BOONTON — StretchSource® is hosting a virtual stretch class to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Sunday, October 24 at 6:00 p.m. Suggested Donation of $16.00.
Proceeds will be donated to The Keep A Breast Foundation, a nonprofit with a mission to reduce breast cancer risk and its impact globally through art, education, prevention, and action.
More information www.StretchSource.com.
BOONTON — A ballot drop box is now located outside the South Boonton Firehouse in the rear of the Boonton Town Hall. You can deposit your ballot approximately 45 days prior to each election. All ballot drop boxes will be closed at 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.
The general election is Tuesday, November 2.
The ballot drop box is under surveillance 24/7. It resembles a USPS blue mailbox but is red, white, and blue and displays “Morris County – Official Ballot DropBox.” The ballots will be picked up by the county representatives. All security measures will be followed when collecting and transporting the ballots to the Board of Elections.
If you have any questions or need to know where other dropboxes are located throughout Morris County, click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — When one hears Mediterranean food, visions of Kebabs, hummus, baba ghanoush, baklava, and olive oil, at once come to mind. Of course, there is so much more to the various cuisines of the wide-ranging Mediterranean region than anyone usually realizes. Eastern Mediterranean cuisine includes regions such as Turkey, Greece, Egypt, and Israel; the Southern Med would include Italy, France, and Spain, and finally, North Africa, including countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya; and of course, this list of country’s is not all-inclusive, but you get the idea. We basically all use the same main ingredients wherever you may find yourself, but somehow every culture someone manages to produce something very distinct and unique relative to its own region. The fact is that Turkish food is remarkably like American food. All that differs is how it is cooked, some of the spices, and the name of it.
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant, located in the Walmart shopping center in Boonton Plaza, describes itself as specializing in Mediterranean food, grilled to perfection, specifically from Turkey. They go on to explain that their entrees are like Greek, Arabic, as well as other Mediterranean Country dishes. We in Morris County are fortunate to have several excellent Turkish restaurants where we can enjoy this cuisine and Fasil certainly fits into that select category. My neighbor, who is from Turkey and goes back annually, told me that Fasil always makes her feel at home.
That is a good enough recommendation for me to stop by. As stated earlier, Turkey is considered the eastern Mediterranean where foods are often made with a lot of yogurts and cheeses. In addition, spices such as parsley, sumac, mint, and lemon juice dominate dishes in this region. It is also known for its nuts, rice, pitas, chickpeas, and meat kabobs; it is the combination and preparation of these items that are at the heart of what makes this Mediterranean cuisine so incredibly unique, flavorful, and healthy, and as in every culture Turkish cuisine is a combination of the many other cultures that have left their influence over many centuries dating back to the times of then ever-expanding Ottoman Empire.
Fasil Mediterranean, which translates to a suite in Ottoman classical music, exudes a classy, upscale-looking interior, yet the modern, yet rustic, ambiance is casual, comfortable, and welcoming. It is exceptionally clean and organized both inside and out. The beautifully tiled floors and walls, tasteful Turkish décor throughout, pleasant Turkish background music, bright but subtle lighting, soft black leather chairs, and nicely appointed wood-grained tables, all helped to create a vibrant, enticing, and true ethnic atmosphere that transports you to Turkey for the evening.
The outdoor patio dining area is nicely covered, both overhead and along the sides for shade, privacy, and protection from the weather, along with well-spaced seating. There were several groups enjoying their meals al fresco on my arrival, but my guests and I dined inside.
I arrived at Fasil a little earlier than my guests and was sincerely and warmly welcomed to the restaurant by the owner, Tülay, and several staff members. Yaşin, apparently our head waiter, offered me a choice of tables and I chose one with window seating. The wine was opened and water glasses were filled immediately, and Yasin graciously offered me a complimentary glass of Turkish tea as we discussed various Turkish wines.
Since Fasil is a BYOB, I brought along a delicious 2012 Kavaklidere Öküzgözü d’Elazig dry red wine that my Turkish neighbors brought home from their recent trip to Turkey and gave to me as a gift, and which Yaşin immediately recognized from his homeland. My initial impression of Fasil was excellent, and I was looking forward to enjoying some of their fine cuisines.
As my guests arrived and were seated our very attentive, pleasant, and helpful waitress, Özüm was spot on seeing that everyone was comfortable and helped explain any questions we may have had regarding the menu. For our appetizers, we started by sharing a selection of hummus, Baba Ghanoush, Ezme, Stuffed Grape Leaves (Yaprak sarma), and a Tabouli Salad. The hummus was smooth, creamy, and oozing with rich umami flavors, while the Baba Ghanoush tasted equally smooth while being luxurious, smoky, and savory. The Ezme served as the perfect spicy condiment to go with our fresh and flavorful homemade pita bread. The Tabouli salad was bright, fresh, flavorful, and refreshing and was a perfect complement to the hummus and the pita. The grape leaves with their citrusy, green, and tangy taste were a great kick-off for the entrees to come.
As entrées, my guests settled on the Shrimp Kebab and the Iskender Kebab. I went with the Mixed Grill; one skewer each of lamb Adana kebab, lamb shish kebab, chicken and lamb kofte, lamb gyro kebab, and chicken kebab, which was an abundant dish and clearly a meal for two, so I knew I was going to be having it again for lunch the next day.
Everything was prepared, presented, and plated perfectly. All the meats were tender, moist, juicy, expertly seasoned, savory, and satisfying. I thoroughly enjoyed my dish. The Iskender Kebab; sauteed buttered bread topped over sliced lamb gyro served with fresh tomato sauce and yogurt also looked delicious and my friend told me it was fantastic. The Shrimp Kebab; grilled jumbo shrimp marinated with garlic, black pepper, and olive oil, and served with rice and a side salad, was tender and full of flavor. The portion sizes of all our entrees were more than ample and everyone left with enough take-out so that they could enjoy it again the next day.
As full and satiated as we were, we could not leave with trying some of Fasil’s desserts. I ordered the Kazan Dibi (Bottom of Cauldron), and my friends wanted to try the Baklava. The caramelized top of Kazan Dibi was fantastic and contrasted quite nicely with the sweet and milky flavors on the interior. It perfectly paired it with my cup of bright, fruity, sweet, hot Turkish tea. The baklava, the most popular dessert in this part of the world, a layered filo pastry dessert, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey, was a definite crowd-pleaser. Interestingly, Özüm (our waitress) explained to my friend that his fortune could be revealed by the residual coffee grinds left on the bottom of his Turkish coffee. After a first flawed attempt, and with the assistance of a phone app and Özüm, his fortune was revealed. Of course, it was very positive.
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant is highly recommended. The food was delicious, and the menu is extensive enough to meet anyone’s needs or tastes. Prices are moderate and you get a lot for your money. The gracious hospitality and service cannot be beaten. If you do not have the time or inclination to travel, there is no doubt that one great way to experience a different culture is not by necessarily by going, but through their cuisine. Experience a taste of Turkey, visit Fasil!
Dine-in · Take Out – Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery; BYOB – Nearby Liquor Store – ample parking – outdoor dining; Closed on Tuesdays
Bir kahvenin kirk yil hatiri vardir
Translation – A coffee between new friends/acquaintance offers 40 years of friendship.
Fasil Mediterranean Restaurant is located at 308 Wootton Street, Boonton, NJ 07005. Call (973) 917-3334 or visit www.fasil.us.
MORRIS COUNTY — County College of Morris (CCM) President Anthony J. Iacono once again has joined a highly respected group of New Jersey higher education presidents who have been named to ROI-NJ’s Influencers list.
The latest listing is of top community college presidents in New Jersey. This is the third time Iacono has been selected by ROI-NJ as a predominant leader in higher education in the state. The latest ranking credits Iacono for leading CCM to its position as a top community college in New Jersey as rated by Intelligent and Academic Influence, as the top community college in New Jersey for graduates who earn the best salaries as reported by Newsweek and PayScale, and for the college’s $25+ million planned expansion of career readiness programs for high school students through adults.
“It is an honor to be named by ROI-NJ as an influencer in higher education and to be included among such an extraordinary group of colleagues,” remarked Iacono. “CCM would not be the strong community college it is without the support of our community and our industry partners, students, faculty, and staff, who have accomplished so much even during these challenging times. I am incredibly fortunate to work with remarkable people across our campus and honored to serve the community.”
CCM continues to grow in many ways, which includes its recent announcement about expanded partnerships with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD), resulting in new programs and facilities at the college. The planned expansion will provide opportunities for individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds to pursue rewarding careers. The new facilities are being made possible through the support of the New Jersey Legislature and Morris County Commissioners whose vision and commitment have been instrumental in supporting CCM’s growth and contributions to Morris County and northern New Jersey.
The newest facilities expansion includes the Center for Entrepreneurship, developed in partnership with the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. This expansion will focus on degrees in business and entrepreneurship and certificates in hospitality management and event planning, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain management. The center also will allow CCM and MCVSD to develop a dual-enrolled program for high school students interested in earning college credits toward a business degree.
Also included in the expansion is the Career and Technical Education Center to be constructed by MCVSD near the college’s new Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center. That facility will allow more than 500 high school students to take part in dual-enrolled programs in health care, finance, technology, manufacturing, renewable energy, and supply chain logistics. Students participating in those programs will earn industry credentials, take part in work-based and project-based learning opportunities, and earn college credits.
“As the community’s college, the mission of CCM is to provide an exceptional educational experience that results in the credentials designed to fuel regional growth and to provide people with opportunities to realize their dreams,” said Iacono. “Both of these new facilities build upon our successful programs and demonstrate the college’s dedication to growing, thrive and honor its commitment to Morris County. Through the vision and support of our Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and administration and the extraordinary support of state legislators and county commissioners, we continue to strive to make CCM a college and partner of choice for area residents and businesses.”
To learn more about the plans to expand career readiness programs at CCM click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — On Saturday, August 14, Morris County criminal defense attorney Robert A. Bianchi was sworn in as President of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA), the nation’s largest Italian-American organization. The event was live-streamed on the OSDIA YouTube Channel.
Mr. Bianchi currently serves as the group’s National First Vice President. OSDIA officers frequently meet with White House officials, members of Congress, and other senior federal officials on issues of concern to Italian-Americans.
The Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA) was established in 1905 to create a support system that would help Italian immigrants with becoming citizens, provide health and death benefits and educational opportunities, and offer assistance with assimilation. In 2017, the Order Sons of Italy in America was renamed the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA).
To date, OSDIA members have given more than $164 million to educational programs, scholarships, charity donations, disaster relief, cultural advancement, and medical research. The group has lodges and chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and Italy.
As Morris County Prosecutor, attorney Robert A. Bianchi was the county’s chief law enforcement officer from 2007 through 2013. He now leads a team of distinguished and dedicated New Jersey criminal defense attorneys (all of whom have served as prosecutors previously) at the Bianchi Law Group, LLC in Parsippany.
Mr. Bianchi is a host/anchor at the Law & Crime Network and is frequently seen as a legal analyst on CNN, ABC, FOX, NBC, CBS, and MSNBC. He has also appeared on legal documentary programs including The Geraldo Rivera Show, Due Process, and New Jersey Capitol Report.
MADISON — The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Ladies Night on Thursday, September 23. TAPinto Madison, Lure Lash, Morris Animal Inn, PC Problems, and Stitch Boutique will be this year’s sponsors.
Local ladies are invited to enjoy an evening of shopping and dining throughout Madison. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. with registration taking place at 5:30 p.m. at the Pink Pear, 42 Main Street. After registering, participants can browse through the downtown businesses and enjoy open houses, special deals, and demonstrations. Many will be holding basket raffles as well.
Refreshments will be offered compliments of Gary’s Wine & Marketplace (must be 21 years old to participate).
The first 100 registrants will receive a gift bag filled with items donated by local businesses. The guest must be present to receive a bag.
MORRIS COUNTY — Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Wine and Cheese Networking event at VentureX, 8 Campus Drive, Parsippany, on Wednesday, September 15.
Share the invite with your friends and associates! You can expect free admission, great vibes, assorted wines, delicious cheeses, new connections, and a great group of attendees.
The event starts at 5:00 p.m. and will run until about 7pm-ish. This free event is being made possible by our generous sponsor VentureX, Arbor Circle South, 8 Campus Drive, Parsippany. This event is for members and non-members.
Any Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce member wishing to sponsor a Wine and Cheese event, contact Frank Cahill, Executive Board Member, at (973) 402-6400.
To register click here.
MADISON — The Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and Madison P.B.A. #92 is hosting their 28th Annual Madison Car Show on Saturday, October 2. This popular event runs in conjunction with Madison’s Bottle Hill Day street festival. Madison Tire & Auto Repair, 285 Main St. is the event’s main sponsor.
The Madison Car Show is held in the parking lot of the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps headquarters at the corner of Kings Road and Prospect Street. The event site is a short walk from the Bottle Hill Day festivities, which are centered in Madison’s business district.
One of the most prestigious automotive events in New Jersey, the Madison Car Show features many vehicles in several classes, including hot rods, trucks, customs, antiques, classics, and street machines. There is no set price for fan admission, but donations are encouraged and generously accepted at the gate.
Peter Daniele, the proprietor of Rose City Collision, 291 Main Street, is the long-time chair of the Madison Car Show committee. Daniele is also a vice president of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, an independent, non-profit business league.
“We are expecting several hundred car enthusiasts to enjoy the sparkle, shine, and spectacle of several dozen unique automobiles and trucks right here in our hometown, the Rose City, for one day only,” said Daniele. “The site of the car show is located between Madison’s Borough Hall and the Madison Public Safety Building on the corner of Prospect St.”
“Along with attracting great cars and producing a very festive atmosphere the day of the event, the Madison Car Show showcases the businesses of our local automotive industry and helps to raise the prestige of the community,” said John Morris, co-owner of Stewart-Morris Awards, Gifts & Flags, of 71 Kings Road. Morris is also the president of the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce.
Show participants are eligible to win awards and door prizes. The Best in Show award is sponsored by Pine Manor Associates, Painting & Wallcovering Specialists, 22 Drew Place. The grand door prize is a $500.00 Stop & Shop Gift Card donated by Stop & Shop, 133 Main Street. All car show entrants are eligible to enter the drawing.
The Madison Car Show features eight top awards, twelve special awards, which include categories for engine, paint, type of vehicle, and more plus “Top 50” awards for the best fifty entries. All awards are sponsored by local businesses.
The Madison Car Show begins at 9 a.m. The awards ceremony starts at 3:00 p.m. To be eligible for judging and prizes, all cars must arrive at the show no later than 11:00 a.m.
DJ Jerry Wolfman Burst will spin the music of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. On-street parking is free in Madison.
The car show committee invites all car show enthusiasts to pre-register their vehicles by Saturday, September 25 for the discounted fee of $15.00 and to guarantee participation. The day-of-registration is $20.00.
Registration forms may be obtained by calling Peter Daniele at (973) 377-4037. On the day of the show please call (973) 886-7849 with questions or concerns.
MADISON — Katie Molnar and Ellie Kerouac have volunteered for several years as Junior Helpers for the Madison Community House Afterschool Enrichment classes and also for the 2021 BASCC Summer Camp. This summer, the two incoming Madison High School Freshmen returned to the MCH to work on their Silver Award.
On Tuesday, August 24, the girls came to the Madison Community House to work with the Family Promise Homeless Shelter to collect and prepare Birthday Party Supply Bags for children.
All the supplies for the party bags were gathered at the MCH, sorted, and then assembled. Reports and paperwork were completed by the girls, and the bags were delivered to Family Promise.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Mountain Lakes Zoning Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, September 2, at 7:30 p.m. This meeting will be a Remote Meeting via Zoom.
The agenda for the Zoning Board meeting includes Public Hearing – 3 Lake Drive and 76 Kenilworth Road. The Zoning Board Agenda is available by clicking here.
To Participate via computer click here to join the webinar:
Or iPhone one-tap: US: +13126266799,,94321697504# or +19292056099,,94321697504# Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 943 2169 7504
If calling into the meeting by telephone, the following commands can be entered via DTMF tones using your phone’s dial pad while in a Zoom meeting:
*6 – Toggle mute/unmute
*9 – Raise Hand (Once the hand is raised, it cannot be lowered – if you change your mind and choose not to speak when called upon, please let the host know that you have changed your mind and no longer wish to speak)
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/acNqOSGPrm
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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