MORRIS COUNTY — Arden Courts of Whippany is partnering with Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter to bring you furry friends needing a loving home! Please stop by and adopt a dog or kitten today!
Event Details:
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BOONTON — Boonton Recreation has partnered with Gateway Community Center, the YMCA, and Zufall Health to offer Affordable Dental Services to the community. Registration must be done in person at Gateway on Wednesday, July 10, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
For more details and eligibility requirements, visit Boonton.org or contact Alanis at (973) 326-2266 ext. 1381. Take advantage of this opportunity to access affordable dental care through a collaborative community effort.
BOONTON — The Boonton Farmers Market is now open for the season! It occurs at the Upper Plane Street Parking Lot every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
By shopping at the farmers market, visitors support local farmers and artisans, enjoying the freshest produce and unique products the community has to offer. It’s an opportunity to engage with local vendors and contribute to the sustainability of the local economy.
MORRIS COUNTY — Boonton, Mountain Lakes, and Boonton Township will hold a “National Night Out” on Tuesday, August 6, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at RVA Fields, 353 Powerville Road, Boonton Township.
Don’t miss National Night Out hosted by the Police Departments of Boonton, Mountain Lakes, and Boonton Township. Join for an entertaining summer evening with lots of fun attractions.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Held on the first Tuesday of August, it aims to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while fostering a sense of community.
National Night Out encourages community engagement and crime prevention efforts at the local level.
DOVER — The following 2024 graduates were on the Harvey A. Kuntzelman Chapter – National Honor Society Dover High School:
Lizzy Banegas Villeda, Camilo Brenes, Lady Cabrera Riera, Sulma Calderon Alvarez, Kellyn Calle Rojas, Katherine Carcamo Cerna, Isabella Ellis, Nicole Figueroa, Manuela Gallego, Ximena Gonzalez Marin, Vianey Granados, Tiffany Harris, Christian Healy, Melanie Koo, Matthew Lombardi, Janitza Manriquez, Milton Martinez Hernandez, Samantha Olivares Rivera, Elena Orama, Nathalia Restrepo, Edgardo Rivera Rosales, Ariana Rodas Palacios, Angel Santos Utrera, Odalis Silva Espinoza, Joshua Wilches Veloza, and Sofia Zuluaga Jimenez.
The Harvey A. Kuntzelman Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) at Dover High School is named in honor of a distinguished individual, Harvey A. Kuntzelman, who had significantly impacted the school and community. The National Honor Society is a nationwide organization in the United States that recognizes high school students for their exemplary academic achievements, leadership skills, service to the community, and strong character.
DOVER — The Town of Dover Mayor and Council will hold a special meeting on Tuesday, July 2, at 6:00 p.m. at 37 North Sussex Street.
Click here to download the agenda.
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 June 20, 2024. Notice was also posted on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Building on June 20, 2024. These notices were sent within 48 hours prior to this meeting and were sent in sufficient time for the publications to publish them. A copy of said notice is on file with the Municipal Clerk.
The Town of Dover highly values residents’ input in making important decisions that affect our community. We also believe in residents’ rights to observe Governing Body Meetings. To ensure that all residents have the opportunity to offer comments, each statement/comment shall be limited to three minutes.
The special meeting will include two resolutions:
a) Resolution 192-2024 to Read Budget by Title
b) Resolution 193-2024 Municipal Budget
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)
MORRIS PLAINS — This month, my ravenous group of foodie friends was in the mood for some Asian cuisine. One place that we have been hearing good things about and that has been on our radar was a small Japanese/Korean neighborhood restaurant on Speedwell Avenue in nearby Morris Plains. Kiori is a standalone building attached to a neighboring restaurant, Delicias Latinas, a cute little Latin American eatery.
Kiori Japanese Kitchen, promising a fresh approach to Japanese cuisine, opened to local fanfare in October 2022, when it took over the site previously owned by Aji Sushi Japanese Restaurant. Mayor Karr even presented the ownership with a borough “Key to Success” at the ribbon cutting, proudly displayed on the kitchen’s wall.
Speedwell Avenue is part of a bustling, vibrant street scene with limited parking, so I was pleased to find that Kiori had a private off-street parking lot in the rear of the restaurant. I arrived before my group, and on entry, I was warmly greeted by a smiling Yong Cho, who not only owns the eatery but manages, at least on this occasion, to amicably greet arriving guests, expediently bus tables, and serve customers.
That’s some front-of-the-house multi-tasking! That caring, personal touch is one of those things that is so cool about small, independently-owned businesses. While Mr. Cho is taking care of front-of-house operations, Joe Cho (best I could determine, Joe is Yong’s cousin) and his assistant are busy in the open-faced, immaculate kitchen, expertly preparing the dishes. As expected, all the dishes are made to order, and all ingredients are fresh and prepared at the restaurant, with regularly scheduled delivery of the fish. I should mention that Kiori is a BYOB establishment, and if you forget, do not worry; there’s a liquor store nearby.
Owner Yong Cho arrived in the U.S. 20 years ago from Korea, and Kiori Japanese Kitchen is his first restaurant. The energetic Mr. Cho comes from a restaurant-oriented family. His mother is a Chef in Japan, and he learned how to cook and prepare traditional Japanese food at an early age. His fairly extensive menu incorporates a wide selection of most traditional Japanese dishes and some modern twists on your classic favorites. Included are Appetizers, Bento Boxes ( traditional Japanese single-portion lunch), Donburi (rice bowl dish consisting of fish, meat, vegs), Japanese Fried Chicken (boneless and wings), Regular and Vegetable rolls, Signature rolls, Special rolls, Sushi & Sashimi combos (as well as A La Carte), Noodle dishes (assorted Ramen dishes), Lunch Combos (available 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), Katsu (fried pork, fish, cheese, or chicken with panko bread crumbs & sauce), soft drinks and dessert.
Kiori has about ten tables, including individual and booth seating along the side walls. There are also several stools along the open-faced sushi kitchen if you prefer. Our group of seven was seated at one of the booths, which proved to be comfortable. Seating is appropriately and thoughtfully spaced, and the small restaurant vibe is cozy, inviting, casual, and relaxing. The minimalistic design elements, sparse decorations, modern, dark-themed interior, and natural wood flooring and tables were simple, aesthetic, and reflective of a traditional Japanese restaurant. Ambient lighting from the exterior windows and dropped globe light fixtures were sufficient to create a suitable and desired mood where one can sit back and enjoy a great meal.
As my group finally arrived and were seated, Mr. Cho happily addressed any questions about the menu, and we usually have quite a few. Friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, Mr. Cho even helped with our requested recommendations based on all our individual preferences. You felt immediately that this was going to be an enjoyable dining experience. As usual, we arrived at a selection of shared appetizers. After starting with a satisfying bowl of umami-rich Miso Soup, we opted for a couple of servings each of Fried Chicken Wings (deep fried chicken wings, with soy garlic and spicy sauce), Beef Gyoza (handmade beef dumplings with steamed or deep fry), Takoyaki (crispy octopus dumplings, with bonito flake, mayo, and okonomiyaki sauce), and the Appetizer Sampler (2 pieces each of Shumai, Vegetable Gyoza, Harumaki, and Takoyaki (deep fried only).
Japanese cuisine is known for its delicate balance of flavors, fresh ingredients, and meticulous preparation, and this became noticeably more apparent as our meal progressed. Every choice was delicious, and the gorgeous presentation and detail showcased the artistry that Japanese cuisine is noted for. Devoured quickly, there was no debate that everyone thoroughly enjoyed these wonderfully tasteful treats, but now it was time to move on to our entrees.
I went with the Kiori Special Roll (spicy tuna, eel, cucumber, rolled and layered Kani, mixed lobster salad, crunch, with avocado on top with spicy mayo). The roll was expertly crafted, and you could taste the fresh and high-quality ingredients. It was aesthetically enticing, and it was as delicious as it looked. As vast as the menu was, after much bantering, the rest of the group decided to opt for individual Bento Boxes. They included a Beef Bulgogi Box (marinated sliced rib eye beef, with house-made bulgogi sauce), Kalbi Box (broiled, marinated, bone-in short rib, with house-made kalbi sauce), Spicy Salmon Box (marinated and broiled salmon, with Kaori spicy sauce), and a Shrimp Tempura Box (4 pieces of deep-fried shrimp, house-made panko crumbs, with sauce). All the Bento Box selections came with steamed rice, house salad, Harumaki (Japanese Spring Roll), edamame, and a regular roll or Miso Soup. Sadly, I didn’t get to sample all the dishes personally, but everyone gave their choices a hearty thumbs up by unanimous agreement. Not only did everyone in the group agree that their dishes were delicious and their portion sizes were fulfilling, but they were also impressed with the polite, accommodating, and impeccable service. It was a very leisurely, unrushed meal and a dining adventure that was both delicious and culturally enriching.
The meal ended with complimentary Mochi Ice Cream. Mochi is a confection from pounded sticky rice with an ice cream filling. The frozen dessert comes wrapped in plastic. It is sweet and flavorful and a great palette cleanser after a meal. Before this visit, I was unfamiliar with Mochi despite many visits to Japanese eateries. That introduction itself made this visit a worthwhile experience. Enhancing my knowledge of the vast and diverse cuisines we are fortunate to have here in Morris County is a never-ending goal.
Overall, dining at Kiori Japanese Kitchen was a delightful experience. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Japanese cuisine. The delicious food, excellent service, reasonable prices, and inviting ambiance made it memorable.
Kiori Japanese Kitchen, 645 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains. Phone: (973) 270-0886. kiorikitchen.com; Dine In – Take Out- Delivery; No Reservations – BYOB – Private Parking Lot In Rear; Catering – Party Platters; Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Closed Sunday.
“ごうちそうさまでした”
Gouchiisousama deshita
DOVER — Mr. Victor Romerro Aleman, 44, of Dover, was driving a 2014 Ram R25 on Saturday, June 15, at 12:05 a.m., when he exited the parking lot of 112 East Blackwell Street and struck a parked 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse. After the collision, Mr. Aleman fled the scene but was later located on River Street. Mr. Aleman, who was unlicensed and under the influence of alcohol, was apprehended by Dover Township Police Officer Errick Williams.
Officer Williams investigated the incident, followed the vehicle, initiated a traffic stop, and activated the emergency lights. When he approached the driver’s side of the vehicle, he observed Mr. Aleman standing outside with his passenger, not in the driver’s seat. Officer Williams identified Mr. Aleman as the driver and requested his documents.
When asked why he fled the scene, Mr. Aleman denied striking a vehicle. Officer Williams noticed Mr. Aleman had bloodshot, watery eyes and detected the odor of alcoholic beverages from inside the car. Mr. Aleman admitted he had no New Jersey driver’s license, only an ID from Mexico.
Mr. Aleman failed numerous field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for DWI. A search of his vehicle revealed an open bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey on the floor near the dashboard. Bunky’s Towing towed his car, and he was transported to Wharton Police for breath samples, which resulted in a reading of .24%. He was then transported to Dover Police Headquarters and issued the following summonses:
Mr. Aleman was released to a responsible adult with a court date set for June 24, 2024.
Editors Note: The court’s rules require to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
MORRIS COUNTY — Quite a few bear sightings have recently been in and around the local township area. Concurrently, the township has more than doubled in population. Most of these newcomers hail from NYC and other urban areas. Many lack familiarity with the natural world and, as a result, exhibit an irrational fear of any critters, be they bugs, birds, raccoons, and, of course, bears. On our township website, people post incidents of various animals being seen. Their fears are usually expressed by comments such as: “Call the Police immediately,” or “Beware, it’s known to be rabid,” or “I got the fright of my life…!”
Comments about bear sightings will normally solicit an unusual number of responses, which, in turn, pushed the recall button in my brain that unearthed the following scrap of memory:
“When in Eagle River, Alaska, a while ago, I, with two friends, Raissa The Brave and Lorissa The Agreeable, decided to walk down a precarious pathway to visit a small but beautiful chapel in the woods designed by a noted architect. We were quite surprised by coming across bear poop that was still steaming from its owner’s bodily warmth in the crisp, cool morning air. I, the newly appointed bear poop specialist, immediately recognized which species of animal welcomed us visitors to its realm.
Unfortunately, this was an: “Uh oh” moment because, at this time, we were at the point of no return. In other words, it would take the same amount of time to return to home base as to the safety of an open-air chapel-in-the-round. What to do?! I pondered that thought for a brief moment. “After all,” said I with the authority of a newly appointed poop specialist, “if the poop is still steaming, that means its depositor is still nearby.” In a flash, Raissa The Brave reached down and took up a large, quite heavy, thick stick about four feet in length that happened to be lying at her feet and said quite loudly and with abject authority: “I’m not going back. I want to see this chapel, and no bear poop is going to stop me.
With two friends, Raissa the Brave and Lorissa the Agreeable, she decided to “With that, she raised the stick up over her head and shook it as if to threaten any bear out there that this was war and she would be the ultimate victor come hell or high water. Our other companion in adventures, Lorissa the Agreeable, said, “OK, I’m game. Let’s keep on trucking: Chapel! Here we come!”
I, being the plucked chicken of our small group whimpered softly: “But what if…?” I had no choice as I didn’t want to retreat to home base alone. After all, there’s strength in numbers.
With two friends, Raissa the Brave and Lorissa the Agreeable, she decided to “With that, she raised the stick over her head and shook it as if to threaten any bear out there that this was war and she would be the ultimate victor come hell or high water. Our other adventure companion, Lorissa the Agreeable, said; the three of us then proceeded to continue our tour up, down, and around small mounds and more significant hills, stepping gingerly over rocks, stones, and branches through the mud-laden pathway toward the chapel. Eventually, we made it there and back without incident.
The other two were unscathed by the strange excremental cool-down encounter and, given the unending stream of chit-chat between them, most likely forgot all about it by this time. On the other hand, I headed for the nearest watering hole and ordered a double, followed by another. As I raised my glass to the barkeep, trying unsuccessfully to suppress a sob or two, said, ‘Never again! Never again! OMG, Never again!’”
(Based on an actual incident. Its accuracy is without question. Raissa, Lorissa, and I were at Eagle River, and yes, we decided to take a walk to the chapel in the woods, and yes, we came across bear poop that was still steaming. Raissa picked up a large stick, and we proceeded without incident. “Those are the facts, ma’am, just the facts.”)
Hanover resident Sonia S. Kraftician submitted this article.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) has awarded $50,000 scholarships to 25 medical center employees pursuing associate, bachelor, master, or doctorate degrees.
Each year, WAMMC Scholarships are given to Morristown Medical Center team members to aid in their continuing education, development, and leadership skills within the hospital and healthcare field.
The recipients include Carol Santana, Beth Johnson, Heather DiBiase, Danielle Walker, Mollie Rosenkrantz, Kelsey Manahan, Megan Lucas, Chrissy Ciprich, Ruben Millan, Layla Assad, Susan Boyle, Marissa Compano, Samantha Cook, Anna Cooke, Hyrie Cosaj, Kelsey George, Alexandra Germani, Taban Jaaf, Donnette Jones, Tara Kinney, Caitlin Lietz, Kristi Mobus, Nicoletta Quitadamo, Amour Joy Villamor, and Brittany Vomero. Since its inception in 1957, WAMMC’s Scholarship Program has supported caregivers at Morristown Medical Center by awarding scholarships to team members pursuing careers in healthcare. Recipients are selected based on their extraordinary care and service to patients, peers, colleagues, and the community. The $50,000 awarded includes $4,000 WAMMC’s Cromwell Olive Twig raised. In comparison, WAMMC awarded $28,000 to 14 recipients in 2022.
“WAMMC’s Scholarship Program for healthcare professionals remains a vital part of our mission to support Morristown Medical Center’s goal of providing superior health services to our community,” said Dale Scolnick, president of the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center. “We are grateful to all our donors for their generous contributions to this program, enabling us to continue supporting those working toward advanced healthcare-related educations.”
“Continuing education is key to advancing professionals in the healthcare field, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the generous support of the Women’s Association for over 60 years,” said Trish O’Keefe, president of Morristown Medical Center. “Clinical skills training, leadership development, and learning opportunities are essential for our team members to provide the latest innovations and the highest safety and quality standards of care that our patients expect at Morristown Medical Center.”
Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.
Contact us: news@morrisfocus.com
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