PARSIPPANY — On Sunday, September 29th, the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin-North Jersey Chapter (GOPIO-North Jersey), in collaboration with the Indian Consulate in New York and co-sponsors including Parsippany Rotary International, Heart and Hand for Handicapped, and the Gandhian Society, organized the grand launch of the India Collection of Books at the Parsippany-Troy Hills Library. The event saw an impressive turnout, with a full house of attendees, many standing in the back and sides to witness the occasion.

The launch was inaugurated by Indian Consul for Visa and Community Affairs Pragya Singh in the presence of notable figures such as Library President Melisa Kuzma, Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, Former Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Minister Ponnala Lakshmaiah, New Jersey Commissioner Upendra Chivukula, and White House Policy Advisor on Energy Jai Vaingankar. The event was also supported by a dozen community groups, showcasing the significance of the India Collection initiative.

The ceremony commenced with a welcome by Rajendar Dichpally, Program Chair and Director of the Gandhian Society, who highlighted the importance of such efforts in strengthening ties between the Indian American community and the two largest democracies in the world. Santosh Peddi, President of Parsippany Rotary International and Program Co-Chair, echoed this sentiment, noting that the Rotary was proud to co-sponsor the event as part of its community outreach initiatives.

The library’s director, Melissa Kuzma, expressed her excitement at hosting the India Collection launch, noting that it aligns with the library’s mission to reflect the diverse cultures of the community. She also announced that the library will host a Diwali celebration later in October, further emphasizing the library’s commitment to cultural inclusivity.

In his remarks, Mayor James Barberio warmly welcomed the guests to Parsippany, acknowledging the significant contributions of the Indian American community to the town. He drew parallels between Indian and Italian American cultures, expressing pride in the India Collection’s successful launch at the Parsippany Library.

Dr. Thomas Abraham, GOPIO International Chairman, emphasized the value of the India Collection in helping the broader society understand Indian culture, democracy, and history. He shared that GOPIO chapters have successfully launched similar collections in public libraries across New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut, contributing to the global understanding of India’s rich heritage.

The inauguration ceremony concluded with the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing enlightenment and knowledge, by the dignitaries, GOPIO officials, and co-sponsors. The India Collection includes a wide array of books provided by the Indian Consulate, as well as books donated by the Indian American community, featuring both new and rare classics.

Following the formal ceremony, books in Hindi and various regional languages were presented to the library by community representatives in traditional dress. These books, soon to be cataloged, will serve as valuable resources for the library’s patrons.

The event also featured a vibrant cultural program coordinated by Mrs. Manju Bhargava, President of the New Jersey Telugu Association. Performances by Indian American high school and college students showcased the beauty of Indian music and dance, adding a lively cultural flair to the occasion.

As the event drew to a close, attendees enjoyed a networking reception, providing ample opportunity for guests to connect and discuss the impact of the India Collection of Books.

“This was one of the best launches of the India Collection of Books with wide Indian community participation,” said Dr. Abraham, reflecting on the success of the event.

GOPIO continues to collect classic and contemporary Indian books to donate to other libraries. Those interested in contributing can contact GOPIO at (203) 329-8010 or via email at gopio@optonline.net.

GOPIO is a global organization committed to fostering cooperation and communication between the Indian diaspora and local communities, promoting understanding and collaboration across borders.

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus magazine, October 2024. Click here to view the complete magazine.

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Republican Chair Laura Marie Ali has been named the new Chair of the Chairs, a group consisting of GOP leaders from all 21 counties in New Jersey.

This new role could potentially benefit State Senator Jon Bramnick (R-Westfield), one of four Republican gubernatorial candidates, as Ali spoke at Bramnick’s campaign kickoff in January. However, Ali also played a key role in preventing a conflict over the position between supporters of two other gubernatorial candidates, Jack Ciattarelli and Bill Spadea.

Ali takes over from Hudson County GOP Chairman Jose Arango, who was term-limited and is joined by Linwood Donelson of Salem as first vice chairman, Gabe Plumer of Hunterdon as second vice chairman, and Tracey DiFrancesco of Somerset as secretary. They all received two-year terms, and Ali became the first woman to hold the position.

Ali initially became acting county chair in November 2019 after Ron DeFilippis stepped down for health reasons. DeFilippis had narrowly won the role in 2018, defeating Rob Zwigard by just three votes. Ali has run unopposed in all of her county chair races since.

BOONTON — Imagine a charming, picturesque little salumeria and wine bar nestled in a quaint small town, where outside the streets are lined with artisanal shops, coffee houses, and a wide variety of diverse eateries. Now, imagine you’re sitting in that salumeria, or Bacari, in Venice, enjoying a perfectly made Negroni, or maybe a glass of vino, as you watch assorted house-made Salumi (meats), such as Prosciutto di Palma, Bresaola, Mortadella, Cacciatorini, and Formaggi (cheese), including fresh local Mozzarella, Casatica di Bufala, Sottocenere, and Pyrenees Brebis, and much more, being thinly sliced and artfully displayed upon assorted charcuterie boards, creating an aesthetically tantalizing and mouth-watering creation of Italian delicacies, all loaded with great flavor profiles that will keep your taste buds happy for days. Well, that’s pretty much the way they enjoy a night out socializing with friends, and family, or even a business meeting in Venice.

If a trip to Venice is not on your itinerary, no need to worry, you can now indulge in a taste of Venice right here in downtown Boonton at Ombra Salumeria & Bar. Ombra is located at 516 Main Street in one of the many storefronts in the heart of a truly picturesque American town. Boonton may not offer the canals, bridges, and gondolas of Venice, but does offer a lively, vibrant, and diverse street scene that surely suits this Venetian-inspired gem. 

 The exterior of Ombra features red brick walls, large inviting windows, and glass doors, with stylish, elegant calligraphy clearly announcing the restaurant’s name. Simple, but attractive, classy, and welcoming. On entering you are immediately greeted by a friendly and hospitable hostess. The warm ambiance is immediately captivating, with an interior design that somehow makes one feel welcomed. You can sense an energetic vibe of upscale elegance, yet at the same time also find yourself immersed in a casual, comfortable, and relaxed atmosphere.

I was early for my reservation and was offered a seat at their large oak bar, where I ordered a Bourbon Manhattan while I waited for my guests. I enjoyed watching as Jake, Ombra’s very professional and amiable mixologist, masterfully crafted some amazing signature and craft cocktails for the other patrons at the bar. The bar is fully stocked and offers an extensive selection of quality liquors and fine Italian wines, with a focus on those from Veneto. According to Ombra, their wine list would mimic a list that would be found in Venice.

 An interesting note from Ombra’s website on how they chose the name: “The name Ombra means ‘shade’ or ‘shadow’ in Italian. It’s also Venetian slang for a small glass of wine, ‘un ombra de vin.’

 “Legend says that a wine vendor set up his wine cart daily beneath a bell tower in Venice. He’d move his cart to stay in the tower’s shadow as the sun moved. That’s how the expression ‘to meet someone in the shadow of the bell tower’ came to mean ‘meet for a glass of wine.’  Over time, a glass of wine in Venice became known as an ‘ombra.”

The restaurant is broken into a main dining area and a lower-level bar. The main floor boasts a mid-century modern vibe with that large oak bar that I mentioned. Walls are covered with exposed brick, seating is along with side wall in comfortable tufted brown leather banquettes, dark accents, and white wood beamed ceiling, ornate hanging lighting, rustic wood plank flooring, and a white marble open-kitchen area, reminiscent of a charming Italian villa. Meanwhile, the downstairs offers a smaller bar in a dimly lit intimate lounge with velvet couches and vintage cocktail tables. One had the sense of being in an old-time speakeasy. They also offer tasting events in their downstairs lounge, including wine tastings and cocktail classes. I had my reservations for downstairs, but when my guests arrived and enjoyed a cocktail, they were so comfortable enjoying themselves upstairs that we asked to switch to one of the upstairs tables, which worked out great.

The menu was broken down into Cicchetti, which are typical Venetian small bites served in the local “bacari” or wine bars and served on toasted crostini (an Italian appetizer of small slices of toasted bread with toppings). You might think of them as Tapas. Some examples include Shrimp, Corn, and Lime Aioli, Quail Egg and Anchovies, Goat Cheese and Long hot Pepper Jelly, and Sicilian Tuna. Antipasti, which would include among others Truffle Burrata, Charcuterie Tartare, Shaved Carrots, and Panzanella. Insalata would include Italian BLT, Red Gem Lettuce, and Caesar Salads. Tagliere (cutting board) including multiple selections from Salumi (meats), Formaggi (cheese), and Accompaniments, such as Olives, Marinated Artichokes, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Homemade Fig Cake, and Grilled Cipollinis.

We enlisted our knowledgeable server to help guide us through the menu, as well as the suggested wine to pair with our choices. We started with the cicchetti, choosing a mix of assorted toppings. For our antipasti we shared some Truffle Burrata, Shaved Carrots, and Panzanella. For our Tagliere we also shared a mixed selection of Salumi and Formaggi, with an accompaniment or two mixed in. Everything was fresh and delectable, and everyone enjoyed every bite. The sharing and conversation about the food and wine greatly enhanced the dining experience, and everyone was fully satiated when we cleared those plates. The unrushed pacing of dishes also allowed my group full enjoyment of our time while we enjoyed each other’s company and the meal.

Desserts were equally appealing. I was informed that all their desserts are homemade at one of their other restaurants, Sorellina in Hoboken. I tried their Ice Cream Sandwich, which sounds simple, but was a complex and decadently delicious dessert. Other desserts include such offerings as Rainbow Cookie Cake with Stracciatella Gelato and Peanut Butter Budino. As a side note, the owner, Gabi Lombardi, a certified Sommelier, currently has four restaurants, and I understand another one is on the way. Unfortunately, she was not in the house at the time of my visit.

Let me end by saying that this Venetian-inspired salumeria and wine bar serves as a culinary destination and a wonderful gathering place for friends and families, creating memories over shared plates and laughter. When looking for a new and unique dining experience give it a try. I found it a memorable dining experience, I’m confident you will too.

Buon cibo, buoni amici, bei moment. Salute!

Private Cocktail Classes & Wine Tastings; Menus can accommodate Open Bar packages; Private parties can accommodate up to 30 guests. Downstairs Lounge is available for Cocktail Parties and Tasting Events. Street Parking. Reservations accepted.

Hours: Monday to Thursday, Open at 4:00 p.m.; Friday to Sunday, Open at 2:00 p.m.: Aperitivo Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. / Tuesday, All Night; Downstairs Lounge: Open Thursday to Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

OMBRA Salumeria & Bar is located at 516 Main Street, Boonton. Phone: (201) 367-1196. Website: www.ombraboonton.com

Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, October 2024. Click here to view the complete magazine.