PARSIPPANY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be holding a free food distribution on Saturday, May 15.
The goal of the effort, taking place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Parsippany PAL Youth Center, 33 Baldwin Road, is to help relieve “the financial strain put on families during this pandemic,” said Laura Wohland, Club President.
They will be distributing over 100 boxes containing up to 45 pounds of canned food, fresh produce, and groceries. Kiwanis Club will be purchasing 40,000 pounds of food to be distributed throughout the area. Kiwanis Club raises funds to purchase the food.
“Our food distribution for the needy is focused on sustaining good nutrition, health, and -most of all – human dignity by providing a means for the individual to meet their full potential and to silence the pain hunger brings,” said New Jersey Kiwanis District 9 Lt. Gov. Frank Cahill.
At the food give-away, recipients will stay in their cars. “Drive up, and we will put the food right in the vehicle,” said Wohland, noting that all recipients will be required to register in advance to make sure we have a sufficient supply of food. Register at www.kiwanishelps.org.
Other area Kiwanis Clubs will also join in on the food distribution. Other locations include Roxbury, Rockaway, Dover, Boonton, Jefferson, South Orange, Maplewood, and Bridgewater.
“This process helps ensure the continued health and safety of our volunteers and makes the entire process efficient and effective during the distribution of food.”
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is made up of volunteers and does not have a paid staff. The members “are committed to providing an efficient and effective system for distributing food to alleviate hunger in our community, one family at a time,” said Cahill
The organization wants “to ensure that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives,” Wohland said its members “believe that by helping one child,” you help the world.
For more information on Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Seasons 52, a fresh grill and wine bar, is opening in Hanover Township on Thursday, May 14. Featuring seasonal ingredients and an ever-changing menu, the restaurant offers guests the freedom to enjoy its balanced approach to food and wine.
The Seasons 52 kitchen specializes in oak-fire grilling and brick-oven roasting to be flavorful and light, with all dishes fewer than 595 calories. Menu items are handcrafted using 100 percent fresh, never frozen, whole produce, and carefully sourced meats and seafood. Simply prepared dishes to encourage guests to feel good about their choices at every course, with options including an assortment of flatbreads, such as Pesto Chicken and Lobster & Fresh Mozzarella, as well as freshly prepared entrees, like Cedar Plank-Roasted Salmon, Caramelized Grilled Sea Scallops and Wood-Grilled Filet Mignon. Mini Indulgence desserts offer the perfect amount to satisfy a sweet tooth, with selections including Cookies ‘N’ Cream and Raspberry Chocolate Chip Cannoli.
The restaurant’s menu changes four times a year to offer ingredients sourced at peak freshness and flavor. Upon opening, Seasons 52 on Dryden Way will feature its spring menu, with seasonally inspired offerings such as Kona-Crusted Lamb Loin, Buffalo Cauliflower Flatbread, and a Coconut Cream Pie Mini Indulgence.
The Wine Bar pours from an award-winning list designed to complement the menu and allow for discovery, with a service style that helps guests pair the right wines with their dining experience. Offerings include acclaimed labels by the bottle and glass in six and nine-ounce pours. Guests have the freedom to explore new styles with “Drink Them Before They’re Famous” – a collection of wines from up-and-coming producers. In addition, guests can enjoy seasonal rotating wine flights, currently highlighting pours by Paul Hobbs and the Caymus family of wines. The Wine Bar also serves cocktails made with fresh ingredients for exceptional taste. Signature cocktails include Cucumber Basil Smash and Rosé Lemonade, as well as the spring menu exclusive Strawberry Basil Martini. A lively Happy Hour offered Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. features $6.00 glasses of wine and $12.00 wine and flatbread pairings.
Seasons 52 Parsippany is located at 1402 Route 10 at Dryden Way. The new restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sundays, Monday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Indoor dining and outdoor seating are available, in addition to takeout.
The restaurant is hiring experienced hospitality professionals to staff the new restaurant. Roles to be filled include servers, bartenders, and hosts, among others. To find more information and submit an application click here.
More information about the restaurant’s safety commitments to guests is available on the Seasons 52 website.
ABOUT SEASONS 52 Seasons 52 is a comfortable and stylish fresh grill and wine bar offering a refreshingly balanced approach to dining where guests are free to enjoy, knowing any choice they make is one they’ll feel good about. The menu changes with the season to feature ingredients at their peak, from whole produce that arrives and is kept 100% fresh, never frozen, to carefully sourced meats and pristine seafood. Entrées are oak-fire grilled or brick oven-roasted, without a fryer insight, to be flavorful and naturally lighter, and the Wine Bar pours world-class wines by glass and signature cocktails. Lunch and dinner daily, happy hour Mondays to Thursdays. Click here for more information.
PARSIPPANY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, and Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker announce the arrest of Jeremy Mayes, 30, of Parsippany Troy-Hills, by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit/Narcotics Task Force.
On May 4, 2021, members of the Narcotics Task Force conducted an operation that resulted in the arrest of Mayes. In addition to the over 250 grams (1/4 kilogram) of cocaine recovered during this investigation, a loaded 9mm handgun, over $9,000 in US currency, hollow-point bullets, two high capacity magazines, and drug distribution paraphernalia were seized.
Mayes has been charged with:
Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine) with the Intent to Distribute, in a quantity greater than five ounces, a crime of the first degree.
Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine), in a quantity greater than five ounces, a crime of the first degree.
2 counts – Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine) with the Intent to Distribute, in a quantity greater than a one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, a crime of the second degree.
Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine), in a quantity greater than one-half ounce or more but less than five ounces, a crime of the second degree.
2 counts – Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine) with the Intent to Distribute, in a quantity less than one-half ounce, a crime of the third degree.
2 counts – Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine), in a quantity less than one-half ounce, a crime of the third degree.
2 counts – Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (cocaine), in a quantity less than one-half ounce, a crime of the third degree.
Possession of a Firearm (.9mm handgun) with a loaded magazine, while in the course of distributing a controlled dangerous substance, a crime of the second degree.
Financial Facilitation of criminal activity (money laundering), a crime of the third degree.
Possession, with the intent to distribute, drug paraphernalia, a crime of the fourth degree.
Acting Prosecutor Carroll commends the Parsippany Troy-Hills Police Department, Long Hill Police Department, Wharton Police Department, and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office for assigning personnel to the Narcotics Task Force during this investigation. Additionally, the Morristown Bureau of Police and Morris County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit assisted in this investigation.
Acting Prosecutor Carroll said, “Our Narcotics Task Force has been successful in our covert and overt investigations into for-profit narcotics distributors thanks to the cooperative efforts of our chiefs of police and Sheriff James Gannon, who supply talented Task Force officers. The men and women of our Special Enforcement Unit continue to work through the dangers of handling illicit narcotics, high-risk operations, and the current public health crisis, in our ongoing effort to improve the quality of life in Morris County.”
Acting Prosecutor Carroll recognizes Captain Jan-Michael Monrad and Chief Assistant Prosecutor Bradford Seabury, who command the Special Operations Division, inclusive of the Narcotics Task Force. Assistant Prosecutor Noelle Fiorentino is representing the State in this prosecution.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or the signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Rotary International District 7475 will host a series of 4 walkathons bringing attention to mental health stigmas on Saturday, May 22.
Rotary has declared District 7475 to be stigma-free as of March 2021. The goal now is to eliminate the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders through education and creating public awareness.
Rotary seeks to create open working relationships with its towns and communities to help people overcome the resistance to seeking help and by eliminating the stigma that often makes people feel overwhelmed.
To learn more about how you can support stigma-free, register online and join one of the four, one- mile walks on Saturday, May 22. Free T-shirts to the first 150 who register online at njrotary.org
Locations for the May 22 walkathon are: Denville at Gardner Field from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon; Madison at Ambulance Corp from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon; Clinton at Red Mill Museum from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and Robbinsville at Gazebo at West Town Lake from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon/
PARSIPPANY — As you travel down the full 8/10ths of a mile of North Beverwyck Road, of what is downtown Lake Hiawatha, most people not familiar with the area would easily be deceived into thinking that there is no way that hidden among an unassuming, and quite frankly, an unimpressive row of sporadic little storefronts, there lies a myriad of ethnically diverse, high quality, family-owned culinary gems.
A myriad of ethnically diverse, high quality, family-owned culinary gems
This dining experience took me to the south end of that stretch to yet another relatively small, family-owned, store-front eatery that can easily be considered one of those hidden gems. Churrasco Grill, which has been a staple in Lake Hiawatha since 2005, is well known to many locals for serving delicious, authentic, unique, and flavorful cuisine originating from the beautiful Countries of Argentina and Peru.
Churrasco might be a little place in size but is big on flavor and individualized customer service and care; a genuinely welcoming and friendly venue, complete with a wood charcoal grill, imported from Argentina to maintain the tradition and authenticity of the dishes, as well as a rotisserie oven which together might be considered the stars of the restaurant.
Empanadas
The open kitchen atmosphere, which unfortunately is currently obstructed from full view due to COVID-related protective barriers, will hopefully be enjoyed again in the not-too-distant future; where you be able to watch, and smell, your steak, seafood, or other personal selection being cooked to your personal perfection. Churrasco Grill, snuggled within a row of other storefronts can be easy to pass by if you are unfamiliar with the area, but their eye-catching signage out front helps make it stand out and easy to locate. The interior is classy and nicely decorated, providing a relaxing Latin American ambiance; cozy, casual, warm, and inviting with colorful and attractive South American inspired original oil paintings, all created by the owner’s daughter, Claudia, (who was also our attentive and cordial server) adorning the walls throughout the restaurant. The light from the front windows keeps the interior bright, intimate, and airy, accentuating the limited but well-appointed tables. I should mention that Churrasco is immaculately clean, the tables are well separated, and they ensure that everything is in full compliance with all current health and safety protocols, and it is BYOB. There is a liquor store just a truly short walk away in case you forget to bring along your favorite bottle of vino. Street parking only for this establishment but there is plenty of available spots in that area.
For those hesitant about dining indoors, Churrasco does offer outdoor dining (comedor al aire libre) in a comfortable and nicely decorated enclosed courtyard in the rear of the restaurant. The Courtyard is available, weather permitting, and as of this writing is being thoughtfully decorated with additional tables, plantings, and other decorative items in preparation for our quickly arriving, comfortable outdoor conditions. An exceptionally large, colorful, floral wall mural, again painted by Claudia, highlights the exterior wall and certainly adds to the South American vibe.
Churrasco Grill is a true family affair in every sense of the word. Owner, Juan “Jose” Perez, who everyone knows simply as Jose, enjoys working with his two sons, Juan Jose Jr. and Christopher, and daughter, Claudia, together with running all day-to-day operations of the restaurant. Carmen Perez, Jose’s wife, also prepares all the delicious homemade desserts. It was clear to see Jose’s great pride in his family, and in his restaurant, as he walked me through a requested tour. He was sure to point out Claudia’s artwork, especially a painting called, “Line of Nazca” which hung above our table and is representative of Peruvian ancient culture. Jose also pointed out some intricate decorative cork that he obviously saved from hundreds, if not thousands, of wine bottles to painstakingly create a decorative touch to accentuate his walls. He obviously has a lot more patience than I do.
Shrimp IzaHouse Salad
Jose, a great host, and true gentleman, and a pleasure to talk to, recounted that he was born in the wine-rich province of Mendoza, Argentina, and arrived in American in 1971 speaking little to no English. As many exceptional restauranteurs do, he learned his craft and paid his culinary dues by experiencing and working at many jobs at various restaurants while honing his restaurant and management skills. As a busboy, waiter, short-order cook, he went from a French restaurant to Top of the Sixes, to Rockefeller Center, and even as a short-order cook in a fast-food steak eatery on 42nd Street, all in NYC in the ’70s and ’80s, finally making his way to Lake Hiawatha in 2005.
Ceviche
As our discussion continued, my group ordered some of Churrasco’s most popular appetizers; the Shrimp Iza, Ceviche, House Salad, and Empanadas. The Shrimp Iza; nicely prepared with good size sautéed shrimp with garlic served over a generous bed of baby spinach, along with sides of yuca that were soft and tender on the inside while light and crispy on the outside, exactly right. The 4 homemade baked Empanadas (beef, chicken, and mushroom), which is one serving, were deliciously crispy, crunchy, and loaded with savory, juicy, tasteful fillings. The House Salad offered a bright and fresh presentation of Romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, while the citrusy taste and spicy flavors of the fresh Ceviche, a true seafood treat, was certainly a star addition to the meal. The portion sizes of each dish were ample and more than adequate for our group to share and enjoy.
Mix Grill (flank steak, sausage, pork loin, chicken breast served with grilled potato and tomato onion salad)
Looking over the menu which offered a nice combination of Argentinian and Peruvian cuisine, it was a tough challenge to decide between the seafood and meat selections. We all eventually went carnivore this evening and ordered the Mix Grill (flank steak, sausage, pork loin, chicken breast served with grilled potato and tomato onion salad) and Churrasco (wood charcoal grilled skirt steak served with potato and vegetables). We all thoroughly enjoyed our meat dishes which were cooked perfectly to our individual and separate specifications; well-seasoned, nicely grilled, tender, moist, juicy, expertly marinated, and savory. Plus, this is a generously sized serving of meat so bring your appetite.
Churrasco (wood charcoal grilled skirt steak served with potato and vegetables)
Obviously, by now I was adequately stuffed but Carmen’s (Jose’s wife) homemade Argentinian and Peruvian desserts await. As we sipped on our Espresso and Cappuccino’s out came the Tiramisu and Alfajores, compliments of Jose. Alfajores, little cakes filled with Dulche de Leche (a thick caramel sauce-like filling) are petite, yet decadent, creamy, crumbly little treats that went particularly well with our coffees. Of course, the Tiramisu (ladyfingers soaked in espresso and rum and laced with creamy mascarpone) is always a winner.
Alfajores
Thanks to Jose and his family for the great meal and sincere hospitality. Nice size portions, reasonable prices, outstanding and friendly service, beautiful ambiance (inside and out). Churrasco should most definitely be on your must-try list of wonderful, local, family-owned and operated restaurants. I certainly would recommend giving it a try. I am confident you will be happy you did.
Tiramisu
As always, please remember to come out and show our support to all our small, independently owned local businesses
Churrasco Grill (Argentine & Peruvian Cuisine) is located at 137 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. (973) 263-1590. churrascogrillnj.com; Eat-In – Take Out – Catering – Private Parties – B.Y.O.B. Closed Sunday and Monday. Tuesday – Saturday 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Republican Club will be holding a general meeting on Thursday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Parsippany Rescue and Recovery Building, 100 Centerton Drive. You can always reach out to Robert Quinn by email at raq0915@gmail.com or phone (973) 967-0080.
Annual dues are $15.00 for single; $20.00 for a couple, senior $5.00, and a senior couple $10.00.
MORRIS COUNTY — T.C. McCourt, A.J. Oliver, and Dina Mikulka announced the formation of their joint candidate committee, A Stronger Morris. The committee will be the primary fundraising and messaging vehicle for the Democratic candidates’ campaign for Morris County Commissioner.
T.C. McCourt
Candidates McCourt, Oliver, and Mikulka released the following joint statement:
“Campaigns cost money. A lot of money. And they require an army of volunteers. By forming this committee early, we will be able to maximize our fundraising potential and more effectively build the campaign infrastructure that we will need to win in November.”
“The three of us are running for County Commissioner for some pretty simple reasons. While our opponents think everything is perfect and that there is no room for improvement, we profoundly disagree. We believe Morris County can be better. We believe Morris County can be stronger. Over the course of the next six months, we intend to prove that to the people of Morris County, and give them the opportunity to make a change.”
A Stronger Morris is proud to have Leslye Moya serve as Campaign Chair. Moya is the Political Director of the Morris County Democratic Committee and Secretary of the Morris County Young Democrats. A resident of Butler, Moya previously led the field organization that helped to elect Dover’s first Black and first female Mayor in 2019.
Serving as Treasurer will be Austin Ashley. Ashley has been a resident of Mountain Lakes, where he lives with his wife Laura and their three children, since 2016. He is a former resident of the Borough of New Milford in Bergen County, where he served on the Borough Council from 2011 to 2015.
“We are so proud of the team we’ve assembled thus far. Through Leslye and Austin’s participation, we are two steps closer to victory in November. And as the team grows, so will our potential to win.”
A Stronger Morris is presently interviewing applicants for the position of Campaign Manager, which they intend to fill at the beginning of June.
The campaign will soon announce the details of its upcoming virtual kickoff event.
To find out about the candidates, sign up to volunteer, or make a donation click here. You can also follow A Stronger Morris on Facebook and Instagram.
MORRIS COUNTY — Moody’s Investors Service again issued its top, AAA rating of Morris County’s financial stability in its review of $5.2 million in county guaranteed bonds offered through the Morris County Improvement Authority in connection with a Whippany Firehouse project.
“For the 46th straight year, and probably the toughest year, Morris County earned the AAA rating by being proactive in the face of the pandemic. Moody’s recognized our strong governmental and financial management, whereby Morris County delivers outstanding services while keeping county property taxes significantly lower than neighboring counties,” said Director Stephen Shaw of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
“The strategic planning task force was very important in Morris County’s comprehensive pandemic response, including our number one vaccination rate in the state, while maintaining county operations to save lives and livelihoods,” he added, referring to a task force that monitored economic impacts and planning early on in the pandemic.
RATING RATIONALE
Moody’s explained its assessment of Morris County finances in a report issued earlier today:
“The AAA rating reflects the county’s substantial tax base, strong and diverse economy, healthy reserve levels, and modest debt burden. The rating also reflects a long trend of strong, proactive financial management Although the pandemic has had a negative impact throughout the state, Morris County’s credit quality has not been impacted.
The county created a Covid-19 Strategic Planning Advisory Committee, which meets regularly and has implemented a variety of measures to reduce the impact. The county’s largest revenue, property taxes, is guaranteed by its constituent municipalities.”
SAVINGS FOR TAXPAYERS
The AAA rating benefits everyone in Morris County by allowing the county to take advantage of the best possible interest and financing rates when borrowing or bonding is needed for major projects, saving taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. The rating permits the county and local government agencies within Morris County to take advantage of those low bonding and borrowing rates. It is akin to having an exceptional personal credit rating because it reflects the ability of the county to meet its financial commitments. Obligations that are rated AAA are determined to be the highest quality, with the lowest credit risk.
RATING OUTLOOK
Moody’s also rated Morris County with a stable outlook.
“The stable outlook reflects our expectation that the county’s financial position will remain strong over the near term and that the county will continue to benefit from its substantial and diverse tax base and above-average wealth levels.”
REPORT
The bonds that were subject to the rating are being issued to currently refund the Improvement Authority’s County Guaranteed Governmental Loan Project Notes, Series 2020 issued by the Authority in the amount of $5,885,000 on August 3, 2020. They were originally issued to provide funds to make a loan and to purchase the Bond Anticipation Note (in 2019) of the Fire District #2 in the Township of Hanover, where the design and construction of a new firehouse on Fire District-owned property were financed.
PARSIPPANY – Mayor Michael Soriano announced the intention to present the Fourth of July Celebration and Fireworks Display in person this summer. This event will mark the first in-person public event on the municipal property since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
On May 3, the State of New Jersey announced the removal of percentage limits on outdoor public gatherings beginning on May 19. Due to the decrease in new cases and transmission rates of COVID-19 across the state and in the Township, the tolerable risk level is at a point where outdoor public events can occur, so long as attendees continue to practice social distancing, mask-wearing, and good hygiene practices when possible.
“I’m thrilled about celebrating July Fourth in Parsippany once again,” said Mayor Michael Soriano. “Our residents deserve to share in the joy of being American and taking part in our summer festivities. It’s been too long since we’ve been together, and I can’t wait to see everyone.”
After a year of canceled events throughout the Township, the Fourth of July ceremony will take place at Parsippany Hills High School, and include music, celebration, and a fireworks display beginning at sundown. Residents attending the event are required to wear a mask, practice social distancing from people outside of immediate family, and wash or sanitize hands frequently.
“We have so much to celebrate this July Fourth,” said Mayor Soriano. “While we celebrate, we cannot forget how much we’ve sacrificed to make this event possible. It’s because of the time-tested practices of being safe and smart with COVID-19 that we are able to host this event. It’s up to each and every one of us to make sure we continue to protect our family, friends, and neighbors, now and for the celebrations to come.”
For more information about this year’s Fourth of July celebration, please call the Parsippany Recreation Department at (973) 263-7257.
MORRIS COUNTY — Preschool Advantage, a Morristown-based nonprofit organization, raises funds to open the doors of preschool and unlock the possibilities beyond by providing preschool tuition assistance to children from struggling local families. Preschool Advantage students attend a full school year of preschool at one of 28 partner schools. High-quality preschool education gives young children the tools to begin kindergarten prepared to learn and to have a fair chance to succeed throughout their education.
Preschool Advantage will hold a reception on Wednesday, May 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the property of the Burnt Mills Cider Company in Bedminster (rain date, May 19). Both Burnt Mills Cider Company and Preschool Advantage are dedicated to the vibrancy and strength of the greater Morris and Somerset community, and hope the event will introduce new audiences to the work Preschool Advantage are doing to improve access to high-quality early education in our area.
The open-air venue will offer a safe opportunity for guests to enjoy live music from the multi-talented singer-songwriter, Stephen Bard, premium hard ciders brewed on-site, and sandwiches from Angry Archie’s, the Jersey City-based food truck.
The highlight of the evening will be remarks from an alumni parent who will share her experience sending her children to preschool with support from Preschool Advantage, and the impact this has had on her entire family.
MORRIS PLAINS — John Velazquez, Alexander Masi, Abby Mahoney, and Gabrielle Trinker! are part of Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Scholarship winners. These young people make a difference in the lives of others.
Chick-fil-A is located at 1711 Route 10, Briarcliff Plaza, Morris Plains.
John Velazquez with Drew BlindGabrielle Trinker with Drew BlindAbby Mahoney with Drew BlindAlexander Masi with Drew Blind
PARSIPPANY — Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon announced his endorsement of Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce in this year’s Republican Primary election, calling her a fierce advocate for Morris County in the State Legislature while lauding her efforts on behalf of fellow Republicans on the grassroots level for years. “I stand by my friends, and BettyLou is a friend,” said Sheriff Gannon.
“More than that, though, she is a fierce advocate for Morris County families, retirees, and business owners. We are fortunate to have her representing us in the State Assembly and she has earned re-election.”
Gannon added that DeCroce has also been a friend to many local and county Republicans during their campaigns, including his own. “I’ve watched BettyLou knock on doors, stuff envelopes, and raise money for local candidates to help them win tough elections,” said Sheriff Gannon. “She was there for me when I first ran, and I’ve seen her lend a hand to fellow Republicans when it mattered most. We need more people like that in our party, not less. I am proud to stand with BettyLou.”
MORRIS COUNTY — The 200 Club of Morris County announced that it will award fifteen $5,000 scholarships to high school seniors who are family members of first responders or training to become first responders.
The nonprofit continues to support local and state police, fire, and EMS personnel who protect the families in Morris County. Since 1971, The 200 Club has given more than $5 million to first responder families, either in the form of death benefits and dependent awards when a first responder dies in the line of duty or college scholarships to their family members.
“Every day, our first responders leave their homes and risk their own lives to protect our families,” said Jim Rizzo, president of The 200 Club of Morris County. “We believe we should stand up for their families. Our annual scholarship awards are part of the promise we make to those who care for us.”
The 200 Club of Morris County has provided more than $2.3 million in scholarships since 1996. To date, 682 scholarships have been awarded.
The other recipients are:
Rahul Makkena, Rahul Patel, and Rohan Savani, of Parsippany
Priscilla Wong of Lake Hiawatha
Rahul MakkenaPriscilla WongRohan Savani
Griffin G. Smolar, Montville
Kailey A. Pasquariello and Victoria E. Richards, both of Lake Hopatcong
MORRIS COUNTY — Acting Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives Christoph Kimker, and Madison Police Acting Chief John R. Miscia announce that the body of Ajay Sah has been found.
Sah, a 22-year-old male from the Borough of Madison, was reported missing on January 22, 2021. Ajay Sah is a foreign exchange student from Nepal and was attending Drew University in the Borough of Madison.
Last seen on campus at Drew University on January 19, 2021, an investigation confirmed Sah traveled by NJ Transit train to New York Penn Station. Surveillance footage observed an individual believed to be Sah in New York City on the Brooklyn Bridge at approximately 5:00 a.m. on January 20, 2021.
Sah was seen traveling alone and carrying a backpack. Despite the relentless efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, Sah’s disappearance has remained a mystery until additional evidence was discovered.
First, Sah’s backpack was discovered by a citizen on a beach in Sea Bright, New Jersey, and its contents were turned over to authorities in late April. Next, an unidentified body was discovered in Anchorage Channel in Brooklyn on March 9.
Initially unable to confirm identification, the City of New York Police Department notified the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Missing Persons Unit on April 25.
After detectives conferred, the unidentified body was later confirmed to be Sah by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner of the City of New York through the use of X-ray analysis.
The final death certificate is pending. Acting Prosecutor Carroll indicated the University has fully cooperated in the investigation and expressed his appreciation for their assistance, including their establishment of counseling and grief services for friends of Mr. Sah and available to the campus and surrounding community.
Acting Prosecutor Carroll said, “The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office extends its condolences to the Sah family for their loss. The circumstances of this disappearance were challenging, however, were investigated thoroughly by the MCPO, Madison Police Department and its law enforcement partners. We appreciate all of the hard work put into tracing Mr. Sah’s movements.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced a significant easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the region’s businesses, venues, and gatherings given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
“With our COVID-19 numbers, particularly hospitalizations, trending decisively in the right direction and our vaccination goals within reach, now is the time to take major steps to reopen our economy and loosen both indoor and outdoor gathering and capacity restrictions,” said Governor Murphy.
“We’ve done this the right way, in partnership with our neighboring states of New York and Connecticut, and by allowing data, science, and public health to guide our decision-making. Over these next few weeks, I encourage all remaining eligible New Jerseyans to get vaccinated so we can continue fighting back against this virus and move toward a ‘new normal’ for ourselves, our neighbors, and our loved ones.”
Social Distance-based Business Capacities
Effective May 19, most business capacities—which are currently based upon a percentage of maximum occupancy—will be removed in New Jersey and New York. Businesses will only be limited by the space available for patrons or parties of patrons to maintain the required social distance of 6 feet. This new distance-based maximum capacity will apply across commercial settings, including retail, food services, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barbershops, and other personal care services, among other settings. It will also apply in houses of worship.
Increase in Social and Residential Gathering Limits In New York beginning May 10, the outdoor social gathering limit will increase from 200 to 500 people. Beginning May 19, the indoor social gathering limit will increase from 100 to 250 people. Also, the outdoor residential gathering limit of 25 people will be removed, reverting to the social gathering limit of 500 people with space for appropriate social distancing, and the indoor residential gathering limit will increase from 10 to 50 people. In New York, any event gatherings in excess of the social gathering limits may only occur if all individuals present proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Event Venues Congregate commercial and social events in New York—such as those at venues that host sports competitions, performing arts and live entertainment, and catered receptions—can exceed the social gathering limits of 500 people outdoors or 250 people indoors if all attendees over the age of four present either proof of full vaccination status or recent negative COVID-19 test result and the required social distancing can be accommodated.
Starting May 19, large-scale indoor event venues will operate at 30 percent capacity, which is an increase from the current 10 percent capacity limit. Large-scale outdoor event venues will operate at 33 percent. Social distancing, masks, and other applicable health protocols will still apply, including the requirement of attendee proof of full vaccination or recent negative COVID-19 test result.
Industry Reopening Requirements While most industry capacity restrictions will be lifted, industry-specific requirements will remain in effect for a longer period of time, including state or local health authority event notification, health screening, contact information for tracing, enhanced air handling and building system standards, hand hygiene, and environmental cleaning and disinfection protocols. The State will continue to provide additional guidance on these provisions as they apply to each industry.
