Morris County Observes Mental Health Awareness Month

MORRIS COUNTY — The Board of County Commissioners presented two framed resolutions at its Thursday, May 11, work session meeting to recognize the dedicated support of Morris County service providers during Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and start an open and honest conversation about mental health … This month is also a time to celebrate and recognize the people who play a critical role in providing services that aid in prevention, effective treatment, and the management of mental health, enabling others to live full and productive lives,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Christine Myers, liaison to the Morris County Human Services Department.

She handed a framed proclamation to Amy Archer, mental health administrator and division director of Community and Behavioral Health Services, Anna Marie Hess, administrative professional for the Office of Community and Behavioral Health Services, and Christopher Chernick, chair of the Mental Health Addictions Services Advisory Board (MHASAB), who expressed gratitude and spoke.

This year also marks the 60th anniversary of NewBridge Services, whose mission is to bring balance to people’s lives through counseling, housing, and education. NewBridge Services’ CEO Michelle Borden and trustee Betty Cass-Schmidt provided some updates about their organization and how purposeful their work has been to the mental health community.

The group took a brief break for photos in the Public Meeting Room before the regular work session resumed. During the meeting, the Commissioners also adopted a resolution to observe Older Americans Month in May, with plans to present a proclamation at the May 24 work session formally.

A & J Bistro: A Brief Visit to Tasty Taiwan

MORRIS COUNTY — As a restaurant reviewer, one of the joys I experience is stumbling upon hidden gems in our local area. A fellow food enthusiast recently suggested a remarkable yet often overlooked establishment, leading my friends and me to discover A & J Bistro. Nestled inconspicuously on Route 10 West in East Hanover, this delightful Taiwanese eatery proved elusive to locate initially. However, tucked away at the rear of the Castle Ridge Plaza shopping mall, adjacent to Best Buy and amidst the bustling Route 10, we were fortunate enough to stumble upon one of Morris County’s finest Taiwanese restaurants. Look for the cream-colored frontage with the restaurant’s name in large, bold, blue lettering. I don’t believe you will find anything more culturally authentic or delicious than A&J, even in Flushing, N.Y.

A good sign of an exceptional ethnic restaurant, which I always look for, is if the clientele is primarily individuals associated with that cuisine’s ethnicity. In the case of A& J., on entering, I observed that the tables were filled with people of Asian descent and speaking either Mandarin Chinese or one of the other sixteen or so languages indigenous to Taiwan. Another positive sign was that the entire restaurant staff speaks Chinese, with just enough English to avoid confusion and make your visit enjoyable. The Chinese language menu (with plenty of pictures) also adds to that authenticity. Don’t worry about any lack of familiarity with the menu. The wait staff are very friendly and personable and seemed to enjoy helping us with all our questions regarding our choices. We had a lot of fun bantering with our server, Ben, over our selections of appetizers and entrees from the highly interesting menu.

A good sign of an exceptional ethnic restaurant, which I always look for, is if the clientele is primarily individuals associated with that cuisine’s ethnicity.

A&J is a family-owned and independently operated business started ten years ago by owner Josephine Lin. Ms. Lin was kind enough to visit us at our table and provide some background on the business. Arriving in the U.S. in 1997 from Taiwan and having some background in the restaurant business, Ms. Lin decided to open A&J Bistro; when I asked why A&J Bistro, Ms. Lin explained that her father-in-law, Duen Min, owned a restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan named A&J Restaurant and that she wanted to keep on the tradition.

The interior is appropriately low-key, as is common in authentic Asian restaurants. Who needs that corporate or chain restaurant look? Approximately 18 wooden tables are comfortably situated around the room, separated by a bamboo-style divider. It is Immaculately clean and organized, with soft relaxing colors, appealing wall artwork, and nice ambient lighting creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. Of course, there are the expected Buddhist shrines and various Asian artifacts at the forefront of the restaurant. Cozy, comfortable, welcoming, and relaxing would be a fair description.

Xiao Long Tang Bao (steamed soup dumpling w/pork & crab meat)

When discussing Taiwanese vs. Chinese cuisine with Ms. Lin, I learned that it is tough to define Taiwanese cuisine and almost impossible to answer that question. There are eight culinary regions in China, each having its own cooking style. Taiwanese cuisine is heavily influenced by the dishes originating from those various parts of China. One thing is for sure, Taiwanese food offers intense, unique flavors, loaded with fresh meat, fish, and vegetables, with lots of broths, noodles, bold flavors, and various textures. The spice level can range from mild to spicy and very spicy, stimulating your appetite. The choice is yours, and a vast range of incredible, new dishes are available that you may have never heard of. Go for it!

Something to look for on the menu (by the way, you circle your selections on a paper menu which you give to your server to complete your order) are a few dishes that you will never find in an Americanized/Taiwanese-style restaurant. Again, we are talking about quality and authenticity! Braised Pig’s Feet, Sliced Beef and Tripe in Chili Sauce, Braised Pig’s Intestine, and Black Fungus Salad are a few choices. Although I am sure they are delicious, they may be for the more adventurous gourmet.

Da Bing Juan Niu (big pancake/sliced beef)

For our appetizers, we shared the Yan Su Ji (popcorn chicken), Ma La Huang Gua (cucumber salad in hot red sauce), Xiao Long Tang Bao (steamed soup dumpling w/pork & crab meat), Gue Tie (pan-fried pork dumplings/pot stickers), Da Bing Juan Niu (big pancake/sliced beef), and Gong You Bing (scallion pancake). Everyone at the table agreed that every one of the appetizers was a home run. Mouth-wateringly delicious! A wide variety of taste sensations with every bite.

Chao Mian w/Beef (pan-fried noodles with beef)

For an entrée, I ordered the Chao Mian w/Beef (pan-fried noodles with beef). I ordered mine extra spicy, as I always do. The noodles were perfectly prepared, seasoned, and textured, while the beef was soft, juicy, tender, and savory. Add in the fresh and crispy vegetables, and you have one heck of a meal. I have thoroughly enjoyed every bite! Bob ordered the Fu Qi Fei Pan (sliced beef & tripe in chili sauce). The tripe was sliced very thin and was some of Bob’s tastiest tripe, and he is a true tripe fan. Others ordered the Lu Rou Fan (braised pork on rice with a braised egg), the tender, succulent pork was a perfect complement with the accompanying bed of rice, and the Qing Zheng Long Li Ui Pian (steamed flounder filet), which was a substantial sized portion of mild tasting, slightly sweet fish, covered with a blend of Asian sauces. Again, each dish was given a thumbs-up.

Desserts are not a big part of authentic Taiwanese cuisine, but ample hot tea was on the table throughout the meal. A&J is a BYOB, so we brought our usual wines and beer. Of course, they offer Bubble drinks, Fresh Soy Milk, Slushies, Smoothies, and hot coffee with hot tea, juices, and sodas to finish your meal.

A & J Bistro, 352 Route 10 West, East Hanover.

Thank you, Josephine and staff, at A&J Bistro, for a wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable dining experience. Great food, great people, good friends, and fun times. Also, very reasonably priced. Another great place to visit is Morris County, do yourself a favor and stop in and enjoy your brief visit to Taiwan.

zhù nǐ chéng gōng

Dine In * Take Out * No Delivery * BYOB; Ample Parking * Reservations Taken for Parties of Six or More. Open 7 Days from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A & J Bistro, 352 Route 10 West, East Hanover. Tel: (973) 506-9066.

Building Community Awareness Regarding Licensed Cannabis Dispensaries

PARSIPPANY — Happy Daze Boutique is hosting an open forum and educational event for all Parsippany residents and business owners to explore what it means to have a state-licensed cannabis dispensary.

Building community awareness regarding licensed cannabis dispensaries is important in promoting responsible and legal cannabis consumption.

The event will be held at Parsippany – Troy Hills Public Library, 449 Halsey Road, on

Their mission is to elevate our Parsippany community by providing first-class customer service with safe and pure, high-quality cannabis products.

Join the discussion and hear from experts in the cannabis industry, including one guest who played a pivotal role in shaping adult-use cannabis laws in New Jersey. Have your questions ready!

Registration is appreciated but not required to attend.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Happy Daze Boutique is owned by Parsippany residents Cassara Grasso and Dr. Shaun Astorga. Happy Daze Boutique aspires to be the first locally-owned, AAPI woman-led small business cannabis dispensary in Parsippany.

Click here for more information.

 

Postal Service Requesting Changes to your Mailbox

PARSIPPANY — The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is asking homeowners to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailbox this week.

Your mailbox keeps you connected to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). It’s where your carrier drops off your mail and picks up any outgoing letters—allowing you to avoid a trip to the post office. But the USPS is serious about mail security, so it won’t deliver your mail unless certain conditions are met. The agency has strict mailbox regulations, and you may need to make some modifications to meet current standards. Read on to learn more about the mailbox changes the USPS requests starting Sunday.

If you don’t get mail on a given day, it’s generally not cause for alarm—but in some cases, your house was skipped on purpose.

As the USPS warns on its website, blocked or full mailboxes may prevent your mail from getting delivered. This can also happen if your mailbox is damaged or broken. Property owners are responsible for their personal mailboxes—which means they must maintain them and make any repairs when necessary, according to the agency.

Not doing so could prevent you from getting your regular deliveries. If you don’t correct issues, you “risk having your mail service suspended until the problems are resolved,” the Postal Service says.

The Postal Service is gearing up for its own spring cleaning through Mailbox Improvement Week, which it holds every year in the third full week of May. This annual campaign from the USPS is meant to “encourage customers to examine and, where necessary, improve the appearance of their mailboxes,” the agency explained.

Mail Improvement Week runs from May 21 to May 27 this year. To honor this annual event, the USPS asks homeowners to inspect their mailboxes at the start of the week. Your mailbox should be safe to use, designed to protect the mail from weather, conveniently located, neat in appearance, and in-line with approval regulations from the Postmaster General, according to the agency.

If not, you must take action to avoid losing your delivery service.

Candidates Martin and Desai Oppose the Recent Tax Increase and Demand New Leadership In Parsippany

PARSIPPANY — Gary Martin and Danny Desai, prominent community leaders and responsible budget advocates, express their deep concern and disappointment with the recent tax increase voted down by Parsippany council members on Tuesday evening. They are calling for a change in leadership that puts the interests of the taxpayers first.

Gary Martin said, “The decision to impose this tax increase on our hard-working community members is unacceptable. It burdens taxpayers without adequate justification or consideration for their financial well-being. We must hold our elected representatives accountable for their actions and demand transparency.”

Danny Desai echoed this sentiment saying, “As representatives, it is our duty to seek solutions to reduce the burden on our taxpayers actively. This budget fails to reflect responsible budgeting and genuine concern for the welfare of our citizens. We need new leadership that puts fiscal responsibility and our communities first.”

Martin and Desai stressed that this budget if given a chance. They are committed to working tirelessly to ensure the taxpayer’s financial well-being and proactively explore new ways to meet the community’s needs without imposing unnecessary financial pressures.

Martin and Desai are pressing Paul Carifi and council members to explain the reasoning behind their vote and provide a transparent account of their decision-making process.

DeCroce Comeback Runs Out of Gas Ahead of Election

MORRIS COUNTY — The Assembly campaign of BettyLou DeCroce and Robert Peluso has hit rock bottom. With a collective $6,700 on hand, the two face a staggering $60,000 in debt.

What began as a desperate attempt to restore DeCroce’s shattered ego after losing the 2021 Republican primary has developed into a colossal mess that some party leaders think is unnecessarily draining resources.

“BettyLou and Rob knew they had no chance, but they still tried to tear apart the party for their own ambitions,” said Bergen (R-Morris). “It’s sad.”

Bergen said that DeCroce was one of the most liberal Republicans in Trenton.

After being rejected by the voters two years ago, she went to work for the most progressive Morris County Democrats in Dover as the business administrator. In that position, she rakes in a staggering salary of $223,000 annually.

Peluso, an unemployed perennial candidate, has two other active campaign accounts, one to run for county commissioner next year and another for mayor of Parsippany in two years.

According to Bergen, despite his recurrent defeats, Peluso seeks to capture whatever position possible.

“June 6th can’t come soon enough,” concluded Bergen.  “Once we say goodbye to BettyLou and Rob, it’s time to get to the real work putting all our resources into getting a Republican majority in New Jersey.”

MCPO & Morris County Chapter of the NAACP Hold Semi-Annual Summit

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, Sheriff James Gannon, and other investigative members of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, along with Lt. Joseph Waters of the Division of Criminal Justice, joined executive members of the Morris County Chapter of the NAACP for their semi-annual summit on Tuesday, May 16.

Participating for the Morris County NAACP Chapter was First VP Ottawanna Anderson, NAACP Branch 2092B President Vanessa Brown, Public Relations Committee Chair Athena Johnson, Chair of Legal Redress Robert Warrington, Esq, and Morris County Correctional Facility Chaplain and Chairman/Criminal Justice for the Morris County NAACP Rev. Herman Scott.

These meetings are part of a continuing effort to build community rapport and maintain an open dialogue on progressive law enforcement matters and the criminal justice system.  During the meeting, a PowerPoint explaining the internal functions of the MCPO was presented, and questions regarding changes in the various criminal laws and criminal procedures were responded to.

Prosecutor Carroll and Sheriff Gannon jointly stated: “In our ongoing reach out to community leadership, these substantive meetings enable our ability to provide important information about the many advancements and changes in the criminal justice system and to answer questions from the NAACP leadership.  We look forward to providing additional information to continue this mutually beneficial exchange of thoughts and ideas on improving community communication and building lasting relationships.”

Last November, NAACP executive members joined the administration of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office for a tour of the Morris County Correctional Facility.

 

Vrajdham Temple Holds Its 3rd Annual Parsippany Rath Yatra

PARSIPPANY — Rath Yatra, or the festival of chariots, was held on Saturday, May 13.

The festival was put together with the partnership of Vrajdham Temple and ISKCON of Parsippany to create an event that would live in the memories of all who witnessed it.

Rath Yatra is a journey where Lord Jagannath and His siblings, a form of the popular Hindu deity Krishna, sit in a chariot and travel from one temple to another. The Rath Yatra had first been celebrated in Puri, a town in India that has been a beautiful tradition carried on for hundreds of years, and now a town in America blessed with an amazing community and the opportunity to do so.

Mayor James R. Barberio welcomed the chariot with Hindu traditions.

Attendances were Mayor James R. Barberio and other community leaders. It was a beautiful and colorful event, with people from all over New Jersey and the tri-state area coming together to view the Deity and pull His chariot. Vraj and ISKCON devotees pulled the chariot to the sound of kirtan, the recitation of the holy name of Krishna, and booming cheers from the devotees as they paraded Lord Krishna through His town.

The festival culminated in a cultural program at ISKCON’s new Parsippany temple! Have a glimpse of the festival through photos in the article!

All of Parsippany is welcome as Krishna and His Rath (chariot) arrive once more next year for everyone to see and enjoy! 

Vrajdham Temple is located at 120 Littleton Road.

Founder Guru of Vrajdham is seated on the chariot.
Lord Jagannath in the chariot

Justin Meeh Plans for The Next Chapter

PARSIPPANY — Over 1,200 students received degrees from East Stroudsburg University during three commencement exercises on May 5 and May 6. Many will begin the next step in their life’s journey by attending graduate or professional school or starting a new career.

Meet just a few students, including Justin Meeh of Parsippany, who take their Warrior Spirit with them as they embark on their next chapter.

Justin Meeh is preparing for the next chapter of their life with exciting plans and aspirations.

Meeh, a computer security major, received a job offer from Picatinny Arsenal for government cyber security.

Victor Cruz, a graduate student in exercise science from Westfield, was hired by the Tampa Bay Rays, the major league baseball team, as a strength and conditioning coach.

Alexa Ferris, a graduate student studying athletic training from Suffern, N.Y., smoothly transitioned from ESU’s undergraduate to graduate program. Before graduating this May, she passed the Board of Certification exam on her first attempt and was hired as an athletic trainer at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, N.Y.

Three biology graduates with a pre-physician assistant concentration were accepted to graduate programs in physician assistant studies. Ingrid Hahn, from Mount Bethel, Pa., will attend St. Catherine University in Minnesota, and Megan Nyce, from Catasauqua, Pa., and Zowey Danubio, from Mount Bethel, Pa., will attend Marywood University in Pennsylvania.

Four hospitality, recreation, and tourism management students will begin their careers with Marriott Voyage Global Leadership Development Program. Paige Amrein, of Newtown, Pa., was hired as a front desk voyager at Westin Newport in Jersey City; Michael Cuozzo, of Fairfield, N.J., was hired as a rooms control voyager at the Marriott Marquis in New York City; Tyler Rhodes, of Laurel, Md., was hired as a food and beverage voyager at Fairfield Marriott at the Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Md. Keisha Hopkins, of Philadelphia, Pa., was hired as an event planning voyager in a corporate office of Marriot International in Seattle, Washington.

Three students who majored in social work were accepted as advanced, standing in Master of Social Work programs. Araceli Dunn, from East Stroudsburg, Pa., will attend Kutztown University; Ebony Galbreath, from Long Pond, Pa., will attend PennWest University; and Annalee Smith, from Hackettstown, N.J., will attend Rutgers University.

Jasmine Aue, a middle-level education major from Jim Thorpe, Pa., was hired full-time by the East Stroudsburg School District.

Jenna Johnson, a biology major from Brookhaven, Pa., will continue her education at ESU in the master’s of biology program.

Peter Kaires, an environmental studies major from Dingmans Ferry, Pa., accepted employment at Environmental Consultation Services (ECSi) in N.J.

Annelise Knauf, a history major from Stroudsburg, Pa., was accepted as an intern in the history department at the Smithsonian Institution.

Savannah Kohler, a psychology major from West Grove, Pa., was accepted into the master’s program in applied behavior analysis at Pepperdine University.

Johnathan Makar, a mathematics major from Oxford, Pa., was accepted to graduate school at West Chester University to study applied math.

Aaron Palm, a physics major from East Stroudsburg, Pa., was accepted to graduate school at Wilkes University to study mechanical engineering.

Arianna Weaver, a mathematics major with a concentration in secondary education from Effort, Pa., will be teaching at Pleasant Valley Middle School this fall.

For a full list of ESU’s 2023 graduates, click here.

East Stroudsburg University, a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education member, opened in 1893 as East Stroudsburg Normal School. Today, ESU is a comprehensive university in northeastern Pennsylvania offering 58 undergraduate programs, 21 master’s programs, and two doctoral programs. Over 5,000 students are enrolled for the high-quality, affordable, and accessible education ESU provides. Nearly 31,000 ESU alumni live in Pennsylvania.

Council Vice President Michael dePierro Speaks Out Regarding Musella Proposed Budget Cuts

PARSIPPANY — Longtime Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Vice President, Michael dePierro, submitted a statement regarding Councilman Justin Musella’s proposal to reduce certain items from the 2023 Municipal Budget.

“In his desire to cut $2 million from the Township Budget, Councilman Musella
seemed to be more interested in negotiating with the public rather than with
the administration. While other Council members were successfully reducing
the Mayors proposed budget from over 5% to 3.76% (overall Tax Rate of 2.57%)
by working with our Auditor Valerie Dolan; our CFO Leonard Ho; our Business
Administrator Jamie Cryan and, Mayor Barberio, Councilman Musella was using
public meetings as a show-and-tell.

Councilman Musella showed little understanding or concern for the devastating
results of his proposed cuts, even though they were explained many times.
Some of his proposed cuts would have affected the Township’s Bond Rating
resulting in higher interest rates on all future Capital Expenditures.
His proposal to cut the Township Bus would have left many Senior Citizens
stranded.

His proposal to cut all vacancies would have left all Departments seriously and
permanently short-handed. Most of those vacancies resulted from the
prior Mayor’s four-year hiring freeze. Councilman Musella’s claim that those
positions were unnecessary is wrong.

His concern about the employee’s 2% salary increase ignored the fact that current
cost of living is far higher than that.

Our responsibility as Mayor and Council is to find a balance between Quality of
life, Services, Safety, and Taxes. To only concentrate on taxes is short-sighted
and irresponsible.