MORRIS COUNTY — Republican members of the Assembly Appropriations Committee slammed Democrats for moving a bill banning body armor possession that could carry criminal consequences for veterans and prohibit parents from buying bulletproof backpacks.
Assemblyman Brian Bergen (R-Morris), holding up his U.S. Army-issued body armor he wore as an Apache helicopter pilot while serving in Iraq, argued the bill could hurt veterans who have similar tokens from their service.
“You’re creating criminals out of Americans who helped defend our very freedom. At one point this served to protect me, but now it serves to potentially put me in jail. Who am I hurting and who are my brothers and sisters in arms hurting?” asked Bergen (R-Morris).
Click here to watch: Dems’ body armor ban could make veterans criminals
Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney moved an amendment to exempt bulletproof backpacks from the bill.
“The moms and dads across New Jersey are going to find that it is partisan and that we are rushing a bill that now doesn’t protect their children,” Rooney (R-Bergen) said.
Click here to watch Rooney proposes exempting bulletproof bookbags from the ban on body armor
Assemblyman Antwan McClellan, who works for the Cape May County Sheriff’s Office, countered Democrat criticism of a Republican’s attempt amends a bill.
“If we all care about our kids in our schools, then why can’t we all just sit around and talk about that? A backpack may seem not protective enough, but it is protected if the kid turns it around and hides behind it. If we want a common-sense approach then we need to have a common-sense conversation,” McClellan (R-Cape May) said.
Click here to watch McClellan: A common-sense approach needs a common-sense conversation.
Assemblyman Jay Webber also expressed his disappointment in the amendment being tabled by Democrats.
“You can’t come into the statehouse and say you’re going to protect our kids, you’re going to protect our kids, you’re going to protect our kids, and then a very simple amendment that would allow moms and dads to put a protective backpack on the backs of their children is offered, and at the altar of politics, you vote it down. That is unacceptable,” Webber (R-Morris) said. “I think the country is seeing how upset parents get when you get between them and their kids’ education. Let’s watch how upset New Jerseyans get when you come between parents and the protection of their kids.”
Click here to watch Webber disappointed partisan politics block GOP school safety push
MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Mountain Lakes Democratic Committee released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court overturning long-held legal precedent first established in Roe and Casey:
“Today, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned the landmark decision Roe v Wade, ending nearly fifty years of women having safe and legal access to abortion in the United States. The Court’s action overruled the long-held legal precedent of the 14th Amendment’s protection of the right to individual privacy and has removed the concept of bodily autonomy for American women. We are devastated by this news and will continue to work to elect candidates for office who will never stop trying to right this wrong.”
BOONTON — Town of Boonton Mayor and Council Meeting – June 20, 2022. Meeting times are 7:30 p.m. on the first and third Mondays (except for holidays, when the meeting will be moved to Tuesday).
Richard Corcoran, Mayor
Cy Wekilsky, Council Member Ward 1
John Meehan, Council Member Ward 1
Dr. Edina Renfro-Michel, Council Member Ward 2
Marie Devenezia, Council Member Ward 2
Joe Fenske, Council Member Ward 3
Joe Bock, Council Member Ward 3
Mike Wade, Council Member Ward 4
Jim Lynch, Council Member Ward 4
BOONTON — Great Morning at BOONTON DUNKIN Customer Appreciation Day!! The first 100 customers received a coupon for free coffee for a year.
In addition, Boonton Dunkin Donuts donated to Lily’s Hope.
Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, Terry Corigliano, and Michael, owner of Boonton Dunkin Donuts
Lily’s Hope provides resources, aid, and hope to preemies and their families. In their efforts to support babies, children, and families that have been impacted by premature birth, they support NICU families through “Packages of Hope,” “Preemie Pantry,” “Holiday Hope Baskets,” and “Lily’s Hope Foundation Facebook Family Support Group,” Programs. These programs are ever-growing and ever-changing to stay current with the needs of families with premature babies.
Each “Package of Hope” is assembled with the family’s specific needs as our top priority. Referrals are made by hospital staff or by word of mouth.
In order to answer the urgent needs of the families in a timely fashion, Lily’s Hope Foundation started a “Preemie Pantry.” This pantry is stocked with a variety of items that our volunteers can use to assemble and customize every “Package of Hope.”
In recognition of holidays throughout the year, Lily’s Hope will provide smaller, non-customized care packages to our hospital partners called “Holiday Hope Baskets.” These packages have a small number of supplies for NICU families to use.
MORRIS PLAINS — Lt. Ryan McKay and Sgt. Peter Rolph received their certificates for completing the Command and Leadership Academy offered by the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police in the Spring/Fall of 2021 on May 24.
The Command and Leadership Academy is a 14-week course developed in collaboration between the United States Military Academy at West Point and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police by highly experienced law enforcement professionals.
The curriculum focuses on studying leadership as a science through logic, critical thinking, and vision. Candidates utilize police-oriented case studies to connect the organizational theories they have learned in real-time scenarios.
MORRIS COUNTY — Great evening celebrating Morris County Commissioner Tom Mastrangelo’s Victory Fundraiser at The Mansion in Mountain Lakes.
Mayor James Barberio was a guest speaker
Special guest speakers included NJ 101.5 Radio Host Bill Spadea, Montville Mayor Frank Cooney, and Parsippany Mayor James Barberio. Music was provided by George Orlando.
Music was provided by George Orlando
Outstanding turnout which included Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James R Barberio, Montville Township Mayor Frank W. Cooney, Mount Arlington Borough Mayor Mike Stanzillis, Borough of Wharton Mayor Bill Chegwidden, Assemblyman Kevin Rooney, Former Assemblywoman Bettylou DeCroce, Wanaque Mayor Dan Mahler, Riverdale Mayor Paul Carelli, Parsippany-Troy Hills Council President Michael dePierro, Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr. and Councilman Frank Neglia, Former Madison Mayor Mary-Ana Holden, Senator Anthony Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Paul DeGroot Candidate for US Congress NJ CD 11, and many other Mayors from Morris and Essex County.
Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, Montville Township Mayor Frank W. Cooney, Paul DeGroot Candidate for US Congress NJ CD 11, and Morris County Sheriff James GannonFormer Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce, Former Madison Mayor Mary-Ana Holden, and Senator Anthony Bucco.Elected Officials gathered around for a photo
Rousing and energized speech by Bill Spadea, who with his outstanding communication skills and finely honed political instincts, kept the attentive crowd focused on the political situation.
Jonathan Cohen, Esq. and his wife Olivia
Congratulations to Commissioner Mastrangelo on a highly successful evening, and best of luck and success through the rest of the campaign.
Michael Mastrangelo and Alex SeidnerDebbie Speziale Mastrangelo and Senator Anthony BuccoMontville Township Mayor Frank W. Cooney and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.John Sierchio, John Sette, and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Paul Carifi, Jr.Frank Cahill with NJ 101.5 Radio Host Bill SpadeaNJ 101.5 Radio Host Bill Spadea with Michael dePierroParsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio, John Sette, Morris County Commissioner Thomas Mastrangelo, and Paul DeGroot Candidate for US Congress NJ CD 11
Sazon Latino Restaurant is located at 209 Main Street, Boonton (973) 794-4121.
MORRIS COUNTY — At a time of hyperinflation and continuously rising gas costs, you might just be looking for a place to catch a reasonably priced, delicious home-cooked meal without all the fanfare. If you are in such a mood and you enjoy Latin cuisine, I may have just the place for you. Sazon Latino; specializing in authentic Spanish, Latin American, Caribbean, and European cuisine; is a clean, tiny, no-frills, buffet-style eatery located at the end of Main Street and Myrtle Avenue in quaint, historic downtown Boonton, a couple of doors from the Boonton Train Station. Once you decide to try it, it might just end up becoming your go-to place for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Daughter Marylinn and wife Gladis
Sazon Latino is small, with approximately eight tables, with quite simple, unpretentious décor. Clearly, the emphasis here is on the food, not the frills, which is a particularly good thing in this case. There is a small free parking lot in the rear of the restaurant, and free street parking is available. Opened 17 years ago by a very friendly, cordial, and gracious Geraldo Lagos, who along with his family, wife Galdis, and daughter Marylinn, hail from Honduras. Sazon Latino provides one with a casual, friendly, welcoming, uncomplicated, and relaxing dining experience. Nothing fancy here folks! This is a no-frills, casual and friendly venue offering fresh, good, hearty, tasty, home-style prepared authentic Latin food.
Geraldo Legos
The delicious and authentic selections of Hispanic-style food, served buffet style, allowing you to pick and choose what you want on your plate, were indeed fresh, flavorful, truly authentic, and very reasonably priced. Interestingly, there are no menus here, you simply go to the serving line, where from behind a large glass safety shield you choose from an assortment of the daily selections, the point at what you want, and your server happily loads your dish accordingly. Your selections, which are generous portions, will be quickly accommodated as you move along the line. The cost of your meal is based on your selections, and on the size of your order, but regardless of what you order the prices at Sazon Latino are surprisingly reasonable, with generously portioned dishes being priced between $6.95 to 8.95, and do not forget Sazon Latino is a BYOB if you are so inclined. I brought along some Modelo Especial Cerveza to compliment my meal. I do not know where you are going to find a better deal than that. One is truly getting a so-called “bang for your buck” here!
Steak and Fries
Geraldo, the proprietor, was kind enough to welcome me inside to visit his kitchen area where the magic was happening. The pride Mr. Lagos took in his restaurant, family, staff, and food was evident. A Chef must love what he is doing to create great food and Geraldo Lagos certainly exhibited that love. It was fun to watch Geraldo and Stiven, preparing the daily assortment of freshly prepared food that went directly out from the kitchen to the old-school style steam table serving area, where his wife, daughter, and staff were busy greeting and graciously serving their customers. All of Sazon Latino’s staff is comprised of either family members or former residents of Central America. It was reminiscent to me of a small storefront inner-city Dominican restaurant I recently visited and enjoyed. These places are a treat, and not easy to find.
BBQ Pork Ribs
As my usual ravenous group of friends and I were finished loading up our plates with an assortment of BBQ Pork Ribs, Fried Chicken, Roasted Chicken, Empanadas, Yellow Rice and Black Beans, Plantains, Yucca, and French Fries, we made our way to one of the available tables, anxious to dig into our deliciously looking, colorful, and aromatic choices. The barbeque Pork Ribs were fantastic. Fall off the bone delicious, moist, juicy, perfectly seasoned, and savory. I quickly dispatched the four nice-sized ribs that I ordered. The beef-filled non-greasy Empanadas were fresh out of the deep fryer and were well filled with juicy, tasty beef filling, with a nice, crunchy, crispy shell.
Fried Chicken
Note, that on different days they may have different fillings. More about that later. I love Empanadas when they are made exactly right, and I must admit I did go back for seconds. I have been informed that Sazon Latino’s Empanadas are among New Jersey’s best. As we sat, Geraldo arrived at our table with several servings of Pico de Gallo, creamy Cole Slaw, potato salad, and a serving dish of chopped tomato, onion, and pickled Jalapeno to go with our meal, which was voraciously consumed.
The yellow rice and black beans were exceptional, as what should be expected at a Latin American eatery, and Sazon Latino did not disappoint. I should note that the servings here are neither hot nor spicy, and the flavoring of the food comes from an assortment of herbs and spices, which is common to Honduran food, but there is hot sauce on the table if you like to punch it up a bit. The slightly sweet, plantains were full of texture and flavor, and the mild, slightly sweet, nutty flavor of the Yucca made a great side dish. Everyone in my party had no hesitancy in giving Sazon Latino a thumbs up!
Roasted Chicken
It should be noted that true to this style of homemade family-style cooking there are rotating daily entrees, selections will vary day to day. You may not always find what you want, but whatever the daily choice is you can be sure it will be tasty, well-prepared, homemade, authentic Latin American food. Dishes will always include selections of meat, poultry, fish, and assorted sides. One might also find selections such as Beef Stew, Beef Oxtail, Pork Rinds, Grilled Steak, Pernil, Tilapia, Red Snapper, Shrimp, and more. And remember, Sazon Latino serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Geraldo and Stiven preparing the yellow rice
Unfortunately, as usual, we all ate too much to find room for dessert, but Sazon does serve two of my favorite Spanish desserts, Tres Leches Cake, and Flan de Carmelo, along with Coffee, Tea, and I hear that their fresh-made mango juice tops the charts.
So, when you are in the vicinity of downtown Boonton do yourself a favor and stop in, say hello to a wonderful family, and enjoy a great meal that will not hurt your budget. I have no doubt you will enjoy it.
Sazon Latino Restaurant is located at 209 Main Street, Boonton (973) 794-4121.
Cuisines: Spanish, Latin American, European, Caribbean, Continental. BYOB
Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery. Offers Catering – Street Parking – Small Private Lot Parking
Hours Monday to Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Closed Sundays. Accepts Credit Cards.
Marylinn Lagos, Geraldo Lagos, Pat Minutillo, and Gladis Lagos
Raequan Houston & Favio Jasso pictured with the Jobs Plus team
MORRIS COUNTY — Twenty-five young adults who’d left high school without graduating stood proud in their caps and gowns last night, all having earned their New Jersey high school diplomas through determination and support from NewBridge Jobs Plus.
About 100 relatives and friends cheered the graduates from Dover, East Hanover, Fairfield Jefferson, Kinnelon, Madison, Mine Hill, Morris Plains, Morristown, Mount Olive, Netcong, Randolph, Roxbury, and Wharton at a ceremony held at the Morristown Beard School.
“Taking that first step toward independence can be a struggle — these NewBridge Jobs Plus associates did that and more!” NewBridge CEO Michelle Borden said. “They sought help along the way and didn’t let challenges get in the way of their accomplishments. Their stories are examples of fortitude, determination, and now, celebration.”
Favio Jasso left Morris Hills High School in Rockaway because he’d missed too many classes to graduate on time. NewBridge Jobs Plus “helped me get ready for life, beyond the academics,” said the 18-year-old from Dover. Jasso was awarded a Parker Endowment Scholarship, funded by retired NewBridge CEO Robert L. Parker.
NewBridge Jobs Plus has helped young adults turn their lives around since 1983, longer than any other such program in Morris County. Participants learn at their own pace, receiving academic support, life and professional skills training, career and college coaching, and counseling to overcome emotional challenges. Located at the NewBridge Parsippany Center, the program is free to area young adults, and transportation is provided to Morris County residents.
Cassandra Reyes pictured addressing the 2022 graduates
Cassandra Reyes, a 2017 NewBridge Jobs Plus graduate, congratulated the Class of 2022 for their accomplishments and urged them to pursue higher education. “You’ve already put your foot in the water so you might as well swim!”
Reyes, the commencement keynote speaker, was a single mom when she graduated and studied biology at Montclair State University for three years. She revised her plans when she had a second child. Reyes is now a nursing student at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Florham Park and works full-time as an emergency room receptionist at Saint Clare’s Hospital in Denville.
“You are going to hit bumps in the road, and that’s OK,” the 23-year-old said. “Remember that life doesn’t have a timeline set in stone.”
Class of 2022 graduate Raequan Houston said the staff at NewBridge Jobs Plus not only helped him with math but taught him about personal finance. “That was a big help,” the 20-year-old said. Houston left St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Newark as a junior, and got jobs at ShopRite and later FedEx.
Houston mostly kept to himself when he first arrived at NewBridge, but eventually warmed up. “I started to talk a lot more,” the Madison resident said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity NewBridge gave me,” said Houston, who received the Alumni Appreciation Scholarship Award. He intends to study music recording at the County College of Morris.
Jasso had been struggling with depression even before the onset of the pandemic. Sports and time with friends had helped him manage it, but when classes went remote and extracurricular activities were suspended, “I couldn’t take care of myself,” the 18-year-old said.
Jasso immersed himself in his job, creating online marketing content, but neglected other aspects of life, including school and his health. He enrolled in NewBridge Jobs Plus last August. He’d completed all the requirements within three months and earned his diploma.
“There’s a strong sense of community there, and they help you succeed with every aspect of your life,” said Jasso, who lost 30 pounds and launched a freelance business creating web content. Jasso will study business administration at CCM in the fall.
Other scholarship recipients were:
Angelina Spellmon, who received theJames Ryan Memorial Scholarship Award, created in honor of a NewBridge founder
Samantha Rolfes, awarded the Lakeland Bank Scholarship Award
Devin Ortiz, winner of a Parker Endowment Scholarship
“I am so proud of this graduating class, especially for their perseverance during these still uncertain times,” said NewBridge Jobs Plus Director Amy Sheppard. “We feel honored to have been a part of their journey.”
NewBridge Services is a leading provider of counseling services, housing, and educational programs in northern New Jersey, helping thousands of children, adults, and seniors each year. A 501c(3) nonprofit, NewBridge treats mental illnesses and addictions; teaches skills for coping with stress, grief, and challenging relationships; helps children who have been abused and neglected — and their families — heal; builds and manages affordable housing; offers school-based programs that teach children and adolescents resiliency skills for healthy emotional development; helps young adults succeed in their education and prepare for careers; and supports seniors so they can remain independent. Throughout its 59-year history, NewBridge has remained true to its mission of bringing balance to people’s lives by tracking shifts in communities’ needs and providing innovative, effective programs to meet them.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County ranked among “The 25 Healthiest Communities in America” in a new analysis of health and wellness in 3,000 communities across the United States released today by U.S. News & World Report in collaboration with CVS Health.
The “Healthiest Communities” report is the fifth annual analysis conducted by U.S. News & World Report with Morris County consistently ranking among the top. The new report ranked Morris County 16th nationwide and first in New Jersey, just after the county was ranked healthiest in New Jersey in a separate national study released in April by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
“This is wonderful news. Morris County is continuously ranking among the top healthiest places to live in America, and as these studies repeatedly underscore, there are important factors that contribute to these findings,” said Tayfun Selen, Director of the Morris County Board of County Commissioners.
“All of these studies cite our excellent economy and employment opportunities. They note the strength of our education system, our residents’ access to health care and healthy lifestyles, and our access to parks and green spaces. These are aspects of Morris County that all of us in the public and private sectors have worked over the decades to maintain and improve, and I believe these reports inspire us to continue our efforts to make Morris County the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Director Selen added.
The Healthiest Communities rankings from U.S. News & World Report evaluate 89 factors that fuel and form the health of residents across nearly 3,000 U.S. counties and county-equivalents. Counties were assessed on a 100-point scoring system tied to how they perform relative to one another across 10 health-related categories, ranging from education and the economy to community vitality, equity, infrastructure, and public safety. They receive a ranking based on their performance as well.
The broad framework of categories and subcategories was based on factors key to evaluating community health that was identified by the National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics – a policy advisory board to the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – as part of its Measurement Framework for Community Health and Well-Being. U.S. News adapted the NCVHS model in consultation with leading population health experts, resulting in most notably in the inclusion of an equity category.
MADISON — Danielle Brennan was named to the Miami University spring 2021-22 President’s list.
Miami University students who are ranked in the top three percent of undergraduate students within each division for the spring semester of 2021-22 have been named to the President’s list recognizing academic excellence.
Brennan is earning a B.S. in Social Work.
Nationally recognized as one of the most outstanding undergraduate institutions, Miami University is a public university located in Oxford, Ohio. With a student body of nearly 19,000, Miami effectively combines a wide range of strong academic programs with faculty who love to teach and the personal attention ordinarily found only at much smaller institutions.
