversation on social media use #GEICOSafePhoneZone.

Sheriff and County Human Services Team up for County ID Card

Frank L. Cahill
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Sheriff and County Human Services Team up for County ID Card

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, in coordination with County Human Services Director Jennifer Carpinteri, has initiated a new Morris County Identification Card program for residents, from ages 18 to 54, who lack valid forms of ID needed to access essential medical, mental health, social services, and employment programs.

County Human Services Director Jennifer Carpinteri

The Sheriff’s new free ID Program, to start the week of June 26, will operate as a walk-in service on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the Sheriff’s Office at the Morris County Courthouse in Morristown.

County residents, from 18 to 54, also can call (973) 285-6600 to make an appointment to get a county ID card. In addition, the Sheriff’s Hope One program, which interfaces with needy and struggling persons, will help connect residents with the new ID card offering.

“We want to help our county residents in the at-risk community, who may have few resources and not much of a support system, get the services they need to make them whole or get them on the road to recovery,’’ said Sheriff Gannon. “Making sure they have valid identification can make all of the difference in the world to our county residents.’’

The county Department of Human Services, through recent discussions with program personnel and clients, found an identification system void for homeless residents and many other persons (in the ages 18 to 54 range) who do not have a valid drivers’ license or some other form of required identification.

Carpinteri’s Human Services team, in searching for a way to assist these county residents, approached the Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff James Gannon

“Fortunately, Sheriff Gannon recognized the value of this critical need and with his typical solution-based approach, volunteered to partner with the Department of Human Services to offer county identifications to residents who require them,’’ said Morris County Administrator John Bonanni.

A lack of proper identification can make it difficult for some county residents to obtain needed medical services and psychiatric services, and to participate in alcohol detoxification services or intensive outpatient counseling programs. A lack of valid identification also causes problems for residents seeking housing, temporary assistance benefits, and employment.

It has even prevented persons seeking help through Hope One from getting into treatment programs.

“We needed to take a sophisticated approach to this dilemma, to help find a way to ensure our special needs population has identification needed to open doors to the many services available to our residents here in Morris County,’’ said Human Services Director Jennifer Carpinteri. “We had to find a partner to fill the gap created by the lack of identification and Sheriff Gannon stepped right in to help.’’

To make an appointment for an ID card or learn more about the program, call (973) 285-6600 or click here.

To learn more about Hope One, click here.

To learn about the county’s full range of social services, click here.

 

PAL Redhawks Cheerleading practice begins July 10

Frank L. Cahill
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PAL Redhawks Cheerleading practice begins July 10

PARSIPPANY — P.A.L. Redhawks Cheerleading for Grades K-8 practice begins July 10.

Registration closes and payment is due by Tuesday, July 4. Cost is $260.00 (includes Cheer Jacket).

Practice begins Monday, July 10. Monday Cheer Clinic and one additional practice per week. Includes week long mandatory Cheer Camp (August 15).

Register by clicking here.

The Parsippany PAL Youth Center is located at 33 Baldwin Road. For more information, please call (973) 335-0555.

Driver runs off Route 80; ends between trees; sent to hospital

Frank L. Cahill
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Driver runs off Route 80; ends between trees; sent to hospital

PARSIPPANY — On Saturday morning, June 24 at 7:15 a.m. the New Jersey State Police responded to a motor vehicle accident on Route 80 east near mile marker 41.2.

Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company District 2 responded to a one car accident with entrapment where the vehicle ran off the road into the trees in the median between the east and west bound lanes.

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery was also called to the scene as well as Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad.

Parsippany Rescue and Recovery led the extrication doing a modified dash roll using 32 inch spreaders and chain to release the steering wheel off the driver.

The unidentified male driver was transported to Morristown Medical Center by Rockaway Neck Volunteer Ambulance Squad.

The vehicle was towed from the scene by DeFalco’s Automotive & Towing.

Pictures by Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Department.

Warrant Arrest leads to CDS Paraphernalia possession arrest

Frank L. Cahill
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Warrant Arrest leads to CDS Paraphernalia possession arrest

PARSIPPANY — On Wednesday, June 21 at 2:47 p.m. Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officers G. Bloete and J. Seeger responded to an apartment at 1480 Route 46 to locate Kevin Kurzeja, 28, Parsippany, who had an active warrant for failing to appear for a previous court date.

While speaking to Mr. Kurzeja at his apartment, officers observed two hypodermic needles and multiple empty heroin folds in plain view.

He was subsequently placed under arrest and transported back to Parsippany Police Headquarters.

While there, he was charged on a Complaint-Summons with Under the Influence of CDS without a Prescription (Heroin),  Possession of a Hypodermic Needle for use with CDS,
and Use/Possession with the Intent to use Drug Paraphernalia.

Mr. Kurzeja was able to post bail on his outstanding Warrant and was released on his own recognizance pending his court date on the new charges.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Drive-thru window shattered at Wendy’s

Frank L. Cahill
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Drive-thru window shattered at Wendy’s

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer C. Dittino and D. Ribaudo responded to the Wendy’s, 2099 Route 46 for an activated burglar alarm at 3:31 a.m. on Monday, June 19.

Upon their arrival, they found the window for the drive-thru cashier was shattered by a concrete block. They were able to determine the suspect forced entry into the locked office.

This incident remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Parsippany Police Department’s Investigative Division at (973) 263-4311.

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