PARSIPPANY — The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA) will conduct a Household Hazardous Waste Disposal event on Saturday, September 24, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy, 500 West Hanover Avenue, Parsippany.
Morris County residents will be able to drop off unwanted hazardous materials from their households. Businesses are not allowed to participate.
Reminder, electronic devices (e-waste) will no longer be accepted at MCMUA one-day household hazardous waste events. The authority advises residents to call (973) 829-8006 for information and to discuss recycling options.
Acceptable materials include: pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, oil-based paints, stains, paint thinners and removers, solvents, automotive fluids, rechargeable and button cell batteries, pool chemicals, darkroom chemicals, aerosol cans (not empty), propane cylinders, small quantities of asbestos (wetted, double bagged and sealed with duct tape), driveway sealant, roofing tar, fluorescent bulbs, PCB-ballasts, mercury thermometers and switches, household cleaning products, and muriatic acid.
Latex paint will not be accepted, nor will explosive or highly reactive materials, such as picric acid or nitro compounds. For information about safe disposal of explosive or reactive material.
There is a $5.00 fee for each barbeque-sized propane cylinder. Payment must be made by check only.
For more information, call (973) 829-8006 or click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved a revision to the Main Street Micro Business Loan, removing the requirement for personal guarantees from owners of micro businesses.
The Main Street Micro Business Loan, which succeeds the Micro Business Loan Program established by the NJEDA in 2019, is offered as part of the Main Street Recovery Fund—a $150 million suite of products created or expanded under the Economic Recovery Act of 2020 (ERA), signed by Governor Phil Murphy in 2021. This pilot product will provide financing of up to $50,000 to eligible micro businesses in New Jersey whose annual gross revenues are $1,500,000 or less and have 10 or fewer full-time employees at the time of application and three months prior to the date of application. The NJEDA will start accepting applications for the program on Thursday, October 6, at 10:00 a.m.
“The Main Street Micro Business Loan will be a tremendous asset for small businesses that are working hard to grow their footprint in the Garden State,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Removing the barriers to capital for our state’s smallest businesses is another step toward achieving Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger, fairer economy, as more micro business owners will now have access to the financing they need to create more family-sustaining jobs and economic opportunities.”
Eligible for-profit and nonprofit businesses registered to do business in New Jersey, including home-based businesses, can apply for financing from the $20 million in funds allocated from the Main Street Recovery Fund to cover future operating expenses only such as inventory, rent, payroll, equipment (that does not require installation or construction work totaling more than $1,999.99), or any other working capital expense to fund business operating expenses. The loan will have a standard 10-year term and the interest rate will be two percent, with no interest and no payments due for the first year.
The Main Street Micro Business Loan has a substantial forgivable component as it helps reduce the burden on micro business owners who already have limited access to capital. Under program rules, the borrower is required to make payments from year two to the end of year five. To qualify for loan forgiveness, the applicant must have made their loan payments as identified in their loan agreement with no delinquency of more than 90 days, have no current default, be able to certify that they have used the loan for approved purposes only, and that they are still open and operating as detailed in the loan agreement.
To ensure equitable and inclusive access to the Main Street Micro Business Loan, of the $20 million in total funding available, $8 million will be set aside to support eligible entities located in New Jersey Opportunity Zone-eligible census tracts.
Eligibility requirements for micro businesses interested in applying for this program include:
Must have less than $1.5 million in annual gross revenue for the most current fiscal year (to the extent the business has annual revenues)
Must have no more than 10 full-time employees at the time of application and three months prior to application
Must be legally registered to do business in New Jersey, with a business location (including a home office) in New Jersey
Must have been formed at least six months prior to the date of application.
Must be in good standing with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection at the time of application
Must provide a current tax clearance certificate prior to approval to demonstrate the applicant is in good standing with the NJ Division of Taxation
The Main Street Micro Business Loan will not require collateral, as the underwriting criteria will be based solely on credit score. Only not-profit organizations will need to be fully underwritten and required to meet a 1.0 debt service coverage ratio. For all other for-profit entities, at least one owner must have a credit score of 600 or greater to be considered eligible. Personal guarantees from owners or principals are not required.
Applications for the Main Street Micro Business Loan will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date/time at which the Authority receives the completed application. Past recipients of the Micro Business Loan Program are eligible to apply for the Main Street Micro Business Loan. Due to the favorable terms of this product only one application per EIN is allowed.
The NJEDA will host an information session on the Main Street Micro Business Loan on Monday, September 26, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. To register for this online session, click here.
For more information on the Main Street Micro Business Loan and the application process click here.
PARSIPPANY — Former Passaic County prosecutor and Republican nominee for Congress in NJ-11, Paul DeGroot, has renewed his debate challenge to Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. He is calling for a series of debates, starting whenever Congresswoman Sherrill will make herself available. Paul DeGroot is willing to participate in a debate in each county in the district. He first publicly challenged Mikie Sherrill to a debate on July 12, 2022.
Paul DeGroot said “Mikie Sherrill, get off your mansion’s tennis court and face the voters. Congresswoman Sherrill is running from her record and using her millions to spread lies. She votes with Biden and Pelosi 99% of the time. With hard-working Americans STILL struggling from the pump to the grocery store, it’s past time for accountability. We still have no SALT relief, but she has continued relief from her stock trades…for which she has been fined. Crime is still high in CD11. That clearly doesn’t affect Money Mikie in her mansion, because she’s shown no interest in discussing it. It’s been over two months since I proposed one debate, at a minimum, in each county throughout the 11th. As I first said 70 days ago, voters deserve to hear where we stand on the issues and on our records. The Congresswoman seems to care more about lying to her constituents than debating me in front of voters.”
New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District consists of: For the 113th and successive Congresses (based on redistricting following the 2010 Census), the district contains all or portions of four counties and 54 municipalities.
Essex County: Bloomfield (part; also 10th), Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Essex Fells, Fairfield, Livingston, Montclair (part; also 10th), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, Verona, West Caldwell, West Orange (part; also 10th).
Morris County: Boonton Town, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Denville, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson Township, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Borough, Mendham Township, Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph Township, Riverdale, Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township and Victory Gardens.
Passaic County: Bloomingdale, Little Falls, North Haledon, Pompton Lakes, Totowa, Wanaque, Wayne and Woodland Park.
Sussex County: Byram Township, Hopatcong, Ogdensburg, Sparta Township and Stanhope.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — The 200 Club of Morris County announced that it will be holding a Home Run Derby Competition that will be open to the public at their First Responders Day on Saturday, September 24.
The event will begin with qualifying rounds at 1:00 p.m. The finals will be held at 4:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on Morris/Sussex Sports.
You may be able to sign up on the day of the event, but in order to ensure a spont email Tom Ace Gallagher directly with all of your contact information to acegallagher@gmail.com.
The 200 Club of Morris County is hosting this inaugural event which will bring together first responders, their families, and members of communities throughout Morris County for a day of friendly competitions and fun for kids of all ages.
The event will be held on Saturday, September 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Whippany Park High School, 165 Whippany Road, Whippany.
Local Officials Mingled With Key Service Providers
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County, state and local elected officials mingled today with leaders of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network, Family Promise of Morris County, the Morris County Continuum of Care, the Morris County Department of Human Services and many other service providers in the county’s first Community Resource Networking Event.
Held on the grounds of what is known as the Morris County Nonprofit Mall off Central Avenue in Parsippany Township, the gathering included approximately 30 Morris County government and nonprofit agencies that provide support services for most vulnerable residents in the community. The service providers help people in need of housing, healthcare, behavioral health, family services, food security, and much more.
Director Tayfun Selen of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners
“The goal of today is to provide an opportunity for public officials in Morris County to meet and get to know the people behind more than two dozen nonprofits and agencies that serve the neediest people in our community,” said Director Tayfun Selen of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners as he opened the gathering.
“We hope everyone leaves here understanding more about the challenges some of our residents face each day in getting some of the basics in life — such things as having a place to live, getting something to eat each day, transportation, finding medical care and keeping safe from abusers. We also hope our municipal leaders leave here today knowing more about who to reach to assist their residents in need,” Director Selen added.
More than 100 representatives of local government and the nonprofit agencies attended the gathering.
Carolyn Lake of the Interfaith Food Pantry Network said the networking event was crucial, explaining that many of the services provided by the nonprofits and county are not well known to local officials. The event provided an opportunity for them to connect with mayors, health officers and leaders from all 39 of Morris County municipalities.
The event was organized by Lake with Rebecca Butz of Family Promise and both Allison Delcalzo-Berens and Alicia Alvarez of the Morris County Continuum of Community Resource Network 2022 2.jpg Care, with the assistance of Kasey Errico, director of the Morris County Department of Human Services, and members of her staff.
The Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance, Morris County’s Navigating Hope Mobile Unit and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department’s Hope One Mobile Unit joined the networking event.
Dr. Viktor Joganow holds the scissors before cutting the ribbon to the new Welcoming Center at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
Kristine Joganow
MOUNTAIN LAKES — At a ribbon cutting ceremony, Lakeland Hills YMCA dedicated the new welcome center to Kris Joganow.
Kristine Joganow, 71, of Parsippany, a loving wife and mother, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 21, 2020 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Denville.
Kristine was a long-time front-desk employee of the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA in Mountain Lakes and also volunteered extensively with the Lakeland Hills YMCA Swim Team Parents Association when her son was a member of the team.
Kristine’s volunteer efforts at the Y were recognized by being presented the prestigious Richard M. Wilcox and Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Alejandro (Alex) Martinez, CEO, Lakeland Hills Family YMCADr. Viktor JoganowDr. Viktor Joganow cuts the ribbon to the new Welcoming Center at Lakeland Hills Family YMCAThe new Welcoming Center at Lakeland Hills Family YMCAThe reception area of the new Welcoming Center at Lakeland Hills Family YMCAThe reception area of the new Welcoming Center at Lakeland Hills Family YMCAKris Corner
Kris was very popular with those early attending Y members because she was always interested in their lives. For those of you that knew and loved this angel, please keep her lively, courageous and giving spirit and beautiful smile in your memory.
She is survived by her husband of forty-nine years, Dr. Viktor Joganow. Dr. Joganow was the previous CEO Lakeland Hills Family YMCA.
The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, a community organization located in Mountain Lakes, serving the towns of Parsippany, Boonton, Boonton Township, Denville, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Montville, Mountain Lakes, Pequannock, and Riverdale. With a mission to strengthen the foundations of community, the Y recognizes individuals, groups, and corporations for their commitment to giving back to others.
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA is located at 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes.
Chili Willie’s Mexican Restaurant, (Tex-Mex BBQ Family Restaurant), 702 Main Street Boonton, NJ 07005. (973) 299-8775. www.chiliwilliesrestaurant.com
MORRIS COUNTY — Looking for a slice of genuine, old time Americana? Look no further than Morris County’s own downtown Boonton. Incorporated in 1867, the Town of Boonton still manages to reflect that rare and wonderful charm of a time passed by. Built on a steep hill, the quaint, narrow, downtown main street is lined with an array of antique shops, boutiques, coffee shops, assorted storefront businesses, and most importantly, at least to me, a wonderful and eclectic selection of small, independently owned, top notch eateries.
Marianna, Jackie Martinez, Pat Minutillo and Jose Martinez
There is no doubt that Mexican cuisine is well represented in the general Parsippany area, each offering their own take on the preparation of their dishes. Whether your preference be strictly authentic, fusion, or Tex-Mex, there is a great selection of quality restaurants within a several mile radii to meet your needs.
Chili Willie’s Tex-Mex BBQ Family Restaurant certainly falls into that category of a quality choice when looking for your next great dining experience. I have passed Chili Willie’s a hundred times over the years and for some reason I have not stopped in. That was a big mistake on my part. The exterior façade is hard to miss, with its bright, colorful orange awning boldly displaying the restaurant’s name, whimsical Mexican statuary, potted plants, and a glistening storefront window, all enticing and welcoming you to come inside.
As you walked through the front door you are greeted with a small, ornate, comfortably lighted, and festive looking dining room. The 12 to 14 tables spaced comfortably throughout the room are accented with bright, colorful, glass covered tablecloths with utensils wrapped in white napkins. The color scheme, with bold, bright red and blue walls, adorned with a tasteful display of sombrero’s, antique Mexican photographs, old newspaper articles, plates, assorted ceiling hangings, and Mexican artifacts create a vibrant, fun, and cozy atmosphere. The vibe is exuberant, yet at the same time manages to remain casual, comfortable, and intimate. I thought the thoughtfully laid out interior was the perfect complement, setting the mood for the meal we were about to devour.
Homemade salsa, along with equally freshly made red, white, and green chips (colors of the Mexican flag)
Our very friendly server, Marianna, immediately welcomed us, and was very attentive to our needs. Water and menus quickly arrived, followed by Chili Willie’s complimentary very fresh, homemade salsa, along with equally freshly made red, white, and green chips (colors of the Mexican flag). You could easily taste the quality and freshness of the slightly chunky, lightly spiced salsa, and along with the crispiness of the chips, they could have been a meal in themselves. I should note at this point that Chili Willie’s is a BYOB establishment, so feel free to bring along your favorite wine or beer. I brought along a few Modelo Cerveza’s to accompany my Mexican dish
Patrick Minutillo
As usual, appetizers were ordered. I asked Marianne’s for her recommendation, and she told me that a lot of customers prefer the Jalapeno Poppers, so who was I to argue with my server. My friend ordered the Chili Relleno for an appetizer while we continued to peruse the menu. Our visit fell somewhere between lunch and dinner time, so we were able to choose from the entire menu. The lunch menu offered a nice selection of choices, and was very reasonably priced, as was everything on the menu, but we opted for the dinner menu on this visit because of the more extensive choices.
The six nicely sized poppers were appropriately crunchy and oozy, a nice pocket of melted cheese and fresh, crisp, snappy Jalapeno’s. They came with a delicious dipping sauce that absolutely enhanced every bite. Always a nice appetizer, very tasty. The Chili Relleno was also very tasty, flavorful, and generously portioned. A great start and now it was time to settle in on our entrees.
Soft Shell Beef Taco
It was difficult to pass on the Chef Specialty choices. One dish sounded better than the next, each a personal creation of Chef Jose Martinez, who personally named each dish in honor of either a Mexican State or a significant part of Mexican history. As Chef Jose advised me, “Don’t go to another Mexican restaurant and order any of these dishes by our name. They won’t know what you are talking about.” Specialty dishes include such choices as Pork Chop Durango Style, Steak Mariachi, Steak a la Veracruz, Chicken Breast Tijuana, Quest Flameado con Chorizos; you get the idea. The menu also included the traditional choices of tacos, fajitas, enchilada platters, jumbo burritos, vegetarian dishes, fried seafood, and “Real Pit BBQ” (which sounded good). I settled on the specialty combo Tipico Mexican Platter (Tamale, Enchilada, Burrito) along with a soft-shelled beef taco. A traditional Tex-Mex dish that appropriately came with rice, beans & Pico de Gallo salad.
Specialty dishes include such choices as Pork Chop Durango Style, Steak Mariachi, Steak a la Veracruz, Chicken Breast Tijuana, Quest Flameado con Chorizos
I was surprised at the beautifully plated, generously sized portions of my entree as it arrived. It was “muy grande!” Clearly enough for two or more people, but I was committed to finishing it. My friend had the Chili Willie platter, which was a similar combo. You have a choice of filling, beef, chicken, or mix and match. One may believe that if an entrée is generous in size, that it may sacrifice some taste. Not in this case, the dish offered a tantalizing depth of flavors; a savory, filling, and satisfying meal. The fresh herbs and spices were evident, and perfectly complemented the dish. There was nothing bland or boring about this dish. And yes, this gavone did finish, and enjoy every bite.
Tipico Mexican Platter
Jose and Jackie Martinez both stopped by my table for a chat as we were finishing our meal. Neither Jose or Jackie could be more cordial, hospitable, or genuinely friendly. It was a pleasure talking to them both about their personal stories, the history of the restaurant, and, of course, their food. We were also treated to some freshly made Mexican Flan as we sat and talked. The caramel flavored, milky, sweet, and slightly eggy dessert was a perfect ending to a great meal. I must admit, I have tried Flan from many different restaurants, and this was as good as, if not better, than any Flan I have ever had. When asked, Jose shared that this was also one of his grandmother’s special dessert recipes.
Baked Chili Relleno
Chili Willie’s is another example of those proud, unbeatable, independent, family owned and run establishments, that not only overcame the pandemic hardships, but continues to thrive despite them. Opened in 1988 (34 YEARS) by Jackie, and shortly thereafter joined by Jose, Chili Willie’s has been a mainstay in downtown Boonton, and Boonton is lucky to have them.
Jose, who hails from Guadalajara, Mexico, told me that in 1988 he and Jackie decided to veer away from a more traditional menu and opted instead for a more American Tex-Mex approach to meet the public’s taste at that time. Today the restaurant serves authentic Mexican, Tex-Mex, and many of the Chef’s creative specialty dishes that are based on cherished recipes handed down from Jose’ grandmother, who fueled his interest in cooking, while as a young boy he attentively watched and learned as his Abuelita prepared the family meals. As Jose notes on their business page, “The secret to maintaining the flavor of grandma’s authentic native Mexican, “criolla,” recipes at Chili Willie’s are in the preparation of our dishes using only the freshest ingredients (no cans).”
Mexican Flan
“My wife and I try to make people happy. We want people to taste Mexico in every dish,” stated Jose.
Following my visit to Chili Willie’s I can attest to Jose and Jackie’s commitment to their customers. We did walk into the restaurant as strangers, and left feeling like old friends, ready for another visit in the near future in order to try one of Jose’ specialty dishes. It was evident why Chili Willie’s has been such a long time Morris County favorite. Do yourself a favor and the next time you up for some delicious Mexican cuisine give Chili Willie’s Mexican Restaurant a try.
Chili Willie’s Mexican Restaurant, (Tex-Mex BBQ Family Restaurant), 702 Main Street Boonton, NJ 07005. (973) 299-8775. www.chiliwilliesrestaurant.com
Dine In – Take Out – Curbside Pickup – No Delivery – BYOB – Catering Menu – Online Ordering – Vegetarian Options – Gluten Free Options – Street Parking.
MORRIS PLAINS — All Seasons Garden Club will resume monthly meetings starting Wednesday, September 21. After a short business meeting, we will have fun looking back over our past 61 years and then forward to our future plans.
It will be a relaxing meeting where you can meet our members and get an idea of our club’s many projects. Perhaps something will peak your interest, but also you can just enjoy meeting new friends.
The meeting is 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center, 51 Jim Fear Dr, Morris Plains. If you would like to attend, please send an email to morrisplainsasgc@gmail.com.
New members are always welcome. They would love to have you join.
MORRIS PLAINS — The Littleton Road paving project will begin this Monday, September 19. The first few days will include guardrail replacement and concrete work along sidewalks and at intersections. Officers will be present to assist with traffic.
When paving begins, northbound Littleton Road will be closed at Tabor Road and detours will be in place.
Further updates with specific paving dates will be provided in the near future.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, and Pequannock Township Police Chief Daniel Comune announce that Maria Oliveri, 35, of Riverdale, has been charged in connection with a fatal motor vehicle crash that occurred in Pequannock Township on June 11, 2022.
At approximately 8:23 a.m. on June 11, 2022, law enforcement officers were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a motor vehicle, a pedestrian, and a bicyclist in the area of 157 Boulevard in Pequannock Township. The investigation revealed that a Mitsubishi Mirage operated by Maria Oliveri had been traveling north in the southbound lane of travel on the Boulevard when it struck a female bicyclist and a female pedestrian.
The pedestrian, 55, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The bicyclist, 32, sustained bodily injuries as a result of the collision.
Following further investigation, Oliveri was charged with one count of second-degree Vehicular Homicide and one count of disorderly persons Assault by Auto on September 9, 2022. Oliveri has also been charged with a number of motor vehicle offenses.
Members of the Pequannock Township Police Department, Morris County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit all took part in this investigation.
If anyone has any information related to this investigation, they are encouraged to call the Major Crimes Unit of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office at (973) 285-6200, or the Pequannock Township Police Department at (973) 835-1700.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance, Morris County’s Navigating Hope Mobile Unit and the Morris County Sheriff’s Department’s Hope One Mobile Unit joined the networking event.
