PARSIPPANY — Manya Sharma, Anika Arora, Prisha Khanna, and Riya Jain are four Girl Scouts from Troop 95750 in Parsippany, who worked towards their silver award by supporting Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter.
Several animal shelters are in poor condition, and the pandemic made it even more difficult for them to run smoothly. They chose the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter to support because they knew they wanted to better their facilities.
All of the girls have all been big pet lovers and jumped at the chance to help them! When they went to visit the shelter, they found out that they were in need of receptionist chairs and a lot of cleaning supplies.
The girls made tie-dye shirts and gave them to everyone that donatedThe girls made tie-dye shirts and gave them to everyone that donated
The girls decided to tackle this by calling our project “Paws for Peeps” and asking people for donations, and giving them handmade tie-dye shirts (that were made during the pandemic) in return.
This was a little thank-you to the donors and a way to spread awareness. By doing this, they were able to purchase receptionist chairs and more supplies for the shelter.
Items Donated:
Two receptionist chairs
Four Cat Litter Boxes with carbon filters
Dawn Soap
Bleach
Paper towels
The girls would like to thanks their troop leaders Sara Chebishev, Kellie Andersen, Ann Marie Atwell for their guidance and help.
MORRIS COUNTY — When one hears Mediterranean food, visions of Kebabs, hummus, baba ghanoush, baklava, and olive oil, at once come to mind. Of course, there is so much more to the various cuisines of the wide-ranging Mediterranean region than anyone usually realizes. Eastern Mediterranean cuisine includes regions such as Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Israel; the Southern Med would include Italy, France, and Spain, and finally, North Africa, including countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya; and of course, this list of country’s is not all-inclusive, but you get the idea. We basically all use the same main ingredients wherever you may find yourself, but somehow every culture someone manages to produce something very distinct and unique relative to its own region. The fact is that Turkish food is remarkably like American food. All that differs is how it is cooked, some of the spices, and the name of it.
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant, located in the Walmart shopping center in Boonton Plaza
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant, located in the Walmart shopping center in Boonton Plaza, describes itself as specializing in Mediterranean food, grilled to perfection, specifically from Turkey. They go on to explain that their entrees are like Greek, Arabic, as well as other Mediterranean Country dishes. We in Morris County are fortunate to have several excellent Turkish restaurants where we can enjoy this cuisine and Fasil certainly fits into that select category. My neighbor, who is from Turkey and goes back annually, told me that Fasil always makes her feel at home.
That is a good enough recommendation for me to stop by. As stated earlier, Turkey is considered the eastern Mediterranean where foods are often made with a lot of yogurts and cheeses. In addition, spices such as parsley, sumac, mint, and lemon juice dominate dishes in this region. It is also known for its nuts, rice, pitas, chickpeas, and meat kabobs; it is the combination and preparation of these items that are at the heart of what makes this Mediterranean cuisine so incredibly unique, flavorful, and healthy, and as in every culture Turkish cuisine is a combination of the many other cultures that have left their influence over many centuries dating back to the times of then ever-expanding Ottoman Empire.
Tasteful Turkish décor throughout
Fasil Mediterranean, which translates to a suite in Ottoman classical music, exudes a classy, upscale-looking interior, yet the modern, yet rustic, ambiance is casual, comfortable, and welcoming. It is exceptionally clean and organized both inside and out. The beautifully tiled floors and walls, tasteful Turkish décor throughout, pleasant Turkish background music, bright but subtle lighting, soft black leather chairs, and nicely appointed wood-grained tables, all helped to create a vibrant, enticing, and true ethnic atmosphere that transports you to Turkey for the evening.
Yasin (waiter), Tulay (owner) and Pat Minutillo
The outdoor patio dining area is nicely covered, both overhead and along the sides for shade, privacy, and protection from the weather, along with well-spaced seating. There were several groups enjoying their meals al fresco on my arrival, but my guests and I dined inside.
Patrick Minutillo
I arrived at Fasil a little earlier than my guests and was sincerely and warmly welcomed to the restaurant by the owner, Tülay, and several staff members. Yaşin, apparently our head waiter, offered me a choice of tables and I chose one with window seating. The wine was opened and water glasses were filled immediately, and Yasin graciously offered me a complimentary glass of Turkish tea as we discussed various Turkish wines.
Since Fasil is a BYOB, I brought along a delicious 2012 Kavaklidere Öküzgözü d’Elazig dry red wine that my Turkish neighbors brought home from their recent trip to Turkey and gave to me as a gift, and which Yaşin immediately recognized from his homeland. My initial impression of Fasil was excellent, and I was looking forward to enjoying some of their fine cuisines.
Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Ezme, Stuffed Grape Leaves
As my guests arrived and were seated our very attentive, pleasant, and helpful waitress, Özüm was spot on seeing that everyone was comfortable and helped explain any questions we may have had regarding the menu. For our appetizers, we started by sharing a selection of hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Ezme, Stuffed Grape Leaves (Yaprak sarma), and a Tabouli Salad. The hummus was smooth, creamy, and oozing with rich umami flavors, while the Baba Ghanoush tasted equally smooth while being luxurious, smoky, and savory. The Ezme served as the perfect spicy condiment to go with our fresh and flavorful homemade pita bread. The Tabouli salad was bright, fresh, flavorful, and refreshing and was a perfect complement to the hummus and the pita. The grape leaves with their citrusy, green, and tangy taste were a great kick-off for the entrees to come.
The Tabouli salad was bright, fresh, flavorful, and refreshing and was a perfect complement to the hummus and the pita
As entrées, my guests settled on the Shrimp Kebab and the Iskender Kebab. I went with the Mixed Grill; one skewer each of lamb Adana kebab, lamb shish kebab, chicken and lamb kofte, lamb gyro kebab, and chicken kebab, which was an abundant dish and clearly a meal for two, so I knew I was going to be having it again for lunch the next day.
Shrimp Kebab
Everything was prepared, presented, and plated perfectly. All the meats were tender, moist, juicy, expertly seasoned, savory, and satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed my dish. The Iskender Kebab; sauteed buttered bread topped over sliced lamb gyro served with fresh tomato sauce and yogurt also looked delicious and my friend told me it was fantastic. The Shrimp Kebab; grilled jumbo shrimp marinated with garlic, black pepper, and olive oil, and served with rice and a side salad, was tender and full of flavor. The portion sizes of all our entrees were more than ample and everyone left with enough take-out so that they could enjoy it again the next day.
Kazan DibiThe waitress, Özüm
As full and satiated as we were, we could not leave with trying some of Fasil’s desserts. I ordered the Kazan Dibi (Bottom of Cauldron), and my friends wanted to try the Baklava. The caramelized top of Kazan Dibi was fantastic and contrasted quite nicely with the sweet and milky flavors on the interior. It perfectly paired it with my cup of bright, fruity, sweet, hot Turkish tea. The baklava, the most popular dessert in this part of the world, a layered filo pastry dessert, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey, was a definite crowd-pleaser. Interestingly, Özüm (our waitress) explained to my friend that his fortune could be revealed by the residual coffee grinds left on the bottom of his Turkish coffee. After a first flawed attempt, and with the assistance of a phone app and Özüm, his fortune was revealed. Of course, it was very positive.
Yasin (waiter), Tulay (owner) and Pat Minutillo
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant is highly recommended. The food was delicious, and the menu is extensive enough to meet anyone’s needs or tastes. Prices are moderate and you get a lot for your money. The gracious hospitality and service cannot be beaten. If you do not have the time or inclination to travel, there is no doubt that one great way to experience a different culture is not by necessarily by going, but through their cuisine. Experience a taste of Turkey, visit Fasil!
Dine-in · Take Out – Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery; BYOB – Nearby Liquor Store – ample parking – outdoor dining; Closed on Tuesdays
Bir kahvenin kirk yil hatiri vardir
Translation – A coffee between new friends/acquaintance offers 40 years of friendship.
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant is located at 308 Wootton Street, Boonton, NJ 07005. Call (973) 917-3334 or visit www.fasil.us.
PARSIPPANY — The University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken) celebrates August 2021 graduates. Congratulations to graduate Vaibhav Patel, from Parsippany. Patel graduated with a Master of Business Admin. in Business Administration.
UofSC Aiken, a comprehensive university in the University of South Carolina system, offers undergraduate and master’s degrees to approximately 3,700 students in 50 programs of study. U.S. News and World Report (2021): #1 Regional Comprehensive Public College in the South. This 2021 distinction marks UofSC Aiken’s 23rd consecutive ranking among the top three in this category. The university has won the first place ranking fifteen times.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) President Anthony J. Iacono once again has joined a highly respected group of New Jersey higher education presidents who have been named to ROI-NJ’s Influencers list.
The latest listing is of top community college presidents in New Jersey. This is the third time Iacono has been selected by ROI-NJ as a predominant leader in higher education in the state. The latest ranking credits Iacono for leading CCM to its position as a top community college in New Jersey as rated by Intelligent and Academic Influence, as the top community college in New Jersey for graduates who earn the best salaries as reported by Newsweek and PayScale, and for the college’s $25+ million planned expansion of career readiness programs for high school students through adults.
“It is an honor to be named by ROI-NJ as an influencer in higher education and to be included among such an extraordinary group of colleagues,” remarked Iacono. “CCM would not be the strong community college it is without the support of our community and our industry partners, students, faculty, and staff, who have accomplished so much even during these challenging times. I am incredibly fortunate to work with remarkable people across our campus and honored to serve the community.”
CCM continues to grow in many ways, which includes its recent announcement about expanded partnerships with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD), resulting in new programs and facilities at the college. The planned expansion will provide opportunities for individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds to pursue rewarding careers. The new facilities are being made possible through the support of the New Jersey Legislature and Morris County Commissioners whose vision and commitment have been instrumental in supporting CCM’s growth and contributions to Morris County and northern New Jersey.
The newest facilities expansion includes the Center for Entrepreneurship, developed in partnership with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. This expansion will focus on degrees in business and entrepreneurship and certificates in hospitality management and event planning, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain management. The center also will allow CCM and MCVSD to develop a dual-enrolled program for high school students interested in earning college credits toward a business degree.
Also included in the expansion is the Career and Technical Education Center to be constructed by MCVSD near the college’s new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center. That facility will allow more than 500 high school students to take part in dual-enrolled programs in health care, finance, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and supply chain logistics. Students participating in those programs will earn industry credentials, take part in work-based and project-based learning opportunities, and earn college credits.
“As the community’s college, the mission of CCM is to provide an exceptional educational experience that results in the credentials designed to fuel regional growth and to provide people with opportunities to realize their dreams,” said Iacono. “Both of these new facilities build upon our successful programs and demonstrate the college’s dedication to growing, thrive and honor its commitment to Morris County. Through the vision and support of our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and administration and the extraordinary support of state legislators and county commissioners, we continue to strive to make CCM a college and partner of choice for area residents and businesses.”
To learn more about the plans to expand career readiness programs at CCM click here.
MOUNTAIN LAKES – How is faith relevant in my life? How do I deepen my faith? Where is God in my life?
Beginning September 22, an eight-week evening program of faith exploration and discovery will provide an opportunity to explore these questions.
The series will include inspirational talks, discussions, and workshop experiences offered through the collaborative ministry of the Episcopal Churches of Northern Morris County. It is open to anyone interested, whether they belong to a faith community, are exploring different faiths, or have no faith affiliation.
Participants will gather Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church, 215 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes. Free childcare will be available.
For more information, contact Rev. Michael Muller at St. Peter’s at (973) 334-4429 or mmuller.stpetersml@gmail.com.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, August 14, Morris County criminal defense attorney Robert A. Bianchi was sworn in as President of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), the nation’s largest Italian-American organization. The event was live-streamed on the OSDIA YouTube Channel.
Mr. Bianchi currently serves as the group’s National First Vice President. OSDIA officers frequently meet with White House officials, members of Congress, and other senior federal officials on issues of concern to Italian-Americans.
The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) was established in 1905 to create a support system that would help Italian immigrants with becoming citizens, provide health and death benefits and educational opportunities, and offer assistance with assimilation. In 2017, the Order Sons of Italy in America was renamed the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA).
To date, OSDIA members have given more than $164 million to educational programs, scholarships, charity donations, disaster relief, cultural advancement, and medical research. The group has lodges and chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy.
As Morris County Prosecutor, attorney Robert A. Bianchi was the county’s chief law enforcement officer from 2007 through 2013. He now leads a team of distinguished and dedicated New Jersey criminal defense attorneys (all of whom have served as prosecutors previously) at the Bianchi Law Group, LLC in Parsippany.
Mr. Bianchi is a host/anchor at the Law & Crime Network and is frequently seen as a legal analyst on CNN, ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS, and MSNBC. He has also appeared on legal documentary programs including The Geraldo Rivera Show, Due Process, and New Jersey Capitol Report.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Wine and Cheese Networking event at VentureX, 8 Campus Drive, Parsippany, on Wednesday, September 15.
Share the invite with your friends and associates! You can expect free admission, great vibes, assorted wines, delicious cheeses, new connections, and a great group of attendees.
The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and will run until about 7pm-ish. This free event is being made possible by our generous sponsor VentureX, Arbor Circle South, 8 Campus Drive, Parsippany. This event is for members and non-members.
Any Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce member wishing to sponsor a Wine and Cheese event, contact Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, at (973) 402-6400.
PARSIPPANY — The Women’s Theater Company will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test before entering their venues. The organization joins about 30 New Jersey theaters that will impose the same requirements, along with indoor masking.
Forty members of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance took a pledge for reopening campaign “Opening Night, Opening Right.” All members that took the pledge promise to follow the most current medical advice, meeting or exceeding all local and national safety guidelines, such as:
deep cleaning and disinfecting before all performances
clearly communicated mask policy
contactless transactions available
health screening before entry
flexible ticket policies for anyone feeling ill or at risk due to COVID-19 variants
sanitation stations for all patrons and staff
Audience members 12 and older will need to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before entering the venues. Exceptions will be made for children under 12 and those with medical or religious exemptions. These guests must show proof of a negative PCR test taken within 36 hours of the performance time or a negative antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance time.
All guests, regardless of age or vaccination status, will be required to wear masks while inside the theater building.
“The professional theatre community in New Jersey has always been a collaborative one, and we have seen unprecedented engagement and cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said John McEwen, executive director of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. “The unified statement of the safety pledge and the decision by many theatres to require proof of vaccination for audience members were made with great care, thought, and guidance from medical experts.”
The Women’s Theater Company, located in the Parsippany Community Center, 1130 Knoll Road, is a not-for-profit organization operating under an Actors Equity Association contract and is a member of the New Jersey Theater Alliance. For more information call (973) 335-3038 or click here to visit their website.
LAKE HIAWATHA — Kaitlynn Pinero was named to the New Jersey COVID-19 Service Corps (NJCSC).
The Center for Community Engagement at Montclair State University, in collaboration with the NJ Commission on National and Community Service and additional higher education institutions, state entities, and local nonprofit organizations, have come together to establish the New Jersey COVID-19 Service Corps (NJCSC).
This initiative has rapidly boosted New Jersey’s capacity to address and ameliorate the devastating public health impact of COVID-19 by increasing vitally needed services to those community members most affected by the economic, physical, and mental health repercussions of the pandemic. At the same time, it has provided paid training opportunities and education awards to undergraduate students and recent graduates in the allied health fields, including public health, social work, nursing, and counseling.
The NJCSC has leveraged the state’s existing AmeriCorps program to fast-track the deployment of student volunteers to local, on-the-ground community organizations, human service agencies, hospitals, health clinics, affordable housing agencies, and K-12 schools, rapidly boosting the ability of these organizations to efficiently and effectively address the physical and mental health impacts of the coronavirus.
Pinero, a/n Sustainability Science major, was one of 19 current and former Montclair State students to be selected for the NJCSC.
Montclair State University is a research doctoral institution ranked in the top tier of national universities. Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, the University today has 11 colleges and schools that serve 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, masters and baccalaureate programs. Situated on a beautiful, 252-acre suburban campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair State delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated, and diverse academic environment.
MORRIS COUNTY — 26th Legislative District State Senate candidate Christine Clarke has received the endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers in New Jersey.
“Christine Clarke will be a leader who believes workplace safety standards should be extended to all schools and their personnel. She understands these standards should be permanent, not implemented just for the pandemic. As we rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, Clarke is advocating it is done by investing in a clean-energy economy, which means good-paying union jobs with prevailing wage agreements. AFTNJ supports candidates who not only support our values but are strong leaders who put that support into action. It is because of her integrity, commitment, and determination that AFTNJ has endorsed her for Senate in New Jersey’s 26th District,” said Donna M. Chiera, President, AFT New Jersey.
The American Federation of Teachers New Jersey (AFTNJ) is a federation of unions representing 30,000 education workers in pre-kindergarten to 12 school districts, private, religious, and charter schools. AFT locals represent faculty and staff at all public four-year colleges and universities and half of the state’s community colleges.
Clarke is an environmental advocate, a grassroots organizer, and a mother-of-four running for State Senate to build the job-creating clean energy economy, improve healthcare and lower costs, protect clean air and water, and lead with empathy and fiscal sense.
Her opponent, incumbent LD26 State Senator Joe Pennacchio, has not been a supporter of workers’ rights. Among other concerns, he voted against extending family leave benefits, voted against requiring employers to pay sick leave and voted against raising the minimum wage five times.
“I am honored by AFT New Jersey’s support and looking forward to working together,” said Clarke.
Clarke is endorsed by a growing number of environmental groups, women’s rights groups, unions, civic engagement, and grassroots organizations. She has lived in Jefferson for 16 years with her husband and four children. Learn more about her by clicking here.
The 26th District includes 13 communities in Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties: Butler, Fairfield, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Morris Plains, North Caldwell, Parsippany, Rockaway Township, Verona, West Caldwell, and West Milford.
