MORRIS COUNTY — NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices and the Office of the Morris County Sheriff officially announce starting Friday, January 6 and running ten consecutive Friday nights through March 10, 2023, from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
This major initiative by The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices, in conjunction with Mennen Arena, will provide families, especially children, with an opportunity to have fun with their friends in a safe, chaperoned, healthy, drug-free environment.
Those partaking in the program sponsored by the Coalition will be afforded a reduction in the price of admission and skate rental. The total cost of this event will be $7.00 per person (normally $12.00) and will include admission, skate rental and a full night of ice skating to the music of The Great DJ Earl. Mennen Arena also has a snack bar which will be open all night for those who care to indulge. Snacks are not included in the price of admission.
Each Friday night will have a different theme with the hope of not only entertaining our children but creating interest in new activities, hobbies, and possible future career opportunities to which they might not have otherwise been exposed.
Examples of future highlights:
Law Enforcement Night Many township police departments and law enforcement agencies will be on hand to display equipment, explain its purpose, and, most importantly, allow our youngsters to meet and greet true heroes.
Fire Fighter Night
Martial Arts and Fitness Night
Dance Night
Photo IDs supplied by Morris County Sheriff’s Department for any child that would like one and at no cost.
Further themes and activities will be announced shortly.
The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices is a new action and result-oriented team comprised of several law enforcement agencies, educators, elected officials, scouts, organized sports, musicians, businesses, and parents working together to unite our communities in the war against drug and alcohol addiction.
MORRIS COUNTY — The 200 Club of Morris County is accepting applications for their 2023 scholarship program beginning December 1.
Scholarship eligibility is limited to high school seniors who volunteer as a first aid squad/EMS department member or who volunteer as a firefighter in a fire department in Morris County, or whose parent/guardian is actively serving in or retired from the following agencies in, or serving, Morris County:
Morris County Police Departments
Morris County Fire Departments
Morris County First Aid Squads
An Office of Emergency Management in Morris County
New Jersey State Police
Federal Law Enforcement
New Jersey State Police and Federal Law Enforcement eligibility is restricted to those who live or have their primary assignment in Morris County or have retired from the New Jersey State Police or a Federal Law Enforcement agency and live or had their primary assignment in Morris County.
Children of personnel working in clerical or other non-related public safety duties are not eligible. Likewise, children of members and members of The 200 Club of Morris County are not eligible.
Application Process
Scholarships will be awarded once for the 2023-2024 academic year. Award criteria include academic performance, community service, extracurricular activities, and financial needs. The scholarship committee reviews and approves applications impartially without knowledge of a student’s identity. Announcements of the scholarship recipients will be made by mid-April 2023.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Republican Committee will host a Breakfast with Santa to collect toys for Toys for Tots from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 17, at the party headquarters at 51 Gibraltar Drive, Morris Plains, Suite 1D.
Attendees are asked to bring a new and unwrapped toy for a needy child. Anyone who wants to sponsor as an individual or a business should email laura@morrisgop.org.
Party representatives will buy a toy for every donation, which can be made by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — John Krickus and Christine Myers will be a terrific team providing, fiscally conservative leadership for Morris County government in 2023 and will continue to hold the line on taxes, invest in infrastructure and education, making the best-run county in New Jersey even better,” said Morris County Republican Chairwoman Ali, who added, “we are so grateful for the wonderful leadership County Commissioner Director Selen provided this year.”
Laura Ali said that the 2023 leadership team was unanimously supported at the annual caucus. Morris County Republican leadership has been integral in making Morris the best place to live in New Jersey, with the number one county college and vocational school district as well as the safest communities in the state. Last June, major financial rating agencies Moody’s and S&P awarded their highest-possible “AAA” rating for a record 47th year to Morris County, continuing a legacy as one of the best financially-run counties in America.
Krickus is in his third three-year term on the board. He is a member of the Budget Committee producing no county tax increase for multiple years. He also is the liaison to the Morris County Improvement Authority, the County College of Morris and Morris County School of Technology, and the Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development.
Commissioner Krickus is a Marine Corps veteran, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA-retired), and worked in data analytics for Dun and Bradstreet and Experian.
Previously, he served on the Washington Township Committee for 12 years, including three years as Mayor. Born and raised in Madison, he now lives in Long Valley with his wife Carolyn where they raised their two daughters.
Christine Myers
Christine Myers served a term as Freeholder and was appointed to the Office of Advocacy – Small Business Administration where she reduced regulations on small businesses resulting in billions of dollars in savings. In her previous term, Christine leads the development of a county strategic plan and a debt reserve policy. Commissioner-elect Myers was the top vote winner in the Fall election for her second term on the board.
Christine served in executive roles at AT&T and Lucent/Avaya and Siemens and is the co-founder of a growing manufacturing business. She also served in leadership positions at numerous non-profits, including Cornerstone Family Programs, Americas Gleaned Seafood, and the Order of Malta
She and her husband Stan raised their two sons in Mendham, and have recently moved to New Vernon.
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.
Madison Rotary began its annual Christmas tree sale at Dodge Field
MADISON — Madison Rotary began its annual Christmas tree sale at Dodge Field with two early sale days this past Saturday and Sunday, with regular sale days to proceed from this Friday, December 2 to Sunday, December 18, or until the trees sell out.
Sale hours are Monday to Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
A wide selection of Fraser, Balsam, and Douglas trees are available with prices determined by the variety and height of each tree. Also available for sale will be stands, weather, and white pine roping. Payment forms accepted are cash, credit cards, and checks.
Rotarians will be assisted by Madison High School student groups such as the Interact Club and the hockey team, helping customers to select their tree, preparing it for the journey home, and securing it on top of the customer’s vehicle for transport.
Proceeds from the sale will be routed back to the Madison community to address food insecurity, develop youth, and partner with other organizations in the community, providing grants and sponsorships.
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.
On Saturday, November 12, LaZeez by Dhaba held a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony
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.
Jillian (left) and Hector (right), Preschool Advantage parents with Nancy Bangiola, Preschool Advantage Executive Director (center). Photo by Baseline Productions
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.
