MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling joined the Morris/Sussex Vicinage of the Superior Court of New Jersey today to celebrate “National Adoption Day” on Friday. November 18.
In her remarks, Surrogate Darling congratulated all the adoptive families and children who were adopted.
“This is a very special moment in your lives,” she said to the families and children being adopted. “You will no longer be children being adopted or adoptive families – you will simply be a family.
Surrogate Darling with the Morris/Sussex Vicinage and other stakeholders celebrates adoptive families and children across the country.
“Each member of the “forever families” created today is overwhelmed with joy and excitement as they begin the next phase of their journey, their lives enriched by each other on a foundation of love,” said Surrogate Darling.
The Surrogate’s Court oversees the adoption process for Morris County and works closely with the Superior Court in finalizing adoptions, making it part of the official start of these new families. The Morris County Surrogate’s Court supported the finalization of 52 family adoptions thus far in 2022.
Surrogate Darling congratulated the parents for their selfless act of love, “undoubtedly, you will be rewarded eternally in the joy of watching your children grow with your guidance and support.”
The Surrogate also gave special thanks to those in her office and in the Family Division who help make every adoption happen and who help bring these wonderful families together.
For more information on the Morris County Surrogate’s Court click here.
It seems to me that because the Parsippany Town Council voted 4-1 to approve PLA’s for all Municipal projects over $5 mm, and taxpayers are still upset at the way the discussion was handled, it should be important to our political leaders to explain to us why their majority vote was most beneficial to the residents of our town.
The Town Council members did not swear an oath to be loyal to each other. They swore an oath to represent the best interests of the taxpayers of Parsippany only. So I think the Mayor’s comment above is not correct.
I believe that all Parsippany residents should sign the Musella petition and cause the PLA discussion to be reopened so the voting public can learn how and why PLAs bring new benefits to our town that we did not have before. Click here to sign the petition.
I believe that would be very helpful in re-establishing the civility and respect for local government that Mayor Barberio clearly wants. Let’s have the discussion so we can all learn and perhaps get on the same page because we have found agreement without outside pressures.
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio announced that his legislative office will again collect toy donations this holiday season to be shared with families in need. Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at the Senator’s legislative office in Montville.
Senator Joe Pennacchio announced that his legislative office will again collect toy donations this holiday season to be shared with families in need.
The Senator is looking to help individual families in need of toys. Please contact his office to discuss any specific needs.
A family looking for toys must contact Senator Pennacchio’s office to make an appointment for Thursday, December 15.
Senator Pennacchio will also distribute collected toys through the Battered Women’s Shelter, Passaic and Montville UNICO, the Marine’s Toys for Tots, Parsippany Kiwanis, The Ronald McDonald House, Saint Pius Church, and Saint Peters Church.
“The holiday season is a time for us to come together to support those in need and teach our own children the value of making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate,” Senator Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) said. “It is truly a privilege to open our doors as a collection site for needy children. I urge my constituents to take the time to make a donation and embrace the spirit of generosity that this season inspires.”
Senator Pennacchio also wishes to express his heartfelt thanks to all the schools and individuals participating in the toy drive with their generous donations. Over the years, the Senator has collected thousands of toys.
Senator Pennacchio’s legislative office will collect toys through December 14, 2022.
Donations may be delivered to the district office between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday.
The district office is located in Unit A1 at 170 Changebridge Road, Montville.
MORRIS COUNTY — Garden and landscape enthusiasts will be inspired by a showcase of the newest advances and technology in horticulture and design at a public event produced by students enrolled at the County College of Morris (CCM).
Students in CCM’s Special Topics Landscape and Horticultural Technology course designed the “Horticulture Innovations Showcase,” to be held Thursday, December 8, as part of a semester project where they were tasked with developing an educational event featuring leaders in the field. The showcase, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Landscape and Horticultural Technology Building near Parking Lot 1 on CCM’s campus located at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph.
Speakers highlighting modernizations in the industry include Michael Deo from NatureScape Lighting, Ecological Landscape Specialist Richard McCoy, and Robert Molinet on nature-Inspired outdoor living. Other topics will include sustainable landscape design, medical cannabis, and the inspiring use of natural stone.
“This event highlights new, emerging, and creative sectors of the Green Industry,” says Brian Oleksak, chair of the Department of Landscape and Horticultural Technology (LHT) at CCM. “The students in the Special Topics course have curated some of the most innovative talents in the New Jersey horticultural industry to showcase the niches they have made for themselves as leaders in the industry.”
CCM’s LHT department offers three Associate in Applied Science degrees, with specializations in either Turf and Turfgrass Management, Landscape Management and Design, or Agribusiness.
“LHT students are creative, love the outdoors, and are committed to preserving the environment,” notes Oleksak. “The program is founded on plant science, soils, plant identification, and design, providing students with a thorough education in ornamental horticulture.”
Organizers of the Horticulture Innovations Showcase include CCM students Kody Shelton of Parsippany, Mallory Cibort of Mendham, Stefan Michura of Chester, Ben Lee of Pine Brook, Egla Betancourt-Granados of Clinton, and Nancy Peach of Milford.
For more information contact boleksak@ccm.edu or call (973) 328-5363. To learn more about the LHT programs at CCM or click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills held an “Employee Wellness Fair” on Wednesday, November 30 at the Parsippany PAL.
About two dozen local vendors provided information on their services, explained the benefits, gave out flyers, samples, and goodie bags, and offered a door prize.
Envy Sports Club offered a one-year membership, which was won by Greg Schneider, and a Pool Party was won by Plumbing Inspector Dave Bishop.
The “Employee Wellness Fair” was coordinated by Elizabeth Morella from Wellness Coaches.
Jackie Ortiz, Fairview Insurance Agency AssociatesKelly Horvath, Lakeland Hills YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain LakesStella Shizas, Dr. (Gus) Constandinos Shizas, and Lisa Cooper, The Source for Health located at 1279 Route 46 East, Suite 3, ParsippanyDr. Dan Roses and Massel Gomez, The Nest Family, Pediatric + Prenatal Chiropractic, located at 341 Smith Road, ParsippanyBrandin Bernard and Jeff Long from Physiopros Performance Rehab, located at 3799 Route 46, Suite 110, ParsippanyParsippany employee Michael Sifonios entering a drawing at Envy Sports Club during the visit to Parsippany’s Employee Wellness Fair held at the Parsippany PALMelanie Cole, Kidz World Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, 218 Ridgedale Avenue, Suite 203, Cedar KnollsScott Donnelly and Carla Otte, Envy Sports Clubs, 199 Smith Road, ParsippanyDoreen Brennan, Mary Kay CosmeticsBeth Douthit, Delta Dental, 1719 Route 10, Parsippany
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills has a total of 38,024 registered voters. During the November General Election, a total of 16,083 voters participated. 11,415 appeared at the polls on Election Day, while 3,139 voted early and there were 469 provisional voters. Compared to Morris County, there are 397,485 registered voters, with 194,387 voting, or 48.90%.
PARSIPPANY — On Saturday, November 12, LaZeez by Dhaba held a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and the Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Committee,
LaZeez by Dhaba is the new Indian fusion street food experience located at 745 Route 46 East.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presents a welcome plaque to LaZeez by DhabaParsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman Frank Cahill presents a welcome plaque to LaZeez by DhabaThe staff at LaZeez by Dhaba were serving appetizers to all of the attendees at the Grand Opening
Creating a perfect melding of Indian dishes with popular street food from throughout the world with build-your-own rice bowls, burritos, tacos, quesadillas, pizzas, and more. The restaurant was conceptualized by the Fine Indian Dining Group, whose portfolio of restaurants includes Sahib, Dhaba, Chote Nawab, Malai Marke, Dhaba Express, Wok In The Clouds, Kebabs & Kurries by Dhaba and Jashan by Dhaba. LaZeez by Dhaba is the first quick-service restaurant under the Fine Indian Dining Group’s umbrella. Spotlighting a unique combination of flavors, LaZeez offers its diners a true taste of Northern Indian cuisine with a Mexican flare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The interior at LaZeez by Dhaba
For breakfast, guests can choose from a variety of options to build their own plate. Breads: Desiwala Angrezi Muffins, Biscuit Sandwich, and Pav Sandwich; Style: Mix Veggie Patty, Chicken Keema Patty, Paneer Bhurji, and Poached Egg; Cheeses: Cheddar, Mozarella, and Amul; Customizable: Mini Dosas, Chilla-Dilllas, Uttapams, Bagels, and Desi Style French Toast. Waffles and Pancakes Toppings: Masala, Sliced Strawberry or Banana, Poached Egg, Lamb Keema.
For the lunch and dinner menus, guests are offered a variety of options like building their own IndiMex plate, sandwiches or rolls, Desi pasta, LaZeez Desiwala pizza as well as a selection of burgers. The restaurant also provides different flavored dumplings also known as momos, available in both Steamed and Fried Also the restaurant has a wide variety of Indian Street Food favorites like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Chaat Section, Chole Bhature, Chole Puri, Kachori with Aloo Bhaji to name a few.
Desi Burgers & Subs: LaZeez offers Desi Burgers and Subs with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, including options like a Samosa Sandwich, a Butter Chicken Burger, and a Pizza Paneer Burger.
Traditional LaZeez Curry Bowls: A selection of curry bowls is also offered with options such as Punjabi Kadhi, Chole Masala, and Chicken Tikka Masala.
Beverages: They offer an array of traditional Indian beverages like Limca, Thums Up, Rose Lassi, Sweet & Salty Lassi, and Mango Lassi. An array of coffee choices and freshly made Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon Lime, and Beetroot juices are available.
Freshly Made Indian Sweets: LaZeez offers freshly made Bengali Sweets, Jalebis, Khoya Barfis, Namkeens & nuts for all occasions
Treats and Snacks: For a sweet treat guests can opt they offer traditional Indian sweets like Rabri, Kheer, Beetroot Halwa, Gulab Jamun, and more. They also have several different pastries and cakes like Brownies, Tres Leches, Pineapple Pastries, and Choco Lava Cake. Milkshakes include options like Bananas, Oreos, and Mango.
LaZeez by Dhaba’s full menu is available for pickup and delivery with Toast Tab.
LaZeez by Dhaba is located at 745 Route 46. (973) 878-0062. Click here for the website.
Open Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio and Jigar Shah at LaZeez.
PARSIPPANY — The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills invites all residents to welcome Santa & Tree Lighting Festivities on Saturday, December 3 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Parsippany Municipal Building, located at the corner of Route 46 West and Parsippany Boulevard.
Santa will be arriving at 5:00 p.m. by fire truck escorted by Parsippany-Troy Hills Volunteer Fire District 6.
Immediately following the tree lighting Santa will be meeting with the children so be sure to have your wish list with you.
Bring a camera as we encourage you to take your child’s photo with Santa. Refreshments will be served after each child’s visit with Santa.
MORRIS COUNTY — Preschool Advantage, a Morristown-based non-profit organization, held its 2022 annual Turning Leaves benefit dinner at Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park on October 12. After a two-year hiatus, the event returned with great energy fueled by guest emcee Guy Adami of CNBC’s “Fast Money,” who challenged the 250 attendees to give generously in support of this important cause. They took note, raising over $200,000 to fund preschool tuition for children in our community. The event was sponsored by the William T. & Marie J. Henderson Foundation with additional support from Hackensack Meridian Health, Private Advisor Group, Wiley Malehorn Sirota & Raynes, and several other individual donor sponsors.
At this year’s event, Preschool Advantage honored its 11 past board presidents. Under their selfless leadership, the nonprofit has sent 1,300 local children to preschool since 1995. Special recognition was given to the trustee, Gail Reuther for her 40 years as a director at Mount Olive Child Care & Learning Center, a partner preschool of the Organization. Preschool Advantage Executive Director, Nancy Bangiola noted, “Gail has generously shared her decades of experience and expertise in early childhood education with Preschool Advantage. Her peers recognize her as a leader in the field, and we consider ourselves very lucky to have benefitted from her wisdom for so many years.”
Preschool Advantage also recognized a local family whose twin daughters attend preschool with a grant from the Organization. The twins’ mother, Jillian, remarked “The cost of preschool turned out to be one of our biggest challenges.” Expressing gratitude to the supporters in attendance, Jillian shared that her daughters are thriving and will be ready for kindergarten in the fall. “It has been an extraordinary journey watching our children learn and grow,” she said with great emotion.
Preschool Advantage funds preschool tuition for children, ages three and four at our 27 high-quality partner preschools in Morris and Somerset Counties. Our mission is to give children a fair chance to succeed in life. We open the doors of preschool and unlock the possibilities beyond. Our vision is that all children in the community begin kindergarten ready to learn and grow.
The organization is supported by individual donors, and by grants from foundations and businesses. Since its inception in 1995, Preschool Advantage has funded preschool tuition for more than 1,300 area children. To learn more about Preschool Advantage, call (973) 532- 2501 or click here.
PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany Interfaith Clergy Council hosted its first Thanksgiving Gathering on Tuesday, November 22.
Parsippany United Methodist Church hosted the event. Clergy from seven houses of worship participated and shared greetings, music, and Thanksgiving reflections with the community. Participating in the gathering were: Vicar Psomi Psomas-Jackloski (St. Andrews Lutheran Church), Rev. Dr. Stacie Turk (Parsippany First Baptist Community Church), Rabbi Moshe Rudin (Adath Shalom) Rev. Don Bragg (Parsippany Presbyterian), Father Joseph Garbarino (St. Ann Roman Catholic Church), Rev. Marissa van der Valk (Parsippany United Methodist Church), and Father Aaron Oliver (St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church).
The Parsippany Clergy Council looks forward to making this an annual event.
Dear Editor:
