PARSIPPANY — Zen Dental Care held a grand opening ribbon-cutting celebration. Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio cut the ribbon with Dr. Sheren Elsaid. Also attending were Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilmen Frank Neglia, Justin Musella, and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce President Robert Peluso and Board Members Ildiko Peluso and Nicolas Limanov. Many friends and family members also attended the event.
Zen Dental Care is located at 2200 Route 10, Suite 105, Parsippany.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presents Dr. Sheren Elsaid with a plaque welcoming Zen Dental Care to Parsippany.
Dr. Sheren Elsaid spent two years planning and designing her newly opened dental practice. Zen Dental Care is designed to help relieve dental anxiety by focusing on using distraction methods involving sight, smell, and sound. When you arrive at Zen Dental Care, you will be greeted by a friendly team and can choose from a comfort menu. Items such as aromatherapy, warm blanket, noise-canceling headphones, TVs on the ceiling, and laughing gas are available. The office colors are warm and inviting, and the entire team is there to help make your dental visit as pleasant as possible.
Parsippany Economic Development presented Zen Dental Care with a plaque welcoming the new business to Parsippany.
Dr. Sheren Elsaid earned her Bachelor’s degree from CUNY Hunter College in Psychology and earned her dental degree from Temple University. Dr. Elsaid then completed her Advanced Education in General Dentistry through NYU Langone Dental Medicine Program. Dr. Elsaid is dedicated to her patients and continues to take extensive continuing education courses to advance her skills and remain up-to-date with dental advances. Dr. Elsaid is a general dentist and practices all phases of dentistry. Services provided at Zen Dental Care include tooth-colored fillings, root canals, extractions, veneers, implants, and much more.
Dr. Elsaid also remains committed to giving back to her community. Zen Dental Care has partnered with Cornerstone Family Programs/Morristown Neighborhood House (CFP/MNH). For every new patient seen at Zen Dental Care, a portion of the proceeds with be donated to CFP/MNH to allow them to provide a much-needed, healthy, nutrient-rich meal to one of their students. Zen Dental Care believes in Cornerstone Family Program’s mission and is dedicated to helping make a difference.
When Dr. Elsaid isn’t working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, traveling, reading, and trying new recipes.
Patient Exam Room
Zen Dental Care is a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus magazine, January 2023. Click here to read.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council Reorganization Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 4, at 6:30 p.m.
Formal Action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings. Immediately following, there will be an agenda meeting.
Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours before the meeting date. Please call to be 973-263-4351 to request auxiliary aid.
Mayor James R. Barberio
Council President Michael J. dePierro
Council Vice-President Loretta Gragnani
Councilman Paul Carifi Jr.
Councilman Frank Neglia
Councilman Justin Musella
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Historic Preservation Trust Fund is now accepting grant applications for 2023 funding. The grant application deadline is Friday, March 31, by 4:30 p.m.
Pictured is the Troy Hills Annex, c. 1900, a two-room, wood-framed schoolhouse that is locally designated and has a Certification of Eligibility for listing on the New Jersey Register. The building will continue to serve as a maintenance office and storage building. The 2016 grant of $28,064 assisted with completing a Preservation Plan, including building system evaluation and archaeological investigations. (Click here for details).
The Morris County Office of Planning and Preservation will hold an Application Workshop to explain the application process from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, via WebEx by clicking here.
A Declaration of Intent is due for applicants by February 28 at Morris County. (Click here to download).
The program began in 2003 after voters overwhelmingly approved dedicating tax dollars to preserve Morris County’s rich history. As of 2022, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved nearly $46 Million to help preserve, restore, or protect 122 historic sites in 34 towns.
To be eligible for a matching grant, a historic resource must be listed or certified eligible for listing on the State Register or National Register of Historic Places. Eligible applicants are municipalities, qualified non-profit organizations, and the county.
Details for obtaining and submitting applications may be found by clicking here.
Register to attend the January 25 workshop via e-mail to: rchang@co.morris.nj.us or phone at (973) 829-8138. It will be an opportunity to ask questions about the program and the suitability of projects such as:
• Is my project eligible?
• What kinds of projects were funded in the past?
• Can cemeteries apply?
• Are Construction Documents required for construction projects?
• What if my project is not currently listed on the National and New Jersey Registers?
Commissioner Stephen Shaw
“This has been an exceptionally successful and well-received program, with nearly $46 million being committed to assist in the preservation, protection, and restoration of 122 historic properties since the first grant was issued in 2003,” said Commissioner Stephen Shaw, the board liaison to the county Office of Planning and Preservation.
The Historic Preservation Program is again waiving the requirement for paper submission for the 2023 grant applications, except where Preservation Plans and/or drawings/specs have not been reviewed previously by the County Consultant. Sites that have not done so must prepare a 10-minute video as part of the application.
Contact Ray Chang, P.P., Historic Preservation Program Coordinator, Morris County Office of Planning & Preservation, P.O. Box 900, 30 Schuyler Place, 4th floor, Morristown, NJ 07963-0900. Email: rchang@co.morris.nj.us. Phone: (973) 829-8138.
Those projects for which Construction Documents were prepared without Program funding are welcome to submit their Construction Documents for a preliminary review prior to the Grant Application deadline of March 31, 2023. They may also submit completed Construction Documents with their Construction Grant Applications.
MORRIS COUNTY — I can recollect a time when excellent authentic Mexican restaurants were far and few between, often requiring driving some distance to get to that one special place. Not anymore! Now in the Parsippany area alone, because of our diverse population, the growing popularity of Mexican cuisine, and its appealing taste, you can choose any of several outstanding Mexican restaurants close to home. Better yet, give them all a try! The fact is that Mexican food is currently one of the most popular ethnic cuisines in the United States. Which eatery you consider the best is obviously a personal preference. And no, I am not referring to one of those numerous chain restaurants that line our highways. An interesting fact is that in the U.S., most Mexican restaurants, 70 percent, are family or independently-owned restaurants, and the other 30 percent are classified as chain restaurants.
One of those local areas premieres Mexican restaurants, Leyendas de Mexico, is located in one of those easily accessible, multi-business strip malls at the intersection of New Road and Route 46 East in Parsippany.
The interior is lively and energetic environment featuring bold, vibrant, and playful color schemes throughout the interior, creating a truly festive vibe
Initially, Las Leyendas de Mexico appears lost among the row of small businesses in the nondescript strip mall. Still, on entry, you are immediately met with a lively and energetic environment featuring bold, vibrant, and playful color schemes throughout the interior, creating a truly festive vibe. The carefully thought-out, cohesive décor incorporates many elements of Mexican, Aztec, and Mayan heritage and culture, with engaging, large colorful murals featuring various historical and cultural themes, such as Mexican luminaries as Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa. Assorted accent lighting and soft Mexican music help accentuate the tone and mood of the décor. A painted blue-sky ceiling, blended pink, cream, and yellow walls, red brick accents, orange-brown tile floors, Día de Muertos folk art, statuary, sombreros, wall and ceiling tapestries, multi-colored tables, and rustic wicker chairs, all come together to provide diners with a casual, comfortable and is warm setting.
The layout is small and simple, with approximately ten tables, which can seat 35 people
The layout is small and simple, with approximately ten tables, which can seat 35 people, but still manages to feel spacious and cozy while not feeling overcrowded. Natural lighting illuminates the dining room, enhancing the visual effects and dining experience. There’s no doubt the inviting visual experience presented at Ley Leyendas de Mexico, despite its size, clearly sets a tone that enhances the dining experience. Notably, in a 2019 edition of Yelp, Leyendas de Mexico was listed as one of the twenty-four best Mexican restaurants in N.J.
After taking some time to peruse the artwork and enjoy the layout, my group was ready to sit down and enjoy some enticing, authentic Mexican cuisine. What makes food authentic is debatable, in my opinion. One source reminds one that the thing to remember is that the definition of “authentic” changes throughout history, so the food is eaten now is different from the food eaten a few hundred years ago. I guess this would apply to all the world’s cuisine. My research found that yellow cheese is the most common ingredient in Americanized (Tex-Mex) Mexican food. Yellow cheese isn’t Mexican. Often, in Mexico, they use “queso fresco,” which translates to “fresh cheese.” That is the primary difference between authentic Mexican and Americanized Mexican food. Just in case you were wondering.
First to arrive were several nicely sized servings of freshly made, zesty salsa accompanied by crunchy, crispy homemade chips.
We were seated immediately at a comfortable corner table as the very pleasant owner, Elvin Portillo Mazariegos, cordially welcomed us to the restaurant. I must admit our conversation was limited due to my unfortunate and limited ability to converse in Spanish. I was informed that Ley Leyendas de Mexico initially opened in 2016 and has been under the management of Mr. Mazariegos since 2020. Menus, water, and utensils quickly arrived as we discussed our dining selections. Ley Leyendas is a B.Y.O.B., so that I could share some Modelo beer with our host during our conversation.
Homemade Guacamole (fresh avocado, lime juice, red onions, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, and tomatoes, served with crispy tortilla chips).
The menu is surprisingly diverse, complete with a tantalizing selection of many of Mexico’s favorite dishes. Latin and Spanish selections are also available, as are what appear to be creative Tex-Mex dishes to round out the menu. Appetizers included popular selections such as Leyendas Nacho Supremos, Quesadillas, Chimichangas, Tostada de Pata, and many other favorites. Typical Mexican and Tex-Mex fare includes Enchiladas, Tostadas, Flautas, Chilaquiles, Carne Asada, and Molcajete, among the many options. Assorted seafood dishes, soups, cemitas, authentic Tacos, and burrito grande are all tempting. No doubt, pretty much anything Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Latin American you might be in the mood for! Not to forget their homemade desserts, including one of my favorites, Tres Leches Cake. It took some bantering back and forth among the group before settling our choices.
Ground Beef Chimichanga (a small burrito stuffed with spicy ground beef, cream cheese & shredded cheese, topped with homemade chipotle mayo)
First to arrive were several nicely sized servings of freshly made, zesty salsa accompanied by crunchy, crispy homemade chips. The salsa and chips were the perfect preludes to our meal, and we were devoured quickly. Next, out came to our appetizers, which we all shared Homemade Guacamole (fresh avocado, lime juice, red onions, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, and tomatoes, served with crispy tortilla chips), Quesadillas (12” flour tortillas filled with melted tres queso, shredded lettuce, and a choice of spicy chicken, carnitas, Carne al pastor, chorizo or spicy ground beef). With its creamy texture, fresh avocado’s mildly sweet, nutty taste was delicious and refreshing and went perfectly with the homemade chips.
Quesadillas
The tender, crisp, crunchy, cheese flavored Quesadillas were also a treat; Ground Beef Chimichanga (a small burrito stuffed with spicy ground beef, cream cheese & shredded cheese, topped with homemade chipotle mayo), and Chorizo Con Queso (spicy Mexican chorizo mixed w/diced tomatoes & red onions, topped w/melted Oaxaca cheese, served with a side of corn or flour tortillas.) Every individual dish was oozing with fresh, amazing, delicious flavor.
The Mariscos Soup (spicy red sauce sautéed with shrimp, tilapia, mussels, calamari, and zucchini).
The Mariscos Soup (spicy red sauce sautéed with shrimp, tilapia, mussels, calamari, and zucchini) preceded our entrees. A very well-prepared seafood selection, tasty and perfectly seasoned.
Churrasco Steak (Skirt steak marinated with homemade chimichurri sauce, served over grilled veggies, rice, and beans)
As a group, we were not that diverse in our entrée selections on this date. A few of us, including myself, opted for Parrillada Mixta (Grilled chicken breast, steak, shrimp, and chorizo, served with cactus, rice, and beans). In contrast, the others opted for the Churrasco Steak (Skirt steak marinated with homemade chimichurri sauce, served over grilled veggies, rice, and beans). The mixed grill of meats and seafood in my Parrillada Mixta was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was a satisfying and delicious ending to a very pleasing dining experience. The group members who ordered the Churrasco Steak were equally pleased with their meal. Despite the appealing choice of desserts, we were all stuffed and unable to go any further, so my Tres Leches Cake will have to be put off until my next visit.
Parrillada Mixta
As you may be aware, there are two sister Ley Leyendas de Mexico restaurants in the general Parsippany area, one in Boonton and one in Morris Plains. This review is for the Parsippany location only. Visiting the other locations is certainly on my to-do list. As for Parsippany’s Ley Leyendas de Mexico, I recommend definitely giving it a try. I’m pretty sure you will put it on your restaurant rotation.
Buena comida, buenos amigos, buenos tiempos
Las Leyendas (Leyendas de Mexico) is located at 71 New Road, Parsippany.
(973) 287-7060 leyendasrestaurante.com
Closed Mondays – Dine In – In-Store Pickup – Catering Available
BYOB (Wine and Beer only) – Vegetarian Friendly – Off-Road Parking
Mexican, Latin, and Spanish Cuisine
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2023
PARSIPPANY — Numerous units responded to a residence on Beechwood Avenue, Lake Hiawatha, on Friday, December 20, at 9:54 a.m. after a resident observed two males wearing medical masks approach their neighbors’ house and saw one of the males enter through a window.
Due to our increased residential patrols, units quickly arrived on the scene and immediately detained one male standing next to a 2007 Toyota Camry near Lake Shore Drive and Beechwood Avenue intersection. Units then proceeded to the residence, where they observed two males inside and placed them under arrest.
Officers located numerous items on the two males, which were later confirmed to be stolen from inside the residence.
The three males were transported back to police headquarters and processed. They were subsequently charged with the following:
John Gonzalez-Gutierrez: 26, Minotola, NJ
• 1 count of Burglary in the 3rd Degree
• 1 count of Conspiracy to commit Burglary in the 3rd Degree
Jhojan Rodriguez-Alvarez, 25, Queens, NY
• 1 count of Burglary in the 3rd Degree
• 1 count of Conspiracy to commit Burglary in the 3rd Degree
• 1 count of Theft in the 3rd Degree
• 1 count of Possession of Burglary Tools 4th Degree
Santiago Castro, 19, Ozone Park, NY
• 1 count of Burglary in the 3rd Degree
• 1 count of Conspiracy to commit Burglary in the 3rd Degree
• 1 count of Theft in the 3rd Degree
• 1 count of Possession of Burglary Tools 4th Degree
After further investigation, Santiago Castro was charged on December 22 in connection with four other burglaries on Vail Road, Manchester Street, Stafford Terrace, and Lucille Drive between October 19 and 21.
• 3 counts of Burglary in the 3rd Degree
• 3 counts of Theft of Movable Property in the 3rd Degree
• 3 counts of Criminal Mischief, a Disorderly Person Offense
• 1 count of Conspiracy to commit Theft of Movable Property in the 3rd Degree
• 1 count of Conspiracy to commit Burglary in the 3rd Degree
• 1 count of Burglary in the 2nd Degree
All three males were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility, where they are currently being held in accordance with bail reform.
Although the Police have made arrests, more crews are operating throughout the state, so residents should continue to report any and all suspicious activity to our department.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — On Monday, December 19, Brooklawn Middles School Seventh grader Alicia Alzamore was presented with a Proclamation from Mayor James Barberio. She is a Runner-Up in Optimum’s Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest.
Optimum and co-sponsor TelevisaUnivision are proud to announce the 2022 winners of its annual Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated each year from September 15 – October 15, Optimum invited students across the company’s 21-state footprint to share in 500 words or less a person or group of Hispanic heritage who have kept their community connected to one another, to their culture or those outside their community.
Optimum’s Manager of Government Affairs Aeisha Hayward, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, Alicia, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Sargent
Mayor James R. Barberio and Superintendent Dr. Barbara Sargent were in attendance to recognize Alicia, and she was presented with a backpack full of supplies, including an iPad.
At the ceremony, Mayor James Barberio presented Alicia with a “Certificate of Achievement.”
Optimum’s Manager of Government Affairs, Aeisha Hayward, made the presentation to Alicia Alzamore.
In addition, Senator Joe Pennacchio, Assemblymen Jay Webber, Christian Barranco, and Brian Bergen.
The student essay contest ran from September 15 to October 31 and boasted a total of four Grand Prize scholarships of $3,000. Prizes have also been awarded to a dozen finalists in both the high school and middle school categories.
Additionally, for the first time, Optimum and TelevisaUnivision recognized the educators who encouraged their students to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by submitting an essay. Special gifts were awarded to educators who sponsored the highest number of essay submissions from their students.
On Thursday, December 15, Optimum hosted a live virtual celebration event to recognize all winners and runners-up and to continue celebrating the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of generations of Hispanic Americans across the country.
Altice USA and Optimum are committed to positively impacting the communities we serve.
PARSIPPANY — Dr. Trivikrama Bhanoji Pala Reddy, an Adjunct Professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Mechanical Engineering Department at NJIT, was named the Most Popular Mechanical Engineering professor in the United States according to Authority.org.
This website ranks the schools and professors considered 4000 institutions, 10000 data points, and 6TB Data analysis with 25 researchers. This site helps students and parents in their college search. Click here to view.
Dr. Trivikrama Reddy teaches Machine Design, Stress Analysis, Mechanical system Design, and various other Mechanical Engineering courses at NJIT.
He is a top and highly rated professor from NJIT on his ranking on Rate My Professor. (Click here)
In addition to teaching, Dr. Trivikrama Reddy is a Senior Staff Engineer in Research and Development Department working for Becton Dickinson Company, Franklin Lakes. He designs and develops various drug-delivery medical devices at BD. He holds several patents for his designs and several MedTech publications.
Dr. Trivikrama Reddy also participates in various social services through NATA, A Non-Profit Cultural organization serving the Telugu community in the US and Canada as Standing committee chair. (Click here to view)
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio presented Laura McClusky, Chairperson of the Environmental Advisory Committee, with a proclamation honoring her many years on the committee.
McCluskey began serving on the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee in 1998 and became the Committee Chair in 2008. Laura was instrumental in forming the Parsippany Bat Protection Program, facilitated the first successful “Batapolluza Fair,” and worked to encourage residents’ participation in the successful Wildlife Preserve Bat Walks.
She was influential in initiating the Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance and working with the Township on their roll-out campaign to the public.
Other projects that were completed during Laura’s tenure include the Low Phosphate and Well Head Ordinances, the Cool Cities Mayor’s Commitment, the Troy Brook Study in conjunction with Rutgers, several initiatives with the Parsippany Green Team which culminated in Bronze Certification from Sustainable Jersey, and the installation of a pollinator garden at the Parsippany Library which she will continue to nurture; and Well Head Ordinances, the Cool Cities Mayor’s Commitment, the Troy Brook Study in conjunction with Rutgers, several initiatives with the Parsippany Green Team which culminated in Bronze Certification from Sustainable Jersey, and the installation of a pollinator garden at the Parsippany Library which she will continue to nurture. In addition to serving on PEAC, Laura contributed to protecting our local environment by teaching environmental education for over 30 years at Parsippany Hills High School, where she wrote and initiated the K-12 Environmental Education Programs for the Parsippany School District, thereby influencing countless students to be better stewards of our natural resources.
“It has been my honor to serve on the Parsippany-Troy Hills Environmental Advisory Committee, and it has been a highlight of my many years working in the environmental field,” said Laura after receiving her proclamation.
“Starting with the Revolutionary soldier’s cemetery, to the one-room schoolhouse to the infamous ROCK HOUSE, its past is inspiring. And there are more modern moments, such as Geese flying over Volunteers Park, watching a sunrise over Lake Parsippany, and walking through the fall foliage at Troy Meadows, even amid the busy workers and shoppers going about their daily chores. And the future looks prosperous, as shown in our amazing schools, all the young families, and the many children happily living here. Parsippany is made of thousands of these moments strung together. The Environmental Advisory Committee has been a part of the town’s past; they are an important asset for the present and are focused on the future. Just the mere presence of this committee has created an overtone of awareness that we must move forward with progress in balance with nature. That is why it is so important to keep this committee active. This environmental committee has always been composed of the people who make up this community. This committee represents the best of our town and will always have the best interests of Parsippany at heart. Their accomplishments are everyone’s accomplishments. I wish this committee a long and prosperous future. I am an optimist. I know it is good hands, and I believe the best is yet to come,” she continued.
The Environmental Advisory Committee is a nine-member committee that serves in an advisory capacity to the Town Council regarding environmental issues which affect – or are perceived to have a potential effect on – the Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills. The Committee also serves as a repository of information about the environmental issues related to the township. The mission of the Environmental Advisory Committee is to represent the Township’s people in matters relating to protecting our land, water, air, and energy. The committee is dedicated to maintaining a healthy and aesthetic environment for the residents and visitors of Parsippany-Troy Hills for current and future generations.
The Planning Board members are:
Mayor Barberio 12/31/2025 I Mayor
Anil Dadheech* 12/31/2024 IV Regular
Michael dePierro 12/31/2022 III Council Rep.
Tom Dinsmore 12/31/2021 IV Regular
Priya Jain 12/31/2022 Alternate No. 2
Dominic Mele* 12/31/2023 IV Regular
Gordon Meth* 12/31/2025 IV Regular
Nick Napolitano 12/31/2024 IV Regular
Ted Stanziale 12/31/2023 Alternate No. 1
Jennifer Vealey* 12/31/2022 II Muni, Rep.
John Von Achen* 12/31/2023 IV Regular
Stuart Wiser Board Planner, ARH
Andrew Cangiano Board Engineer, Keller & Kirkpatrick
Joseph Garcia Board Attorney, Cleary Giacobbe Alfieri Jacobs
Nora O. Jolie Board Secretary
The announcement is made that adequate notice of this meeting has been given and that it is being conducted in accordance with N.J.S.A. 10:4-6 et seq. of the New Jersey “Open Public Meetings Act.”
