Mayor James P. Dodd graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly relocated Tierras y Sabores Restaurant
DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd, alongside Councilmembers Claudia Toro, AB Santana, and Sergio Rodriguez, graced the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the newly relocated Tierras y Sabores Restaurant, owned by Carlos Amezquita and Blanca Martinez.
Carlos Amezquita’s journey traces back to 1973 when his father immigrated to the United States and settled in Los Angeles. Joining his father in 1978, the family later moved to New Jersey in 1982, hailing from Cali, Colombia. The decision to settle in New Jersey stemmed from a fortuitous encounter – while his brother was on a coast-to-coast trucking route, a stop at Shop Rite in Elizabeth revealed a vibrant Colombian community, prompting their relocation.
Blanca Martinez’s family established roots in Dover in 1976. Together, Carlos and Blanca have built a family with five children and four grandchildren. Their restaurant venture began next door in 2002. Initially named Tierras Colombianas upon its inception, was Dover’s pioneering Colombian eatery. Upon acquiring it in 2002, Carlos transitioned the establishment to Tierras Y Sabores in 2015, aiming to welcome a diverse clientele beyond the Colombian community. Additionally, Carlos was instrumental in founding Los Criollos in 2008, a venture he later sold in 2018.
The grand re-opening marks a milestone as Tierras y Sabores relocates to a new space capable of accommodating around 65 patrons. Carlos and Blanca express their heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Dodd, Councilmembers Toro, Santana, and Rodriguez for their presence at the celebration, emphasizing their pride in remaining rooted in Dover, where their culinary journey began.
"Dover Mayor James Dodd, along with Shaz and Andres Ferreria, Councilwoman Claudia Toro, and Councilman Sergio Rodriguez, convene to explore available grant options for One11 Bar and Kitchen."
DOVER — Dover Councilman Sergio Rodriguez coordinated a meeting with the owners of One11 Bar and Kitchen, Shaz and Andres Ferreria, situated at 111 East Blackwell Street, to explore the available grants for the new small business.
Dover Councilman Sergio Rodriguez alongside One11 owner, Andres Ferreria.
The gathering saw the presence of Mayor James Dodd and Councilwoman Claudia Toro. Rodriguez introduced two appealing grants, each offering up to $50,000 to reimburse business owners for expenses related to interior or exterior building renovations, as well as the purchase and installation of new furniture, fixtures, and/or equipment. Additionally, another grant aimed to alleviate leasing costs by covering 20% of the annual lease for the initial two years.
The grants available through the Dover Town Business Group in coordination with the State of New Jersey will also be presented during an upcoming Business Networking Group to be held on April 24 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information email [email protected] or click here.
Police Officer Louis P. Sperry, Dover Police Chief Jonathan Delaney, Captain Newton, and Police Officer Francisco Aragon gathered for the unveiling ceremony of Officer Artie.
DOVER — On Tuesday, March 26th, Dover Police Chief Delaney and the Dover Police Department hosted a Coffee with a Cop event at the Dover Free Public Library. During the gathering, Police Officer Louis P. Sperry introduced Officer Artie, the new mascot representing the Dover Police Department.
Officer Artie was named in honor of Police Officer Arthur J. Ohlsen III, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on December 30, 2003. Officer Ohlsen served the Town of Dover for 19 years, fulfilling roles as a Police Officer, Detective, and K-9 Officer. His unwavering dedication to public service and exemplary character epitomizes the values of the department.
Police Officer Louis P. Sperry shares insights into the rich history behind Officer Artie.
Wearing Badge #1, Officer Artie pays homage to Police Officer Thomas DeShazo, who met his end while providing a motorcycle escort to the Lindbergh family on May 22, 1930. Officer DeShazo’s selflessness in prioritizing the safety of others over his own exemplifies bravery and strength, traits now embodied in Officer Artie’s character.
The Officer Artie program stemmed from a prior Coffee with a Cop event, where Police Officer Sperry, Librarian Timothy Domenick, and artists Fernando Ruiz and Michael Kraeger collaborated to bring Officer Artie to life.
The department hopes that Officer Artie will be embraced by the community, and they eagerly anticipate showcasing him in various engagements in the future.
This meeting is being held in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act, also known as the Sunshine Law, N.J.S.A. 10:4-6. Notice of the meeting was sent to the Daily Record and Star-Ledger on January 2, 2024, and published in the Record and Ledger on January 5, 2024. Notice was also posted on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Building.” These notices were sent within 48 hours before this meeting and were sent in sufficient time for the publications to publish them.
The Town of Dover highly values the input of residents in making important decisions that affect the residents of our community. We also believe in the rights of residents to observe Governing Body Meetings. To ensure that all of our residents have the opportunity to offer comments, each statement/comment shall be held to a time of five minutes.
Mayor James Dodd (December 31, 2027)
Claudia P. Toro Council Member – First Ward (December 31, 2025)
Sandra Wittner Council Member – First Ward (December 31, 2024)
Sergio Rodriguez Council Member – Second Ward (December 31, 2025)
Geovani Estacio Council Member – Second Ward (December 31, 2024)
Michael Scarneo Council Member – Third Ward (December 31, 2025)
Karol Ruiz Council Member – Third Ward (December 31, 2024)
Adam Tyburski and Cathie Kelly are seeking the Republican nomination for Borough Council
MORRIS PLAINS — Cathie Kelly and Adam Tyburski are vying for the Republican nomination for Borough Council in June, with Kelly seeking her third three-year term and Tyburski making his first-time candidacy.
Dennis Wagner, completing his initial term in December, opted not to pursue re-election.
Endorsed by the Morris Plains Republican County Committee, Kelly chairs the Ordinance and Public Utilities for the township and serves on the Planning Board.
“I advocate for fiscal conservatism and strive to maintain equitable taxes for all residents,” Kelly affirmed. “My commitment to conservative Republican principles remains steadfast, and I pledge to uphold these ideals in my next term.” A Morris Plains resident of 45 years, Kelly is an educator in the borough and balances her council duties with substitute teaching.
Together with her husband, Bill, they raised six children who attended Morris Plains Schools, and she holds a bachelor of arts degree from Glassboro State College, now Rowan University.
Meanwhile, Tyburski, partner, and co-owner of Adlaur LLC, a consultancy firm advising insurance executives, brings his expertise to the political arena. He holds various professional designations and earned a master’s in Insurance Management from Boston University.
“While Morris Plains has seen significant improvements during my residency, there’s still crucial work ahead,” Tyburski remarked. “Renewing the downtown area, upholding public safety, and ensuring landlord accountability are top priorities.”
He emphasized the importance of community cohesion, advocating for the continuation of cherished traditions like holiday events and parades as the borough approaches its Centennial.
Tyburski aims to contribute to fostering a vibrant business environment, promoting fiscal responsibility, and guiding the borough through its next phase of growth. With extensive experience in building businesses in regulated environments, he believes he’s uniquely positioned to support Morris Plains’ development.
Residing in Morris Plains for over a decade with his wife, Jennifer, and their two sons, Charlie and Henry, Tyburski is committed to serving his community and seeking residents’ support for his candidacy.
The Longo Planetarium at County College of Morris (CCM) is offering two new shows for the general public this spring.
MORRIS COUNTY — Embark on a celestial journey this spring at the Longo Planetarium, located on the County College of Morris (CCM) campus. Two captivating shows await eager stargazers, offering insights into the upcoming solar eclipse and captivating sky stories from cultures around the globe.
Running until Saturday, May 11, on select Fridays and Saturdays, these immersive experiences are not to be missed. Tickets for all shows are priced at $10.00 per person, and advance online reservations are strongly recommended to secure your spot. Visit the Planetarium website by clicking here to book your tickets.
In “Totality: The Great American Solar Eclipse 2024,” discover the magic of celestial phenomena as you delve into the mechanics of solar and lunar eclipses. Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of a total solar eclipse, a rare occurrence where the moon aligns perfectly with the sun, casting a shadow across North America on Monday, April 8. Learn where and how to best view this spectacular event, as experts guide you through its significance. Recommended for ages 8 and above, this 45-minute show will leave you spellbound. Catch it on select Fridays at 9:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with special preparatory shows on March 29 and March 30.
For a cultural odyssey through the night sky, join “One Sky: Sky Stories from Around the Globe.” This enchanting show celebrates the celestial tales of various cultures, from the Greeks’ myth of Orion to the Navajo’s Thunderbird legend. Explore the great Celestial Canoe of the Innu people and uncover how Hawaiians navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using the stars as their guide. Suitable for ages 6 and above, this 40-minute presentation offers a mesmerizing blend of folklore and astronomy. Catch it on select Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 2:00 p.m., complete with a fascinating tour of the night sky and planets.
Located at 214 Center Grove Road, Randolph, the Longo Planetarium can be found in Cohen Hall Room 207 on the CCM campus. Parking is available in lot 7, with clear signage guiding visitors to Cohen Hall. Take a leisurely five-minute stroll from the parking lot to the planetarium, where an unforgettable celestial adventure awaits.
County Commissioners Deborah Smith and Tayfun Selen, Kathryn DeFillippo, Commissioner Director Christine Myers, Commissioner Doug Cabana and Chamber President Meghan Hunscher.
MORRIS COUNTY — Former Morris County Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo received the 2024 Alex DeCroce Public Leadership Award today, as local elected officials and business leaders gathered at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park for the Morris County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Luncheon.
Morris County Commissioner Director Christine Myers highlighted DeFillippo’s many contributions to public service and invited fellow Commissioners Doug Cabana, Tayfun Selen, and Deborah Smith, as well as Chamber President Meghan Hunscher to join her in presenting the award.
“Kathy was Morris County’s champion of Human Services and an outspoken supporter of people in need. She advocated for the nonprofits we depend on in this county while also serving on the NJTPA (New Jersey Transportation Planning Authority) board since 2014, which she guided through the global pandemic for two years as director. She is a diverse talent and resource who we miss having on the Commissioner board,” said Commissioner Director Christine Myers.
DeFillippo, who is retired, served three terms on the Board of County Commissioners from 2014 to 2022, including two years as board director. During her tenure, she served as the chief liaison to the Morris County Department of Human Services and area nonprofits. She also served on the board of the New Jersey Metro Chapter of the National MS Society for ten years until 2016 and brought the fundraising Walk for MS to Roxbury, where she was Mayor in 2009 and served on the council from 2006 to 2013.
Kathryn DeFillippo and Commissioner Tayfun Selen.
During her acceptance speech, DeFillippo attributed her success in public service to guidance she received from the late assemblyman early on in her career.
“Alex said to me that to lead I need to understand my community and use my voice to make things happen. That’s what I always tried to do. So, I think this afternoon we should listen once again to Alex’s advice. It takes a lot of demanding work, long hours, and a tremendous commitment to make our communities a great place to live, work, and raise a family… I am grateful for this recognition,” said DeFillippo.
While serving on the board of the NJTPA, DeFillippo was elected chair in 2020 and 2021. Under her leadership, the NJTPA adopted plan 2050 to prioritize the transportation needs and challenges over the next 30 years, which prompted a major infrastructure investment for New Jersey under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Morris Canal restoration was also completed in 2022, a project 16 years in the making that got its biggest push in 2019 when the NJTPA funded more than $3.4 million through their Transportation Alternative Grant Program.
This year’s Legislative Luncheon keynote speech was delivered by Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, who spoke on the significance of the upcoming elections for New Jersey. He was introduced by Rosalie Serapiglia, Vice President of Government Affairs for Tilcon and Co-Chair of Chamber Gov’t Affairs Forums.
Following the keynote, Rasmussen joined an informative panel discussion between state Senators Anthony Bucco (R-25) and Andrew Zwicker (D-16) regarding legislative matters that affect state residents and businesses. The panel was moderated by Sal Anderton, Esq., Vice President and General Counsel for Porzio Governmental Affairs and Co-Chair of the MCCC’s Government Affairs Forums.
Each year, the Chamber nominates a Morris County official for the Alex DeCroce Public Leadership Award who exemplifies the values of public service by Assemblyman Alex DeCroce: an unwavering commitment to making the community a great place to live, grow a business, and raise a family.
The annual Legislative Luncheon, part of the chamber’s Public Policy Series, is open to both chamber members and non-members. For more information, visit the Morris County Chamber of Commerce website.
Pasquale's Pizza Restaurant: A Cozy Haven of Italian Charm
BOONTON — As my group of foodie friends and I headed out for a casual lunch at a popular local pizzeria it came to mind that these wonderful little eateries, spattered throughout every town and city, are often overlooked when seeking out some of the most satisfying, comforting, family-friendly, reasonably priced food you’ll ever need.
Located at 307 Main Street, Pasquale’s stands out as an appealing, stylish building, with its large arched windows and yellow-painted frontage, welcoming you in.
Our gathering brought us to one of vibrant downtown Boonton’s longest-lasting eateries, Pasquale’s Pizza Restaurant. Located at 307 Main Street, Pasquale’s stands out as an appealing, stylish building, with its large arched windows and yellow-painted frontage, welcoming you in. On entry, you are immediately immersed in an atmosphere that is reminiscent of an old-school-style pizzeria. Reminded me of those small, wonderful pizzerias that I used to stop in at as a kid, and that’s an exceptionally long time ago.
Get Acquainted with Tony Biago: The Passionate Culinary Maestro Behind Pasquale’s Pizza Restaurant
As you walk in the door your senses are immediately stimulated with that tantalizing aroma of freshly baked dough, tomato sauce, and all those herbs and spices that make Italian American food one of the most popular foods in America. There is a small dining area, with a corner nook, and maybe room for five tables, yet spacious and airy enough to dine in comfort. The interior is pristine, and the black walls covered with paintings by a local artist, provide an eye-catching, distinctive, and whimsical motif. The black walls covered with cheerful photos of pizzas, food names, catchy expressions, and old family photos create a vibe that can only raise your spirit no matter how your day is going. Those large exterior windows allow for a well-lighted and cozy atmosphere, and the Victorian-style tin-type ceiling, brick, and soft rustic wood accents are well thought out. Pasquale’s also boasts an immaculately clean open kitchen, where you can watch owner, and Pizzaiola, Tony Biago working the peel as he expertly shakes, turns, and prepares a fresh pie. When asked about the décor, Tony stated, “I wanted to create an old school feel, with a little pinkie of modern.” Congrats Tony, you did it!
Patrick Minutillo Relishes a Conversation with Tony Biago, Pasquale’s Pizza Restaurant Owner, While Savoring a Delectable Slice of Grandma Pie.
Meeting with Owner Tony Biago was a true pleasure. His joyful and exuberant personality filled the room. Being a top-notch chef is unquestionably important, but being able to relate to, care for, and connect on a personal level with your customers is to me what makes a restaurant stand out. Tony told me that he can recall all his regular customers by name, and what their favorite dishes are. I have never been to Pasquale’s, but after just a few minutes I felt like I had been a customer for years. That’s something special!
I was able to sit with Tony for a bit between orders to discuss his journey. He told me his dream was to become a golf pro, and that he once took a job as a breakfast cook at a golf course so that he could practice his game later in the day. Raised in a traditional Italian American household, where he watched and learned how to cook Italian dishes from his Mother, and where he claims to have developed his taste for good food, he always had that as a backup if the golf thing didn’t work out. In 1989, with the golf career not looking promising, he happened across a newspaper ad for a pizzeria in a Town called Boonton. A ways from Belmar, where he was living, didn’t stop Tony from checking out this prospect. Once introduced to the historic, lively, vibrant, eclectic community of Boonton, with its quaint rolling hills and wide range of restaurants, it wasn’t long before Tony opened the doors to Pasquale’s. That was 35 years ago, and Pasquale’s is still going strong and is more popular than ever.
In July of 2015, Boonton ran a Pizza throwdown, where 11,000 people came out to try slices from local pizzerias. Tony is proud that despite some great pizzerias participating, Pasquale’s won bragging rights at the end of the day for “Best Crust,” “Best Sauce,” “Best Regular Sicilian,” Best Grandma’s,” and “Best Overall.” The newspaper article still hangs in his restaurant today. In June of 2020, Barstool’s David Portnoy visited Pasquale’s, famous for his internet pizza reviews. Now, I enjoy Portnoy’s reviews, but he was not in a good mood during the visit, complaining and annoyed that no one answered his phone call, he settled for a slice, went outside, and gave Pasquale a mediocre score. Not that he would ever read this, but Dave, I would suggest you make a return visit to Boonton and give it a fair shot.
Now we were anxious to sample some of the menu. Tony let us know that everything is fresh and made from scratch, and all his dishes are made to order. He says he tries to have something for everyone, and that kids particularly love his pizza. He let me know that the bulk of his business is take-out and that he feels honored that so many of his customers, who are like family, are returning customers. “Even people who move down to the shore still keep coming back.” The menu offered a nice variety of your usual pizzeria standards; appetizers, pizza, dinners (chicken, pasta, veal, eggplant, etc.), calzones and strombolis (buffalo, chicken, spinach, sausage, etc.), cold and hot subs, wraps, grilled dishes (Italian Hot Dog, assorted burgers), kids meals (yes, even chicken fingers.), and don’t forget to bring along your favorite bottle of vino, as Pasquale’s is BYOB.
Discover the Irresistible Flavor of Pasquale’s Buffalo Chicken Strombolis: Succulent Chicken, Tangy Buffalo Sauce, and Melted Cheese Encased in a Crispy, Flaky Dough.
Our group asked Tony to just bring out a Grandma and Sicilian Pie, Buffalo Chicken Roll, Sausage Broccoli Rabe Rol, and Sausage Roll to start. As usual, this was to be shared as a group as an appetizer, before we considered our entrees. I don’t know what we were thinking but enough food came out to feed our group three times over, and still leave enough to take home. Obviously, and somewhat sadly, entrees would have to wait until another visit.
Indulge in Pasquale’s Abundant Antipasto Salad: A Vibrant Array of Meats, Cheeses, and Fresh Greens, Accompanied by Crusty Italian Bread.
The first to come out were the Grandma and Sicilian Pies. Frequently, I often hear people ask what’s the difference. To put it as simply as possible, a Sicilian pie is a thick crust pizza, with a nice crispy texture, thick fluffy crust, slightly oily, and baked in a square tray. Grandma pizza, on the other hand, has a crust that isn’t given that extra time to rise before it’s topped and baked, so while it may still be thicker than a standard New York slice, it’s still much thinner and less chewy than the Sicilian crust. Even though, all are made with the same dough, the cooking method is different for each style of pie.
Savor the Perfect Balance of Textures in Pasquale’s Sicilian Pie: Crispy, Charred Crust Complemented by a Soft, Pillowy Base, and an Even Spread of Sauce and Cheese.
Before visiting Pasquale’s, I had heard that his Sicilian pie was something special, so there was no way I was going to leave without trying it. It did not disappoint! Nicely cooked; crispy, crunchy, slightly charred crust, with a soft, spongy, pillowy base, covered with a perfect distribution of sauce to cheese. Beautifully textured Sicilian Pie! Tony explained that all his homemade tomato sauces are prepared differently to complement each style of pie. As I tried the thinner Grandma Pie, (also a square pie) which leans towards a more prominent sauce-to-cheese ratio, I could see what he was talking about. Each pie, delicious on its own, had its distinct taste, and in both cases, the sauce was vibrant, with a well-rounded flavor, tangy and sweet. I enjoyed both equally.
Delight in Pasquale’s Signature Garlic Knots: A Flavorful Twist to Your Dining Experience”
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the generously sized antipasto salad that preceded the meal. Lots of delectable, assorted meats, cheeses, roasted peppers, olives, arugula, and peppers, and course, crusty Italian bread, just to kick off our appetites. Don’t forget the garlic knots!
Tortellini Alfredo: A Luxurious Pasta Dish featuring tender, cheese-filled tortellini enveloped in a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. Enhanced with savory Parmesan cheese and aromatic garlic, this classic Italian comfort food is a harmonious blend of indulgent flavors and textures, guaranteed to satisfy your palate and warm your soul
Following the pizzas, out came the freshly baked entrees. I don’t know how we could still be eating! Buffalo Chicken Roll, Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Roll, and Strombolis (sort of a rolled-up cousin of pizza), and whatever else Tony brought out. Both the Buffalo Chicken (Chicken, Mozzarella, Blue Cheese, and Hot Sauce, wrapped in a beautifully baked crust), and Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Rolls, and Sausage Roll were all packed with flavor, and loaded with pleasurable, gooey goodness in every bite. Nice mouth feel, as I eagerly sank my teeth into that crunchy, subtle, textured dough to discover all those wonderful fillings of meats, cheeses, and vegetables inside. After a piece of each one, I had to surrender, as did my dining group. And there was still plenty for everyone in the group to take home and enjoy at another time.
It was an enjoyable dining experience at Pasquale’s, and we have to thank Tony Biago for making us feel like family, and for his wonderful hospitality during our visit. I will be back soon to try some of the rest of the menu.
Gazie, cibo delizioso!
Dine In – Take Out – Delivery – On-Line Ordering – Catering; Reasonably Priced – BYOB; Open 7 Days a Week – 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Street Parking;
MORRIS COUNTY — An Essex County man admitted his role in a narcotics conspiracy involving approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 100 grams of fentanyl, possessing with intent to distribute approximately 482 grams of cocaine, and possessing three firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.
Carlos Ovidio Gonzalez, 36, Newark, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Cecchi in Newark federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon.
Gonzalez was paroled in March 2022 after serving time for drug dealing and illegal weapons possession convictions out of Morris County in 2009.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
On December 19, 2022, Gonzalez and another individual conspired to distribute approximately one kilogram of cocaine and 100 grams of fentanyl and were arrested shortly after arriving at an agreed-upon location in Kearny to complete the sale. After their arrests, a search of Gonzalez’s home and an apartment uncovered two loaded firearms, an unloaded firearm, ammunition, drug packaging materials, and drugs, including approximately 482 grams of heroin. Gonzalez had previously been convicted, in New Jersey Superior Court, Morris County, of first-degree drug distribution, second-degree weapons possession during a controlled substance offense, and second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, and was sentenced in 2009 to 30 years in prison.
The counts of fentanyl and cocaine conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine carry maximum penalties of 30 years in prison and a $2 million fine. The felon in possession count carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for August 6, 2024.
The Land Conservancy of New Jersey preserve, restore, and care for land and water resources, inspiring and empowering individuals and communities to protect open space.
BOONTON — The Land Conservancy of New Jersey (TLCNJ) is committed to supporting scholars dedicated to environmental conservation, natural resource management, and related disciplines. With a legacy spanning 40 years, TLCNJ’s scholarship program, which began with the Russell W. Myers Scholarship in 1983 and expanded with the Rogers Family Scholarship in 2005, continues to empower future environmental leaders.
In 2024, TLCNJ is proud to offer six $10,000 scholarships, thanks to the generous support of our education initiatives’ advocates. We’re seeking individuals passionate about safeguarding our natural resources, and our selection process prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Applications for the 2024 scholarship cycle are now open! New Jersey residents enrolled in accredited colleges or universities, whether in-state or out-of-state, with a minimum GPA of 3.3 are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submission is Monday, April 1.
To apply, download the scholarship application by clicking here and submit all required materials to the provided form below. Successful candidates will have their scholarship funds disbursed directly to their institution.
For further inquiries, please reach out to Breanna Durkin at [email protected] or (973) 957-2683. Join us in shaping the future of environmental conservation!
