During public sessions, ordinances and resolutions are voted upon, and members of the public are allowed to voice their comments. Public members may also address the governing body at a designated time during the conference work sessions.
MORRIS COUNTY — Letter carriers nationwide will participate in their Annual “Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive” on Saturday, May 13.
The Letter Carriers’ Food Drive is an annual event where letter carriers across the United States collect non-perishable food donations from homes on their routes. The donations are then delivered to local food banks and pantries to help those in need.
The Letter Carriers’ Food Drive will benefit the Interfaith Pantry this year. This local organization provides food and other essential items to individuals and families in need in the community. The Interfaith Pantry is committed to ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry. The food donations collected through the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive will help them continue serving those in need.
Residents in the community are encouraged to participate in the food drive by leaving non-perishable food items in the special bags provided by their letter carriers. Some suggested items to donate include canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and other non-perishable items with long shelf life.
The Letter Carriers’ Food Drive is a great opportunity for the community to unite to support those in need and help fight hunger. By working together, we can positively impact the lives of those struggling to put food on the table.
The Interfaith Food Pantry Network has supplied emergency and supplemental food since 1994 to Morris County residents in need. Clients are low-income working families, the unemployed, people with disabilities, and seniors living on fixed incomes.
In 2022, the Interfaith Food Pantry Network distributed more than 1.7 million pounds of food during 31,100 visits from its two pantry sites through home delivery, free farmers markets, and Healthy Choices Mobile Pantry Network.
To obtain food support or more information, visit www.mcifp.org or call (973) 538-8049.
Asahi Sushi Ramen is another inconspicuous little eateries that one may pass numerous times and never really pay attention to
MORRIS COUNTY — I must admit that I am an amateur at sushi/sashimi, but I have been to enough sushi restaurants to know good from mediocre sushi, and I know the signs when to turn around and run. One of my personal rules is to avoid fast food sushi places. There’s quality food, and then there’s fast food. Sushi is one food where quality is imperative. Fortunately for us, in the Parsippany area, we have, what I consider, a great sushi restaurant right on Halsey Road in the Lake Parsippany area of our township.
Asahi Sushi Ramen is another inconspicuous little eateries that one may pass numerous times and never really pay attention to. I know I have. This cute little, attractive, stand-alone building, with its canopy-covered patio, is your doorway to a wonderful Japanese dining experience. The site was previously occupied by Delizia Pizza.
Chef Frank Chen, Owner Lee Li, Jade Li, Tina Li, Hostess Coco Pan, and Pat Minutillo.
Asahi Sushi Ramen, a family-owned and operated establishment, opened its doors for business on August 5, 2021, amid the COVID pandemic. A risky venture, but owners Lee Li and his wife, Tina Lin, felt they had much to offer the community with their high-quality, traditional approach to this highly popular cuisine.
In my interview with a very personable and welcoming Tina Lin, I acquired an enlightening education in sushi/sashimi history and preparation. Ms. Lin, who arrived in the U.S.A. from Fujian, China, in 2008 and settled in Lake Hiawatha in 2014, expressed her love for Parsippany and desires Asahi Sushi Ramen to be a “valuable part of the community, not just a business.” Her dream is to create an environment where “people can come and enjoy themselves and put the world behind.” They already have plans to renovate and expand the restaurant next year.
The restaurant is small, with five booths along the walls and seven two-person wooden tables comfortably around the dining area. It is immaculately clean, warm, bright, cozy, and comfortable—lively, fun, well-thought-out Japanese-themed décor, with paintings, ornate light fixtures, and wall hangings. Great ambiance and aesthetics, very friendly staff, warm color scheme, wood grain flooring, and open cooking station (where you can sit and watch Chef Frank Chen showing off his knife skills), well-spaced seating, all set the proper relaxed atmosphere and vibe for the wonderful meal to come. Oh, did I mention that it is BYOB? With that in mind, our group brought some imported Orion and Sapporo beer and a bottle of Saki, which they were glad to heat up for us.
Sliced White Tuna with Black Truffles in a Tasty, Sweet, Spicy, Hot Truffle Sauce
As we perused the menu for our appetizers, we were introduced to Asahi, sliced white Tuna with black Truffles in a tasty, sweet, spicy, hot truffle sauce. Our mouths were watering as we quickly made quick work of that fantastic, light, and fresh dish. The menu consists of a wide selection of soups, salads, appetizers (from the kitchen and/or the sushi bar, Sushi, Sashimi a La Carte, Vegetarian Rolls, Roll or Hand Rolls, Special Roll, Sushi Bar Entrees, Party Specials, Ramen, Kitchen Entrees, Bento Box, and special Lunch Menu.
Chef’s Amazing Roll (Spicy Tuna, Avocado, Crunch Tuna, with a Garlic Sauce)
We did start with the Chef’s Amazing Roll (Spicy Tuna, Avocado, Crunch Tuna, with a Garlic Sauce). Superb! If this is available on your visit, I highly recommend it as an appetizer or an entree! Miso Soup (Soybean Soup) was next, followed by our shared appetizers of Haru Maki (Japanese Spring Rolls), Edamame (cooked Japanese Soybean), Shumai (Steamed Shrimp Dumplings), Tempura Appetizer (Shrimp, Chicken, & Vegetables), and Crispy Calamari (Lightly Fried Squid with sweet sauce. The delicate flavors (mild, sweet, savory, rich, and sour) and textures (flaky, meaty, tender, firm) were all delicious.
Sushi & Sashimi Combo (Five pieces sushi, nine pieces sashimi, and one California roll)
Entrees were up next. Didn’t know how we could beat those appetizers, but we were ready and willing to give it our best. I chose the Sushi & Sashimi Combo (Five pieces sushi, nine pieces sashimi, and one California roll). It was a fresh and generous portion of expertly prepared, magnificently presented, tasteful selection of salmon, tuna, yellowtail fish and perfectly balanced seasoned rice (not too soft or firm). After all, rice is the foundation on which sushi is built. The sushi had a light, fresh, umami-savory taste. At the same time, the thinly sliced sashimi had a texture that was delicate, firm, slightly salty, smooth, and melted in your mouth. Remember, Sushi and sashimi are not the same thing. Sushi is made with rice, while sashimi is not. Sashimi has a bold and savory taste, while Sushi is mild and neutral flavored, and no strong fishy flavors are involved. Of course, everything came with sides of that fantastic sinus-clearing fresh wasabi and pickled ginger to clear your palate. It’s evident in the preparation and presentation that Sushi is as much a science as it is an art.
Bento Box (Teriyaki, Nigimaki, Tempura, or Sushi)
Others in the group chose either the Tuna Sushi or the Bento Box (Teriyaki, Nigimaki, Tempura, or Sushi), along with side orders of Spicy Mayonnaise and Fried Rice. Everyone agreed their choices were delicious and satisfying. The Banana Tempura Special for dessert was a perfect closing statement for this meal. WOW! Decadently delicious is an understatement.
Banana Tempura Special
After dinner, I got to sit down with Tina Lin again to continue my education in the art of Sushi. Ms. Lin advised me that Asahi uses only the freshest, highest-grade sushi quality fish (not all Sushi restaurants do), which is picked up regularly (all Daily Specials are picked up that morning). According to Ms. Lin, “The best sushi restaurants take great care in sourcing their seafood, as well as all their sushi ingredients, from a reputable fishmonger or market.” All of Asahi’s fish is acquired from a trusted Japanese company in South Jersey. She continued, “All Asahi’s sushi/sashimi is prepared by a highly trained Chef using only those high quality, fresh items, and all their food is prepared in an authentic, traditional consistent manner.
Ms. Lin said her mother was also a restauranteur and communicates closely with her restaurant-owning relatives in Japan to discuss the latest recipes and best seasonal options. Yes, Asahi’s menu does change seasonally to keep everything fresh and meet demands. I also learned, and something that most people do not realize, that skilled sushi chefs, those who prepare truly authentic Japanese sushi, must go through years of rigorous training, often up to ten years, to become an itamae, or sushi master and that Asahi Chef Frank Chen (a cousin) went through that demanding training. The result of that training is evident from your first bite.
Shrimp Fried Rice
Expert knife skills are imperative to cut different types of fish expertly and precisely to bring out the best pieces of the fish. In sushi preparation, rice and the careful mixing of sauces and arrangement of other ingredients must also be very exact. Neatness and accuracy are crucial to present a visually stunning and deliciously perfect piece of sushi for every guest. In addition, preparing sushi rice is a special process that requires precision and consistency. Finally, knowing which ingredients work well together is crucial to a successful sushi dish.
Knowing which ingredients work well together is crucial to a successful sushi dish
Proper etiquette, eating techniques, freeze storage, and much more can add to your knowledge of this wonderful cuisine, but I am out of space for now. Possibly we can get to that at a future date. And the last thing is to compliment and thank the chef right after eating the sushi if you’re eating sushi in a traditional Japanese restaurant.
Thank you to Owner Lee Li, Tin Lin, our hostesses Coco Pan, Jade Li, and Chef Frank Chen for your gracious hospitality, making us feel like family, and especially for the wonderful dining experience.
“Arigato gozai•masu” (thank you very much.
Asahi Sushi Ramen is located at 157 Halsey Road, Lake Parsippany. Hours: Seven days per week, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Monday – Thursday); 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Friday and Saturday) and 12:30 p..m. to 9:00 p.m. (Sunday) Note: The restaurant closes daily from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Delivery (within 5 miles) – Catering – Dine In – Take Out. Bike Parking – Off Street Parking – Takes Reservations – Vegetarian Options; BYOB.
A tree successfully planted by team members of the Morris County Shade Tree Division.
MORRIS COUNTY — With spring in full bloom, there were plenty of reasons to celebrate Earth Day in Morris County this past weekend as the Commissioners visited several locations where events and ceremonies were hosted.
“Earth Day reminds us to take responsible actions towards protecting our planet for present and future generations,” remarked Director Krickus. “Morris County also celebrates the 40th anniversary of our farmland preservation program, which has preserved more than 8,200 acres at 142 farms.”
The Morris County Library hosted a tree planting ceremony on Saturday morning in conjunction with Atlantic Health Services and the Morris County Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Two Forest Pansy Redbud trees, a beautiful flowering tree native to New Jersey, was purchased by Atlantic Health System from Cerbo’s Parsippany Greenhouse and planted in front of the library on Hanover Avenue in Whippany.
Director Krickus discussed the different programs that Morris County offers to preserve and conserve the environment. Carolyn Brown-Dancy, Executive Director of Health & Safety-Sustainability for Atlantic Health System, also spoke about the importance of Earth Day as the trees were planted. A Morris County Shade Tree Division work crew, led by Tree Maintenance Supervisor Neil Cortese, handled the planting.
The Township of Parsippany-Troy Hills hosted an Earth Day Cleanup event this past Saturday, where Director Krickus and Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo helped Mayor Barberio, Parsippany Council members, and residents of all ages clean up around the Boonton Reservoir, downtown Lake Hiawatha and other areas of town. Parsippany’s Earth Day Cleanup was organized by Parsippany High School graduate Noah Lustig.
“Morris County has a long tradition of protecting the environment and fostering preservation in general. We have the largest county park system in New Jersey, and we have well-established programs dedicated each year to reserving more open space, our farmland, and even our heritage. I’m proud to be part of it,” said Commissioner Mastrangelo.
Morris County’s Open Space Trust played a critical role in helping Chester Township purchase a 45-acre parcel of Black River Fields, which was officially dedicated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday evening. The Commissioners approved a $416,250 grant in November 2019.
Director Krickus spoke at the field dedication led by Chester Mayor Mike Inganamort, who was also joined by Council member Tim Drag and the Chester Middle School boys’ lacrosse team.
“Our county remains beautiful thanks to our efforts to preserve our land and parks. It’s through important programs, like our Open Space, Farmland Preservation, and Flood Mitigation programs, that we help sustain our county’s bucolic surroundings,” stated Director Krickus.
After years of soccer and lacrosse matches on sloped grounds, Chester’s young athletes and recreational players can finally enjoy their sports on a wide-open, level playing field in a park that will be preserved for many generations. Morris County has the largest county park system in New Jersey, with more than 353 miles of trails — and each year, more acreage is added to the nearly 18,000 acres of Open Space that have been preserved over 30 years.
This year’s nationwide Earth Day theme was “Invest in our Planet.” Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22 that serves as a poignant reminder of the significance the natural landscape and wildlife play in the health of our planet and sustaining all life. Morris County taxpayers invest in protecting our environment locally by overwhelmingly supporting yearly preservation initiatives.
Kiwanis member Doug Gabel, Richard Yobs, Jr., Richard Yobs, Sr., and Mark Venis, Committee Co-Chairman
MORRIS COUNTY — Denville’s Richard Yobs, Sr., was honored at the Patriots Path Council Boy Scouts of America “Good Scout Awards Dinner” at Winnebago Scout Reservation, Rockaway.
The “Good Scout Award” is a recognition given by the Boy Scouts of America to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding community service, leadership, and support for Scouting. It is intended to honor individuals who serve as role models and inspire others to impact their communities positively.
It is impressive that Rich has been a Kiwanis Club of Denville member for over fifty years! He must have seen many organizational changes and developments over that time.
It is also commendable that he chaired the annual pancake breakfast for ten years. This would have required significant organizational skills and dedication to ensure the event ran smoothly and successfully each year.
Additionally, arranging for circuses under the tent for 12 years has been a unique and exciting addition to the community. Rich’s commitment to bringing such entertainment to Denville shows his passion for enhancing the lives of those around him.
Overall, Rich’s contributions to the Kiwanis Club of Denville have likely positively impacted the community and demonstrate his dedication to service and leadership.
Rich started volunteering early in the eighth grade.
He volunteered to help celebrate Denville’s anniversary. A couple of years later, he joined the ground observer corps.
In 1971 Rich had a busy year. He opened his business, Painten Place. Rich joined Pride Council in its formative years with Muriel Heppner D Dr. Shult, and Howard Shaw.
As a 25-year member, a lot was accomplished. Rich chaired the first annual Denville Rid Litter Day, including Rockaway River.
At a sub-meeting, Rich, Muriel, Dr. Solti, and several others set the groundwork for the Denville Blood Bank. As president of Pride, Rich was most proud of facilitating the Denville gardens and hosting a town-wide meeting opposing Route 80’s expansion announcement.
It would have completely separated Denville. Rich and his committee prevailed.
In 1971 Rich joined Denville Kiwanis and is a 52-year member. Rich chaired the annual pancake breakfast for ten years and arranged for circuses under the tent for 12 years.
Rich joined the Denville Chamber of Commerce in 1971. Rich was an assistant parade starter that first year and Christmas the following year. Rich was the starter and has been every year since. Denville Kiwanis now chairs the committee. Rich was chairman of Pride Council, Denville Chamber, and Kiwanis all the same year. Rich served on the Denville parking and economic development committees for over 20 years. He was on the Denville planning board for four years fighting the Mount Laurel decision.
Rich lobbied for an anti-loitering law in Denville that was passed. Most are unaware Rich signed off on painting merit badges for about eight years.
Rich rang bells for the Salvation Army for 20-25 years and worked on harvest festivals for years.
Rich was a certified lay leader at Denville community church for 20 years. He started a men’s breakfast group and did the cooking. Every Thanksgiving, Rich worked with Kiwanis delivering food from the local pantry to seniors. He worked with the Mccarter family, the township, and Kiwanis to rebuild MacArthur Park; He was honored to be named small businessperson of the year in New Jersey and represented New Jersey in Washington at the White House. As a Kiwanis member, he donated paint and helped paint the VFW on Ford Road and a special project at Celebrate the Children on Diamond Spring Road. He is a member of the American Legion Post 290 in Denville.
Yobs was in the submarine forest in the 1960s. Rich has been a Joe Bella Memorial Fund member since its inception. And for the last five years, has been its president.
Rhett Hackett, Chief Michael Koroski, Commissioner Director John Krickus, Prosecutor
Robert Carroll, Alexis Rachel, and Maria Vinci Savettiere.
MORRIS COUNTY — Law enforcement, elected officials, and community leaders joined the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by honoring the victims and professionals who support them while highlighting the progress that has been made in light of the challenges still to be overcome to raise awareness for victims’ rights in the face of crime.
“All too often, victims’ rights are lost in the noise that daily bombards us. This week it is our privilege to again call attention to those who have suffered and again to confirm our commitment to their protection and enforcement of their rights,” stated Morris County Prosecutor Robert Carroll.
Marking its 42nd anniversary this year, Congress declares one week in April as Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme, “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change,” calls upon communities to amplify the voices of survivors and create environments where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported. Morris County Commissioner Director John Krickus presented a framed proclamation to Prosecutor Carroll declaring April 23-29, 2023, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Morris County, which the Board of County Commissioners adopted at their public meeting later that evening.
Director John Krickus and Prosecutor Carroll.
“The struggle for Victims’ Rights has been heavily rooted in Morris County for decades… We gather again to remain vigilant and ensure victims’ rights and needs are not pushed aside. Today, we reaffirm that we will defend and expand the hard-fought rights of crime victims everywhere,” said Director John Krickus.
Other speakers at the conference included Rhett Hackett, survivor and President/Co-Founder of the Humanity Preservation Foundation and host of the HandsOFF Talk Show (a weekly television show on the RVNTV network); Senator Anthony Bucco; Chief Michael Koroski, Morris Plains Police Chief and Vice President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association; Alexis Rachel, Coordinator of the Morris County Sexual Assault Response Team and the Forensic Nurse Examiner Program (SART/FNE); and Maria Vinci Savettiere, Esq., Executive Director of Deirdre’s House and Chairperson of the Morris County Multidisciplinary Team.
A survivor of child sexual abuse, Hackett went public with his story on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2010 when he was one of 200 men featured on a special that underscored the prevalence and long-term effects of male sexual abuse. The appearance placed him in the spotlight, prompting him to advocate for victim rights full-time. He launched a nonprofit organization called the Humanity Preservation Foundation to focus on domestic violence, child abuse, and bullying. He and his team host numerous events and prevention education programs, lead outreach efforts to connect childhood trauma and addiction and offer a recovery platform, “Recovery Your Way,” as an extension of their services.
“In this country, we have a problem with asking for help—we don’t do it. I always tell my team, fraternity brothers, and schools: You are not the law or the therapist. There are professionals in the community able to help. Let’s direct (victims) to them because they are going to help in the best way possible, so they (the victims) don’t revictimize themselves,” stated Hackett.
The Morris County, Sexual Assault Response Team, collaborates with law enforcement to assist survivors who wish to report their assault but may be fearful due to their criminal history or immigration status. SART/FNE Coordinator Alexis Rachel acknowledged the level of coordination in Morris County among law enforcement, child welfare agencies, and the organizations investigating crimes and providing services on behalf of survivors, especially during Covid-19. She commended the Jersey Battered Women’s Service (JBWS) Crisis Response Team for ensuring survivor safety and access to shelter, the Victim/Witness Unit for striving to maintain a continuity of care and services, and Deirdre’s House for taking child victims under their wing and connecting them with highly trained child specialists.
“Sexual violence is one of the most interpersonal forms of crime, as it is both physical and psychological and is the most underreported,” remarked Rachel.
Her team aims to empower victims by treating them like patients and reassuring them that they are safe and have control over how things progress. Resources and information for future services are provided so they can seek support when ready. The Forensic Nurse Examiner Program will be expanded by implementing a Non-Fatal Strangulation Response Team for greater survivor outcomes later this year.
Chief Koroski added that the Morris County Police Chiefs Association’s mission is to care for its officers through resiliency training and wellness programs as they experience trauma similar to survivors.
“As chiefs, our primary focus will always be prevention and deterrence of crime, and we hope that we can stop just one more heartless act of violence that shatters our communities,” said Chief Koroski. “We must work on prevention and preplan to build our community’s resilience, and the partnerships with those gathered here today are the foundation of that resiliency.”
Senator Bucco praised everyone on their work and voiced concerns that the victims’ rights movement has lost momentum recently. This statement was echoed by Executive Director Savettiere.
The 2023 Recognition and Remembrance wreath, memorial tree, and stepping stone.
“Victims’ rights have had a setback… We must listen carefully to victims’ voices, as they can be quiet and reluctant. Because when a victim needs to come forward, they are in a very vulnerable state. They don’t necessarily want to tell their story but are compelled to for various reasons; it’s part of their own healing process and need to seek justice,” said Savettiere.
Deirdre’s House is a nationally accredited child advocacy center and the only location in Morris County where child abuse and neglect victims can receive comprehensive services under one roof and at no cost. Here, they can undergo forensic interviews and trial preparation with law enforcement, receive medical examinations and treatment from a pediatric abuse specialist, and receive clinical counseling services in English and Spanish. Since its opening in 1996, the center has served over 43,000 children.
“I would like to commend Morris County law enforcement officers and victim/witness service providers who work collaboratively and comprehensively among our agencies and continue to bring a high level of sensitive services to our victims and survivors, especially Sheriff James Gannon and his team who provide vital support services to law enforcement, victims and survivors in our ongoing efforts to reduce crime and its impact on our communities,” remarked Prosecutor Carroll.
Last year, the MCPO dedicated a stepping stone near the victims’ tree outside the Administration Building to symbolize victims taking the first step towards healing. The victims’ tree is lit annually during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week as a beacon of hope. This year, a wreath adorned with a “2023 in Recognition and Remembrance” ribbon was placed next to the tree.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Roxbury Police Chief Dean Adone confirmed an investigation by the Morris County Narcotics Task Force which resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of over 300 grams of cocaine, $14,000 in U.S. currency, and drug distribution materials.
Edwin Robles, 36, Paterson, was charged with the following:
One count of First-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute.
One count of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine.
One count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine.
One count of Third-Degree Money Laundering.
Robles was lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in accordance with Criminal Justice Reform Act, pending a detention hearing.
Andy Maguino Moreno, 43, Paterson, was charged with the following:
One count of Second-Degree Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute.
One count of Second-Degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine.
One count of Third-Degree Possession of Cocaine.
Maguino was charged on a summons complaint and released.
Prosecutor Carroll thanks the following agencies for their assistance and commitment to the Narcotics Task Force: Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division, Morris County Sheriff’s Office, Dover Police Department, Town of Boonton Police Department, and the Roxbury Police Department. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office and New Jersey State Police T.E.A.M.S. Unit contributed to the successful culmination of this investigation.
The prosecution of both defendants is being conducted by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division.
Chief Adone stated he is thankful for the continually strong working relationship between the Roxbury Police Department and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and appreciates the outstanding effort all involved have put into this case.
Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
PARSIPPANY — Solix, Inc. recently hosted New Jersey State Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (LD-25), who toured the Company’s Parsippany headquarters, learned more about Solix’s government and commercial client work throughout the United States, and held a town hall forum with employees.
Based in New Jersey for over 20 years, Solix is a business process solutions provider that helps connect people to essential programs and services. The Company has served as administrator of complex regulatory programs, provided comprehensive eligibility determination and enrollment services, deployed web-based and mobile technology solutions, and provided multi-channel customer care for national, state, and county-level projects.
“Making New Jersey government more efficient is a goal I share with Solix, so gaining insight into their work that connects people, organizations, and schools to critical services was encouraging. Headquartered here in New Jersey, Solix stands as a prime example of the type of outstanding talent that can be tapped into right here to create better processes that will ultimately advance our economy,” Dunn said. “This New Jersey-based business is improving lives locally and nationally, and I value the opportunities I have to learn from the employees making that happen.”
Assemblywoman Dunn serves on the Assembly Budget, Commerce and Economic Development, and Women and Children Committees and is appointed to the Human Relations Council and the Women’s Re-entry Commission. She is also a founding member and current Co-Chair of the Legislative Disability Caucus and currently serves as a board member of the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation. She volunteers as a JBWS-certified domestic violence crisis response team member for local police departments.
With Solix as a partner, public and private sector organizations can simplify complex requirements and improve the user experience for programs that significantly impact the well-being of individuals and organizations across the country. The Company provides process and customer care solutions that result in more than $2 billion in annual funding. Solix employees are proud that they positively impact so many lives throughout the United States, exemplified by our recent work on pandemic response and economic recovery initiatives, including rental assistance and small business grant programs. For more information about Solix, please visit www.solixinc.com or call (800) 200-0818.
O'Donnell McCord PC was located at 5 Mount Kemble Avenue, Morristown.
MORRIS COUNTY — Matt O’Donnell, the attorney who cooperated in a corruption sting operation where prominent political figures were accused of taking bribes in exchange for legal work. Facing three years in prison, O’Donnell could see postponement since cases, where he is a potential witness have not yet been heard, as reported in NJGLOBE.
Former Jersey City Board of Education President Sudhan Thomas, former Morris County Freeholder John Cesaro, and former Mount Arlington Councilman John Windish are scheduled to appear before a Superior Court judge on June 14 for a hearing.
The five defendants are charged with taking thousands of dollars in bribes from Matt O’Donnell in the form of campaign contributions. In return, the defendants allegedly promised the cooperating witness, a tax attorney, that they would vote or use their official authority or influence to hire or continue to hire his law firm for lucrative government legal work. Envelopes and paper bags filled with cash – and even a coffee cup stuffed with cash – were delivered to the defendants by the cooperating witness at restaurants, parking lots, a political fundraiser, and a campaign headquarters. Other times the cooperating witness offered checks from illegal “straw donors” – individuals reimbursed to write checks to the defendant’s campaign in amounts that complied with the legal limit on individual donations.
The following five defendants were charged separately in criminal complaints with second-degree bribery in official and political matters:
John Cesaro – Former Morris County Freeholder (Click here to download indictment)
Sudhan Thomas – Jersey City School Board President (Click here to download indictment)
Jason O’Donnell – Former State Assemblyman and Former Bayonne Mayoral Candidate (Click here to download indictment)
John Windish – Former Mount Arlington Council Member (Click here to download indictment)
Mary Dougherty – Former Morris County Freeholder Candidate
The defendants who held public office at the time of the alleged conduct – Thomas, Cesaro, and Windish – also are charged with second-degree acceptance or receipt of unlawful benefit by a public servant for official behavior.
“We allege that these political candidates were all too willing to sell the authority of their public office or the office they sought in exchange for an envelope filled with cash or illegal checks from straw donors,” said Attorney General Grewal. “This is old-school political corruption at its worst— the kind that undermines the political process and erodes public faith in government. We are working through the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability to create a culture of accountability in New Jersey, where public officials know they must act with integrity or face the consequences.”
“These cases reflect one of OPIA’s core missions, which is to root out corruption and misconduct in state and local government and related elections,” said OPIA Director Thomas Eicher. “We are determined to hold public officials and candidates responsible for their actions, no matter their political positions or alliances. New Jersey has some of the nation’s strongest anti-corruption laws, and we will use them to ensure that government officials single-mindedly serve the public interest, not their own selfish interests.”
The defendants were charged in an investigation by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability which began in early 2018 and focused on political figures in Hudson and Morris counties who allegedly solicited illegal campaign contributions from the cooperating witness in return for promised official action to provide him with government work.
The alleged criminal conduct occurred between August and October 2018.
Attorney General Grewal commended all of the prosecutors and detectives who conducted and supervised the investigations for the OPIA Corruption Bureau under the leadership of OPIA Director Thomas Eicher. Deputy Attorneys General Pearl Minato, John A. Nicodemo, and Anthony Robinson are prosecuting the cases under the supervision of Counsel to the Director Anthony Picione. Former OPIA Deputy Chief Jeffrey Manis also supervised the cases.
Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. The second-degree charges against those who held public office at the time of the alleged conduct – Thomas, Cesaro, and Windish – carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison without eligibility for parole under New Jersey’s enhanced penalties for official corruption.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Attorney General Grewal created the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability in September 2018 to combat corruption and strengthen public confidence in government institutions. Earlier this month, the Attorney General issued a directive codifying OPIA and making it a permanent part of the Attorney General’s Office. That directive established the OPIA Corruption Bureau as the lead office within the Department of Law & Public Safety to investigate and prosecute state criminal violations involving corruption and abuse of public trust.
O’Donnell McCord PC was located at 5 Mount Kemble Avenue, Morristown.
The Morris County store of Bed Bath and Beyond was located in East Hanover, 180 Route 10 West.
EAST HANOVER — Bed Bath & Beyond filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday, April 23, after the home goods retailer failed to secure funds to stay afloat and has begun a liquidation sale. The message posted on their website reads, “Thank you to all our loyal customers. We have made the difficult decision to begin winding down our operations. Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy Baby stores remain open to serve you.”
Sue Gove, President & CEO of Bed Bath & Beyond Inc., said, “Millions of customers have trusted us through the most important milestones in their lives – from going to college to getting married, settling into a new home to having a baby. Our teams have worked to support and strengthen our beloved banners, Bed Bath & Beyond and buybuy BABY. We deeply appreciate our associates, customers, partners, and the communities we serve, and we remain steadfastly determined to serve them throughout this process. We will continue working diligently to maximize value for the benefit of all stakeholders.”
Area locations include East Hanover at 180 Route 10 West and 545 Route 46, Totowa. The Parsippany store closed in the summer of 2019. (Crunch Fitness moved into the former location). Other New Jersey stores are Springfield, Union, Iselin, Bridgewater (already temporarily closed), and Clifton.
The buybuyBABY store in Rockaway Townsquare closed in January.
The Rockaway Mall buybuyBaby closed in January along with Princeton. At the same time Bed Bath & Beyond closed Paramus, Flanders, Manalapan, and Princeton with all the Harmon locations, including Parsippany.
The home goods retailer, which grew in popularity in the 1990s as a go-to shopping destination for couples making wedding registries and planning for new babies, has seen demand drop off in recent years as its merchandising strategy to sell more store-branded products flopped.
The corporate office is located in Union. According to a court filing, the retailer filed for bankruptcy in a District of New Jersey court, listing its estimated assets and liabilities in the range of $1 billion and $10 billion.
While the retailer has begun a liquidation sale, it intends to use the Chapter 11 proceedings to conduct a limited sale and marketing process for some or all of its assets.
The company stated that its 360 Bed Bath & Beyond and 120 buybuy BABY stores and websites will remain operating and continue serving customers as it starts efforts to effect the closure of its retail locations.
Bed Bath & Beyond shelves are still loaded with merchandise in East Hanover.
Warren Eisenberg and Leonard Feinstein worked in management positions at Arlan’s discount store chain. As that company suffered financial difficulties, and the two believed that the market would shift toward specialty stores, they decided to leave and form their own company. In 1971, they opened a store in Springfield called Bed ‘n Bath. By 1985, Eisenberg and Feinstein operated 17 New York and California stores. Also, in 1985, the first superstore was opened to remain competitive with Linens ‘n Things, Pacific Linen, and Luxury Linens. To properly represent the size increase in its retail stores, the company changed its name to Bed Bath & Beyond in 1987. The company adopted integrated computer-based inventory management systems in 1993 to better compete with Linens ‘n Things, which had utilized computer inventory management since the late 1980s.
By 1991, Bed Bath & Beyond had opened seven new superstores in New Jersey, California, Virginia, Illinois, Maryland, and Florida. By 2011, Bed Bath & Beyond had 1,142 stores.
The company went public in June 1992, making its IPO on the NASDAQ stock exchange, where its stock continues to trade under the ticker symbol BBBY. Bed Bath & Beyond first reached $1 billion in annual sales in 1999.
As of 2019, Bed Bath & Beyond operated approximately 1,530 stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Canada. In addition to 1,020 Bed Bath & Beyond stores, the company operated approximately 280 Cost Plus World Markets, 100 Buy Buy Baby stores, roughly 80 Christmas Tree Shops (and related brands), and more than 50 Harmon stores.
In August 2022, the company announced the closure of 150 underperforming stores and reduced its corporate and supply chain staff by about 20%.
On September 2, 2022, Bed Bath & Beyond chief financial officer Gustavo Arnal committed suicide by jumping from his balcony on the 18th floor of 56 Leonard Street. Arnal was one of the targets of a class action concerning Bed Bath & Beyond’s stock becoming a pump-and-dump scheme.
The company opened in 2023, warning investors that it may not survive the year. On January 5, shares of the company plunged almost 30% on the stock market, and the company announced it had “substantial doubt” in continuing to operate as a business.
