BOONTON — Twenty-three projects in Morris County are set to benefit from $3.6 million in grants. These funds, part of an annual initiative, aim to rejuvenate and safeguard historic sites within the locality.
Including this grant disbursement, Morris County has awarded nearly $50 Million on preservation efforts at 122 historic locations since 2003, when awards were first issued for protecting historic sites through Morris County’s Preservation Trust Fund. The properties have benefited through 535 grants, with some properties receiving multiple grants over the years to conduct planning, acquisition, and construction projects.
“The staff and volunteers do a phenomenal job evaluating these applications and recommending how to invest our dollars. People often thank the Commissioners for the money. Still, it ultimately comes from the taxpayers, who always overwhelmingly support these programs, and, fortunately, they do,” stated Commissioner Stephen Shaw, liaison to the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board.
A non-construction grant of $44,400 will provide first-time funding for the Darress Theatre in Boonton.
Located in downtown Boonton, the Darress Theatre opened in 1921 as a silent film and vaudeville theatre and is certified as contributing to the Boonton Main Street Historic District. The Town of Boonton purchased the property in December 2020 with plans to convert it into a regional performing arts center.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Robert McNally, and Randolph Police Chief Will Harzula have confirmed the establishment of a joint checkpoint for Driving While Intoxicated in Randolph, New Jersey, scheduled for the weekend of July 28-30. The checkpoint will be managed by officials from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and the Randolph Police Department.
DWI checkpoints are funded by grants received by the Prosecutor’s Office from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety to conduct checkpoints with municipal police departments throughout Morris County. The grant is in effect until the end of September 2023.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office has coordinated sobriety checks throughout various municipalities in Morris County. It intends to continue to do so in the future with advance public notice. Regrettably, impaired and drunk driving continues to pose a serious threat and harm to our citizens. Now, co-joined with all too many cases of distracted driving because of cell phones, these operations to deter such behavior remain useful and necessary to protect the public.
MADISON — Anika Sureka has made her mark academically by being named to the Dean’s List at Purchase College for the Spring 2023 semester. Sureka, pursuing a study program in Anthropology, has consistently demonstrated excellence in her academic pursuit.
Anika is a 2022 graduate of Madison High School. In 2022 Anika was awarded the Madison High School Music Excellence Award. This includes a medal and lapel pin and is presented by Madison Music and Arts to the students in music who best qualify under the National Arion Foundation standards of scholarship, cooperation, ambition, diligence, music performance, inspiration to others, personal habits and qualified to carry on the best traditions of the school.
The Dean’s List at Purchase College, SUNY, is a distinguished roster of students with exceptional academic prowess during a semester. To be eligible for the Dean’s List, students must maintain a semester GPA of 3.5 for Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs or 3.75 for Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Music Performance programs. They must also undertake a minimum of 12 credits during the semester.
We extend our hearty congratulations to Anika Sureka on this commendable achievement and wish her continued success in her academic journey.
Purchase College is a proud member of the State University of New York (SUNY) network of 64 universities and colleges. Established in 1967 by Governor Nelson Rockefeller, the founding vision of Purchase College was to create an energetic campus that fosters conservatory training in visual and performing arts alongside comprehensive programs in the liberal arts and sciences. This synergistic approach aims to nurture intellectual and artistic talents in all students.
Today, Purchase College, SUNY, has become a dynamic community of students, faculty, and friends committed to lifelong intellectual growth and professional opportunities through creative engagement. For more information about the College, click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — The 200 Club of Morris County Organization’s Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony… awarding 16 high school seniors of the First Responder Family. Morris County Public Safety Complex May 15, 2023
FLORHAM PARK — Christian Eliopoulos graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a degree in game design and development (BS).
Christian is a full-time Junior Software Developer at HCLTech.
Some 4,800 degrees were conferred in the 2022-2023 academic year at all of RIT’s campuses. RIT’s academic convocation celebration was held in May and featured remarks by Thomas Zurbuchen, astrophysicist and the longest continually serving associate administrator for the Science Mission Directorate in NASA’s history.
RIT is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators, and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,700 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.
The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo.
In a heartwarming celebration to honor Fred Damiano and his service center, Mayor Conley, along side of Fred and Frank Zara, tied a ribbon to commemorate the wrapping up of a wonderful 47 year career. Damiano's Service Center located at 124 Park Ave. has been an essential part of the Madison community and the town of Madison and their dedication and service are highly appreciated.
MADISON — In a touching tribute to Fred Damiano and his service center, Mayor Conley joined Fred and Frank Zara in a ribbon-tying ceremony, marking the end of Fred’s impressive 47-year career. Damiano’s Service Center at 124 Park Avenue has been a cornerstone in the Madison community, and the town greatly values its commitment and service.
Beyond his business, Freddy played a pivotal role in organizing the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce / PBA #92 Car Show for three decades. Along with his wife Maryanne and Frank, he ensured the success of this prominent event. Moreover, Fred’s spirit of giving was seen in his voluntary efforts, including offering his flatbed for the annual Christmas Parade, emphasizing his dedication to spreading cheer during the holiday season.
Fred and Frank’s unwavering service, devotion, and philanthropy have left an indelible mark on the community. Their legacy will be remembered and cherished in Madison for many years.
MORRIS COUNTY – The Morris County Mosquito Commission has announced that it will use an All-Terrain vehicle to treat a section of woods in Morris Plains Borough and Whippany Monday morning.
The mosquito spraying will go on from 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24, weather permitting.
The following areas are scheduled to be treated:
Morris Plains: Jim Fear Dr (Community Park Pool) Jason.
Whippany: Pond Rd (Brickyard Field) Melissa.
The commission will be using Anvil 2+2, active ingredient Sumithrin, EPA#1021-1687-8329 or Zenivex E4, active ingredient Etofenprox, EPA#2724.
The commission will also use a truck-mounted sprayer to treat streets in Lincoln Park Borough, Florham Park Borough, and East Hanover Township Monday night.
The mosquito spraying will go on from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24, weather permitting.
The following areas are scheduled to be treated:
Florham Park: Northridge Dr, Vreeland Rd, and Florham Ave.
East Hanover: Oakwood Rd, Ridge Rd, Belmont Dr, Fieldstone Ct, Hillside Dr, Mount Pleasant Ave, Selmar Terrace, Anita Dr, Lauretta Ct, Bernadette Ct, Marhill Ct, Timberhill Dr, Tanglewood Dr, Tuscan Pl, Tower Dr, Tremont Dr, Tilden Dr, Trinity Pl, Helen Ct, Mann Ave, South Ridgedale Ave, Deanna Dr, Kimberly Ct, Heather Dr, Kristi Dr, Alexandria Dr, Alexis Ct, Sheldon Ct, Brentwood Dr, Afton Terrace, Parkside Dr, Colonial Way, Parkside Dr, Great Meadow Ln, Carolyn Ct, Yvette Dr, Country Club Ln, Silver Spring Court, Berkely Court, Elkton Terrace, Nina Dr, Oaklawn Dr, Drake Ave, Klinger Rd, Balsam Ave, Callahan Ave, Peach Tree Ave, Cottage Pl, Homestead Ave, Harvest Ave, Maple Ave, Maple Ct, Orchard Pl East, Ridgedale Ave (Old Hanover Airport), North Ridge Circle, Phyldan Rd, and Pollis Dr.
The commission will be using Anvil 2+2, active ingredient Sumithrin, EPA#1021-1687-8329 or Zenivex E4, active ingredient Etofenprox, EPA#2724-807, Pesticide Applicator License Number 20262B.
For more information, click here or call (973) 285-6450.
Pho Ninh Kieu (Vietnamese Noodle & Grill Restaurant) is located at 73 New Road, Parsippany; (973) 521-9900; Click here to view the website.
MORRIS COUNTY — In January 2020, never anticipated three months later, in March 2020, an emergency declaration would cause the implementation of COVID shutdowns and the tremendous hardships that would create for the restaurant industry. Pham Hieu took a chance and acquired ownership of Pho Ninh Kieu, a previously established Vietnamese restaurant, as his first venture into Parsippany’s diverse culinary scene. Fortunately for Mr. Hieu and Parsippany, the restaurant struggled through those tough days and is now a fixture in the community.
The interior, with approximately 12 tables spaced comfortably throughout the dining area, establishes a cozy, casual, intimate, and warm atmosphere.
Pham Hieu, originally from South Viet Nam, arrived in America, along with his parents and siblings, several years ago. Armed with his enterprising spirit, his mother’s home recipes, and a desire to share his homeland’s cuisine, he renovated and redecorated the small eatery to create the ambiance and vibe specific to the cuisine. His mother’s recipe for Pho, where bone marrow is cooked for ten hours every day, is one of the highlight dishes of Pho Ninh Kieu.
Like so many wonderful little eateries in our area, Pho Ninh Kieu is tucked away alongside a row of other businesses in a small strip mall on New Road at the intersection of Route 46 West. Look for the bright, glass front exterior, with the large white and red signage announcing Pho’ Ninh Kieu, Vietnamese Noodle and Grill Restaurant.
Pork Chop and Shrimp Lemongrass with Bell Pepper
The interior, with approximately 12 tables spaced comfortably throughout the dining area, establishes a cozy, casual, intimate, and warm atmosphere. It is immaculately clean, comfortable, and well-designed. Pleasant ambient lighting from the large front windows, aesthetically pleasing laminated wooden tables, matching chairs accentuated with white brick façade walls over softwood paneling, a brick hostess counter, appealing, bright tile flooring, and of course, ethnic artwork, ceiling hangings, architecture, and artifacts all help to enhance a great dining experience. One standout focal point that attracts the eye is a beautiful, large painting of the province of Ninh Kieu, carefully placed along the center wall of the restaurant. Ninh Kieu is a waterfront district in Can Tho, in southern Vietnam, and was the home of the prior owner of Pho Ninh Kieu. When Pham Hieu saw the painting, he was so impressed that he retained the establishment’s name.
Fried Crispy Squid (Floured, Lightly Frede with Sweet and Sour Sauce)
The service was exceptional. On entry, our host/waiter, Kevin, the owner’s brother, was extremely friendly and welcoming. It immediately made our group feel at home. Menus, tableware, and water was brought expeditiously. As usual with this group, there was a lot of discussion and questions for our waiter, Kevin, who was happy to answer all our questions and seemed to enjoy talking with us. The restaurant was well-occupied, yet the service was quick, attentive, and professional throughout our meal. And don’t forget to bring your favorite beer or wine, as Pho Ninh Kieu is BYOB. For the occasion, I found a nice Saigon Lager Beer at Joe Canal’s Discount Liquor Outlet, a nearby liquor store.
When most people think of Vietnamese food, they think of Pho (pronounced “fuh”) and Bahn mi sandwiches. Great examples for sure, but there is much more to Viet Nam cuisine, which like most cultural foods, can be distinguished by the region of the country where it originated. Plus, with the influence of China and France during their colonization, Vietnamese cuisine became even more enriched and diversified. Besides the cuisine’s deliciousness, most Vietnamese food is harmonious, healthy, light to eat, colorful, and very diet friendly.
Eggrolls
The most well-known Vietnamese cuisine is pho (“fuh”), a hearty broth served with rice noodles and toppings that include bean sprouts, limes, fresh basil or cilantro, and peppers, which was my choice for this visit. Additional fresh herbs, bean sprouts, basil, peppers, and limes arrived as a side dish to the Pho so that you can customize your dish to your taste. I added everything to the broth and loved it. The key to a good pho (besides the 10-hour cooking time I mentioned earlier), I am told, is a perfectly spiced, highly aromatic, simmering broth with deep, intense flavor. The texture and bite of the fresh noodles and vegetables, which filled my generously sized bowl, were perfectly complemented by those fresh herbs, bean sprouts, limes, Thai basil, and peppers. My choice of the House Combo came with a combination of an eye of round, flank, brisket, beef ball, tendon, and tripe, which, when cooked in the Pho, completed this flavorful dish and was a delicious and delicate culinary delight. Of course, you can customize your dish with your choice of pork, beef, chicken, or a fish base, as well as the level of spiciness of your dish. As I’ve said many times, I prefer my food on the spicy side, so in this case, I added some hot pepper sauce, which is on the table, to kick it up a bit. You will find that the flavors of the broth deepen and intensify the further down you go in the bowl. This savory dish did pack a punch!
Pork Dumplings
For appetizers, the group shared some shrimp summer rolls, pork dumplings, pork and chicken eggrolls, fried crispy squid (floured, lightly fried, with sweet and sour sauce), and grilled lean pork banh mi (a short baguette with a thin, crisp crust and soft, airy texture). You won’t go wrong ordering any one of these; all savory and flavorful.
Grilled Lean Pork Banh Mi
Entrees included Pork Chop & Shrimp Lemongrass (lemongrass imparts a flavor of lemon with hints of ginger, with floral and minty notes) with Bell Pepper, Eye of Round & Tripe Pho, Beef Lemongrass with Bell Pepper, and my selection of the House Combo Pho dish. Tableware included quality chopsticks (wrapped), Asian soup spoons for your pho, hot pepper sauce, and Hoisin Sauce (a sweet and slightly salty dipping sauce). Remember, the pepper sauce is hot, and try not to go overboard with the Hoisin Sauce, as a little goes a long way.
Whether you are a long-time fan of Vietnamese cuisine or trying it out for the first time, I’m confident you will enjoy adding Pho Ninh Kieu to your culinary journey for a new and exciting dining adventure.
Beef Lemongrass with Bell Pepper
Relaxed, strip-mall nook offering pho & other Vietnamese sandwiches & entrees to eat in or take out.
MORRIS COUNTY — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, has officially initiated the application process for students aspiring to be nominated for a U.S. military service academy in the upcoming year.
Encouraging students interested in military careers, Rep. Sherrill emphasized the tremendous value of attending these prestigious institutions. Having graduated from the Naval Academy herself, she understands the academic and physical challenges that lie ahead for future military leaders. These service academies provide a solid foundation for their future careers in the military.
Aspiring candidates from the 11th Congressional District can now apply for a service academy nomination, with the application window open until October 26.
High school seniors and college students within New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District have the opportunity to apply for nominations to the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy at West Point, U.S. Air Force Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The nomination application process is also available for college students seeking to transfer into one of these prestigious institutions. It’s important to note that students require a nomination to be appointed to attend these academies, except for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, which does not require a Congressional nomination.
Due to the limited number of nominations available each year, the process is fiercely competitive. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill can only offer a select number of nominations, making the competition even more challenging. Additionally, receiving a nomination does not guarantee an appointment to attend an academy, as only a fraction of nominated students are ultimately appointed. Aspiring candidates must showcase exceptional academic achievements, leadership qualities, and a strong commitment to serving their country to increase their chances of securing a coveted appointment.
Due to the high number of qualified applicants, the Congresswoman holds a competitive application process that considers the academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities and community involvement of candidates who apply. In addition, every candidate is interviewed by Rep. Sherrill’s Academy Nomination Board which consists of Academy alumni, military veterans, and civic leaders from the community.
Click here for more information and to complete an application.
Call Rep. Sherrill’s office at (973) 526-5668, or email the NJ-11 Academy Nomination Coordinator at [email protected].
The Township of Hanover has a Township Committee form of government comprising five members.
Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, Mayor
Michael A. Mihalko, Deputy Mayor
Brian J. Cahill, Committeeman
John L. Ferramosca, Committeeman
Ronald F. Francioli, Committeeman
