PARSIPPANY — Carlos Rojas is interviewed by Video on The Go, Parsippany Heroes.
CCM Cybersecurity Students Place in Top 7 Percent in Competition
MORRIS COUNTY — Students in the CyberSecurity Club at County College of Morris (CCM) earlier this month participated in the JerseyCTF cyber competition held at NJIT, placing in the Top 7 Percent of 481 teams.
The CCM team comprised four students, Nancy Bradley of Randolph, Derrek Keyes of Roxbury, Rohan Sharma of Parsippany, and Kevin Vargas of Randolph. During the competition, they completed challenging cybersecurity puzzles using their knowledge of web development, cryptography, and forensics skills. The team finished in 30th place. Faculty advisors for the club are IT Professors Colleen Carmeli and Dawn Rywalt.
The CyberSecurity Club meets weekly and is open to all major students. CCM is the first community college in the state to be designated as a Center of Academic Excellence for Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency, a designation it has held since 2017.
According to the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) website (Click here), “An educational institution designated a Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity has met the rigorous requirements outlined by the program’s sponsor, the National Security Agency (NSA). Designated institutions commit to producing high-quality cybersecurity professionals to safeguard the U.S. national infrastructure.”
To learn about the programs the Department of Information Technologies at CCM offers, click here.
Well and Treatment Facility to be Replaced
PARSIPPANY — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills strives to provide you with the highest quality water and the best possible service. To this end, we have awarded DeMaio Electrical Co., Inc. a contract to construct a replacement well and treatment facility in the wooded area at the end of Noble Street.
Construction is scheduled to begin on or about Monday, May 1, and is expected to last one year. All work will normally be performed between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact Sean Andres, Assistant Water Superintendent, at (973) 263-7099, Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
New Arrival: Kalaaz Indian Ethnic Wear Now Open in Parsippany!
PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, April 30th, Kalaaz, a store specializing in Indian Ethnic Wear, held a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1246 Route 46 West in Parsippany.
Kalaaz is an Indian clothing store where traditional elegance meets contemporary style. Kalaaz is an effort to bring the Indian culture through our clothing in Parsippany. Kalaaz is a family-owned small business that offers a stunning range of Indian clothing that celebrates our rich cultural heritage and also caters to modern tastes.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, along with Councilman Justin Musella, Councilman Frank Neglia, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, and Dr. Bhagirath Maheta, Vice Chairman, Raj Dichpally, Secretary, and members Scott Donnelly, Adam Kandil, and Jigar Shah were all present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Kalaaz. Robert Peluso, President of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce, and Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen joined the celebration.
Kalaaz’s collection includes exquisite sarees, dazzling lehenga cholis, vibrant salwar kameez sets, jewelry, and more. They pay special attention to quality and craftsmanship; the finest fabrics and handcrafted designs will make you feel like royalty. The store is a one-stop shop for all Indian clothing needs, whether for weddings, festivals, or everyday wear.
The experts are passionate about helping you find the perfect outfit that fits your personality and style. They believe that fashion and style represent more than just superficial additions to our daily lives; they represent one’s individuality. Here, one can experience the timeless beauty of Indian fashion at the store. They aim to create a home far from home for our Indian community in Parsippany.
Interfaith Pantry to Benefit from Annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive
MORRIS COUNTY — Letter carriers nationwide will participate in their Annual “Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive” on Saturday, May 13.
The Letter Carriers’ Food Drive is an annual event where letter carriers across the United States collect non-perishable food donations from homes on their routes. The donations are then delivered to local food banks and pantries to help those in need.
The Letter Carriers’ Food Drive will benefit the Interfaith Pantry this year. This local organization provides food and other essential items to individuals and families in need in the community. The Interfaith Pantry is committed to ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. The food donations collected through the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive will help them continue serving those in need.
Residents in the community are encouraged to participate in the food drive by leaving non-perishable food items in the special bags provided by their letter carriers. Some suggested items to donate include canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and other non-perishable items with long shelf life.
The Letter Carriers’ Food Drive is a great opportunity for the community to unite to support those in need and help fight hunger. By working together, we can positively impact the lives of those struggling to put food on the table.
The Interfaith Food Pantry Network has supplied emergency and supplemental food since 1994 to Morris County residents in need. Clients are low-income working families, the unemployed, people with disabilities, and seniors living on fixed incomes.
In 2022, the Interfaith Food Pantry Network distributed more than 1.7 million pounds of food during 31,100 visits from its two pantry sites through home delivery, free farmers markets, and Healthy Choices Mobile Pantry Network.
For food support or more information, visit www.mcifp.org or call (973) 538-8049.
Asahi Sushi Ramen: Sushi Paradise in Parsippany
MORRIS COUNTY — I must admit that I am an amateur at sushi/sashimi, but I have been to enough sushi restaurants to know good from mediocre sushi, and I know the signs when to turn around and run. One of my personal rules is to avoid fast food sushi places. There’s quality food, and then there’s fast food. Sushi is one food where quality is imperative. Fortunately for us, in the Parsippany area, we have, what I consider, a great sushi restaurant right on Halsey Road in the Lake Parsippany area of our township.
Asahi Sushi Ramen is another inconspicuous little eateries that one may pass numerous times and never really pay attention to. I know I have. This cute little, attractive, stand-alone building, with its canopy-covered patio, is your doorway to a wonderful Japanese dining experience. The site was previously occupied by Delizia Pizza.
Asahi Sushi Ramen, a family-owned and operated establishment, opened its doors for business on August 5, 2021, amid the COVID pandemic. A risky venture, but owners Lee Li and his wife, Tina Lin, felt they had much to offer the community with their high-quality, traditional approach to this highly popular cuisine.
In my interview with a very personable and welcoming Tina Lin, I acquired an enlightening education in sushi/sashimi history and preparation. Ms. Lin, who arrived in the U.S.A. from Fujian, China, in 2008 and settled in Lake Hiawatha in 2014, expressed her love for Parsippany and desires Asahi Sushi Ramen to be a “valuable part of the community, not just a business.” Her dream is to create an environment where “people can come and enjoy themselves and put the world behind.” They already have plans to renovate and expand the restaurant next year.
The restaurant is small, with five booths along the walls and seven two-person wooden tables comfortably around the dining area. It is immaculately clean, warm, bright, cozy, and comfortable—lively, fun, well-thought-out Japanese-themed décor, with paintings, ornate light fixtures, and wall hangings. Great ambiance and aesthetics, very friendly staff, warm color scheme, wood grain flooring, and open cooking station (where you can sit and watch Chef Frank Chen showing off his knife skills), well-spaced seating, all set the proper relaxed atmosphere and vibe for the wonderful meal to come. Oh, did I mention that it is BYOB? With that in mind, our group brought some imported Orion and Sapporo beer and a bottle of Saki, which they were glad to heat up for us.
As we perused the menu for our appetizers, we were introduced to Asahi, sliced white Tuna with black Truffles in a tasty, sweet, spicy, hot truffle sauce. Our mouths were watering as we quickly made quick work of that fantastic, light, and fresh dish. The menu consists of a wide selection of soups, salads, appetizers (from the kitchen and/or the sushi bar, Sushi, Sashimi a La Carte, Vegetarian Rolls, Roll or Hand Rolls, Special Roll, Sushi Bar Entrees, Party Specials, Ramen, Kitchen Entrees, Bento Box, and special Lunch Menu.
We did start with the Chef’s Amazing Roll (Spicy Tuna, Avocado, Crunch Tuna, with a Garlic Sauce). Superb! If this is available on your visit, I highly recommend it as an appetizer or an entree! Miso Soup (Soybean Soup) was next, followed by our shared appetizers of Haru Maki (Japanese Spring Rolls), Edamame (cooked Japanese Soybean), Shumai (Steamed Shrimp Dumplings), Tempura Appetizer (Shrimp, Chicken, &
Vegetables), and Crispy Calamari (Lightly Fried Squid with sweet sauce. The delicate flavors (mild, sweet, savory, rich, and sour) and textures (flaky, meaty, tender, firm) were all delicious.
Entrees were up next. Didn’t know how we could beat those appetizers, but we were ready and willing to give it our best. I chose the Sushi & Sashimi Combo (Five pieces sushi, nine pieces sashimi, and one California roll). It was a fresh and generous portion of expertly prepared, magnificently presented, tasteful selection of salmon, tuna, yellowtail fish, and perfectly balanced seasoned rice (not too soft or firm). After all, rice is the foundation on which sushi is built. The sushi had a light, fresh, umami-savory taste. At the same time, the thinly sliced sashimi had a texture that was delicate, firm, slightly salty, smooth, and melted in your mouth. Remember, Sushi and sashimi are not the same thing. Sushi is made with rice, while sashimi is not. Sashimi has a bold and savory taste, while Sushi is mild and neutral flavored, and no strong fishy flavors are involved. Of course, everything came with sides of that fantastic sinus-clearing fresh wasabi and pickled ginger to clear your palate. It’s evident in the preparation and presentation that Sushi is as much a science as it is an art.
Others in the group chose either the Tuna Sushi or the Bento Box (Teriyaki, Nigimaki, Tempura, or Sushi), along with side orders of Spicy Mayonnaise and Fried Rice. Everyone agreed their choices were delicious and satisfying. The Banana Tempura Special for dessert was a perfect closing statement for this meal. WOW! Decadently delicious is an understatement.
After dinner, I got to sit down with Tina Lin again to continue my education in the art of Sushi. Ms. Lin advised me that Asahi uses only the freshest, highest-grade sushi quality fish (not all Sushi restaurants do), which is picked up regularly (all Daily Specials are picked up that morning). According to Ms. Lin, “The best sushi restaurants take great care in sourcing their seafood, as well as all their sushi ingredients, from a reputable fishmonger or market.” All of Asahi’s fish is acquired from a trusted Japanese company in South Jersey. She continued, “All Asahi’s sushi/sashimi is prepared by a highly trained Chef using only those high quality, fresh items, and all their food is prepared in an authentic, traditional consistent manner.
Ms. Lin said her mother was also a restauranteur and communicates closely with her restaurant-owning relatives in Japan to discuss the latest recipes and best seasonal options. Yes, Asahi’s menu does change seasonally to keep everything fresh and meet demands. I also learned, and something that most people do not realize, that skilled sushi chefs, those who prepare truly authentic Japanese sushi, must go through years of rigorous training, often up to ten years, to become an itamae, or sushi master and that Asahi Chef Frank Chen (a cousin) went through that demanding training. The result of that training is evident from your first bite.
Expert knife skills are imperative to cut different types of fish expertly and precisely to bring out the best pieces of the fish. In sushi preparation, rice and the careful mixing of sauces and arrangement of other ingredients must also be very exact. Neatness and accuracy are crucial to present a visually stunning and deliciously perfect piece of sushi for every guest. In addition, preparing sushi rice is a special process that requires precision and consistency. Finally, knowing which ingredients work well together is crucial to a successful sushi dish.
Proper etiquette, eating techniques, freeze storage, and much more can add to your knowledge of this wonderful cuisine, but I am out of space for now. Possibly we can get to that at a future date. And the last thing is to compliment and thank the chef right after eating the sushi if you’re eating sushi in a traditional Japanese restaurant.
Thank you to Owner Lee Li, Tin Lin, our hostesses Coco Pan, Jade Li, and Chef Frank Chen for your gracious hospitality, making us feel like family, and especially for the wonderful dining experience.
“Arigato gozai•masu” (thank you very much.
Asahi Sushi Ramen is located at 157 Halsey Road, Lake Parsippany. Hours: Seven days per week, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Monday – Thursday); 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday) and 12:30 p..m. to 9:00 p.m. (Sunday) Note: The restaurant closes daily from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Delivery (within 5 miles) – Catering – Dine In – Take Out. Bike Parking – Off Street Parking – Takes Reservations – Vegetarian Options; BYOB.
UmaSofia Srivastava Will Compete in Miss Teen USA Pageant
PARSIPPANY — UmaSofia Srivastava was named Miss New Jersey Teen USA. She competed against other young women in the pageant, which assesses contestants in personal interviews, athletic wear, and evening gowns.
As the winner of Miss New Jersey Teen USA, Srivastava became an ambassador for New Jersey and represents the state in the Miss Teen USA pageant, a national competition for young women in the United States.
UmaSofia Srivastava, 15, of Parsippany, is a high school sophomore at the Academy of St. Elizabeth. She attended Mt. Tabor Elementary School, Brooklawn Middle School, and her freshman year at Parsippany Hills High School. She was a GRO student since first grade and was involved in many school activities and clubs.
UmaSofia recently transferred to AOSE this past October. She knew that was where she belonged because of the accepting and empowering all-girls atmosphere. She loves being involved in her school community, as she is the Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion campaign which she helped revive after years of inactivity. She is also a student ambassador, a Kind Campaign leader, and an active participant in Mock Trial and Model UN competitions.
In the summer of 2020, UmaSofia started her blog, Fan Behavior, which explores her experience as a half-Mexican, half-Indian young woman of color. Her blog also covers topics such as feminism, current events, and how to navigate relationships as a teen. Through Fan Behavior, she found the confidence to share her story and hopes it inspires other young girls like her to share theirs. Her heritage has also inspired her love of learning about other cultures. So far, she’s been lucky to have visited Mexico, India, France, the UK, and Italy! UmaSofia also speaks three languages: English, Spanish, and French.
She is very grateful for the opportunities afforded her because of her education. She has worked with the Lotus Petal Foundation to help underprivileged kids in India receive the education every child deserves. This organization provides kids who live in slums with proper food, education, and career opportunities, working to break the poverty cycle. UmaSofia hopes to continue this work in her community and plans to volunteer at the Lotus Petal School over the summer and help teach virtual classes.
Despite her busy schedule and involvement in her school, UmaSofia volunteers to canvas for local elections in Morris County. Although she cannot vote yet, she encourages teens who can participate in elections and make their voices heard. She loves horseback riding and playing the piano in her free time, which has been her go-to creative outlet since she was three.
UmaSofia has not decided where she will attend college. She hopes to go into public service as a diplomat and humanitarian lawyer, continuing her activism for women’s education and making a meaningful impact on the world. With her parents’ and friends’ unwavering love and support, she cannot wait to see what the future holds for her as Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2023.
UmaSofia hopes to make New Jersey proud as she represents this incredible state at the 2023 Miss Teen USA competition!
Morris County Commemorates the 42nd National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
MORRIS COUNTY — Law enforcement, elected officials, and community leaders joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by honoring the victims and professionals who support them while highlighting the progress that has been made in light of the challenges still to be overcome to raise awareness for victims’ rights in the face of crime.
“All too often, victims’ rights are lost in the noise that daily bombards us. This week it is our privilege to again call attention to those who have suffered and again to confirm our commitment to their protection and enforcement of their rights,” stated Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.
Marking its 42nd anniversary this year, Congress declares one week in April as Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change,” calls upon communities to amplify the voices of survivors and create environments where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported. Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus presented a framed proclamation to Prosecutor Carroll declaring April 23-29, 2023, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Morris County, which the Board of County Commissioners adopted at their public meeting later that evening.
“The struggle for Victims’ Rights has been heavily rooted in Morris County for decades… We gather again to remain vigilant and ensure victims’ rights and needs are not pushed aside. Today, we reaffirm that we will defend and expand the hard-fought rights of crime victims everywhere,” said Director John Krickus.
Other speakers at the conference included Rhett Hackett, survivor and President/Co-Founder of the Humanity Preservation Foundation and host of the HandsOFF Talk Show (a weekly television show on the RVNTV network); Senator Anthony Bucco; Chief Michael Koroski, Morris Plains Police Chief and Vice President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association; Alexis Rachel, Coordinator of the Morris County Sexual Assault Response Team and the Forensic Nurse Examiner Program (SART/FNE); and Maria Vinci Savettiere, Esq., Executive Director of Deirdre’s House and Chairperson of the Morris County Multidisciplinary Team.
A survivor of child sexual abuse, Hackett went public with his story on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2010 when he was one of 200 men featured on a special that underscored the prevalence and long-term effects of male sexual abuse. The appearance placed him in the spotlight, prompting him to advocate for victim rights full-time. He launched a nonprofit organization called the Humanity Preservation Foundation to focus on domestic violence, child abuse, and bullying. He and his team host numerous events and prevention education programs, lead outreach efforts to connect childhood trauma and addiction and offer a recovery platform, “Recovery Your Way,” as an extension of their services.
“In this country, we have a problem with asking for help—we don’t do it. I always tell my team, fraternity brothers, and schools: You are not the law or the therapist. There are professionals in the community able to help. Let’s direct (victims) to them because they are going to help in the best way possible, so they (the victims) don’t revictimize themselves,” stated Hackett.
The Morris County, Sexual Assault Response Team, collaborates with law enforcement to assist survivors who wish to report their assault but may be fearful due to their criminal history or immigration status. SART/FNE Coordinator Alexis Rachel acknowledged the level of coordination in Morris County among law enforcement, child welfare agencies, and the organizations investigating crimes and providing services on behalf of survivors, especially during Covid-19. She commended the Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) Crisis Response Team for ensuring survivor safety and access to shelter, the Victim/Witness Unit for striving to maintain a continuity of care and services, and Deirdre’s House for taking child victims under their wing and connecting them with highly trained child specialists.
“Sexual violence is one of the most interpersonal forms of crime, as it is both physical and psychological and is the most underreported,” remarked Rachel.
Her team aims to empower victims by treating them like patients and reassuring them that they are safe and have control over how things progress. Resources and information for future services are provided so they can seek support when ready. The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program will be expanded by implementing a Non-Fatal Strangulation Response Team for greater survivor outcomes later this year.
Chief Koroski added that the Morris County Police Chiefs Association’s mission is to care for its officers through resiliency training and wellness programs as they experience trauma similar to survivors.
“As chiefs, our primary focus will always be prevention and deterrence of crime, and we hope that we can stop just one more heartless act of violence that shatters our communities,” said Chief Koroski. “We must work on prevention and preplan to build our community’s resilience, and the partnerships with those gathered here today are the foundation of that resiliency.”
Senator Bucco praised everyone on their work and voiced concerns that the victims’ rights movement has lost momentum recently. This statement was echoed by Executive Director Savettiere.
“Victims’ rights have had a setback… We must listen carefully to victims’ voices, as they can be quiet and reluctant. Because when a victim needs to come forward, they are in a very vulnerable state. They don’t necessarily want to tell their story but are compelled to for various reasons; it’s part of their own healing process and need to seek justice,” said Savettiere.
Deirdre’s House is a nationally accredited child advocacy center and the only location in Morris County where child abuse and neglect victims can receive comprehensive services under one roof and at no cost. Here, they can undergo forensic interviews and trial preparation with law enforcement, receive medical examinations and treatment from a pediatric abuse specialist, and receive clinical counseling services in English and Spanish. Since its opening in 1996, the center has served over 43,000 children.
“I would like to commend Morris County law enforcement officers and victim/witness service providers who work collaboratively and comprehensively among our agencies and continue to bring a high level of sensitive services to our victims and survivors, especially Sheriff James Gannon and his team who provide vital support services to law enforcement, victims and survivors in our ongoing efforts to reduce crime and its impact on our communities,” remarked Prosecutor Carroll.
Last year, the MCPO dedicated a stepping stone near the victims’ tree outside the Administration Building to symbolize victims taking the first step towards healing. The victims’ tree is lit annually during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week as a beacon of hope. This year, a wreath adorned with a “2023 in Recognition and Remembrance” ribbon was placed next to the tree.
Play Ball! Par-Troy Little League West Season Kicks Off with Exciting Opening Night Festivities
PARSIPPANY — Par-Troy Little League West season started with exciting opening night festivities on Friday, April 14.
“This year marks the 71st season that Par-Troy West has had the privilege of serving the children of Parsippany. That’s a lot of baseball and softball., said President Frank Neglia.
“I want to thank all our Board members, volunteers, sponsors, and friends, who give their time and support to help make our program run. Without them, we could not operate. Because of everyone’s combined efforts, the Par-Troy West program is such a great success. That is why I and other Board members urge you to please help and volunteer in any capacity you can. A Little League program’s success depends on how many dedicated volunteers we can get to assist,” continued Neglia.
“We would also like to thank the Township of Parsippany, The Parsippany Recreation Department, Parsippany Parks, and Forestry, and the Board of Education for the opportunity to use the ball field in town and at the schools during the season. Their support helps ensure that all Little Leaguers have a place to play.”
Neglia concluded, “This coming season should be another exciting one, and we look forward to all the children having fun and hope to see you all out there!”
Parsippany Comes Together to Celebrate Arbor Day
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany celebrated being named “Tree City USA” for the forty-seventh year on Arbor Day.
Second-grade students from Northvail Elementary School read the poem “The Giving Tree,” Second-grade students from Rockaway Meadow School recited “Trees of the Fragrant Forest,” and the second-grade class students from Lake Hiawatha Schoool recited “Trees.”
Representative Mikie Sherrill presented a “Certificate of Congressional Recognition” to the Township.
Council President Loretta Gragnani presented the Arbor Day Flag to Mayor James Barberio, Director of Public Works Department James Walsh, and Township Council members.
Parsippany has thirty-one parks throughout the Township. The park system has preserved over 800 acres ranging from the 0.32 Lake Hiawatha Park to the 352-acre Knoll Park. This total surpasses the nationally recognized standard of having one acre of par land for every 100 residents, The goal has been to provide recreation within walking distance of every resident.
The origin of Arbor Day dates back to the early 1870s in Nebraska. A journalist, Julius Sterling Morton moved to the state with his wife, Caroline, in 1854. As newcomers to the state, the couple purchased 160 acres and planted various trees and shrubs in a flat stretch of the desolate plain.
Morton also became the editor of the state’s first newspaper, which became a perfect platform for him to spread his knowledge of trees, and to stress their ecological importance within Nebraska. His message of tree life resonated with Nebraskans, many of whom recognized the lack of forestation in their community. Morton also became involved with the Nebraska Board of Agriculture.
On January 7, 1872, Morton proposed a day that would encourage all Nebraskans to plant trees in their community-Arbor Day was born.
The first-ever Arbor Day, held on April 10, 1872, was a success. Morton led the charge in the planting of approximately one million trees. Enthusiasm and engagement were certainly helped by the prizes awarded to those who planted trees correctly.
The national observance falls on the last Friday in April. And although Julius Morton died well before the holiday was given a formal day of observance across the country, he is still commemorated in Washington, D.C., with a statue dedicated to the “Father of Arbor Day” in the National Hall of Fame.