MADISON — Triumph and pride radiate through Madison High School as ten students are honored with the title of “Commended Students” in the prestigious 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. These remarkable students—Charlotte Burrow, Samuel Cohen, Hendrix Farrell, Kelsey Greer, Jonathan Lu, William Marinovic, Daphne Rodas, Arman Tektas, Deniz Tektas, and Faiz Yasin—are now part of an elite group of approximately 34,000 Commended Students from across the nation, all recognized for their extraordinary academic prowess and potential.
These commendations bring to light the exceptional caliber of students at Madison High School, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence and their pursuit of knowledge. The journey doesn’t end here, though, as the school also takes pride in announcing Tom Yao as a standout semifinalist in the program, standing tall among 16,000 semifinalists nationwide. The future seems bright for Tom, as around 95 percent of semifinalists are predicted to reach the finalist stage, with about half of them ultimately securing National Merit Scholarships and the esteemed Merit Scholar title.
This recognition isn’t just an individual accomplishment, but a testament to the dedication, resilience, and hard work of each student and the supportive, enriching environment provided by Madison High School.
Congratulations to all the recognized students for their remarkable achievements and for elevating the academic reputation of Madison High School.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Vocational School District (MCVSD) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 27 for its new Career Training Center at the County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, which will expand the vocational school operations by 30 percent.
The new center has the potential of adding 500 students to the school district, exposing career-focused and college-bound high school students to the type of specialized skills that will lead them to successful futures.
“This new initiative allows students to pursue career training while gaining an industry-valued credential and college credits simultaneously. It puts students on a path to be career and college ready, while completing high school graduation requirements in their local district,” said Scott Moffitt, Superintendent of the Morris County Vocational School District.
“Building upon successful programs already operating as a result of the long-standing partnership between CCM and MCVSD, high school students will now have more access to a variety of high-demand program offerings in areas such as artificial intelligence, mechatronics, renewable energy technology, certified nurse assistant and dental assistant to capture a wide range of interests and passion,” Moffitt added.
MCVSD released a list of the following in-demand technical skill programs that will be included at the Career Training Center:
Medical Coding & Billing
Certified Medical Assistant
Dental Assistant
Emergency Medical Technician / Pre-Paramedic
Artificial Intelligence
Networking Administration
Mechatronics / Robotics / Automation
Renewable Energy Technology – Wind & Solar
Entrepreneurship / Small Business Management
Supply Chain Management
The construction schedule is dependent on weather and constituency in the supply chain of materials. The two-story, 45,940 square-foot Center will cost $24.8 million, with $6.2 million coming from the county and $18.6 million from state under Securing Our Children’s Future (SOCF) Bond Act. Details on the project were presented to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, as the board introduced a bond ordinance to support construction at their January 26, 2022 public meeting.
It will be built next to the Advanced Manufacturing Center at CCM, which also has plans for a new Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science Center on campus. A groundbreaking ceremony for this project is scheduled for November 2023.
Morris County Building Tomorrow’s Career Opportunities Today
Both projects build on strong partnerships established with business and industry as well as existing programs designed to prepare high school students, college students and adults for rewarding careers in high demand industries.
The MCVSD expansion will operate on a share-time model for high school juniors and seniors. It will focus on workforce development and offer students industry credentials, work-based and project-based learning opportunities and up to 18 college credits. The project expands on an existing partnership MCVSD has with CCM to provide high school students the opportunity to earn college credits, industry-valued credentials and access to an associate degree, either upon completion of high school or one year after graduation.
Eli’s Eatery, perched on a hill in the Galleria 10 Plaza, can be easy to miss as you travel along the highway, so keep your eyes peeled for the Plaza entrance, which is located between Powder Mill Road and Route 53.
MORRIS COUNTY — This past August 12, Eli’s Eatery celebrated its Grand Opening in The Galleria 10 Plaza, on Route 10 East in Parsippany.
Among the many dignitaries and guests on hand was Parsippany Mayor James Barberio, who proclaimed, “I’m happy to welcome another distinctive restaurant to Parsippany. Parsippany has become a destination dining location.” And in fact, Eli’s Eatery, a Korean Fusion restaurant, adds another exciting dimension to Parsippany’s already diverse and growing culinary scene, and another opportunity to continue our gastronomical adventures.
Eli’s Eatery (the former site of the OoLaLa! Vietnamese Kitchen) perched on a hill in the Galleria 10 Plaza, can be easy to miss as you travel along the highway, so keep your eyes peeled for the Plaza entrance, which is located between Power Mill Road and Route 53. Another visual landmark would be the large, prominent clock that towers over the small strip mall. Although Eli notes a Morris Plains address it is in fact located in the Township of Parsippany.
Chef Eleazar Martinez, Patrick Minutillo and David Oh
In November of 2022, I had the opportunity to review a wonderful new restaurant in Morris Plains: Woodham Korean BBQ. I was extremely impressed with Woodham, so when I learned that the new owners of Eli’s Eatery, Chef Eleazar “Eli” Martinez and proprietor David Oh, were opening their newest venture here in Parsippany, I immediately put it on my calendar. I arrived at Eli’s with my usual group of fellow wannabe connoisseurs with high expectations.
On arrival, there is ample parking, and the attractive glass-fronted restaurant with the restaurant’s name emboldened in large red letters makes it easy to locate. On entry you encounter a contemporary, stylish, casual, modern-designed dining area; impeccably clean, bright, and airy. The natural ambient lighting from the full-sized front windows, along with the well-spaced seating arrangements and classy décor set the mood and ambiance for what was to be a warm, comfortable, and inviting dining experience.
On entry you encounter a contemporary, stylish, casual, modern-designed dining area; impeccably clean, bright, and airy.
Fifteen or so sparkling tables are thoughtfully spaced throughout the dining area. The textured marble appearance of the tables adds a touch of elegance and is accentuated by the soft, black leather seating. The color scheme is coordinated and cozy with soft beige walls, recessed ceiling lighting, and a faux wooden plank-designed floor. Décor is simple, but classy, with Asian-themed pictures adorning the walls, along with a few thoughtfully placed plants and accent pieces. A large screen TV takes center stage on one wall, displaying rotating photos of the restaurant’s various dishes, while relaxing music plays, almost unnoticeably, in the background. It is obvious that interior design requires a lot of thought, planning, and experience.
We were graciously greeted by a smiling David Oh, immediately as we entered the restaurant. Mr. Oh offered us our choice of seating and quickly arranged two tables together to ensure our comfort. As we uncorked our wine (did I mention that Eli’s is a BYOB) and in my case, opened my Kloud Original Gravity beer; a popular Korean beer brewed in Seoul; water had arrived, along with chopsticks, utensils, and menus. Mr. Oh was our server and he could not have been more accommodating, helpful, or knowledgeable. By this time Chef Eli had taken a moment to come out to welcome us to the restaurant, which I thought was a nice touch.
Korean Fried Chicken; double-fried chicken wings tossed in honey chili glaze and served with white daikon (squares of sour, vinegary, crunchy pickled radish that married with the fried chicken perfectly)
As always, the debate over shared appetizers began. Mr. Oh patiently answered any questions we had and offered recommendations, as we requested. Our eventual choices included the Korean Fried Chicken; double-fried chicken wings tossed in honey chili glaze and served with white daikon (squares of sour, vinegary, crunchy pickled radish that married with the fried chicken perfectly). WOW! Dukbokki; soft, chewy, rice cakes, sauteed in a sweet, savory, and spicy red chili sauce, with vegetables and beef. (A popular Korean street food), Korean Buns; hot, fluffy, soft, and moist steamed buns, loaded with coleslaw and shredded cucumber. Bursting with flavor! Not surprisingly, everything was devoured quickly, and every plate was clean. Every appetizer was outstanding, and a great kick-off to our yet-to-be-decided-upon entrees.
Kalbijim: simmered beef short ribs on the bone, in a ginger soy garlic sauce, served with daikon and carrots.
My entrée was Kalbijim: simmered beef short ribs on the bone, in a ginger soy garlic sauce, served with daikon and carrots. Kalbijim is an iconic Korean dish with a deep, savory, yet sweet flavor. The tender, juicy, fall-off-the-bone meat, served with an umami-packed broth, was loaded with mouth-watering flavor and melted in my mouth. You could taste the freshness in every bite. An excellent and satisfying choice. The Kalbijim came with sides of brown rice, crispy Kimchi, pickled chayote, and broccoli. The broth also served as a wonderful gravy for that rice side dish. Lots of delightful flavors and textures pleasantly stimulate those taste buds.
Dol Sot Bibimbap: served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, with mixed rice, and assorted fresh and marinated vegetables, all mixed together with a spicy bibimbap sauce.
Mike F. went with the Bokkeumbap: wok-fried rice (brown or white), with egg, bean sprouts, corn, scallions, soy, and sesame. I’d like to add that all these entrees can be adjusted to add tofu, beef, or chicken, or you can make it vegetarian if you like, as well as your preferred spice level.
Bokkeumbap: wok-fried rice (brown or white), with egg, bean sprouts, corn, scallions, soy, and sesame
Mike Z. chose to go with the Bulgogi; a powerfully flavored and marinated ribeye tossed with zucchini, broccoli, and onions in a soy-sesame sauce, while Vin tried the Dol Sot Bibimbap; served in a sizzling hot stone bowl, with mixed rice, assorted fresh and marinated vegetables, all mixed together with a spicy bibimbap sauce. Each dish was beautifully prepared, plated, and presented, and the consensus among the group was that each and every dish not only met but exceeded expectations.
Following my meal, I took the opportunity to discuss the restaurant, and the menu, with both David Oh and Chef Eli, both very amiable individuals who are enthusiastic about their joint venture. Their origin story goes back over 25 years. A friendship and partnership that developed at Woo Lae Oak in Soho continued at Bann in mid-town Manhattan, then the Woodham in Morris Plains, and now Eli’s Eatery. On their website, they state, “Eli and David’s latest venture is the much-loved Eli’s Eatery in Parsippany. This restaurant has become a testament to their gastronomic prowess and their commitment to bringing joy through food,”. After dining at their beautiful new eatery and speaking with both Mr. Oh and Chef Eli, I see the validity and sincerity in those words.
Chef Eleazar Martinez, or Chef Eli, as he likes to be called, is a trained culinary chef and a true artisan of food, which explains his unique, creative, and innovative approach to modern Korean fusion cuisine. French cuisine is identified by the dining experience and is considered by many to be the most prestigious and respectable cuisine in the world. It requires careful presentation, elegance, and community. It is this knowledge, along with years of extensive training that has enabled the Chef to develop his own personal concept of Korean Fusion cuisine.
Even though the restaurant’s menu offers a large selection of traditional Korean classics, it is this French culinary influence, along with Chef Eli’s innovative concepts, that makes Eli’s Eatery stand out from the crowd. As I understand it, “traditional Korean flavors, with a French culinary influence, and a modern twist.”
And for those of you looking to go out for a nice dinner, but the kids want chicken tenders, a cheeseburger, PB&J, or the like, not a problem. Eli’s Eatery offers a Kids’ Menu offering those delicacies, along with enough other kid favorites that should please everyone
Crispy Kimchi, Broccoli, and Pickled Chayote.
For those unfamiliar or intimidated by Korean cuisine, you’re honestly missing out if you don’t try it. David Oh and/or Chef Eli will be more than happy to guide you along on your new culinary adventure. I highly recommend you stop in this beautiful new venue and enjoy the experience. I’m confident once you discover this cuisine, packed with flavor, you will be back.
Eli’s Eatery (Korean Fusion Restaurant) is located at 2569 Route 10 East, Morris Plains. (In Galleria 10 Plaza). Phone: (973) 206-1717; www.eliseatery.com; Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (7 days a week); Dine In – Take Out – BYOB; Free Parking – Free Wi-Fi – Outdoor Dining. Catering.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine. October 2023. Click here to view.
DOVER — The Town of Dover Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 26. Executive session begins at 6:00 p.m. and regular agenda meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
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 January 4, 2023, and published in the Record and Ledger on January 7, 2023. Notice of Meeting Date and Time change was sent to the paper on June 18, 2023. Notice was also posted on the Bulletin Board of the Municipal Building.
The Town of Dover highly values the input of residents in making important decisions that affect the residents of our community. We also believe in the rights of residents to observe Governing Body Meetings. To ensure that all of our residents have the opportunity to offer comments, each statement/comment shall be held to a time of five minutes.
EAST HANOVER — The East Hanover Health Department is offering the annual Influenza clinic for residents of East Hanover and Roseland ages 18 and older. The clinic will be held on Thursday, October 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon at The Thomas Rinaldi Center, Fifth Street at Lurker Park, East Hanover.
Pre-registration and appointments are required.
Please call the East Hanover Health Department Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to make an appointment. You must receive an appointment time from a staff member to be considered registered. For residents 65 and over, please provide your Medicare number during registration. Phone messages will be returned in the order they were received.
There is no fee for Residents 65 years and older. Ages 18-64 there is a $20.00 fee.
The Health Department staff will administer the vaccine. Please note that people with known allergies to eggs should receive the vaccine under medical supervision only.
For high dose, please bring your Medicare-B card. Wear a short-sleeved shirt.
Any questions or to register, please contact the East Hanover Health Department at (973) 888-6035.
Hanover Park School District serves Hanover Park High School and Whippany Park High School
HANOVER — Hanover Park Regional School District will host a college fair on Wednesday, October 4, featuring representatives from nearly 90 colleges and post-high school institutions eager to provide insights into their programs and opportunities. Certainly! College fairs like this one can be pivotal for students and their educational journey.
The college fair will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Whippany Park High School Gymnasium, 165 Whippany Road.
These representatives will share information about their academic programs and provide insights into the campus culture, scholarship opportunities, and the application process. This event can help students make informed decisions about their future and take the next step in their educational pursuits.
Whether you’re a high school senior preparing for college applications or a junior starting your college search, attending this college fair can be a crucial step towards shaping your academic and career path.
DOVER — Voters who prefer to cast their vote in person but are unable to make it to the polls for the Election, can do so through mail-in voting. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 7. The local drop box is located at the Dover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box, 37 North Sussex Street, Dover
These are the current locations of the Ballot Drop boxes located throughout Morris County:
East Hanover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 411 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover
Florham Park Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 111 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park
Hanover Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1000 Route 10, Whippany
Madison Public Safety Complex Ballot Drop Box; 62 Kings Road, Madison
Morris Plains Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains
Parsippany Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany
Town of Boonton Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 100 Washington Street, Boonton
Boonton Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 155 Powerville Road, Boonton
Pequannock Municipal Complex Senior House; 530 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock
Randolph Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 502 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph
Rockaway Boro Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1 East Main Street, Rockaway Borough
Rockaway Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 65 Mount Hope Road, Rockaway
Roxbury Township Town Hall Ballot Drop Box; 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood
Washington Township Ballot Drop Box; 1 East Springtown Road in Washington Township
Wharton Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 10 Robert Street in Wharton
Mendham Boro Ballot Drop Box; 3 Cold Hill Rd, South in Mendham,
Montville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 195 Changebridge Road, Montville
Jefferson Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge
Kinnelon Borough Town Hall Ballot Drop Box; 130 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon
Long Hill Town Hall Ballot Drop Box; 915 Valley Road in Gillette
Board of Elections Ballot Drop Box; 10 Court Street, Morristown
Morris Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 50 Woodland Avenue, Morris Township
Morristown Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 200 South Street, Morristown
Mount Olive Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 204 Flanders/Drakestown Road, Budd Lake
Mt. Arlington Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 419 Howard Blvd, Mount Arlington
Butler Boro Ballot Drop Box; 10 High Street, Butler
Chatham Boro Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 54 Fairmount Avenue, Chatham
Chatham Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 58 Meyersville Road, Chatham
Chester Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1 Parker Road, Chester
Denville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1 St. Mary’s Place, Denville
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.Voters can track their ballots by clicking here for the NJ Department of State Division of Elections.For questions or concerns about voting, call the Morris County Clerk’s office at (973) 285-6066 or email them by clicking here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Voters who prefer to cast their vote in person but are unable to make it to the polls for the Election, can do so through mail-in voting. The General Election is on Tuesday, November 7.
These are the current locations of the Ballot Drop boxes located in Morris County:
Dover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 37 North Sussex Street, Dover
East Hanover Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 411 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover
Florham Park Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 111 Ridgedale Avenue, Florham Park
Hanover Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1000 Route 10, Whippany
Madison Public Safety Complex Ballot Drop Box; 62 Kings Road, Madison
Morris Plains Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 531 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains
Parsippany Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1001 Parsippany Boulevard, Parsippany
Town of Boonton Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 100 Washington Street, Boonton
Boonton Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 155 Powerville Road, Boonton
Pequannock Municipal Complex Senior House; 530 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pequannock
Randolph Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 502 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph
Rockaway Boro Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1 East Main Street, Rockaway Borough
Rockaway Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 65 Mount Hope Road, Rockaway
Roxbury Township Town Hall Ballot Drop Box; 1715 Route 46, Ledgewood
Washington Township Ballot Drop Box; 1 East Springtown Road in Washington Township
Wharton Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 10 Robert Street in Wharton
Mendham Boro Ballot Drop Box; 3 Cold Hill Rd, South in Mendham,
Montville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 195 Changebridge Road, Montville
Jefferson Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge
Kinnelon Borough Town Hall Ballot Drop Box; 130 Kinnelon Road, Kinnelon
Long Hill Town Hall Ballot Drop Box; 915 Valley Road in Gillette
Board of Elections Ballot Drop Box; 10 Court Street, Morristown
Morris Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 50 Woodland Avenue, Morris Township
Morristown Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 200 South Street, Morristown
Mount Olive Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 204 Flanders/Drakestown Road, Budd Lake
Mt. Arlington Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 419 Howard Blvd, Mount Arlington
Butler Boro Ballot Drop Box; 10 High Street, Butler
Chatham Boro Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 54 Fairmount Avenue, Chatham
Chatham Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 58 Meyersville Road, Chatham
Chester Township Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1 Parker Road, Chester
Denville Municipal Building Ballot Drop Box; 1 St. Mary’s Place, Denville
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.
Voters can track their ballots by clicking here for the NJ Department of State Division of Elections.
For questions or concerns about voting, call the Morris County Clerk’s office at (973) 285-6066 or email them by clicking here.
In a heartwarming scene at the annual senior picnic, a senior community member greeted James Dodd with open arms, symbolizing the warmth and respect that many residents feel towards the former mayor.
DOVER — Former Mayor James Dodd showed his continuing commitment to the community by attending the cherished annual senior picnic, on September 14. This event served as a significant platform for senior members to voice their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions directly to community leaders. It is an essential part of the ongoing dialogue between the community and its representatives, ensuring that the needs and views of our senior members are addressed.
In a picturesque moment reflective of unity and communal spirit, James Dodd was seen sharing smiles and poses with the joyful seniors at the annual picnic.
James Dodd was delighted to reconnect with the senior community, listening attentively to their valuable insights and experiences. He expressed his eagerness to continue working in tandem with them, recognizing their vital role in shaping the community’s present and future.
“This event gives us a unique opportunity to meet with and hear directly from seniors in the community,” Dodd remarked, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong connections and open communication with the elderly population. He was seen engaging in lively discussions, sharing laughs, and enjoying the sunny day with the attendees.
The annual senior picnic is more than just a social gathering. It is a symbol of the unity and strength found within the diverse tapestry of the community. Events like these not only foster a sense of belonging among the senior members but also encourage the exchange of ideas and solutions to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.
James Dodd’s presence at the event underscored his ongoing dedication to serving and supporting every member of the community. He conveyed his anticipation and hope for more fruitful interactions in the future, continuing to work collaboratively for the betterment of the community.
It is initiatives like these that reinforce the bonds within our community, ensuring a harmonious and inclusive environment for all its members. And it is leaders like James Dodd, who, by staying connected with the people, contribute significantly to sustaining the vibrancy and resilience of our shared community.
Former Mayor Dodd connects with Senior Community at Annual Picnic
Demand Surges in Local Market: East Hanover Residence Secures 5% Over List Price!
EAST HANOVER — This single-family home located at 21 Overlook Avenue was listed for $649,000 and sold for $681,000 on August 25. This home has five bedrooms and two bathrooms. This property has a lot size of 10890 square feet and was built in 1950. The listing and selling agent was Rhonda Cremin, Weichert Realtors,
The construction schedule is dependent on weather and constituency in the supply chain of materials. The two-story, 45,940 square-foot Center will cost $24.8 million, with $6.2 million coming from the county and $18.6 million from state under Securing Our Children’s Future (SOCF) Bond Act. Details on the project were presented to the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, as the board introduced a bond ordinance to support construction at their January 26, 2022 public meeting.
