The Free Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App is Launched

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi is pleased to announce the launch of the Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App; a new and free online service. Continuing to bring innovation and enhancements to the Clerk’s Office has been a hallmark of her tenure and the Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App is the latest installment of Ann’s commitment to both Morris County and the greater area she serves.

“By utilizing modern technology to engage citizens, the free Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App is designed to give residents easy access to all the services offered by the Morris County Clerk’s Office,” said Clerk Grossi. With the 2022 New Year in full swing, the Morris County Clerk’s App is ready to provide the information and services delivered directly into your home right to your fingertips. Need to see current or past election results? Easy, simply hit the “Elections” button. Want to know what they require applying for a passport or need to schedule an appointment? Easy, just hit the “Passports” button. Need forms? Another easy fix just hit the “Forms” button. Other features include access to the free online Property Fraud Alert System, Registry, Social Media, Notary, Latest News, Records Vault, and other services, such as Veteran; Senior, Gold Star Parent ID’s, as well as our “On the Road Programs.”

Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App can be downloaded for Apple devices in the App Store. They can also download the app for Android devices in the Google Play Store. If you have questions about downloading the app, please contact Brian Tone at (973) 829-8201.

William Schievella Elected Vice-Chair of L.E.A.D. Board of Directors

MORRIS COUNTY — Rockaway Resident William Schievella has been elected Vice-Chair of Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.), an organization dedicated to educating communities about the dangers of drugs and violence.

“We are thrilled that Bill will be our Vice-Chair,” said Nick DeMauro, CEO of L.E.A.D. “He has been a tremendous Board member and our Directors unanimously elected him Vice-Chair. He will provide excellent leadership for our Board and our organization overall.”

L.E.A.D. is taught in 40 states by over 2800 dedicated police officers, teachers, and prevention specialists, who provide leadership and resources to allow law enforcement agencies to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. As the only proven effective anti-drug, anti-violence curriculum for students K-12, the L.E.A.D. the curriculum is taught over the course of a 10-week program to educate our youth on how they can make smart decisions without the involvement of drugs.

Currently, Bill serves as the Director of the Police Studies Institute at Saint Elizabeth University, where he oversees the implementation of executive development programs for law enforcement as well as community-based law enforcement collaboration. He is a Criminal Justice and Public Service Professor as well as the current President of the New Jersey Italian American Police Society.

In 2017 and 2018, Bill was the Director of Communications and Community Policing for the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. Along with being elected Vice-Chair of L.E.A.D.’s Board of Directors, Bill’s achievements include being named ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ by the New Jersey Columbus Day Parade and ‘Grand Marshal’ of the Morris County Columbus Day Parade.

For more info on L.E.A.D’s Board of Directors click here.

About L.E.A.D.
L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources, and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. L.E.A.D. succeeds by providing proven and effective programs to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying, and violence. L.E.A.D. is committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill, and relations between law enforcement and their communities. For more information click here.

Update: Massive Fire in Green Hill Plaza

PARSIPPANY — Early morning fire was reported at approximately 12:45 a.m., on Tuesday, January 4, a multi-alarm fire in the Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road. Witnesses at the scene said it started in Joseph’s Pizzeria.  Reports that the rear of Joseph’s Pizzeria collapsed.  The address for Joseph’s Pizzeria is 180 Parsippany Road. Best Brains Learning Center, Joseph’s Pizza, Empty Store (Bagel), Panda Wok, Pediatrics, and Dry Cleaner were deemed uninhabitable at this time due to structural damage. All remaining stores are closed at this time.

Aerial view of the shopping plaza
Aerial view of the shopping plaza
Aerial view of the shopping plaza
Rear view of the shopping plaza
Aerial view of the shopping plaza

Picture of the entrance of Joseph’s Pizzeria
Picture of the entrance of Joseph’s Pizzeria

It was reported by breaking news alerts that a firefighter was injured while putting out the flames, and was transported to Morristown Medical Center.  The efforts to distinguish the blaze continued all night and into early afternoon.

“Nothing I saw led me to believe arson, but they’re obviously going to do their thing,” District 6 Fire Chief Vincent Petito said to the Daily Record. “They may know something I don’t. But I didn’t see anyone running away here with a gas can.”

S&A Pediatrics had a “red sticker” prohibiting entrance to the premises
Best Brains Learning Center had a “red sticker” prohibiting entrance to the premises
The ladder truck was still visible approximately 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday
The ladder truck was still visible approximately 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday

A Parsippany police spokesperson declined to comment, deferring to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The fire remains under investigation.

All six Parsippany fire districts responded to the scene, with support arriving from Rockaway Township, Montville, Morris Township Fire Department, Whippany, Lincoln Park, Boonton, and Boonton Township. Parsippany Rescue and Recovery and the Morris Township Office of Emergency Management also came to render aid to the firefighters. Parsippany Emergency Medical Services, Rockaway Neck Volunteer Fire Department, and Parsippany Volunteer Fire Department were on the scene.

The shopping center consists of individual condo units. Joseph’s Pizza consists of approximately 2,300 square feet. The unit to the right of Joseph’s Pizza is currently vacant.

Also located in the same shopping center are Beauty City Salon and Spa, Greenhill Pharmacy, Quick Chek, Panda Wok, The “Laundry”, Fusha Sushi Bar, Greenhill Liquors, S & A Pediatrics, Lakeview Dental, Dahlia’s Medical, Massage, as well as a few other businesses.

Fire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road
Fire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road
ire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road

Fire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road
Fire in Green Hill Plaza, Parsippany Road

Kiwanis Club is Distributing Free “Winter Children Jackets”

PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Kiwanis Club of South Orange Maplewood have teamed up in the distribution of free Winter Children Jackets.

“This has been an annual project, mainly supply jackets to the homeless. This year we decided to supply jackets to area children,” said Gordon Meth.

The jackets are available in assorted sizes and styles. Both Kiwanis Clubs will schedule a day and location to pick up the jackets, and in some cases, our volunteers will be able to deliver them to your home.

To obtain a jacket, please visit kiwanishelps.org and choose the Children Jackets tab, and fill out the form to reserve your jacket. While supplies last.

NJ Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill said “Kiwanis has been there to help families during hard times, especially during COVID-19. At Kiwanis, we want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. We believe that by helping one child, you help the world.”

“I believe in giving back to my community. That’s why I became a member of Kiwanis. When Kiwanis donated surgical masks to my department, I knew immediately I wanted to join a wonderful organization.” said Dover Police Officer Ilmi Bojkovic.

Kiwanis Clubs in Northern New Jersey have been supplying food to local families since December 2020. To date they have distributed 358,000 pounds, serving almost 9,000 families and over 17,000 children. The food distributed has a retail value of over $600,000.  The next food distribution will be held on Saturday, January 22.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.

Working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. When you help improve a community or give a child a chance to learn experience, dream, and succeed, great things happen!

For additional information contact Frank Cahill at (862) 346-5100. For more information click here.

Michael Soriano Elected to State Democratic Committee

MORRIS COUNTY — Michael Soriano of Parsippany has been elected by the Morris County Democratic Committee as a new representative on the New Jersey State Democratic Committee.

T.C. McCourt of Dover and James Plaisted of Boonton were also running for the position.

Outgoing State Committeeman Phil Sellinger takes on his new role as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey.

The party also has a county chair for each of the state’s 21 counties. Current elected officials. The New Jersey Democratic Party holds a majority in the New Jersey Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly. The party also holds both U.S. Senate seats, 10 of the state’s 12 U.S. House seats, and the governor’s and lieutenant governor’s offices

Seniors Apply for Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills Scholarships

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High and Parsippany Hills seniors are encouraged to apply for the $1,000 scholarships open to ALL graduating seniors. Multiple scholarships will be awarded.  Apply through your school’s Guidance Department and follow their timeline and procedures. Scholarships have been awarded to hundreds of students over 65 years thanks to the club’s successful fundraisers held each year.

The Woman’s Club of Parsippany-Troy Hills is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) and the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs (NJSFWC), which are the largest volunteer women’s service organizations in the country/state, providing opportunities for education, leadership training, and community service.

General Meetings are held the fourth Monday of each month September through April at 7:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Fire & Rescue Building at 100 Centerton Road, Parsippany.

If you would like to attend our next General Meeting call Marilyn at (973) 539-3703 or e-mail the club at womansclubofpth@gmail.com.

Click here to visit their website.  Follow the club on FACEBOOK or Twitter.

 

 

Councilman Musella to Host Trash Cleanup Saturday

PARSIPPANY – Councilman Justin Musella will be holding a volunteer clean-up of street debris and recyclables in town this Saturday, January 8, to ensure that we truly are “Cleaning Up Parsippany.”

“It’s more important than ever that we find ways to help our community recover from the hardships we have faced over the past few years. I believe that keeping our streets clean and fostering a sense of local involvement will help return success to our residents and businesses” said Musella, adding, “If you’re free this weekend, consider joining me and other residents in town in ensuring the presentable conditions of our walkways and roads. With your help, we can bring back a sense of pride in Parsippany and allow our town to thrive once more.”

Participants will meet at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 8 at the Parsippany Park and Ride, Route 46 East at South Beverwyck Road, where garbage bags and gloves will be provided.

Residents can RSVP to Justin Musella, at justin@musellaforcouncil.com.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Re-Organization Meeting; Agenda Meeting Set for Wednesday

PARSIPPANY  — Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council has an Annual  Reorganization Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 5 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Click here to download the agenda.

Thereafter an Agenda Meeting will commence at approximately 7:00 p.m.

Click here to download the agenda.

All meetings will be held in the Municipal Building, 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany. Formal action may or may not be taken at all scheduled meetings.

Any individual who is a qualified disabled person under the American with Disabilities Act may request auxiliary aids such as a sign interpreter or a tape recorder to be used for a meeting. Auxiliary aids must be requested at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date. Please call (973) 263-4351 to make a request for an auxiliary aid.

Garibaldi Peru-Mex Restaurant

MORRIS COUNTY — Mexican food or Peruvian food, though similar but having distinctive characteristics in many ways, comes down to one’s preference. Peruvian food is a combination of Spanish, African, and Native American influences, utilizing a lot of fresh seafood, chilies, potatoes, corn, rice, and beans, while Mexican food, one of the most popular and diverse cuisines in the world, utilizes corn, beans and, cheese as their staples. Although both cuisines have meat and seafood dishes, Mexican food is more meat-based, while Peruvian food seems to lean towards fresh seafood. Fortunately, whichever one you prefer you will find one of your favorite dishes right off Route 46 East in Parsippany at the Garibaldi Peru-Mex Restaurant.

Another one of those small storefront eateries stuck in the middle of a small, nondescript strip mall right off the highway near the New Road intersection, Garibaldi is a true find. The restaurant specializes in both Peruvian and Mexican cuisine. It is not a fusion restaurant but offers a menu with Mexican dishes on one side and Peruvian on the other. And yes, the food is authentic, fresh, and homemade. Garibaldi has been a staple in Parsippany since 2010 when husband, Jorge, who comes from Peru, and wife, Gloria, who hails from Pueblo, Mexico (hence the mixed menu) opened their doors. Today, the business is still family-owned and run, with Jorge, Gloria, and daughter, Emily, still cooking and serving delicious and healthy food.

Garibaldi could certainly be described as a low-key venue. Nothing fancy here folks! This is not your white linen tablecloth type of place. A nice humble, unpretentious place with only eight simple Formica tables, linoleum floors, and delicious, personalized service, and home-style cooking. The interior, though plain, is exceptionally clean, cute, cozy, comfortable, and welcoming. The walls are a vibrant combination of orange, yellow and blue, and are thoughtfully decorated with assorted Peruvian and Mexican artifacts with live Aloe Vera plants lining the large exterior windows, all providing a nice ethnic ambiance. A large screen TV, on low volume, sits on a corner wall with a Spanish station playing. Reminds me of small eateries of this type you will find in one of our inner cities.

Stopped in with a group of friends and immediately noticed that everyone in the restaurant, which was crowded, was speaking Spanish. A great sign when going to a Peru-Mex restaurant! Our group grabbed a seat and began to peruse the menu as the lunch crowd was clearing out. Gloria, our host, and the server came over as we discussed what we would share as appetizers. Gloria, a very pleasant and friendly person who immediately made us feel very much at home, was helpful in suggesting our different options. We finally settled on servings of a combination of Marinated Pork Tacos and Brisket Tacos, Sausage Tostadas, and a serving of Ceviche Mixto Seafood.

The Tacos, wrapped with a soft, corn tortilla were fragrant, mouth-watering, moist, juicy, and packed with meat. No argument that both the pork and brisket were equally delicious. The open-faced spicy sausage Tostada, also served on a corn tortilla, was savory and went perfectly with the tasty Mexican homemade tangy Picante style sauce, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and olives that it came topped with.

The Peruvian style Ceviche Mixto Seafood, which we ordered as one of our appetizers, had an ample amount of fresh, assorted fish, to satisfy our group of four. Ceviche, a mixture of fresh fish that is marinated with lemon juice, came with red onions, yams, and toasted corn kernels. It is a hot-button issue as to which country has the best Ceviche, but Peru claims it as their national dish and claims to have been enjoying it for over two thousand years. Yet, Mexican Ceviche still has many fans who would disagree. Typically, Mexican Ceviche is served with toasted chips and tomato sauce and uses shrimp, squid, or tuna. Peruvian Ceviche is less soup-like and served promptly on a plate after the fish marinates. All I can tell you is that the one we had tasted incredible and had great texture.

I should mention that Garibaldi is BYOB. Always looking to bring along something to authentically compliment the meal, I opted to bring along an American-Style Lager, Cusqueña, an all-malt beer with a pale straw color, and one of the most popular beers in Peru. It was tasty and refreshing.

My entrée was the Camarones a la Diabla, a very flavorful, juicy, spicy, tangy shrimp dish covered with a fiery, bright red chili chipotle sauce, with a side of white rice. As with all our dishes, it came with a nice presentation and stimulating fragrance. A nice-sized portion of medium-sized, perfectly prepared shrimp and rice. A succulent dish that I would happily order again. The Scoville heat scale in this dish may be a bit higher than some may like it so be careful when ordering.

Everyone else in the group decided to go with a traditional Peruvian favorite, the Lomo Saltado. Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian dish, a stir fry that typically combines marinated strips of sirloin (or other beef steaks) with onions, tomatoes, French fries, and other ingredients; and is typically served with rice. One of the dishes was ordered with chicken in place of the meat. The feedback was extremely positive, and everyone enjoyed their individual dishes. The sides of homemade hot, sweet, and mayo/horseradish sauces and dips were also a treat and really enhanced the meal. If they would bottle them, I would buy them.

Dessert was a choice between Tres Leches Cake and Churros. We all chose the Tres Leches cake, arguably Mexico’s favorite dessert, along with a strong cup of coffee. This very moist sponge-type cake made from three kinds of milk (condensed, evaporated, and full cream) was jaw-droppingly delicious. A fantastic ending to a great meal.

So, if you are looking for a casual, low-key, relaxing meal that packs a great punch, offers nice-sized portions of delicious food at reasonable prices, you might just want to stop in at Garibaldi Peru-Mex restaurant.

In addition to hearty authentic dishes, they also offer Rotisserie chicken.  I would encourage you to enjoy both Latin cuisines for yourself, your taste buds will appreciate it.

As always, please remember to support all our local businesses.

Buena comida, buenos amigos buenos tiempos!

Closed Sundays – Dine In – Take Out- No Delivery – BYOB – No Outdoor Dining – Ample Parking. 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Garibaldi Peru-Mex Restaurant is located at 107 Route 46 East, Parsippany.  (973) 808-7028. www.garibaldiperumex.com

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine – January 2022. Click here to view the complete magazine.

Tammy Murphy Tests Positive For COVID-19

MORRIS COUNTY — First Lady Tammy Murphy tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test. She is asymptomatic. Governor Murphy and the rest of the family have tested negative, and they will continue to test regularly in the coming days. 

The Governor and First Lady tested themselves due to a recent known non-family contact in their home. Required procedures for reporting, case investigation, and contact tracing have been followed.

The Governor’s regularly scheduled COVID-19 briefing will shift to a virtual format and stream online. As the Governor is vaccinated and boosted, he is not required to quarantine per CDC guidance. He will continue to wear a mask in all public settings.

Both the Governor and First Lady are vaccinated and boosted and have exercised caution whenever possible, including double masking. They urge all New Jerseyans to get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask, and keep themselves and their loved ones safe.