MORRIS PLAINS — Rose House, a nonprofit that establishes residences for adults with developmental disabilities, is organizing a fundraiser for its Forever Home Project. This initiative aims to create a 12-unit apartment complex catering to special needs adults in Morris County.
To participate, you can purchase $10 tickets or request them by contacting (973) 984-0006 or emailing [email protected].
The winner will be chosen during the annual board meeting on Thursday, December 14. Last year’s event successfully raised $8,000 for Rose House, with the winner receiving an equal amount.
CEO Tom Mitchell of Rose House highlighted the significance of the 2022 jackpot amount, explaining that around 8,000 New Jersey adults with disabilities require services. To address the pressing need for specialized housing, Rose House is actively organizing fundraisers like the annual raffle. The support from the community plays a pivotal role in ensuring the project’s success.
The upcoming apartment complex will consist of 12 single-occupancy apartments tailored to adults with developmental disabilities. Additionally, there will be a wheelchair-accessible van for safe transportation, caregivers available daily, and integration into the local community through employment opportunities and social gatherings.
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Joshua Caso is one of more than 50 talented students selected as a Lebanon Valley College first-year mentor to guide first-year and transfer students through their early weeks at The Valley. Caso, a graduate of Mountain Lakes High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in actuarial science and music.
Joshua Caso
Lebanon Valley College welcomed its largest-ever incoming class, with more than 530 first-year and transfer students.
Starting with orientation weekend in August, first-year mentors are responsible for assisting new students in succeeding personally, socially, and academically through connections to the College and their peers.
New and transfer students are assigned to small groups led by a first-year mentor, an upper-class student with leadership ability and a willingness to assist new students during their first year of college. First-year mentors serve as positive role models and acquaint all new students with LVC’s structure, services, and culture.
Lebanon Valley College, founded in 1866, offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 50 majors; master’s degrees in accounting (MBA 3+1), applied kinesiology, athletic training, business administration, clinical exercise physiology, clinical mental health counseling, education, intelligence and security studies, music education, school counseling, science in STEM education, speech-language pathology, and sports performance; a doctoral degree in physical therapy; ACT 48 continuing education for educator credits; and certificates in comprehensive curriculum & assessment for PreK-12, healthcare management, integrative STEM education, leadership & ethics, marketing, modern band, online teaching & learning, project management, social, emotional, & behavioral wellness, sports enhancement, supply chain management & logistics, and trauma-informed counseling. Located eight miles from Hershey, Pennsylvania, this college of 1,600 undergraduate and 400+ graduate students produces alumni who attend prestigious graduate and professional schools and are employed by top companies and school districts.
Thirty-one percent of our students are first generation (40% of first-year class), 21% of fall 2022 first-year students were Pell-eligible, and 100% of the fall 2021 incoming class received grant or scholarship aid from LVC. More than 35% of our students participate on our 27 NCAA Division III athletic teams or eSports teams, and, our students volunteer more than 20,000 hours of community service during the academic year.
MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would designate the Harter Road Interchange of Interstate Highway Route 287 as the Warren E. Wilhide Interchange was signed into law on August 29 by Acting-Governor Scutari.
“I’d like to thank Acting-Governor Scutari for signing this legislation to honor the legacy of the United States Army Veteran and New Jersey resident, Warren E. Wilhide Sr. This legislation ensures that Mr. Wilhide’s legacy will live on forever along a portion of Route 287,” said Bucco (R-25). “Mr. Wilhide was well-known for his dedication and service to both his country and community. As a token of our gratitude for his service, the Harter Road Interchange will now be known as the Warren E. Wilhide Interchange.”
Warren E. Wilhide Sr. honorably served during the Korean War and was an active volunteer, donating his time to a relief group in Haiti, a children’s hospital in Morocco, and to students learning math and science in Tanzania.
In 1995, Mr. Wilhide played an instrumental role in designating Interstate 287 as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway and provided additional designations along the interstate for fellow service members in 1998.
“I am very pleased to help recognize the life, work, and service of Warren E. Wilhide Sr,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. “His military service during the Korean War, dedication to his fellow veterans, as well as his volunteer relief efforts around the world, is a model to us all.”
Senator Bucco’s bill, S-3005, adds Mr. Wilhide’s name to a portion of the interstate to pay tribute to his leadership, compassion, and contributions to the community.
“This bill pays respect to the efforts made by Mr. Wilhide to make our country and our state a better and safer place,” Bucco added. “In recognition of his efforts to help remember and honor those who served alongside him, Mr. Wilhide’s memory will now be preserved on the portion of Interstate Highway Route 287 that runs through Morris Township.”
CityMD has celebrated its grand opening in the Urban Edge Briarcliff Commons Shopping Center at 1711 Route 10 in Morris Plains
MORRIS PLAINS — CityMD has celebrated its grand opening in the Urban Edge Briarcliff Commons Shopping Center at 1711 Route 10 in Morris Plains. The center is open to patients from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Notably, each CityMD location is staffed with board-certified physicians, ensuring that all patients receive high-quality medical care.
The center is open to patients from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Their proficient physicians are equipped to handle a wide range of medical issues, from standard flu and strep tests to urgent concerns like rashes and suturing. They serve as a primary contact for non-emergency medical needs.
Prioritizing the ease of walk-ins, extended service hours, and proximity to communities, CityMD seeks to transform the accessibility of healthcare, being available every day throughout the year.
Furthermore, CityMD’s dedication goes beyond a single visit. Their attentive Aftercare team takes the initiative, providing referrals and organizing essential follow-up appointments to guide patients toward full recovery.
MORRIS COUNTY — Seton Hall University is pleased to announce the following students who qualified for the Spring 2023 Dean’s list and to congratulate them for their outstanding academic achievements.
The following local students made the list:
Willem Akian of Madison
Caroline Cahill of Florham Park
Carlo Capurso of East Hanover
Venise Jan Castillon of Parsippany
Joseph Chichelo of Florham Park
Michael Corsi of East Hanover
Nicholas Da Cruz of East Hanover
Hallie Davidson of Madison
Brian Deegan of Parsippany
Rujuta Deo of Parsippany
Joseph DiFrancescantonio of East Hanover
Corinne Diaz of Morris Plains
Nicole Ferreira of Florham Park
Kayla Genoese of Florham Park
Joshua Goodreds of Parsippany
Aya Gusemalseed of Florham Park
Jessica Huang of Morris Plains
Jude Huresky of Boonton
Isabella Inglima of Florham Park
Jessica Ippolito of East Hanover
Jordyn Iuso of Florham Park
Chloe Jakubowski of Morris Plains
Michelle Jandoli of East Hanover
Shannon Kerwin of Cedar Knolls
Brett Leech of Lake Hiawatha
Joshua Logan of Morris Plains
Harshitha Madhavan of Morris Plains
Ashley Martorelli of East Hanover
Brianna Masiello of Madison
Kevin Mathew of East Hanover
Madeline McDole of Madison
Mary McGlone of Boonton
Dominique Mercadante of East Hanover
Elizabeth Michaels of East Hanover
Alexa Minniti of East Hanover
Christian Montanez of Boonton
Steven Naunton of Morris Plains
Antonios Papayianis of Parsippany
Jordan Paris of Parsippany
LJ Rose Anne Pasion of Boonton
Nishi Patel of Morris Plains
Rachelle Philip of Boonton
Jordan Rabadi of Parsippany
Neyha Ramani of Morris Plains
Sumaiya Rehman of Parsippany
Natalie Ribeiro of East Hanover
Philip Rispoli of East Hanover
Victoria Rossi of East Hanover
Richard Sevilla of Lake Hiawatha
Louis Siciliano of East Hanover
Sara Siddiqui of Parsippany
Sumaiyah Siddiqui of Parsippany
Ashley Skladany of Parsippany
Andrew Wecht of East Hanover
One of the country’s leading Catholic universities, Seton Hall University has been a catalyst for leadership – developing students in mind, heart, and spirit – since 1856. Home to nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students and offering more than 80 rigorous majors, Seton Hall’s academic excellence has been singled out for distinction by The Princeton Review, US News & World Report, and Bloomberg BusinessWeek. Seton Hall, which embraces students of all religions, prepares its graduates to be exemplary servant leaders and caring global citizens. Its attractive main campus is located in suburban South Orange, New Jersey, and is only 14 miles by train, bus, or car to New York City, offering a wealth of employment, internship, cultural, and entertainment opportunities. The university’s nationally recognized School of Law is prominently located in downtown Newark. For more information click here.
MORRIS PLAINS — The Morris Plains VFW is set to host a Clam Bake on September 16, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
On the menu, attendees can expect a delicious array of dishes including clams, BBQ ribs, chicken and sausage, hotdogs, burgers, corn, salad, and a refreshing slice of watermelon. To complement the food, beer, and soda will be available. The event promises not only great food but also entertainment, featuring live music for guests to enjoy.
But that’s not all – those in attendance can also participate in a 50/50 raffle, get a chance to win Lottery Trees and take part in a lively Horseshoe Tournament.
Tickets for the event are available for purchase at the Watnong VFW Post 3401, located at 45 Tabor Road. Alternatively, those interested can also buy tickets at the Morris Plains Farmers Market and Block Party which is scheduled for September 2.
Tickets are priced at $70.00 if bought in advance, and $75.00 if purchased at the door. It’s worth noting that there is a limit to the number of tickets, capped at 200, ensuring an exclusive experience for all attendees.
Subway is the eighth-largest U.S. restaurant chain with 20,810 locations, which brought in $9.8 billion in domestic sales last year.
MORRIS COUNTY — Subway, the renowned sandwich chain, announced its forthcoming acquisition by Roark Capital Group on Thursday. This anticipated $9 billion deal, as reported by Reuters based on anonymous sources, follows over six months of Subway considering a potential sale. The transaction will see the collaboration of Subway with affiliates of the private equity behemoth.
John Chidsey, Subway’s CEO, commented on the acquisition, highlighting the enduring growth potential of Subway and the immense value of its global brand and franchisees. “Our alliance with Roark emphasizes our vision for a promising future, continuing our dedication to a mutual benefit approach for our franchisees, patrons, and workforce,” said Chidsey.
Roark Capital Group, headquartered in Atlanta, manages assets totaling approximately $37 billion, as mentioned on its official website. The firm has a significant inclination towards investing in franchise models, spanning diverse sectors including restaurants, fitness, and business services, among others.
Beyond the imminent inclusion of Subway and its extensive network of over 37,000 outlets, Roark holds majority stakes in Inspire Brands and Focus Brands, as per historical announcements from the equity firm. Through its affiliations with Inspire and Focus, Roark boasts ownership in a plethora of renowned brands. This impressive roster features names like Arby’s, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Baskin Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cinnabon, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s, and Sonic, to name a few.
The Morris County store of Bed Bath and Beyond was located in East Hanover, 180 Route 10 West.
MORRIS COUNTY — New Jersey-based retail chain, Burlington Stores, is on a spree of acquiring leases of the now-closed Bed Bath & Beyond outlets. Due to fiscal pressures, this aggressive strategy was adopted after Bed Bath & Beyond shuttered over 700 of its stores nationwide. In a recent move, Burlington Stores took over 62 leases from the former retail giant, with 50 in June and an additional 12 recently.
Michael O’Sullivan, the CEO of Burlington, has charted a roadmap to inaugurate 100 fresh stores every year, starting from the fiscal year 2024. Burlington’s journey began in 1924 as a wholesaler of women’s coats and transitioned to retail in 1972 with its maiden store in Burlington.
Though Burlington encountered challenges in its expansion efforts, primarily due to the constrained retail real estate landscape, the recent acquisition of Bed Bath & Beyond leases has given them a boost. The company is also innovating with a more compact store design, aiming for locations that suit their brand better than their usual 45,000-square-foot spaces. The empty Bed Bath & Beyond stores, with an average size of around 30,000 square feet, align well with this new approach, located in prime retail zones.
Burlington has not confirmed whether they’ve acquired the East Hanover location, though it’s a prime spot.
Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine, 309 Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005. Phone: (973) 334-0102 Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Dine In – Takeout – Delivery – Catering – Special Orders (Call Ahead) – BYOB. Metered Street Parking.
MORRIS COUNTY — On his return home from a Jamaican vacation my friend was excited to relive his culinary adventures with me. As he raved on about the many delicious Jamaican dishes he experienced while in the West Indies, I realized a visit to an authentic Jamaican restaurant was in order. A quick search of Google surprisingly pointed to a local area eatery only a few miles from my home in Downtown Boonton. I say surprisingly as I must have driven past this quaint little storefront building a hundred times and never realized it was the home to what was going to turn into another wonderful dining adventure.
Eric and Donna Hewitt alongside Pat Minutillo: Celebrating Culinary Passion in Boonton.
Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine is located at 309 Main Street, at the far end of the business district near the Boonton Transit Station and Myrtle Avenue. Street parking in close proximity to the restaurant is usually available, and Eric’s is easy to find. Look for the brick-faced; glass-fronted building with the green striped awning with yellow lettering boldly announcing the restaurant’s name.
A novice to this cuisine, I was looking forward to what my research revealed. Based on the cultural history of the Caribbean, their food is an eclectic fusion of fresh, flavorful food, that encompasses cooking influences ranging from the Middle East to China, Africa, and every place in between. Yes, this cuisine is considered Caribbean food, with a strong African influence. My proclivity for spicy, properly spiced and seasoned, ethnically authentic dishes, made this style of cooking appear to be a perfect match for my palate. In fact, I ordered a wide sampling of dishes which not only met, but exceeded my expectations, but more about that later.
Succulent and spicy: the allure of authentic jerk chicken.
A culinary melting pot of cultures, Jamaica’s cuisine focuses on fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. As stated, I enjoy spicy food, but Jamaican food, despite being known for being spicy, can be prepared and adapted to your taste, so don’t let that scare you away. This cuisine utilizes a unique and wide array of herbs and spices that provide a range of tastes from sweet, savory, spicy, and more, offering something to satisfy almost anyone’s particular taste buds. Whatever you order, be assured it will be a comforting, mouth-watering dish, full of distinctive flavors and color.
Eric Hewitt, along with wife Donna, are the owners and proprietors of Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine. A small, independently owned, mom-and-pop eatery that the couple opened in downtown Boonton in 2014. You would be hard-pressed to find a more congenial, warm, and friendly couple than Eric and Donna. Eric came to the USA in 1987, and he and Donna, who basically handles the counter while Eric cooks have been married for 31 years. Previously owning a similar eatery in Paterson, Eric and Donna decided to bring their talents to our area nine years ago, and we’re fortunate they did.
The dining area is adorned with about eight to ten pristine white-topped tables, each accommodating four guests. The interior design is understated yet impeccably neat, with the emphasis clearly on the culinary offerings rather than the elaborate decor. Warm hues of yellow and orange grace the walls, punctuated by striking Jamaican-themed artworks. Among these paintings are several tributes to the legendary Bob Marley, pieces Eric takes pride in, having been crafted by their family friend, Kevin Grant.
On entry, you are met with a tantalizing aroma that will stimulate your appetite as you are warmly greeted by a smiling and welcoming Eric or Donna, who are probably stationed at the counter at the head of the restaurant. The counter fronts a spotless, openly visible kitchen, where one can watch Eric working his magic. Immediately you feel at home in their cozy, comfortable, and casual dining room. The eatery itself offers approximately eight to ten white-topped tables, each of which seats four people. The décor is simple but very clean and organized. The focus here appears to be on the food and not fancy decorations or gimmicks. The soft yellow and orange walls are offset by a variety of tasteful original Jamaican-themed paintings, including several of Jamaican superstar Bob Marley, which Eric proudly told me, were all painted by Kevin Grant, a family friend. Most days you will hear soft Reggae music playing in the background. As I stated, the decor is simple, but the vibe and ambiance seem to blend nicely with the cuisine. Comfortable ambient lighting from the large storefront window is relaxing and highlights the white ceiling and wood panel flooring.
Eric stated that he learned all his cooking skills from his mother, and to this day still utilizes his mother’s traditional recipes in his restaurant. He assures me that every one of his dishes is as authentic as those he ate as a child sitting in his mother’s kitchen. As his wife Donna told me, “Eric puts his heart and soul into every dish.” She elaborated, “All their food is made with love.” Eric added, “Everything is made every day from scratch, we use only the freshest ingredients.” After sampling their food, I had no doubt about any of those comments.
Because of my, and my guests’, unfamiliarity with the menu we sought the assistance of Eric, who was more than pleased to prepare an assortment of authentic, traditional food that more than met our needs. Each dish was more tasteful than the next, and by the time we were done, we had received an introduction, and education, into Jamaican cuisine at its finest.
Golden pocket of flavor: The Jamaican beef patty.
Our meal, which we decided to share family style, consisted of Brown Stew Chicken, Oxtail, Curry Goat, Curry Chicken, Beef Curry, Jerk Pork, Jerk Chicken, Chicken, and Beef Patties, with sides consisting of a large platter of Rice and Peas and Jamaican Steamed Cabbage. We were confronted with enough food to feed a small army! To go along with our abundant meal, I brought along some Red Stripe (Jamaican Lager Beer), while my guests enjoyed their wine. Did I mention that Eric’s is a BYO? Cold drinks, including some of Jamaica’s most popular, like Ginger Beer and Pineapple Soda are available. On a side note, Jamaica’s national drink is Rum, (which is not available), and their most popular soft drink is Coca-Cola Classic. Their national dish is Ackee (a fruit native to tropical West Africa) and Codfish, which is traditionally eaten at breakfast and is served at Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine, which I’m also told is a must-try for an authentic Jamaican experience.
Curry Goat, with its blend of fragrant spices and tender meat, is indeed a beloved dish in Jamaican cuisine. The goat meat is slowly cooked until it’s tender and soaked up the flavors of the curry, garlic, ginger, and other spices. Its deep flavor profile with hints of sweetness, combined with the richness of the meat, offers a delectable experience that many find irresistible. The adjective “succulent” perfectly captures the essence of this dish, as it denotes something juicy, tender, and tasty. It’s no wonder the Curry Goat is a favorite for many, not just in Jamaica but also among fans of Caribbean cuisine worldwide.
Fall-off-the-bone tenderness is the way I would describe the moist, juicy, savory, perfectly cooked, and expertly seasoned dishes, whether it be the beef, pork, chicken, or oxtail; every bite offered bold and vibrant tastes that stimulated my palate. Jamaican food has just found a new fan! Be it the hint of smokey taste on the beautifully charred chicken, or the compelling sauce that complemented each dish, every bite was full of flavor, and new and exciting tastes. The Oxtail had a great texture, with a deep, rich, and strong beef taste that provided a satisfying, nice, unctuous mouth feel. The distinctive, sweet, and rich flavor of the Curry Goat was succulent. The Beef Curry was a rich dish that was spicy and warming. All sorts of different notes and savory flavors emanate from all these dishes; all a treat. The spicy, smokey, marinated, slow-cooked, and grilled Jerk Chicken was bold and aromatic, with a slightly sweet touch, and bursting with flavor.
The Oxtail delivered a deeply satisfying experience with its impeccable texture and robust beefy flavor, culminating in a sumptuously rich mouthfeel.
I should not forget to mention the sides that come with the entrees, The large serving of Jamaican Rice and Peas (beans) was a perfect complement to the meal, as was the highly flavorful Jamaican Steamed Cabbage; not to forget the fried, fresh, sweet Plantains. The homemade golden-tinted, flaky, Jamaican Patties (Beef, Curry Chicken, and Jerk Chicken) were fantastic. And should you want to add an additional kick to any of your dishes there is always a bottle of Jamaican Hot Pepper Sauce on the table. Not for everyone, but I loved it.
Summing up, Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine is the real thing. I can’t think of a better bang for your buck. Portions are generously sized, and prices are very reasonable. The food was high-quality and everything I had was cooked to perfection. One visit and I am now a Jamaican cuisine enthusiast. Thank you, Eric and Donna, for your cordial, friendly hospitality, and a wonderful dining experience. For those of you who have yet to try Jamaican cuisine, I would suggest you head over to the quaint downtown of Boonton, stop in, say hello to Eric and Donna, and have Eric cook up a meal you will remember.
Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine, 309 Main Street, Boonton, NJ 07005. Phone: (973) 334-0102 Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Dine In – Takeout – Delivery – Catering – Special Orders (Call Ahead) – BYOB. Metered Street Parking.
Visit Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine on Facebook.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine, September 2023. Click here to read the magazine.
MORRIS COUNTY — Nick De Gregorio, a U.S. Marine veteran from Bergen County who chose to serve because of the tragic events of September 11, will deliver the keynote speech at the upcoming Morris County 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, according to county officials.
This year’s remembrance is scheduled for September 10 at 6:00 p.m., located at the county’s memorial site on West Hanover Avenue in Parsippany-Troy Hills. The event is open to the general public.
Nick, moved to enlist after the attacks which he witnessed as a 16-year-old student, 12 miles away from his school in New Jersey. His service to the nation spanned nine years, which included four combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan.
The county’s 9/11 Memorial stands in honor of all the lives taken during the attacks, emphasizing the loss of 64 residents from Morris County. Ruby-colored paving stones, inscribed with the names of every victim, outline the memorial. Furthermore, brass plates atop the memorial’s inner wall bear the names of each Morris County resident lost on that fateful day.
Attendees are reminded that seating is restricted, so bringing lawn chairs is advisable. Parking provisions have been made at the Morris County Department of Human Services building on 340 West Hanover Ave. For those requiring aid, shuttle buses will operate to and from the memorial.
The county has extended an invitation to all local emergency services, permitting them to send one vehicle for the gathering. They’ll convene at 4:30 p.m. at the Morris County Public Safety Academy, situated at 500 West Hanover Ave., Parsippany-Troy Hills.
The circular design of the county memorial incorporates three steel beams from the World Trade Center, accessible for visitors to touch. Additionally, the memorial features remnants from the United Airlines Flight 93 crash in Shanksville, Pa., and soil from the Pentagon, marking the crash site of the hijacked American Flight 77.
Summing up, Eric’s Jamaican Cuisine is the real thing. I can’t think of a better bang for your buck. Portions are generously sized, and prices are very reasonable. The food was high-quality and everything I had was cooked to perfection. One visit and I am now a Jamaican cuisine enthusiast. Thank you, Eric and Donna, for your cordial, friendly hospitality, and a wonderful dining experience. For those of you who have yet to try Jamaican cuisine, I would suggest you head over to the quaint downtown of Boonton, stop in, say hello to Eric and Donna, and have Eric cook up a meal you will remember.