MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Look Back at 2020. The Morris County Commissioners presented this video at the 2021 Annual Meeting on January 4, 2021. Check out this look back on the year in Morris County!
Statement on Riot at U.S Capitol from Chip Robinson
MORRIS COUNTY — Today was a very difficult day in American history. The rioters who stormed the Capitol attempting to stage a coup against our government should be condemned in the strongest possible words and be held accountable to the fullest extent by the law. This is not who we are as people. What separates America from many other countries is that our country is of, by, and for the people: The people get to choose their leaders and not the other way around. In this year’s Presidential election, the voters of our county (for the first time since 1964), our state, and our nation chose Joe Biden as our President and Kamala Harris as our Vice-President. I want to thank those Republicans who have stood up for the peaceful transition of power and I call upon all Morris County elected Republicans to condemn the lawlessness that occurred today.
I want to let all Morris County Democrats know that our two representatives, Congressman Tom Malinowski and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, and our two Senators, Senator Cory Booker and Senator Bob Menendez, are doing fine and will be on the House and Senate floor to certify the electoral votes.
Finally, I call upon the House and Senate to hold Donald Trump accountable for the division, hate, and violence he has sowed, by voting to impeach him and then remove him from office before January 20.
Chip Robinson
Chair, Morris County Democratic Committee
Mayor Soriano to Deliver “Parsippany’s State of the Township Address”
PARSIPPANY — As we embark on a new year, Mayor Michael Soriano invites you to watch Parsippany’s State of the Township address, which will be presented on Thursday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m. on the Township website, social media, and on Video-On-The-Go-Channel 21. This year’s address will be different from our typical in-person gatherings, but I feel even with our continued social distance, it’s as important as ever to provide residents an opportunity to hear from your Township government, and be involved in our plans for the year ahead.
“We will highlight our Township’s efforts to communicate with residents on the significant changes and updates relating to the health emergency. Through our Community Updates, directed access to state and national health information, and input from local health experts, we will continue to engage our community and impart key information in our ongoing fight to end the spread of this virus,” said Soriano.
- “We will discuss taxes and finances of the Township, and what we’ve done to curb spending while implementing a more fiscally prudent and balanced approach to local governance and operations. We will talk about doing more with less, restoring the utility fund balance to keep our utilities stable, and renewing the integrity in our Township’s budgeting practices.
- We will reflect on the many challenges and sacrifices of our brave first responders. In our darkest and most urgent moments, our Police, EMTs, and Fire Squads put their lives on the line to make sure we’re safe. We’ll discuss our new communication and accountability efforts to make sure our police are supported while maintaining the highest standards.”
- We will present the Township’s Open Space priorities, as well as our many initiatives in making environmental protection an important focus for the health of our neighborhoods and the wellbeing of our community.
- We will detail the revitalization of North Beverwyck Road, immediate deliverables from the New Master Plan, and discuss holding developers accountable to our residents.
“There are so many important issues facing our Township that must be discussed. As we look at building a better future, it’s important to recognize that every resident plays a role in making our community better. I hope you’ll join me on January 7 for the State of the Township presentation, and I look forward to working with you in the coming year, and into the future,” said Mayor Michael Soriano.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, January 2021. (Click here for article)
With Nursing Home Deaths Rising, Senator Pennacchio Once Again Calls for Action
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio called the escalating COVID death count within long-term care facilities a heartbreaking indication that after almost a year into the pandemic, errors by the Murphy Administration are still costing the lives of elderly residents.
“More than 300 seniors died in facilities in December alone, more than the previous three months combined,” said Pennacchio. “The Administration has clearly failed to learn from its mistakes – mistakes that contributed to the loss of more than 7,500 virus victims. COVID outbreaks continue a rampant spread through veterans and nursing homes, and the State’s policies have not been adapted. They are doing the same things and hoping for different results, and as the numbers show, that approach is failing miserably.”
The conditions in nursing homes and LTC facilities are spiraling, with cases and deaths nearly doubling in 45 days. Department of Health statistics show that since Nov. 16, there has been a 132 percent increase in cases associated with outbreaks, and fatalities spiked 62 percent.
“The Administration has failed to apply the same common sense to nursing homes they have afforded the prisons,” Pennacchio said. “The state continues to allow new COVID-positive patients into nursing homes, exposing and putting at risk the vulnerable residents who reside there. How do they justify that?”
Pennacchio faulted the State Senate for “abdication of responsibility,” and “a historic indifference to the more than 7,500 souls that died.”
The Senator called for a Senate Select Oversight Committee to investigate the Administration’s handling of the COVID crisis in April. A month later, with fatalities mounting in nursing homes, Senate Republicans wrote a letter to Senate leadership requesting the creation of the panel.
“We had an agreement to convene the committee, but unfortunately, it became a partisan issue. On three different occasions, motions to form this important Senate Select Committee were voted down on partisan lines with Democrats refusing to commit to the oversight,” Pennacchio said. “The families of nursing home victims have no place to turn for answers because the State Senate turned its back on them.
“The Senate Dems showed more interest in figuring out who placed the cones on the George Washington Bridge than investigating the policies resulting in unthinkable numbers of deaths in nursing and veterans homes,” the Senator continued.
“The pandemic is more important than political gamesmanship, and the recent numbers make it crystal clear,” said Pennacchio. “The people sent us to Trenton to do a job, and it is time for the Senate to investigate the way the State has handled the COVID outbreak.”
Morristown ShopRite Joins Partnership to Distribute COVID-19 Vaccine
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — ShopRite announced it has joined a partnership with the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure Americans have access to the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available.
- ShopRite of Greater Morristown: 178 East Hanover Avenue, Cedar Knolls will be one of the few Morris County ShopRites participating.
The Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care (LTC) Program for COVID-19 Vaccination will provide COVID-19 vaccine coverage to pharmacies across the United States, including select ShopRite pharmacies. Under the federal program, HHS and CDC will work with select ShopRite Pharmacy locations to increase access to COVID-19 vaccines in the communities that ShopRite stores serve.
“We’re proud to take part in this groundbreaking public health campaign, which could significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19,” said Jeffrey Mondelli, RPh, Vice President of Pharmacy, Health & Beauty at Wakefern Food Corp., the logistics, distribution, and merchandising arm for ShopRite stores. “The federal program is aiming to mass immunize the population throughout the spring of 2021, and our pharmacists are up to the challenge and ready to help our communities.”
ShopRite said its pharmacies received an initial shipment of the Moderna vaccine, which requires two inoculations. Vaccinations are available by appointment only and there is no charge to receive the shots, the company said.
With supermarkets throughout the Northeast – many of which are in densely populated areas – ShopRite has been working through the pandemic to ensure that communities have access to fresh foods and necessities. ShopRite stores have adopted recommended safety precautions to keep their associates and shoppers safe, including mask mandates, plexiglass panels, temperature checks, and limitations on the number of customers in-store.
“We are proud to partner with the CDC and HHS to offer the vaccine to our shoppers at our participating ShopRite Pharmacy locations once it is available,” added Mondelli. “By working with these federal agencies and a network of pharmacy partners, we can help rapidly expand access to COVID-19 vaccines in the neighborhoods served by our ShopRite Pharmacy stores. This is the next step in helping to revitalize our communities.”
Now law: MVC to Educate Drivers on Rights and Responsibilities During Traffic Stops
MORRIS COUNTY — Drivers will soon have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities during traffic stops — the most common law enforcement interaction for Americans.
Under legislation (A3871) signed by Governor Phil Murphy, the Motor Vehicle Commission must produce a video on drivers’ rights and responsibilities during police traffic stops and incorporate it into their education and testing process.
“As a mom and an advocate for education, I was excited to embrace this bill because it offers an important learning opportunity for new drivers. Understanding your rights when stopped for a traffic violation is just as important as reading and interpreting road signs,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, a prime sponsor of the bill. “It equips drivers with the knowledge to act responsibly and ultimately encourages more positive police encounters. It also creates a safer environment for law enforcement.”
Drivers are granted certain rights under state and federal law, including the right to be free from unreasonable or illegal searches by law enforcement, and the right to remain silent and not answer questions by the police.
“We want to establish a foundation for safer, less stressful police interactions and in order to do that, we must educate people on what actions are permissible under the law,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “Educating new drivers is an issue that should be championed by both sides of the aisle and I am glad I will get to see this law implemented.”
The law will take effect in seven months. After this time, soon-to-be drivers will be required to watch the video before taking the written examination for a validated permit.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Council Reorganization Meeting
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills will be holding its Annual Reorganization Meeting on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. The Township Council Agenda Meeting will immediately follow the reorganization meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Click here to access the Reorganization Meeting.
Click here to download the Reorganization Meeting Agenda.
Click here to download the Agenda Meeting.
On the date and time of the meeting, please follow the below instructions to join a meeting:
- Join WebEx meeting through the following link @ www.parsippany.net;
- Click on “Register for Meeting”;
- A pop-up window will prompt you to fill out your personal information;
Please note that anyone using false information will not be granted access or allowed to participate in the public portion of the meeting.
- Once you have clicked the “Register” button, a pop-up window will appear allowing you to join immediately if the meeting has started. If the meeting has not yet begun, an email will be sent to the email provided instructing you of the meeting time and how to join.
Rep. Sherrill Sworn in for Second Term
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) took the oath of office as the Representative of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Sherrill joins the 117th Congress for her second term.
“It’s an incredible honor to once again be sworn in and to continue my service to the 11th District,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I have high hopes for 2021 as we see the light at the end of the tunnel for COVID and ensure that people have a secure future in the aftermath of this horrible pandemic. I stand ready to work with my colleagues and the new administration to serve North Jersey and get us to the other side of this crisis.”
Michael Soriano for Mayor; Cori Herbig and Judy Hernandez for Council
PARSIPPANY — Mayor Michael Soriano announced his campaign for reelection. Running with Mayor Soriano for Township Council are Cori Herbig, a public policy director with extensive legislative affairs experience, and Judy Hernandez, an engineer with a long record of volunteer service to Parsippany.
Mayor Soriano was a career electrician before running for Mayor, his first run for public office, in 2017. Born on an Army base, Mayor Soriano has served as a foreman and superintendent on numerous construction jobs, including the Freedom Tower. Since becoming Mayor of Parsippany, he has worked to stabilize the township’s long-broken finances, protect our natural environment and open spaces, increase community engagement in local government, and hold the line against overdevelopment.
“My administration has worked tirelessly to reverse the mistakes of the past and make municipal government work on your behalf,” Mayor Soriano said. “We have made tremendous strides in the last three years towards building a township that puts your needs over political considerations. With Cori and Judy by my side, we will continue to make Parsippany the model for our neighboring towns to follow.”
Cori Herbig is a resident of Lake Hiawatha. With over two decades of government affairs experience, Cori currently works as the Director of State Public Policy at Mars, Inc, focusing primarily on issues of sustainability and animal health and welfare. Prior to joining the Mars team, Cori worked at Everytown for Gun Safety (which includes Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America) for five years, where she worked to pass lifesaving gun violence prevention policies and preserve public safety laws throughout the country.
Earlier in her career, she spent 13 years advocating for animal welfare at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, where she fought at the state and federal levels to keep animals safe from abuse and neglect. Before joining the ASPCA, Cori practiced housing law at Westchester/Putnam Legal Services, where she advocated to keep struggling families safe from unlawful eviction. She grew up in Chester and moved to Lake Hiawatha in 2013, where she now lives with her husband and two children.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Mayor Soriano and Judy Hernandez on the campaign trail this year,” Herbig stated. “I’m confident that Mayor Soriano, Judy, and I can keep Parsippany moving forward as we emerge from a year of unprecedented challenges and help ensure that Parsippany is one of the best places to live in the state! I love this town, and I’m eager to serve the people of Parsippany.”
Morris County Democratic Committee Chairman Chip Robinson has endorsed the ticket, stating, “I am proud to support Cori Herbig and Judy Hernandez for Council. They ran a great campaign in 2019, and are great individuals who will faithfully serve the community on Council. Mayor Soriano, Cori, and Judy have our full support in their campaign this year.”
Judy Hernandez is a 21-year resident of Parsippany living in Glacier Hills with her husband and two children. Her professional experience is as a civil and environmental engineer and environmental advocate. Judy has worked on projects from the proposal, contract, and planning stages to design and construction. She has also sat on the Open Space Committee. Currently, she serves as Vice-Chair on the Parsippany Environmental Advisory Committee, a member of the Parsippany Green Team, and as the Mayor’s designee on the Planning Board. Judy is also involved in her neighborhood association on the civic committee. Her goal is to engage the community and bring attention to pressing issues. Whether the issue is public health, environmental justice, fair-share housing, pollution, water security, development, or economic and impacted ecosystems, Judy believes that all of these issues intersect and must be approached through communication, education, and sharing ideas.
“Being on local committees and boards, I have built relationships with people of differing convictions, and I have learned that what we all have in common are similar concerns and goals,” Hernandez said. “Those goals are to have safe, nurturing, and healthy environments for all, from our youngest to our oldest residents. There is an opportunity for our shared goals to bring people together. I had the opportunity to run for Council in 2019, and I had met people by knocking on doors and listening to their concerns. Parsippany is a diverse township; we share many of the same concerns, and we can achieve our goals together.”
No matter the issue, Mayor Soriano has always put the interests of the people of Parsippany first. As Councilmembers, Cori Herbig and Judy Hernandez will do the same.
“Mayor Soriano, Cori Herbig, and Judy Hernandez represent everything going right in Parsippany,” said Morris County Democratic Political Director Leslye Moya. “I’m looking forward to supporting their campaign and seeing progress continue in Morris County’s largest community.”
“Parsippany residents have hit the jackpot with this ticket,” said Parsippany Democratic Committee Chair Matt Clarkin. “The executive, legislative, and volunteer experience that Mayor Soriano, Cori, and Judy bring to the table is unprecedented at the local level. This is the team we need to keep our township moving in the right direction.”
The Soriano-Herbig-Hernandez team will hold a formal campaign kickoff later this month. The primary election will be held on June 8, and the general election will be held on November 2.
Gourmet Cafe: Lifelong Dream, Pride, and Joy of Chef Matthew Pierone
PARSIPPANY — Anyone who knows me knows that one of my favorite go-to restaurants in Parsippany is the Gourmet Café. Since I was dining there for a pre-holiday dinner with friends, I figured it was as good a time as any to write up a review.
The Gourmet Café is like so many New Jersey small, independently owned, and operated restaurants that you find hidden in the middle of some strip mall off the highway. The Gourmet Café is in Baldwin Plaza on Baldwin Road in Parsippany, nestled between a row of other small stores, and right off Route 46 West.
Despite a classy and attractive exterior, unless you know of the Gourmet Café chances are you will drive right past it. Fortunately, many have found their way to this multi-award winning, highly acclaimed venue throughout the 15 years it has been here, mostly through word of mouth and social media. One thing I have noticed is that once someone finds this place they come back, and they come back often.
The Gourmet Café, which opened in 2007, is the lifelong dream, pride, and joy of Chef Matthew Pierone, known to all his friends and customers, which are usually the same, as Chef Matt. I think you must look at the back story of any great Chef to really appreciate how, where, and from whom, they learned and how they developed their exceptional culinary skills and abilities. I believe that a great Chef must pay his/her dues if they want to get to where they can earn such recognition. Ask any of his customers and they will most likely tell you, Chef Matt who is one of the most sincere, warm, welcoming, and personable people you will ever meet always goes the extra yard to make every customer feel that they are part of his family, which presents itself not only in the personalized service but in the high-quality gourmet dishes that he is proud to serve every day. When he can extricate himself from the kitchen Chef Matt enjoys making the rounds and personally visiting every table. A genuinely nice personal touch.
Back to Chef Matt’s back story which began at age 14 as a dishwasher at several popular restaurants before graduating with the highest honors from The New York Restaurant School in Manhattan. Early ventures into the restaurant trade included stints at such high-quality establishments as Gracie Mansion, The Highlawn Pavilion, and the Rainbow Room in NYC. As he continued to learn and develop his skills his reputation grew, and people noticed. He went on to become the Executive Chef at the Racquets Club of Short Hills, Chef de Cuisine at Eccola Italian Bistro, Saucier at Rod’s Steak House, Chef at the Green House & Sous Chef at the Grande Café in Morristown. Each new experience providing Chef Matt the opportunity to continue to enhance his culinary skills, which now can be experienced with a visit to his fine establishment.
On entering the Gourmet Café, you will find a very classy and chic ambiance. Custom crafted tables are spaced throughout in accordance with COVID safety rules, the interior of the beautiful dining room comes across as very intimate, cozy, and comfortable. The restaurant is immaculately clean, and the service is fast, personable, and always professional. Basically, it is a very friendly Bistro style setting with tasteful accouterments throughout, including the Chef’s nicely framed family photographs that adorn the walls and the tasteful brick accents. The dining room is always well-appointed, and the table settings are always elegant and sparkling and do not forget to bring along your favorite vino as the Gourmet Café is BYOB.
On entering we were immediately welcomed and directed to our well-prepared table. Without delay, our wine was uncorked (at my request) as cold water and a basket of bread was brought to our table by the very accommodating, friendly, and cordial wait staff.
On this visit our group started with appetizers’ including Spiedini all Romana (this bread filled treat complete with Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Anchovy, and Garlic was fantastic), Pignoli Encrusted Scallops with a Balsamic Reduction drizzled over the large, sweet, and buttery, perfectly prepared row of scallops, fresh and flavorful grilled shrimp, and a generously sized portion of Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, Mozzarella and Red Peppers. I personally could not wait to try the Gourmet Café’s newest dish, Zuppa di Pesce. The carefully prepared presentation alone makes your mouth water.
This is truly a treat any seafood lover will go crazy over. A large selection of fresh and delicious assorted seafood thoughtfully arranged over al dente pasta with a ring of mussels surrounding the plate. It was seriously as good a Zuppa di Pesce as any I have ever had.
The roasted, crispy Chicken Matteo also looked and smelled amazing. Served with crispy Salami, Spinach, and melted Mozzarella and served with an Anisette brown sauce. I was told by my friend that it was as delicious as it looked as he devoured his serving.
Of course, there’s always the Gourmet Café’s signature pasta dishes to choose from. Tonight’s choice was the Orecchiette with shrimp, sausage, roasted peppers and served with a Maple Whiskey Sauce. Perfectly prepared with just the right amount of shrimp and sausage to compliment the pasta.
A normal human being would have stopped there but I could not pass up Chef Matt’s newest sensation, the Pear Clafoutis. I have never had or heard of this French dessert and I do not know how it is made but it is tender, sweet, and somewhat custard-like and topped with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. I was seriously impressed at how good it was and along with a final cappuccino it made for a perfect end to a memorable dining experience. I have no doubt that the Pear Clafoutis will soon be a much-in-demand item on the dessert menu.
We are incredibly lucky to have such high quality, gourmet Italian food available right here in Parsippany and I highly recommend stopping in and giving the Gourmet Café a try. I am confident you will not be sorry.
Dine-In, Take Out, BYOB, Available Parking, Curbside Pickup, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options.
Gourmet Café (Italian Restaurant) is located at 136 Baldwin, Parsippany. For reservations call (973) 316-0088. To visit their website click here.
