I read Nick Homyak’s Letter to the Editor of March 2, 2021, and said to myself he is a fighter for the environment which is a very just cause, but Mr. Homyak must be naïve to what is going on in Parsippany for the last three years and two months.
Soriano and his administration without any conscience to the Parsippany residents and business owners have completely genuflected to the Democratic party and for their own self-interests.
Starting in January 2017, with the hire of Jonathan Nelson, the hiring chief of staff Matt Clarkin, by the way, the first appointment left suddenly for greener pastures with NJ Transit. The latter we don’t know why he left in an election year! By the way, Soriano publicly stated at a council meeting that Matt was so much better than Michele Sylvin, a right-hand employee to THREE Mayors both democratic and republican.
Another hire, Keith Kazmark, Business Administrator, what a sad joke.
Soriano only won because the former mayor reappointed the township attorney.
A very well-informed resident made a comment in Parsippany Focus to Mr. Homyak’s letter. Please read the comment. Mr. Kumburis is right. I do believe Councilpersons Petersen and McCarthy have the best interests in the town, not the democratic party. That’s why both are not running for reelection, Soriano does not put Parsippany First. Wouldn’t you like to be a fly on the wall what goes on behind closed doors? I commend the job Petersen and McCarthy have done for these three years.
Mr. Kumburis, the residents should take notice of your many observant comments to letters written to Parsippany Focus. You would be a good candidate.
Mr. Homyak, you are a good person, you and I put the environment first, we volunteered together on clean-ups, please Nick see what has been going on within this current administration.
PARSIPPANY — This single-family home located at 5 Renault Drive, Parsippany, was sold on January 29, 2021, for $610,000. This property has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. This property has a lot size of 0.34 acres and was built in 1968. The listing agent was Adam Aguanno with Realty Executives Platinum, Parsippany. The property was listed on November 23, 2020, for $590,000.
PARSIPPANY — A Letter From Dr. Barbara Sargent, Superintendent of Schools.
Dear Parsippany-Troy Hills Families,
We are at an exciting time in our district. All middle and high schools are open for Cohort A and B students to attend together. Knollwood, Northvail, and Troy Hills Elementary Schools also combined Cohort A and B students this week. At each school, the positive energy from students seeing friends and teachers engaging with more in-person learners has been welcome. The remaining elementary schools will begin this attendance model on April 12. We continue to provide remote learning options for parents or guardians who request it for their children.
Good News About Vaccinations
With the gracious assistance of a trusted Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District colleague and friend, all staff members have been provided a direct connection to Atlantic Health System for securing vaccination appointments. We are providing coverage so that staff members can get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Vaccines aren’t the only solution, however. Keeping our school doors open for students is dependent upon continued attention to health and safety guidelines. Even with the increase in access to vaccinations, we must remain vigilant. It is critical that we all continue to follow social distancing, masking, and other infection control protocols while vaccine administration is ongoing in the State.
Required Travel Quarantine – Travel Plans Are Discouraged
The milder weather is a happy reminder that spring break is just a few weeks away. At this time, the NJ Department of Health guidance is that non-essential, out-of-state travel is discouraged, regardless of a person’s vaccination status. Travelers must continue to follow quarantining recommendations after travel. Unless there is a change in this guidance, all students who travel to any U.S. state or territory beyond the immediate region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware) must quarantine.
School Calendar Changes
Our Board of Education approved the following changes to the June 2021 calendar:
Two unused Snow/Emergency Days will be added to the end of the school year; the last day of school for students will be Friday, June 18.
Parsippany High School will have outdoor graduation on Tuesday, June 22 in the morning; Parsippany Hills High School will have outdoor graduation on Wednesday, June 23 in the morning.
Brooklawn Middle School will have Grade 8 Promotion on Friday, June 18 (Morning at PHHS Field); Central Middle School will have Grade 8 Promotion on Monday, June 21 (Morning at PHS Field).
The elementary schools will plan for Grade 5 Outdoor Moving-Up celebrations during the last full week of school.
Additional details will be communicated as we get closer to these dates. We know from previous experience that much of our planning will be dependent upon capacity limits and NJ Department of Health guidelines.
My best to all our families for a wonderful weekend.
Sincerely, Barbara Sargent, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools
The events in Colorado recently, and in Georgia last week, were horrific. My heart goes out to the victims and their families, and to entire communities that are now more acutely aware of the toll that gun violence can take on a town. But I am also grateful. Parsippany is the type of town, much like Newtown, Connecticut, and Parkland, Florida, that would be shaken to its core if we were to experience a high-profile mass shooting like the one that occurred in Boulder. My children don’t fear being shot as they walk to school every day. Generally, my friends and neighbors here have not witnessed gun violence first-hand, which, shockingly, puts them in the minority. It is an exceedingly safe place to live, which is part of why I chose to raise a family here. I am privileged enough to have that choice. Millions of Americans are not.
2020 and 2021 have been incredibly difficult. We’ve all been preoccupied with staying safe from COVID19 while trying to stay afloat financially. We’ve struggled to keep our children entertained and active, and forgone many of the simple pleasures in life to which we had become accustomed. It was easy to be lulled into an almost tunnel vision perception that gun violence is no longer a problem because people are staying home more. Did you forget that gun violence still exists? You’re not alone. With many children out of school due to the pandemic, I heard from parents near and far that there was a sense of relief in knowing that their children wouldn’t be subject to fear-inducing lockdown drills, or worse, the trauma of an actual school shooting. And while school shootings have largely fallen out of view, gun violence in America has mostly stayed the same, and even increased in some places, throughout the pandemic.
Just 20 miles away, in Newark for example, there were at least 16 shootings from July 16, 2020, to July 30, 2020, alone. Gun violence generally increases in the summer months, and 2020 was no exception. Every act of gun violence is a tragedy. Every shooting, whether you see it on the evening news or not, rips through the fabric of families and communities in irreparable ways. It is not enough to only care about gun violence when a community that looks like yours scrolls across your newsfeed or pops up on your morning news show as you get ready for your day. We must all understand the reality of gun violence in America and call upon our elected leaders to enact meaningful change that will undercut the epidemic that has afflicted us all since long before COVID19 took hold.
There are currently two bills before the US Senate that would close gaping loopholes in the background check system (HR 8 and HR 1446). Contacting Senators Menendez and Booker and urging them to support these bills is a good place to start. Then contact your state and local representatives and ask them what they are doing to keep New Jersey safer from gun violence. Background checks on all gun sales are just the tip of the iceberg. In order for the US to truly tackle its gun violence problem, we need to support local programs to reduce gun violence, like the Newark Community Street Team, a community-based violence reduction program that trains and deploys outreach workers and high-risk interventionists throughout the city. Local intervention programs, like the NCST, are among the most effective ways to reduce gun violence in communities. Without funding and other resources, they can’t do their work. When you speak to Senators Menendez and Booker, ask them what they’re doing to ensure that the NCST remains adequately funded. And find out more about what intervention programs are working in or near your community, and urge your lawmakers to fund them. Right here in Parsippany, we can support programs like the Juvenile Accountability Leadership Program, which operates out of the Parsippany PAL building and provides at-risk youth with constructive ways to engage with their community.
Gun violence is a system and intersectional issue that has deep roots and immeasurable impacts on communities throughout the US. It is incumbent upon all of us to help make sure that everyone, everywhere can live safely, without the fear of being shot while going about their daily lives. Yesterday’s shooting in Colorado is a painful reminder of what is at stake. Mayor Soriano, Judy Hernandez, and I are all acutely aware of and thankful for what a safe town Parsippany is. We are fortunate enough to live in a state with strong gun safety laws, and in a town that takes enforcement of them very seriously. We are committed to working together with each other and with law enforcement to make sure that it stays that way.
Cori Herbig is the former Director of State Government Affairs at Everytown for Gun Safety. She is also a candidate for Parsippany Town Council.
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany Green Team wants all residents to understand the Renewable Energy Aggregation program and its benefits so that they can make an educated decision when the township considers this. We encourage all to read this article and express their views by completing our survey by clicking here.
Renewable Energy Aggregation (REA) is an official New Jersey program supported by law[1] and rules created by the NJ Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)[2] and is endorsed by Sustainable Jersey.[3] This program enables a municipality to aggregate (combine together) the electricity use of the entire community and solicits competitive bids from third[4] party electricity producers for electricity that is cleaner and less expensive than electricity we currently purchase from JCP&L. It makes consumer access to increased renewable energy content effortless, safe, convenient, and affordable.
The key benefits of an REA program, often referred to as CCA (Community Choice Aggregation) are:
Reduces residents’ and businesses’ costs for electricity by utilizing the combined purchasing power of many customers and purchasing from low-cost third party providers;
Protects customers from price increases over the fixed contract period;
Reduces air pollution and associated risks of disease, increased health care costs, and premature death (200,000 deaths/year in the US from fossil fuel air pollution)[5];
Increases the portion of our electricity from clean renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar, automatically lowering our carbon footprints;
Increases residents’ and businesses’ choices and options for electricity purchase;
Removes the risks of misleading contract terms from third party providers;
Utilizes market forces, not government mandates, to increase the use of clean energy;
Provides the Parsippany Town Council and Administration with total control over the decision to accept any third party offers for electricity;
Requires no action from residents who wish to participate.
WHY IS PARSIPPANY CONSIDERING A RENEWABLE ENERGY AGGREGATION PROGRAM?
Burning fossil fuels creates two enormous problems – air pollution and climate change. In order to address these problems, we must increase our use of energy from renewable technologies such as solar, wind, and hydropower. New Jersey and Parsippany suffer from both problems. Consider the following facts:
New Jersey air is among the most polluted in the US;[6]
Morris County has been rated ‘F’ for ground-level ozone by the American Lung Association for years;[7]
Parsippany’s location and density make its air the worst in Morris County;
Municipal costs and effects of climate change include excessive heat, storm destruction, power outages, flood prevention[8]/stormwater utility costs, drought, lake algae, insect infestations, vector-borne diseases, increased insurance costs, increased public health costs, increased crime, and prevention costs (statistically shown that crime increases with temperature rise);
Consumer costs and effects of climate change include rising insurance costs (life, health property), health care costs, loss of income from sick days, increased crime, property devaluation, increased energy costs, and increased frequency/longer duration power outages.
REA IS A SAFE, PRACTICAL, COST-EFFECTIVE, RISK-FREE SOLUTION TO THESE PROBLEMS
Growing market demand for clean renewable energy is one of the most important strategies for developing a more sustainable approach to energy generation. By law,[9] all New Jersey energy providers must source at least 21% of their electricity from renewable energy sources, which is what JCP&L offers today. Third-party providers offer much higher renewable energy content, up to 100%. When municipalities, such as Parsippany, aggregate their energy usage and ask for bids with high renewable energy content options they are communicating to the market that there is a strong preference for renewable-based energy. As more communities take this step to purchase clean energy it encourages the production of more clean renewable electricity, drives out dirty fossil fuel-based electricity from the electric grid, and reduces air pollution and the impact of climate change across the region.
If 100% of Parsippany residents participated and all chose to use 100% renewable energy, this would reduce the total carbon footprint of all residents by 26%per the chart shown. Considering that the total carbon footprint includes the use of gas for heating/cooking and gasoline for transportation, this would be an extremely significant reduction.
There are absolutely no risks to residents and businesses that participate in an REA program.
Parsippany aggregates its energy demand and asks third parties to provide bids through auctions held under the auspices of the NJBPU and PJM Interconnect (the organization that manages the power grid in NJ and many nearby states);
Contracts have fixed rates for their duration (maximum is 24 months) and cannot increase;
Contracts have no hidden fees or other charges;
Any REA customer issues are handled by a consultant hired by Parsippany;
The basic offer to residents must, by law, be below JCP&L rates;
Customers can easily opt-out at any time with no charge and no legal obligations;
All residents will have sufficient time to opt-out before the changeover takes place;
Third-party providers never see any customer names or records (Parsippany’s consultant handles all interactions with JCP&L);
There is no increased risk of blackouts from the use of renewable technologies. Electricity is provided from a network of utilities whose objective is to ensure all customers have sufficient electricity at all times. (Local JCP&L distribution network integrity is not affected by this program);
Customers are alerted when new contracts start and old contracts are ending;
The Parsippany Town Council and Administration are under no obligation to accept any unsatisfactory bids. If there are no satisfactory bids JCP&L will continue to supply our electricity and the municipality may choose to wait until market conditions become more favorable before requesting another round of bids.
PROGRAM RULES
New Jersey law13 requires REA participation to be structured as an “opt-out” program for residential customers and as an “opt-in” program for commercial customers. The “opt-out” approach makes participation very convenient. Residential customers are automatically enrolled in the program unless they elect to “opt-out” of the program, or are already with a third-party supplier. Residential customers are able to easily “opt-out” of the program at any time prior to or during the term of the contract without penalty via a variety of media (prepaid return mail, email, 800#, websites). Commercial companies are also able to “opt-out” of the program at any time without penalty. The “opt-out” approach is the only way to bring the significant benefits of such a program to residents.
POTENTIAL COST SAVINGS
Examples of cost savings other municipalities have achieved from their REA programs are:
Livingston offers residents 100% renewable electricity. Residents expect to see a total of $1.125 million in savings;
Maplewood, Montclair, Glen Ridge, Millburn, Verona, and South Orange formed the Sustainable Essex Alliance. In Maplewood, the 8,000 households enrolled will save $1M. Montclair residents expect to save $1.8M.
Glen Rock offers residents 100% renewable energy for less than the current PSE&G rate for the area.
Every town has continued its participation after its first contract expired.
The savings described above are significant but market conditions vary over time and savings in JCP&L areas are expected to be more modest than those in PSE&G territory. Nevertheless, Parsippany’s program will always offer prices below JCP&L’s average annual rate.
Once approved, Parsippany will put out a bid for a consultant experienced with this program and the electricity market. The consultant will prepare Parsippany’s offer on which third-party providers will bid. The consultant is the only entity, other than the third party provider, who will receive compensation. There will be no door-to-door salespeople or any other third-party salespeople involved. There will be no commissions paid to anyone.
Municipalities do not pay energy consultants. Their fees are included in the monthly electric bills paid by residents and businesses. Even with this fee, the basic plan price for electricity under REA will still be less than the price charged by JCP&L.
BOTTOM LINE
Many of us are very aware of the threats from climate change and look for ways to reduce our carbon footprints. We know this is not often easy or cost-free and takes some effort. Convincing every resident to take such actions is virtually impossible. By contrast, we can achieve the carbon footprint reductions described above and save money by doing absolutely nothing when asked if we want to “opt-out” to the REA program. It is hard to imagine a more elegant solution than this, to the problem of convincing each individual to take action on climate change.
NEXT STEPS
The first step needed to start the REA program is the enactment of an ordinance creating the REA entity by the Parsippany Town Council. The council will not act until it receives significant town support for the program, so it is crucial that residents provide their feedback by taking this short survey by clicking here.
Other actions that residents should take are:
Attend a presentation on the REA program. Information on the next session can be found by clicking here.
View a recent REA video presentation by clicking here.
Speak to neighbors and friends about the REA program
Contact members of the Town Council via email to express your view on the program by clicking here.
Express your views at Town Council meetings
Submit letters to Parsippany Focus & Patch
Invite the Parsippany Green Team to speak to your organization
Keep up with information on REA in Parsippany by clicking here.
If anyone has any questions or wishes to schedule a meeting to discuss the REA program in more detail please contact Ken Dolsky at kdolsky@optonline.net.
The REA program is supported by the Parsippany Green Team. Its mission is to collaborate with our residents, town government, and business community to identify and implement programs that improve our quality of life and the physical, environmental and financial sustainability of our community. Click here.
[8] As of February 2021, Morris County has spent $9M purchasing flood prone private properties. https://morriscountynj.gov/2021/02/morris-county-flood-mitigation-program-purchases-80th-property/
[9] New Jersey Clean Energy Act, https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2018/Bills/AL18/17_.PDF
PARSIPPANY — Parsippany High School will be inducting their 2021 Hall of Fame Class on Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. on the Football Field. PHS would like to invite community members, alumni, parents, and students to celebrate with us at this year’s induction ceremony. If you know any of the inductees or classmates of theirs please reach out to them. Masks will be required and all social-distancing rules will be in effect.
This year’s class consists of four impressive inductees.
Jabari Jackson ‘10
Jabari graduated from Par High in 2010 and Rowan in 2014 before receiving his Masters at Grand Canyon University. He competed in Basketball and Track & Field at PHS and continued his running career at Rowan. Jabari possesses a love for community service and social activism and founded Respect My Life Foundation (RML) in 2018. Based out of New Jersey, the organization was created to use educational and extracurricular activities to foster positive change in our communities. RML focuses on enriching the minds of people to encourage them to live out their purpose. The foundation hosts event throughout the year to empower people to seek positive outlets to live their best life. This movement does not discriminate against anyone of a certain race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or occupation. Instead, it is a movement that encourages people to respect each other’s differences to allow us to live our lives with freedom. Jabari is a terrific speaker and an even better human being. He puts his words into action, working in the community (and often with PHS) to help others in need through PB&J Drives, Toy Drives, Food/Water Drives, Backpack Drives, Charity Walks, Mentoring, Coaching, etc… Jabari believes in positivity, equality, action, peace, and love. To this end, he organized the hugely successful and impactful Parsippany March for Black Lives in June 2020. The event, attended by approximately 3,000 people, was a peaceful protest that brought much-needed awareness to racial inequality.
Walter Blueler
Walter Blueler started working as a School Psychologist at Parsippany High School in 1980, and he began coaching Track and Field and Cross Country in 1988. As a School Psychologist, Walter was hands-on, passionate, and added a personal touch to his job. He worked closely with his Child Study counterparts to help families and students find success in school and beyond, making personal connections and thinking outside of the box to make a difference. As a coach, “Blueler” was beloved by his student-athletes and his fellow coaches. His big personality and bigger heart endeared him to everyone who encountered him. Needless to say, he had an amazing career as a coach and his teams and athletes earned many accolades and records. Boys and Girls Team Championships include 5 Conference Titles, 2 Morris County Titles, 3 State Sectional Titles, and 2 State Group Titles. He also coached many athletes to multiple individual honors including four Meet of Champion placers (2 MOC Champs) and two still-standing Morris County Records (4×200 Relay and 300m Dash). Blueler was also instrumental in helping his athletes get into impressive colleges and placed 20+ of them onto NCAA Track & Field teams. For his dedication and talent as a coach, he was named the 1999 NFICA Coach of the Year for Cross Country and the 2004 Star-Ledger and Daily Record Coach of the Year for Winter Track. His 2014 Team won an Outstanding Achievement Award from Parsippany Troy-Hills for winning the NJAC Conference. Blueler retired from education in 2014 and received the Lakeland Hills YMCA Educator of the Year Award.
James Jean ‘97
James Jean (PHS ‘97) is a Taiwanese American artist who was born in Taiwan and grew up in Parsippany. Though at a young age he dedicated himself to music, James would later develop an interest in art and go on to study illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. James has been a cover artist for DC Comics and Marvel Comics including titles such as Fables and Umbrella Academy, garnering seven Eisner awards, three consecutive Harvey awards, two gold medals and a silver from the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, and a gold medal from the Society of Illustrators of New York. He also worked in advertising and has contributed to many national and international publications. His clients included: Time Magazine, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Spin, ESPN, Atlantic Records, Target, and Prada. In 2006, he won Best Artist from the World Fantasy Awards. He also did the album art for musical artists My Chemical Romance, Talib Kweli, and Linkin Park. James also created film posters for the following successful films: mother! The Shape of Water, and Blade Runner 2049, working with famous directors Darren Aronofsky, Guillermo del Toro, and Denis Villeneuve. James Jean is a world-famous artist, known for his illustration, painting, and sculpture.
Richie Zisk ‘67
Richie Zisk attended Parsippany High School, where he was All-State in Baseball, All-County in Basketball, and he even played Soccer. He graduated from PHS in 1967, after winning a State Championship in 1965, moved onto Seton Hall University, and he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the third round of the 1967 Major League Baseball Draft. In his major league debut, the 6’2” 208-pound righty replaced Roberto Clemente in right field in the 8th inning of a victory. “The Polish Prince” played 17 seasons as a professional, 13 in the Major Leagues (6 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, 3 with the Texas Rangers, 3 with the Seattle Mariners, and 1 with the Chicago White Sox). He made two post-season appearances, both with the Pirates, and he hit .400 over two series. His best season came in 1977 for the White Sox, when he batted .290 and hit 30 home runs, driving in 101 runs. He started in left field in the 1977 All-Star Game, going 2-3 with a double off Tom Seaver and 2 RBI. He made the All-Star Game again in 1978 for the Texas Rangers. In 1981, Zisk hit .311 to win the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award. He retired in 1983, finishing his MLB career with 1,453 games, 1,477 hits, .287/.353/.466, 207 HR, 792 RBI. After his playing days, Zisk earned a degree in communications and took a job in the Cubs organization in 1986. He worked as a roving instructor and scout, a hitting coach, and a manager for the Cubs High-A Daytona affiliate. He has been inducted into the Florida State League Hall of Fame and the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame.
PARSIPPANY — Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce’s bill expanding age discrimination protections for seniors 70 and older was unanimously advanced by the Assembly.
“Some seniors have to keep working because of New Jersey’s high cost of living, while others just find their careers very rewarding. Either way, their age shouldn’t hold them back,” said DeCroce (R-Morris). “Unfortunately, the current exceptions to the age discrimination protections on the books are discriminatory and hurt employees who want to stay in the workforce past age 70.”
Under DeCroce’s bill (A681), public employers would no longer be permitted to force public employees to retire at a certain age under a law that allows them to do so if they can show retirement age relates to the employment in question. Additionally, higher education institutions would not be allowed to require tenured employees to retire at 70 years old. Employers would also be prohibited from refusing to hire or promote a person solely because a person is over age 70.
“Current and potential employees should be evaluated on their skill sets, performance history, and credentials – not the date on their birth certificates,” said DeCroce.
According to AARP-NJ, workers 65 and older are the fastest-growing labor pool. Workers who are 50 and older will make up 35 percent of the workforce by 2022. The U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey data shows more than 21 percent of adults in the state over 65 are currently working.
The bill does not make changes to the New Jersey Constitution, which includes mandatory retirement for Supreme Court justices and some other judges upon reaching age 70, and Police and Firemen’s Retirement System members.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new social distancing guidelines for school districts.
According to the CDC, students must be separated by three feet, not the standard six feet. In order to do so, students must wear masks — that’s crucial.
Adults must continue to stay at least six feet apart from each other in schools, and they must keep that distance when they’re interacting with children.
PARSIPPANY — A recent real estate listing shows 23,385 square feet of retail space available at 1940 State Route 10, in the Llewellyn Shopping Center, Parsippany. Barnes and Noble is located at that address. The listing indicates immediate occupancy. Parsippany Focus reached out to Barnes and Noble and was told “no comment.”
At this time, there is no set date for the closing of the store.
The shopping center consists of a total of 38,328 square feet which 23,385 square feet is a Barnes and Noble. T Mobile, as well as FedEx Office, is located in the Llewellyn Shopping Center.
Other area Barnes and Noble includes Livingston, Clifton and Woodland Park.
FedEx Office is located at 1960 State Route 10
Barnes & Noble is a national chain with 1,094 locations; FedEx Office is an international chain with 11,521 locations and T Mobile has 12,544 locations.
The site plan clearly indicates Barnes and Noble
At the beginning of the pandemic over 400 stores temporarily close across the country, layoffs have already begun. Employees who have worked at Barnes & Noble for less than six months were furloughed at the time their store locations closed, regardless of title. Employees with longer tenure are utilizing paid time off.
As Amazon’s customer base has expanded, traditional bookstores like Barnes & Noble have seen a downturn in market shares. Bookselling chain Borders closed all locations in 2011, and Waterstones experienced a similar downturn at the same time, prompting them to bring Daunt on board. His efforts to create a more intimate customer experience turned the company around to make a profit within four years.
Under new owner private equity firm Elliott Advisors, which bought Barnes and Noble last year, the idea is to treat stores not so much as links in its chain, but more like independent, local stores.
PARSIPPANY — As of March 23, New Jersey has administered more than 3,560,502 vaccine doses, (2,367,495 with at least one dose and 1,259,736 fully vaccinated people). In Morris County, the dashboard is showing that as of today, 265,573 doses of vaccines have been administered.
“Vaccinations are eligible to all eligible residents who live, work, or study in New Jersey”, said Governor Murphy. “Your immigration status will not be a barrier to you being vaccinated. Defeating this virus means ensuring both equitable access & equitable distribution, and we’re fully committed to this”.
New Jersey will expand COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to millions of more people including teachers, the homeless, and clergy, Governor Phil Murphy announced.
Beginning Monday, March 29, frontline essential workers in the following categories are eligible for vaccination: Food production, agriculture, and food distribution; Eldercare and support; Warehousing and logistics; Social services support staff; Elections personnel; Hospitality; Medical supply chain; Postal and shipping services; Clergy; and, Judicial system employees
Click here to go to the New Jersey Test Site Finder.
PARSIPPANY — While Mackenzie Blackwood protects the net as the goaltender for the New Jersey Devils, he’s not the only one that is committed to “Protecting Jersey.”
Healthcare Hero Viky Busko, Parsippany, a Registered Nurse for the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group at the Ambulatory Care Center in Livingston was recognized by the New Jersey Devils (prior to their victory on March 21 against the Pittsburgh Penguins) for her selfless work on the frontline “Protecting Jersey” every day battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Join the New Jersey Devils and celebrate the heroic efforts of Viky Busko and all Healthcare Heroes on the frontlines battling the pandemic, as they continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.
RWJBarnabas Health is the Official Healthcare Provider for the New Jersey Devils.
PARSIPPANY — Meet Tommy! This handsome boy is the sweetest snuggle bug there is! He is a seven-year-old Chihuahua mix and weighs about six pounds, making him the perfect-sized lap dog!
He will cuddle with you all day long and follow you around the house like your little shadow. He loves to be pet while taking a nap next to you! Although Tommy is mostly low energy, he will show his spunky side when he wants to play a game of chase.
Tommy needs a quiet home that’s experienced with rescue dogs as he is hesitant at first when greeting strangers, but with time and patience, he comes out of his shell. He would benefit from having a family who will continue to build up his confidence around new people.
He is fully house trained and lets you know he has to go potty by waiting at the door. He walks perfectly on the leash. Tommy prefers to be the only pet in the home but will tolerant a dog or cat who does not want to play or interact with him much. An experienced household with kids above the age of 16 would be best for Tommy.
He was surrendered to a municipal shelter after his family no longer had time for him. He is ready for a second chance journey towards finding a forever home!
If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application by clicking here.
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MORRIS COUNTY — A $353 million rental relief fund will open up to renters in New Jersey who’ve been unable to make payments due to hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
Phase II funding of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program opens for applications on Monday, March 22 at 9:00 a.m. on the Department of Community Affairs website. The program is not first-come, first-serve, and will remain open until “an adequate number of people have submitted their applications,” said Lt. Gov. Shiela Oliver.
Click here to access the Department of Community Affairs Application page. Click here to see what documents are required for the application.
PARSIPPANY — On yet another frigid February evening I continued my tour of great, locally found, international cuisines with a short trip to Morocco. Well, maybe not the actual North African Country of Morocco, but odds have it that this will be the closest I will ever come to experience the authentic taste of this incredible cuisine without walking along the ancient, winding, alleyways, and cobblestone streets in the Medina of Marakesh itself.
Orange Blossom Sweet Besteeya
Marakesh Restaurant is a cool, exotic-looking Middle Eastern/Mediterranean eatery, that can be readily found on Route 46 East, in our very own gastronomically rich and diverse community. I recently learned that Moroccan cooking, a melting pot of diverse cultural flavors, is primarily influenced by the tastes of not only its European and Mediterranean neighbors but African, Middle Eastern, and South American recipes as well. Interestingly, Moroccan cuisine, because of its blend of spices and variety of flavors is now considered one of the top worldwide food trends. I was anxious to give it a try as this was my first experience dining in Moroccan style.
On arrival at the ample parking lot, you are immediately impressed with the unique Moroccan architectural style that defines the exterior facade of Marakesh. Appears the building was transported directly from a Moroccan square and placed in the middle of a shopping plaza alongside Route 46.
All that was missing were the snake charmers, folk dancers, and street food vendors. Once inside, in sharp contrast to the harsh weather outside, we entered a warm, cozy, welcoming, and amazingly ornate dining room, where you are immediately transported to land halfway across the world. Marakesh was noted for belly dancing entertainment prior to the pandemic, but that has obviously been put on hold.
Hummus, Zealouk, Babe Ganoush, Pickled Vegetables
As soon as you walk through the doors of Marakesh you must stop, take a moment, and take in the visuals of the extraordinarily beautiful décor that awaits within. This is one of the most beautifully decorated ethnic restaurants that I have ever been to. From the colorful, comfortable-looking overstuffed couches that serve as your seating (no hardwood chairs here), shiny brass trays perched on pedestals that serve as tables, imported artifacts (ceramics, pottery, artwork) tastefully placed throughout, arched Moroccan style doorways, subdued lighting, and soft Moroccan music playing in the background; Marakesh exudes warmth, comfort, and hospitality.
Obviously, I was extremely impressed. And, as must be said, Marakesh certainly ensures that all current health-related requirements are carefully adhered to.
We were welcomed by our hostess, Mimi, who was not only very pleasant, friendly, and helpful throughout the evening, and as I found out is also the wife of the Chef/Owner Abdelfettah El Akkari. We were led to a nice corner seating location where I immediately found that the elaborate sofas were amazingly comfortable, and where I was able to continue to enjoy the ambiance of the entire restaurant. It takes a while to take it all in!
Marakesh is a BYOB, and Mini immediately brought out our wine glasses so we could sit back, relax, and enjoy sipping some vino while looking over the menu.
Chef Akkari, a very likable, friendly, and respectful restauranteur, came out to personally welcome us and join us in some conversation. Chef Akkari was born in Morocco and emigrated to the U.S. in 1985, went to culinary school, and opened his first restaurant, Casablanca, in Paterson, which he continued to operate when first opening Marakesh in 1996. Once Marakesh started to become busy and more demanding he decided to close his prior restaurant to provide time to focus primarily on his new venue. Chef Akkari, who returns every year to Morocco to visit family and friends, told me that the interior of the restaurant was designed by himself and that he is personally hand-picked, and had imported, every piece of décor in Marakesh to specifically add to the authenticity of the restaurant. The Chef went on that his clientele is comprised of many culturally diverse people who often come from locations far and wide to visit his restaurant. He feels it is special to have been able to have met and serve so many people over the past 25 years and considers all his customers his friends. He was obviously sincere in mentioning that he has enjoyed every minute of his past 25 years here at his Parsippany location. Chef Akkari noted that Morocco is noted for its hospitality and that the sharing of a meal with family and friends is a special event, and that is what he clearly has created, and what he brings to his restaurant. Shokran (thank you) to Chef Akkari for that.
Moroccan Cigars Beef
Our meal started with a typical but refreshing and tasty salad, accompanied with a basket of freshly grilled pita bread for dipping into the appetizers which followed. We started by sharing the Sampler appetizer, which was plenty for two, consisting of Hummus, Zaalouk, Baba Ghanoush, and Pickled Vegetables. I also ordered the Moroccan Cigars Beef (it just sounded too interesting to pass by). The thick yet smooth, nutty, creamy hummus was perfectly textured, and the taste of the sesame seed-based tahini made it stand out. Zaalouk, basically an eggplant salad with just the right mix of sweet onions and fruity tomatoes, was full of flavor. The Baba Ghanoush, also an eggplant dish, was nice, thick, and voluptuous. A delectable combination of dipping-type appetizers that was fully enjoyed while waiting for our entrees to arrive. Service was spot on, no one rushes you here, very relaxing environment. Let us not forget the Moroccan Cigars Beef; sweet and savory spiced meat filling, rolled up in phyllo sheets and fried until crisp and golden. A perfect accompaniment to all the other appetizers. I never had them before, but I would not hesitate to order them again.
For my entrée I decided, since I never had it before, to try a traditionally iconic Tagine dish. Tagine is ceramic clay, a cooking vessel, that has a shallow base and tall, cone-shaped lid traditionally used in Morocco and meant to steam food or cook it low and slow, and usually used to make a stew type dish. Out of the several to choose from I ordered the Tunisian Chicken in Harissa Sauce. Harissa is a unique spice blend of chili peppers and seasonings. The dish was perfectly cooked with just the right balance of spices (sumac, caraway, fennel, cumin, coriander, garlic, and peppermint) and the Harissa sauce provided a sweet, smoky, earthy bite with just the right amount of a kick that blended in well with the rest of the dish while enhancing its sweet-and-savory flavor profile. The chicken, which fell off the bone at the touch of my fork, and accompanying vegetables came out soft, moist, tender, and infused with bold flavor.
Baby Lamb Tagine
My friend ordered the Baby Lamb Tagine, which came with Saffron sauce and toasted almonds, and his comments basically mirrored mine. Both entrees were perfectly prepared and presented and we thoroughly enjoyed our choices. By this time Chef Akkari, at my request, had joined us at our table and brought along some complimentary Moroccan Mint Tea. I also ordered the house specialty dessert, Orange Blossom Sweet Besteeya (layers of crisp, flaky pastry topped with Marakesh’s own sweet orange blossom cream and groundnuts) to go with the tea which I understood is Morocco’s number one drink. The tea was amazing and was a truly satisfying, post-meal treat.
Orange Blossom Sweet Besteeya
It could have been a dessert in itself. The surprising, intense, sugary, herb-charged tea is a must-have when visiting Marakesh. I can easily see why it is a daily ritual in some parts of the world. And do have it with that Orange Blossom Sweet Besteeya dessert which also knocks it out of the park with its complex layers of taste that are sweet, spicy, rich, and earthy. All in all, we had a great dining adventure with our visit to Marakesh, the restaurant that is. I would highly recommend you stop in, individually or with a group, and give this place a try. I believe you will be happy you did. Bessha!
And as always, please try to come out and help support all our local, small independent businesses in any way you can.
PARSIPPANY — I have always been a fan of great Portuguese cuisine, and after 30 years of working within walking distance to the Ironbound section of Newark, I have been known to have frequented a wide variety of the fantastic Portuguese/Spanish/Brazilian restaurants located there. I cannot imagine that you are going to find any better, but you do not necessarily have to travel to Newark to enjoy a delicious Portuguese-style BBQ!
Patrick Minutillo and co-owner, Altino “Tino” Morais
So, what do you do to satisfy your craving for some healthy, hearty, and tasty Portuguese food when you do not have the time, or patience, to deal with the hassle of driving to “Down Neck”, Newark? The simple answer just might be Tino’s BBQ & Grill, situated right here in Parsippany, a short jump right off Route 46 on Littleton Road.
Tino’s BBQ describes itself as a low-key joint in a strip mall, making Portuguese BBQ mains, sandwiches, and sides, to eat in or take out. The description certainly fits. Tino’s does appear to predominantly be a take-out eatery, but there is adequate inside seating to accommodate you and your friends, should you prefer to dine in. Tino’s can probably be described as one of those non-descript, overlooked, somewhat hidden little storefront eateries that dot our roadways. If you have not yet visited Tino’s, or thought of stopping in, that is too bad. If that is the case, you are missing out, as it is undoubtedly another great culinary addition to our gastronomically rich and diverse community.
The ambiance of the restaurant is friendly, casual with a touch of class, comfortable
Warmly greeted on our entry by our very friendly and amiable hosts, and co-owners, Altino “Tino “Morais and wife Maria, who immediately offered us a table of our choice. It was clear that our patronage was appreciated, and we were made to feel at home. The ambiance of the restaurant is friendly, casual with a touch of class, comfortable, and no-frills, with tables that seat four people, which are lined up against the wall and appointed with white linen tablecloths and sterilized utensils neatly wrapped in napkins. The bright and airy interior, which is more spacious than it appears from the outside, exudes a warm, cozy, ethnic vibe, and was exceptionally clean, and clearly abiding with all the current pandemic health guidelines.
Patrick Minutillo
The décor, though simple, is pleasant with an eye-appealing front ordering area, with Portuguese paintings and artifacts placed along the walls. The service was excellent; prompt, attentive, and accommodating. Wine glasses, water, and menus were swiftly brought to our table and our wine was uncorked. Did I mention that Tino’s is a BYOB, so remember to bring along your favorite vino? The menu offered pretty much anything you would want from a Portuguese restaurant, including, a selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and of course a nice selection of traditional entrees. A couple of people have asked me if they serve Rodizio here, and the answer is no. And besides, though often confused, Rodizio is a Brazilian dish and not Portuguese.
While ordering and discussing the menu, I had an opportunity to speak with the very personable Tino Morais, who interestingly told me that all the dishes served in his restaurant come from recipes he had learned from, and were passed down from his mother, in addition to a few others that he has learned along the way during his years working for several well known local area restaurants. There is no doubt this is traditional, authentic Portuguese fare, using the freshest ingredients, including meat, and vegetables from Newark markets, and fresh fish from Toms River, that Tino personally picks up several times a week. All that is evident in the quality, freshness, and taste in every bite. Altino, when asked, said his business motto is “Eat Fresh, Eat Healthy, Eat at Tino’s”.
Tino’s BBQ & Grill is Altino and Maria’s first restaurant, and they are obviously doing something right as they have been serving the Parsippany general area for over 12 years; prior to that Altino enhanced his skills and restaurant knowledge while working in such places as Casa Bella in Denville, The Station in Mountain Lakes and L’Allegria in Madison. It takes many years of experience and dedication to become an exceptional Chef or restaurateur, and since Altino modestly does not consider himself a Chef, he utilizes the skills of a skilled Spanish Chef to create those beloved family recipes he learned as a young man in Portugal.
Chorizo
We started by sharing several traditional appetizers; Chourica Assada (Grilled Portuguese Sausage), Camaro a Guilho (Shrimp in Garlic Sauce), and Empanadas (one beef, one pork, and one chicken). These appetizers are often referred to as tapas (small plates) but believe me, the servings were anything but small. The pork Chorizo had a nice tangy, smoky flavor and was well prepared and not the least bit greasy, a perfect appetizer to offset the accompanying Shrimp in a Garlic sauce, which had a generous amount of shrimp, was full of flavor and garlicky deliciousness. The assorted Empanadas were nice, light, crispy, flaky pastries stuffed with the beef, pork, and chicken, all of which were moist, juicy, and savory. I personally preferred mine drizzled with the hot sauce that came as a side. Great starters and any normal human being might have stopped there. Being a gavone I had to push forward as there were other great dishes to try.
Grilled Short Ribs
For an entrée, I had a tough time deciding between the national dish of Portugal, Grilled Bacalhau (dried and salted cod), and the Short Ribs. I ended up ordering the (costeliavaca), which came with generous sides of potatoes and mixed vegetables. My friend ordered the Pork Chop Giambotta, with hot & sweet peppers, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, and Portuguese sausage. The portion size for both dishes was enormous and substantial. The moist, tender, delectable Short Ribs, grilled and seasoned perfectly, and served without sauce (unlike American BBQ) had a delicate smoky flavor that invited you to just pick them up and eat them right off the bone. Which, of course, I did! We also ordered a side of Spanish Potatoes, which were light, crunchy, and crispy, with a great bite and texture. I did not sample the Giambotta, but it was certainly a lavishly, impressive-looking dish, and reportedly tasted as good as it looked. I rarely take anything home, but I did have to give in and submit to a takeout bag tonight. These dishes were not only delicious, but the servings were ample enough to feed two or more people.
Shrimp in a Garlic sauce
As stuffed as we were by now, we just had to try their desserts. I was glad to see that they offered one of my favorites, Tres Leches (a soft, delicate, sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk). I do not see this everywhere, but when I do, I usually get it. My friend’s impressive portion of rice pudding was also mouthwatering. If we had any more to eat, they would have had to roll us out of the restaurant.
Whether you are a fan of Portuguese cuisine, looking for something different, or just plain hungry, I believe Tino’s will satiate both your needs and your appetite.
Tres Leches
The food here is delicious, serving sizes are more than ample, the prices are reasonable, and it is clear to see that the owners take great pride in ensuring that their food is prepared with love and served with pride. Stop in for lunch or dinner, I found it to be a rewarding dining experience and I think you will too.
And as always, please try to come out and help support all our local, small independent businesses in any way you can.
Bon appetite!
Tino’s BBQ & Grill is located at 229 Littleton Road, Parsippany. (973) 588-7979; Portuguese Barbeque, Charcoal Pit. Hours 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Closed Sundays
BYOB, Off-Road Parking, Dine In, Take Out, Contact Free Delivery (Grub hub).
Dear Editor:
Renewable Energy Aggregation (REA) is an official New Jersey program supported by law
If 100% of Parsippany residents participated and all chose to use 100% renewable energy, this would reduce the total carbon footprint of all residents by 26% per the chart shown. Considering that the total carbon footprint includes the use of gas for heating/cooking and gasoline for transportation, this would be an extremely significant reduction.
