MORRIS COUNTY — RainbowWeddingNetwork.com, a national LGBTQ+ wedding resource, hosted a wedding expo at Hyatt Regency Morristown. The wedding expo featured dozens of gay-friendly wedding vendors including photographers, florists, caterers, jewelers, and DJs showcasing their services and products.
The event also showcased the wedding opportunities available at Hyatt Regency Morristown, which recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation.
About RainbowWeddingNetwork: In May 2004, Cindy Sproul addressed a crowd of three hundred fifty at the Sheraton Commander Hotel in Cambridge, MA, inviting them to mark the moment by raising a glass to toast the passage of the landmark Goodridge Decision. The crowd, gathered for the auspicious occasion at the first annual ‘Same Love, Same Rights’TM LGBTQ Wedding Expo that afternoon, was joyful, attentive and many clung to handkerchiefs: Dozens of couples and wedding professionals alike were teary-eyed and struck with disbelief that the day had finally arrived when same-gender couples would be legally permitted to marry in the Bay State.
Just four and a half years earlier, Sproul and her partner Marianne Puechl had co-founded RainbowWeddingNetwork.com, the first wedding gift registry ever specifically dedicated to the Gay and Lesbian community. The women, planning their own commitment ceremony, saw the need for a website dedicated to LGBTQ unions: having encountered awkwardness themselves as they approached wedding vendors, they decided it would be a wonderful & productive resource to screen vendors so that other LGBTQ couples would not have to experience discrimination.\
Shan Shan Noodles is located at 333 Route 46 East, Parsippany
MORRIS COUNTY — The ongoing quest for the next great Parsippany dining experience continued as my foodie friends and I ventured out to Shan Shan Noodles. I had been to Shan Shan Noodles before, and I loved it, but it has been closed for indoor dining for most of the last two years because of the pandemic, so when I found out that the restaurant had resumed indoor dining a couple of months ago, I was anxious for a return visit.
Lili Lu, Shan Lu, Chef Kegong Zhang, and Pat Minutillo
Shan Shan Noodles, which opened in 2014, is another one of those nondescript, unassuming, humble-looking little storefront eateries, located in the small Pacific Pavilion strip mall, right off Route 46 East and Edwards Road. I have learned long ago that these simple, unpretentious, little locations can truly reveal one of those “hidden gems” people talk about. Shan Shan Noodles is one of those gems.
Our hostess, Lili Lu
The moment we entered the restaurant we were immediately and warmly welcomed by our hostess, Lili Lu, mother of owner Shan Lu. The personable, enthusiastic, and genial persona of Ms. Lu immediately made one feel comfortable and at home. Our group was immediately seated, like menus, water, tea, and chopsticks arrived (and for a couple of our group, forks were requested). Shan Lu also made it a point to come over to welcome us to her restaurant; you knew we were in for a pleasant dining experience.
I should mention that Shan Shan Noodles is a family-owned and operated business that specializes in the authentic food of Northwestern China, specifically the Xinjiang Province, where Shan and her mother, Lili, were born. The food prepared and served at Shan Shan reflects that region of China and is unique due to the various cultural influences that together make Shan Shan’s food so special.
Shredded Pork with Hot Pepper over Hand-Pulled Noodle
Shan Shan is a comfortable, homey, exceptionally clean, and organized eatery. Though the dining room is small, with seven, four-person booths along both the sidewalls and five or six glass-covered, wood-grained tables thoughtfully placed around the room, one gets the feeling that it is more spacious. I did notice immediately that the interior had been renovated since 2019, and now offers diners a more modern, bright, and sleek appearance. The attractive Chinese-themed mural still covers one wall, and diners can still enjoy Chef Kegong Zhang (AKA John) pulling, stretching, and flapping freshly made noodles through a large window. That show alone is worth the visit, and you can see that the Chef enjoys what he is doing. Chef Zhang explained to me that he makes a variety of different shaped hand-pulled noodles that can vary in thickness to accommodate the variety of dishes served at the restaurant. The noodles range from “Skinny”, “Angel’s Hair”, “Regular”, “Second Skinny (Woodon)”, “Flat”, and “Belt” (AKA Biangbiang noodles); and each type of noodle marries perfectly with the accompanying dish.
The rest of the interior is simple, with a casual, relaxing vibe, with two wall TVs (on quiet), and soft mood music playing in the background. Reminds me of a Chinese restaurant I used to visit on Mott Street in New York City, and that is a compliment.
Shan Shan’s menu is not too extensive as Shan Lu prefers to concentrate on quality food, service, and keeping her customers happy. Though the menu might be considered limited by some, each dish seems more tempting than the next, and it was nice of both Shan and Lili Lu to walk us through the assorted items, and on our request offer some helpful recommendations. The menu does offer appetizers, Chef Specials, sauteed noodles and dishes, fried rice, cold plates, and hand-pulled noodle soup.
Scallion Pancake
After some fun conversation and bantering with our hosts, we finally decided to begin our meal with a selection of shared appetizers. We went with the Beef Pancake, Spicy Wonton, Scallion Pancake, and Pot Stickers. Both the beef and scallion pancakes were freshly and perfectly cooked to a golden brown; savory, light, chewy crepes that were nicely enhanced with the sauces that they were served with. Chinese pancakes are one of the quintessential popular snack foods found throughout China.
Beef Pancake
The Pot Stickers, basically Chinese dumplings; lightly browned, golden crispy, folded, and pleated bundles looked as good as they tasted. Wonderful taste sensation as they melted in your mouth. They came eight to a serving, which is a lot of stickers. Our final appetizer was the Spicy Wonton. Wonton’s, another type of dumpling, sits in an oil-based hot sauce, well rounded with the flavorings developed from a myriad of herbs and spices. A sophisticated, flavorful broth that I was not ashamed to slurp down to the last drop.
Black Bean Sauce Over Hand-Pulled Noodle
For an entrée I ordered the Shredded Pork with Hot Pepper over Hand-Pulled Noodle, others in the group chose the Black Bean Sauce over Hand-Pulled Noodle, (Ground pork, with black bean sauce), Cold Hand-Pulled Noodle with Hot and Spicy Chicken, Seafood with Fried Hand-Pulled Noodle, (Shrimp, fish ball, imitation crab meat), and the Pork with Fried Hand-Pulled Noodle. My dish of shredded spicy pork paired perfectly with the homemade hand-pulled noodles. A visually beautiful dish filled with tender pork, fresh ingredients and seasoned perfectly. This delectable dish had a nice mouthfeel to it, was not overly spicy hot, and the fusion of textures, spices, and flavors, along with the luscious, freshly made springy and satisfying noodles made for a memorable meal. A wonderful fusion of meat, noodles, and broth; I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Part of what makes eating this cuisine fun is that is comes with a pair of scissors so you can cut your very lengthy noodles to a manageable size. While I prefer to cut my own noodles while I devour my meal, others didn’t mind letting Lili Lu guide them on how to master this eating technique. There’s also chili oil and black vinegar on the table should you want to enhance the flavors of your meal. Personally, I didn’t need it. This dish also went well with my Beijing-based Yanjing beer, which I brought along as Shan Shan is BYOB.
The consensus of the group was that everyone thoroughly enjoyed their individual meals and that Shan Shan Noodles was definitely a standout, and a location to add to our “must return” list.
Asian desserts
We ended this culinary feast with a variety of Asian desserts from Shan Shan Noodles’ own bakery, Sweet Sensations, which is a separate store located just a few doors down from the restaurant and which specializes in cakes, desserts, bubble teas, and more. The desserts we tried were very light, fluffy, not overly sweet, and very fresh. I found out that this style of Asian dessert, from the Xinjiang Province in Northwestern China, only uses fresh whipped cream (no buttercream) and is very health-conscious, diabetic-friendly, and unlike the heavy sweetness that is usually found in desserts here in America.
Sweet Shansations by Shan Lu
Naturally, this led to a tour of Sweet Shansations by Shan Lu. Sparkling clean, attractive bakery with an interesting selection of tantalizing Asian baked goods. All those in my group enjoyed the education they received on the unfamiliar items and based on how delicious our desserts were everyone walked out with a bag full of tasty treats to take home with them. They also offer a choice of special occasion cakes if that is your interest. If you have not yet tried authentic Asian desserts, I would strongly suggest giving Sweet Shansations a try.
Sweet Shansations by Shan Lu
Shan Shan Noodles is a true culinary treasure right here in Parsippany. Delicious cuisine, very reasonable prices, generous portions, wonderful family atmosphere, professional service, and a family that truly cares about their customers. Shan Shan Noodles is not one of your familiar run-of-the-mill Chinese eateries. Next time you are seeking out a different type of Chinese restaurant, do yourself a favor and give Shan Shan a try, and while you are at it, stop in at Sweet Shansations for dessert.
Shan Shan Noodles is located at 333 Route 46 East, Parsippany. (973) 287-7399. Click here for the website. BYOB – No Reservations. Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – Closed Mondays. Parking Lot.
Steve Kampschmid, Doug Cabana, Joe Bock, Stephen Shaw, Cy Wekilsky, Tayfun Selen, Owner April Berman, Nicolas Limanov, Frank Cahill and Marie Devenezia
BOONTON — Kasama Yoga and Healing Center Celebrates its Grand Opening on Saturday, March 19.
Joining Owner April Berman in the celebration was Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen, Commissioners Doug Cabana and Stephen Shaw, Boonton Town Council Member Ward 1 Cy Wekilsky, Council Member Ward 2, Marie Devenezia; Council Member Ward 3, Joseph E. Bock, Jr., Boonton Main Street Executive Director Steve Kampschmid, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Board Member Frank Cahill, and Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov.
It’s official! April Berman cuts the ribbon. Steve Kampschmid, Doug Cabana, Joe Bock, Stephen Shaw, Cy Wekilsky, Tayfun Selen, Owner April Berman, Nicolas Limanov, Frank Cahill and Marie Devenezia
At Kasama yoga, they aim to help their members cultivate a meditation practice to calm the mind, ease the spirit, and bring stability and peace to one’s life. They include guided meditation sessions as well as provide a meditation space for members to use for their own practices.
Yoga is really for everybody. It isn’t just for the flexible or a certain body type or age. The practice of yoga changes the wiring of your mental, emotional and nervous systems in addition to the physical benefits. There are different types of yoga including vinyasa, kundalini, yin, restorative, and so forth. We also offer smaller group classes and private sessions. Come and see what kind of yoga is meant for you.
Kasama Yoga and Healing Center is located at 616 Main Street, Boonton. They can be reached by calling (973) 453-3016. Click here for their website.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Benjamin Forman, 16, a sophomore at Mountain Lakes High School, has been leading all efforts in Mountain Lakes to help the people in Ukraine since this horrible war started.
He has raised almost $17,000 (all by himself from everyone he knows and many, many Lakers) and also has a collection drive going for desperately needed supplies to be shipped to Ukraine.
Forman is working with the UACCNJ and has been there packing boxes and helping however he can. He also wrote an op/Ed for the ML Mountaineer. (Click here to read).
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County was born 283 years ago – or was it before that?
It’s not that the centuries have made us forgetful. It’s a matter of which calendar you use and in what part of the world you live.
It was 1752 when England and its colonies, including New Jersey, switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar, moving our official birthday to March 15, 1739, from 1738.
Regardless, history records that Morris County was created by an act of the State Legislature on March 15, 1738/39, separating it from Hunterdon County, one of the state’s largest counties of the period. Named after Colonel Lewis Morris, then Governor of the Province of New Jersey, it originally included what are now the counties of Morris, Sussex, and Warren.
We invite you to learn more about our history:
Check out online exhibits from the Morris County Heritage Commission about exceptional women in Morris County history, and our courthouse, homes, and cultural center by clicking here.
Visit historic sites across the county by clicking here.
Read about the history of our veterans, miners, and railroaders by clicking here.
HANOVER — Members of the Hanover Rotary Club along with 280 volunteers from other Rotary Clubs came together in support of the Rotary International End Hunger Program.
The Club met at Caldwell College on Saturday, March 12 where over a two-day period they prepared 90,720 meals or 420 cases of food for the hungry.
100 cases or 21,600 meals and combined with other Rotary events, 56,160 meals total were sent to Ukraine.
Seen above are members of the Hanover Rotary Club; Rocco Sino, Dave King, club president along with Marc and Susan Lebowitz, Pete and Emily Zarras, Carol Palk, and Jim Colavito.
The Hanover Rotary Club meets Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. at the IHop in Hanover.
Laura Marie Ali, Chair and Peter King, Esq., General Counsel, Morris County Republican Committee, tabulating votes
MORRIS COUNTY – The Morris County Republican Committee (MCRC) held an Executive Committee meeting this week to hear an appeal from the Toby Anderson campaign that alleged procedural deficiencies in last week’s Republican County Committee convention were the reason for his 5-vote loss.
The Morris County Executive Committee consists of the MCRC Executive Board, the Municipal Chairs from 38 municipalities (Victory Gardens is vacant), the two-state committee representatives, the Chair of the Morris County Young Republicans, the Chair of the Morris County Teenage Republicans, and the President of the Women’s Republican Club.
After the Anderson Campaign failed to prove one point of their allegations, the Executive Committee voted unanimously to reject their appeal. There was one abstention – Scott Russell acting Chair in Montville. One witness was called from the Anderson campaign, at the suggestion of Russell, to give testimony that there were people registering after 7:30 p.m., which would have been against the Convention rules. Under oath, she stated that she did not see that. In fact, she only could say that she herself registered before 7:30 p.m. and there were no county committee members being registered after 7:30 p.m.
Other allegations that were presented by the campaign included that county committee members were permitted to vote that were not on the certified list as of February 25. That was unable to be proven because it was false and not true.
Other allegations included opposition to procedures that were documented in the Rules of the Convention. These Rules of the Convention were presented to each of the candidates at a February 23, 2022 meeting where candidates were asked to provide input on them. At the end of the meeting, all Candidates agreed to the rules. The Rules of the Convention supersede Roberts Rules in party Conventions and as mentioned above were agreed to by all the candidates.
“It’s unfortunate that some losing campaigns attribute their loss to election wrongdoings. I should have been clearer about the most important rule of all regarding the Convention: that not everyone will win. And just because you lose, it doesn’t make it ok to scream from the rooftops and on social media that there was voter fraud. Our convention was run with the help of nearly 50 volunteer Morris County Republicans who operate with the highest level of integrity, at all times throughout the convention,” Chairwoman Laura Marie Ali had to say.
“The sight from the podium, looking out at the sea of engaged spirited Republicans was something I’ll never forget! It’s a great time to be a Morris County Republican!,” she added.
Myron Bytz (holding resolution) with other local Ukrainians joined the Morris County Commissioners in pledging solidarity with the people of Ukraine against the ongoing Russian invasion
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s Board of County Commissioners last night joined members of the local Ukrainian community in a moment of silence and sang the Ukraine national anthem as the board presented a formal resolution declaring solidarity with the Ukrainian people against the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine in Eastern Europe.
The Ukrainian community, an estimated 12,000 people living in and around Morris County, have been an active part of the region for over 100 years, and a dozen of them joined community leader Myron Bytz in accepting the framed, signed, and sealed resolution during the Commissioners’ public meeting in Morristown.
“Commissioners, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of all Ukrainians, thank you for your support,” said Bytz, who was accompanied by his wife, Christina, and grandson, Atlas.
“As President Zelensky stated, we Ukrainians are a peaceful nation, but if we remain silent today, we will be gone tomorrow. I say, thank you world for speaking out on our behalf, and for your support. We will not be gone tomorrow or ever. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes,” he added.
The group sang the Ukraine national anthem with their hands held over their hearts, and held two moments of silence with the Commissioners in an emotional gathering.
Lyuba Berezny and her daughter, Sofia, 6, of Whippany brought “No War” signs to the Commissioner meeting
“The situation on the ground is one of horror. Neighborhoods have been destroyed. Civilians have been deliberately targeted for attacks and hundreds have been killed. Two million people who once lived peaceful, hardworking lives in Ukraine have been forced to flee their beloved nation,” said Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen. “Tonight, my fellow Commissioners and I are declaring our solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people against the truly evil onslaught brought down on their homeland by Vladimir Putin.”
Bytz also presented the Commissioners with a Ukrainian flag, which was hung from the meeting room dais.
Everyone interested in donating funds and goods – with medical supplies being a top priority – was urged by Bytz to connect with the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey by clicking here.
The declaration of solidarity presented to the local Ukrainian community
The full wording of the Morris County resolution is below:
Whereas, the unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine by Russia under the direction of its ruthless President, Vladimir Putin, has been condemned by the entire world, including the people of Morris County and this Morris County Board of County Commissioners; and
Whereas, the people of Ukraine have bravely resisted the relentless assaults, bombings, and crimes against peace waged by Putin and his brutal military, despite overwhelming military odds and the continuing onslaught of modern Russian military strikes against innocent, unarmed civilian populations; and
Whereas, Morris County has maintained a unique kinship with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people dating back more than a century since Ukrainian immigrants first arrived in the Whippany and Malapardis sections of Hanover Township in 1908 to find hope for a new life and employment in the many mills that once drove the regional economy; and
Whereas, it was in Whippany where those immigrants built St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church with their own hands, establishing a community where their direct descendants continue to thrive today, significantly contributing to our wonderful way of life in Morris County and throughout the United States; and
Whereas, because of those deep community bonds, all of the people in Morris County feel the brutal Russian onslaught is being waged on our own homes and families as we watch media images of dead children, devastated neighborhoods, and thousands of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the carnage wrought upon their homeland by foreign aggressors.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, by the Board of County Commissioners, Morris County, New Jersey, that we declare solidarity with the people of Ukraine and our Ukrainian brothers and sisters here in the United States, and we demand Putin immediately withdraw his military from Ukraine, renounce his expansionist claims and rejoin the world of nations to restore war-torn Ukraine.
MORRIS COUNTY — Republican CD-11 congressional candidate Paul DeGroot has announced he is moving past the disjointed Morris County GOP convention and pointing his campaign toward the June Primary Election.
“Because of the confusing nature of the MCRC convention, I don’t think there is much anyone can take from the results of the event,” said DeGroot.
“I’m moving on to the Primary, which will give me three months to address thousands of Republican voters in Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties,” added DeGroot, who has been awarded the Republican Party line in Passaic County.
A former county prosecutor and the father of two small children, DeGroot says he has the skills and perspective to appeal to Republican voters who want to win back the CD-11 seat that was lost in 2018.
“I battled crime and criminals for 25 years and worked with government officials on the local, county, state, and federal levels. No one else in the GOP field has that kind of experience,” said DeGroot. “I oppose the revolving door justice that local and national Democrats have saddled us with that is emboldening criminals to prey on law-abiding, middle-class people.”
DeGroot and his wife Sharon have two young children and he says that gives him a perspective other candidates do not have.
“Like many parents in the district, we are deeply concerned about what our children are learning in school. I support the parents’ right to have a significant say in what is being taught in the classroom and I will carry that message to Washington,” added DeGroot.
Finally said DeGroot; “I actually live in the district that I am running in. I think that matters. We have candidates that don’t live in the district or know its intricacies and needs. That puts them in the same ballpark as Rep Mikie Sherrill, who never made the commitment to move to the district.”
The New CD-11 Includes the following Municipalities from Morris, Essex, and Passaic Counties: Belleville, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair (part), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, South Orange, and West Caldwell in Essex County; Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Twp (part), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township and Victory Gardens in Morris County; Little Falls, Totowa, Wayne (part) and Woodland Park in Passaic County.
“Commissioners, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of all Ukrainians, thank you for your support,” said Bytz, who was accompanied by his wife, Christina, and grandson, Atlas.
