PARSIPPANY — The COVID-19 Vaccination Information hotline that the Department of Health has created to assist residents who want to be vaccinated, but who may not have access to the internet or a computer. The hotline can be reached at 855-568-0545. Vaccines and appointments are still in short supply, as demand for the vaccine continues to far exceed the current supply.
Register for your vaccination at the links below *while appointments/supplies last*
Morris County Mega Site Rockaway Townsquare Mall click here.
Shoprite Check availability click here.
CVS Check availability click here.
Walgreens Check availability click here.
New Jersey Vaccination Scheduling System Register click here.
PARSIPPANY — Assemblyman Jay Webber and Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce filed joint nominating petitions electronically with the State Division of Elections.
The early filing clearly shows the strong support that both Assemblyman Webber and Assemblywoman DeCroce enjoy throughout the district. The campaign will make supplemental filings as necessary.
Assemblyman Jay Webber
“I am grateful for the great confidence and support that so many friends and constituents have offered already. This campaign will prove strong and relentless into November, and I look forward to continuing my service in the General Assembly to put taxpayers first, protect our most vulnerable, and champion those who are too often forgotten: our constituents who play by the rules and ask only a fair shake from their government,” said Assemblyman Jay Webber.
Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce added, “I am humbled and energized by the early and overwhelming support I have received since announcing this campaign. As your Assemblywoman, I work hard every day to fight for you – our working families, seniors, and small business owners. I look forward to continuing my service in the General Assembly.”
MORRIS PLAINS — Weichert, Realtors, along with Be the Match and the Icla da Silva Foundation, will hold a drive-through bone marrow donor registry event at their company headquarters in Morris Plains, on Saturday, February 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The public is encouraged to participate. This drive is being held in honor of Jackie and Addison Erb, the twin granddaughters of Weichert’s Arlene Gonnella, who were recently diagnosed with JMML. A bone marrow or stem cell transplant is the only known cure for this rare form of leukemia.
“Weichert is a family company and what affects one of us affects all of us. Times like these are when families rally together to support each other,” said Denise Smith, president of Real Estate Services for Weichert. “That’s why we are calling on all our friends, colleagues, and customers in the area to come out Saturday and get tested to see if you are a match.”
Weichert and The Gonnella-Erb family have partnered with Be the Match and the Icla da Silva Foundation to conduct the registry event. Participants will not exit their vehicles at the screening, during which they will self-administer a cheek swab and fill out a digital application. COVID safety protocols will be observed. All residents aged 18-44, and generally in good health, are invited to help find potential matches for all patients in need of bone marrow donors. #JackieAddi
For those who want to participate but cannot attend, test kits are available for home delivery upon request from Be the Match. There are two ways to access a kit: 1) Click here and register. 2) Text JackieAddi (all one word) to 61474.
In-person screening is preferable. If you are unable to join the registry, but you still want to support the family, a Go Fund Me page has been set up for donations by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — In an effort to address the massive backlog at New Jersey’s Motor Vehicle Commission agencies and hours-long wait times, the Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn to make the written portion of the driver’s license exam available online during the Covid-19 public health emergency.
The MVC reopened in July after a four-month shutdown and struggled to accommodate an overwhelming number of drivers who waited in long lines that snaked around buildings. Even as the second wave of the pandemic subsides, MVC agencies have been plagued by coronavirus-related shutdowns.
“My measure provides a practical solution to a big problem at the MVC,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “Some drivers have had to wait for weeks to get appointments during the pandemic. It makes no sense to force people into long lines or wait times when we live in a digital age and a vast majority of us are learning and working from home.”
Under Dunn’s bill (A4632), people taking driver’s license exams online would need to certify that they did not use any reference materials or receive assistance from another individual. Drivers under 18 would be required to have a parent or guardian present.
“We can and should move certain services online to protect people’s health and reduce the demand on in-person resources at the MVC,” said Dunn.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously introduced the county government’s 2021 Budget tonight, maintaining spending on critical infrastructure projects, human services, and public safety while building reserves for unforeseen impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, with no county tax increase for existing taxpayers.
Commissioner Deborah Smith
The proposed $320 million budget directs $38.6 million toward educational, cultural, and economic initiatives outlined by the Board of Commissioners to serve all Morris County municipalities, and includes a $35.8 million Capital Spending Plan.
“The pandemic has been straining family budgets in Morris County for almost a year. We were determined to bring in a county budget that did not increase the tax burden on our existing taxpayers. But we also remained focused on maintaining the programs, services.
Morris County’s new budget anticipates ending the year with and infrastructure improvements that our residents have come to rely upon in Morris County, and the result is this stable, fiscally responsible spending plan for 2021,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, Chair of the Board’s Budget Committee.
Morris County’s new budget anticipates ending the year with a strong fund balance to ensure reserves are stable going into a year when the pandemic may cause uncertain economic trends.
Morris County Commissioner Kathy DeFillippo
“With rating agencies often recommending reserves equal to one or two months of operating expenses, the budget supports an expectation Morris County will be able to continue the AAA bond rating it has held for the past 45 years. Maintaining the highest rating for fiscal responsibility possible has enabled Morris County to borrow funding needed in the past for critical projects at rates that save millions of dollars for taxpayers,” said Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo, a Budget Committee member.
“This is a structurally sound budget that allows us to continue our effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including our extensive operations at the Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center while addressing our responsibility to maintain our infrastructure and serve the county’s public safety, human services, and educational needs,” said Commissioner John Krickus, another member of the Budget Committee.
Critical Community Investments
The County College of Morris, the Morris County Vocational School District, the Rutgers Cooperative Extension, and the Morris County Office of the Superintendent of Schools will be supported by $18.8 million in spending in the new budget. Other program investments include:
$13.4 million dedicated to the 20,100-acre Morris County Park Commission system.
$5.8M for the Morris County Library and Heritage Commission
$591K for Economic Development and Tourism
Capital Projects
The budget includes a $35.8 million Capital Spending Plan for 2021, offset by $11 million in grants, and it dedicates $4.9 million toward bridge and culvert projects, as well as $9.5 million for 28 miles of roadway resurfacing in 19 towns.
A few of the planned road improvement projects include:
Boonton Avenue in Montville Township
Green Pond Road in Rockaway Township
Lincoln Park Road/Oak Road in Pequannock Township
Bartley Road/Bartley Chester Road in Washington and Mt. Olive townships
To take advantage of favorable interest rates available in 2020, Morris County expedited the 9-1-1 Communications Center upgrades. The $26 million projects will upgrade and double the operating capacity of the county’s emergency radio network and infrastructure, which is used by all Morris County law enforcement, emergency management, and municipal first responders every day.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The 2021 Budget anticipates a continuation of Morris County’s dedicated response to the virus outbreak, including:
Operating a COVID-19 testing facility at the County College of Morris
Staffing and operating the Morris County COVID-19 Regional Vaccination Center at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall, where more than 2,400 vaccinations will be delivered per day when vaccine supplies increase in New Jersey
Expanding Emergency Management and Public Health resources to maintain Morris County’s response to an unpredictable virus outbreak
The Morris County Commissioners will consider the adoption of their operating budget at a public meeting to be held on March 24, 2021, at 7:05 p.m.
View PowerPoint presentations of the proposed 2021 operating and capital budgets click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Town of Boonton Captain Stephen Jones announce the following update on an active investigation into the discovery of two bodies in a pond on February 23, 2021.
On Tuesday, February 23, Warda Syed, female, 35; and Uzair Ahmed, male, 11 were located deceased in a pond in the Upper Pond section of Grace Lord Park in Boonton.
An unattended male child, 6, was also located at the scene unharmed. The two juvenile males were determined to be Warda Syed’s children. All three individuals are Boonton residents.
The name of the 6-year old child will not be released.
This is an ongoing joint investigation being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Boonton Police Department Detective Bureau and Boonton Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Team.
BOONTON — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Town of Boonton Captain Stephen Jones announce an active investigation is underway following the discovery of two bodies in a pond on February 23, 2021.
On February 23, 2021, at approximately 5:39 p.m., law enforcement was dispatched to
the Upper Pond section of Grace Lord Park in Boonton on a report of an unattended child. While searching the area, law enforcement located the bodies of a 35-year-old female and an approximately 11-year-old child in the water.
The unattended child, age 6, was unharmed. At this time, the identity of these individuals will not be released and the investigation is ongoing.
This is an active and ongoing joint investigation being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Boonton Police Department Detective Bureau and Boonton Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue Team.
PARSIPPANY — On Black Friday, November 27, 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Yellow Pepper, Peruvian Restaurant, decided to make a brave, bold, and risky move and open the doors to their new venture for the first time.
Personally, I am glad that they took that chance because unquestionably this authentic restaurant offers another culinary adventure to our already culturally rich community. I made it a point to be there on that day and thoroughly enjoyed the meal, the ambiance, and the genuinely friendly and accommodating service. I also had the opportunity at that time to meet with new owners, the friendly and personable, Victor and Damaris Arrese. (By the way, Mr. Yellow Pepper is a reference to the flavorful aji amarillo pepper, which is a staple ingredient in many Peruvian dishes). I knew it was about time for a return visit to this enjoyable restaurant, and a restaurant review.
The ambiance is casual, comfortable, cozy, and yet at the same time somewhat classy
As I entered, I was warmly welcomed and offered the table of my choice. As I remembered from my previous visit, the ambiance is casual, comfortable, cozy, and yet at the same time somewhat classy. On entering the restaurant, you immediately encounter an attractive, semi-circled, sparkling clean sports type bar. I personally liked the relaxing vibe. Tiled floors, comfortable lighting, several smaller two-person tables along the sides, three large screen televisions, sound off, above the bar. Great place to catch a game once restrictions are relaxed and that opportunity becomes available again. The attractive, spacious, interior of the restaurant is designed with two levels, the second level, complete with a fireplace, provides an extremely comfortable dining area, which surrounds the lower section. Slightly muted music in the background, brick, and wood accents throughout, provides diners with a cozy, warm feeling, with simple, nicely displayed artifacts and paintings on the walls. Decorative black tables and chairs complete the overall appearance offering a casual, upscale, classy, stylish look. The entire restaurant appeared spotless and well organized, and it was obvious that all recommended COVID-19 health precautions were being adhered to.
Damaris Arrese
I introduced myself to Damaris Arrese, who was my hostess this evening, and it was very humbling that she remembered me from my first visit in November. Even recalling where I sat, and what I ordered. I was obviously impressed. Unfortunately, Victor Arrese, was not in on this evening, but an extremely friendly and gracious Mrs. Arrese was more than willing to sit and talk with me about the restaurant and its diverse menu. Interestingly, Peruvian food, now widely recognized as one of the best cuisines in the world, is heavily influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and South East Asian cultures making it a formidable force in world gastronomy, all of which makes Peruvian food so distinctive and interesting.
Prior to opening Mr. Yellow Pepper, Mr. and Mrs. Arrese owned a small Peruvian restaurant in Passaic, Mar y Tierra, their first venture into the restaurant industry. When the opportunity arose to acquire the former Mule Tavern Bar & Grill on North Beverwyck Road, they saw it as a wonderful opportunity to bring their great Peruvian cuisine to the area in a much larger venue, despite the ongoing pandemic chaos. Residing in the area and having immediate family who live in Parsippany also helped move that decision along.
Causas de Pollo
Mr. Yellow Pepper take pride in the fact that they use only the finest, fresh ingredients in the preparation of their dishes and serve authentic Peruvian traditional fusion recipes, offering some of the best international cuisines from around the world. It is obvious that Mr. and Mrs. Arrese have significant pride in not only their food and service, but in what they bring to the community as well.
Lomo Saltado
During my first visit I also went very traditional in my selections. Causas de Pollo (Peruvian yellow pepper, lime & spices blended into a creamy potato mash served with a topping of your choice) for an appetizer; Peru’s second most popular dish, Lomo Saltado for my entree (Beef tenderloin strips, red onions, tomatoes, seasoned with soy sauce and flambeed in a fire wok).
Tried the traditional Pisco Sour (Peru’s most popular drink) to top off a great meal. Every bite was as delicious the last, delectable, and exciting flavors, and the portions were more than ample.
Pisco Sour
As much as I enjoyed those dishes that I tried that first night I was anxious to experience some, if not all, of the many other appealing selections on the menu. As soon as I sat down, my very amiable server, Paco, promptly arrived with hot rolls and butter, while I pondered over the diverse and appealing menu. When finally deciding on a short rib dish, (more about that later) to compliment my meal, I ordered a glass of Peruvian Tabernero Cabernet Sauvignon recommended by Mrs. Arrese, who was also serving as my hostess. I then focused on the Pulpo Anticuchero as my appetizer (Charcoal grilled octopus served with grinded rustic potatoes and unique Peruvian choclo corn, with a side of “Anticuchera Sauce”). Fantastic!
Pulpo Anticuchero
The very fresh Pulpo (Octopus) was beautifully plated and presented. It tasted so fresh and tender one would think they just caught it. Just looking at the tantalizing visual of this dish, in my mind I had already formulated what it was going to taste like. I was not disappointed! The Pulpo was tender, succulent, crispy on the outside and deliciously meaty inside, perfectly chewy, with a nice smokey flavor, and accompanied with side of tasty, flavor packed, golden yellow pepper Anticuchera sauce, that was perfect for dipping both the Pulpo and the potatoes. As I said, this was an appetizer, but it could have honestly been an entrée by itself.
Seco De Carne
For my entrée I decided to go with another traditional Peruvian dish, Seco De Carne C/Frijoles (Beef short ribs, cooked in traditional Northern Peruvian style w/rich cilantro and black beer sauce, served w/rice, beans and crilla salad). Mrs. Arrese informed me after I ordered it, that his was the second most ordered dish on their menu.
I love short ribs, and these were perfectly cooked; moist, succulent, with a savory umami deliciousness. The tender meat which fell off the bone at the touch of my fork, blended perfectly, and was enhanced with the accompanying sides and sauce, as well as with a separate side dish of nice, flaky white rice.
Patrick Minutillo
I was anxious to try the Crema Volteada De Lucuma (Lucuma flavored flan/custard) which I have heard is delicious, and quite different from the other style flans I am used to. But, being stuffed after devouring the generous sized portions of my other dishes I could not force another bite, so I guess that dessert will have to wait for another day.
As usual, I left Mr. Yellow Pepper with a full stomach and a smile on my face. Genuinely nice dining experience, delicious food and drink, beautiful restaurant, wonderful people, top-notch, friendly, accommodating, and professional service, and reasonable prices. What more can you want from a restaurant? Obviously, this is a restaurant that I would recommend giving a try.
As always, please try to come out and help support all our local, small independent businesses in any way you can.
Ample Parking, Take Out, Dine In, Delivery. Closed Monday.
Mr. Yellow Pepper Peruvian Restaurant is located at 450 North Beverwyck Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054. For more information call (973) 588-7254 or click here.
Some friends enjoying dinner.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine – March 2021
Dear Editor:
Nearly a year into the coronavirus pandemic shutting down the United States, it’s time for our leaders in Washington to put aside partisan bickering and do something to help. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to stop coronavirus and deal with the pandemic’s impact on our nation does just that. And the American people agree.
Real American unity is more than about politicians agreeing on a piece of legislation – it’s about getting vaccines in arms, safely reopening schools for in-person instruction, giving every American a chance to survive the crises facing our nation, and preserve critical jobs and services in our states, cities and town.
And President Biden’s American Rescue Plan meets this moment. According to major polls, there is more bipartisan support for the American Rescue Plan than virtually anything in the last few years
Even West Virginia’s Republican Gov. Jim Justice said, “We need to go big, and if we waste some money now, well, we waste some money. But absolutely, we’ve got too many people hurting and the economy is going to sputter and we’ve got to get ourselves out of this mess.”
We need unity to get out of the coronavirus crisis. We need the American Rescue Plan.
PARSIPPANY — Forcing school children to take standardized tests this year would be an unnecessary burden heaped on students, parents and teachers, says Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, a member of the Joint Committee on Public Schools.
“I don’t know what of value would be gained by forcing students to take standardized tests when their class schedules have been disrupted for the past year and will continue to be disrupted because of the Covid-19 virus,” said DeCroce (R- Morris).
DeCroce joins state Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) who is supporting the New Jersey Education Association’s call for Gov. Phil Murphy to cancel standardized testing this year.
“I agree with Senator O’Scanlon’s position and that of the NJEA,” said DeCroce. “The stress and disruption that normally accompanies standardized tests is an unnecessary burden for all involved at this time. I don’t see a valid reason to put parents, students and teachers through the rigors of standardized test that is likely of little or no value.”
DeCroce said the time and energy put into conducting standardized tests should be directed to developing a statewide plan to reopen schools safely.
“We owe the students the quality education that they are guaranteed under our state constitution. We owe their parents the leadership and concern to deliver quality education in these extraordinary times,” added DeCroce.
The assemblywoman, who has served nine years on the joint education committee, said the state needs to show more leadership on developing a workable plan to get children back in the classrooms.
“Every year we hear people in the administration and elected officials in the legislature tell us how important education is. We need to put meaning to those words and work now to build a framework that will shape the reopening of schools in a safe and effective way,” added DeCroce.
The assemblywoman says she supports teachers being a priority for Covid-19 vaccinations.
“Teachers need to be protected if we expect them to go back to the classrooms,” said DeCroce. “Vaccinations are a first step in an overall school reopening plan that so far has not materialized.”
Dear Editor: