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.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Morris Avenue road improvement project is scheduled to begin August 28 at approximately 7:00 a.m.Morris Avenue, between Powerville and Fanny Road, will be closed to thru traffic during this time. All northbound traffic (headed toward Boonton), will be directed to Powerville Road to Boulevard. All Southbound traffic can utilize Fanny Road to Boulevard or Intervale Road to Midvale.
It is anticipated milling will be done on August 28 and paving completed on August 29 (weather dependant). Residents of Park Place can access their residences via Fanny Road. Residences and commercial businesses between Powerville and Fanny will have access to their driveways. Officers will be on scene to assist.
MADISON — Carole Rawding, the advisor for Madison High School’s Interact Club, has been honored with the Paul Harris Fellow award by the Madison Rotary Club for her exemplary contributions. Under Carole’s guidance, the club has expanded and launched several initiatives, including:
• Madison’s “Ends Hunger” food drive
• Supporting the education of two Maasai girls with a commitment of $2400 per girl over four years
• Organizing a carwash fundraiser that raised $2100 for Ukraine
• Assembling spring baskets for children, crafting valentine cards for seniors, and hosting various bake sales
• Coordinating the “Night in the Cold” sleepout to benefit Homeless Solutions and Covenant House
• Collaborating with the Key Club to collect food for the Community Food Bank
2023 marks the Madison Rotary Club’s centennial of dedicated service. The club is a vibrant community of individuals working tirelessly for local and global betterment.
Meetings are convened every Thursday, from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., at the Madison YMCA on Kings Road. It’s important to note that meeting details might vary. For updates and more about Madison Rotary, please check madisonrotarynj.org
MORRIS COUNTY — Dover Police halted a Honda Accord on Dickerson Street at 11 p.m. on August 22 due to several traffic infractions.
The 23-year-old driver from Roxbury Township initially misled officers but was later identified with an outstanding warrant and potential DUI.
A subsequent vehicle search unveiled a loaded Glock handgun.
JResisting arrest, the man injured two officers and damaged nearby property. Once detained, his disruptive behavior continued, causing further damage to the Dover Police processing area.
He was remanded to the Morris County Correctional Facility, facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault, resisting arrest, weapon possession without a permit, DUI, among others.
merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the juveniles are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MORRIS COUNTY — Lakeland Hills Family YMCA begins its Fall 1 Program Session on Monday, September 11.
Most all youth and teen classes are open to the community as well as available for member registration. Most know the YMCA is the number one provider of children and adult swim lessons across the United States. But did you know there are an amazing number of classes that are open to the community for youth and teens? Here are some of the really cool classes your kids or teens will love: Senior Parkour Fitness, Middle-School Dodgeball, Basketball Clinics for ballers of all ages, and more. Have a teen who is a gaming wiz? The Y is the leader in esports gaming, infusing computer skills with communication strategies, teamwork, and hand-eye coordination. You may choose from an in-person or virtual program, club level, or high-school competitive esports club. Don’t forget there is Outdoor Archery on Tuesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for ages 8-13 as well!
This is the time of year your youngster might want to try ballet or gymnastics. Why pay for a specialty school when you aren’t sure your child is going to enjoy this new activity? The Y is the perfect place to start your child. Beginner Ballet and Beginner Gymnastics are available on Saturday mornings and are open to everyone, not just Y members. Intermediate-Level Gymnastics is also offered for beginner-to-intermediate gymnasts. These are just three classes in the Y’s brand-new Saturday Schedule, perfect for multiple sports opportunities.
Other Saturday morning classes include STEM, Junior Parkour Games, and Senior Parkour Fitness. Mini Achievers is for 3–5-year-olds held on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m., where staff identify each child’s individual needs and then prepare them for a school setting or help them make new friends. Children will gain confidence, curiosity, communication, and a love of learning. Children ages 3-6 will have a great time as they move and groove in a program called “Kids Rhythm”. This upbeat program is a fun way for children to express themselves and increase their fitness while moving to the latest tunes. It is held on Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m.
With over one dozen special events being held this Fall, there is a program or event for everyone in the family, not just kids. Some quick highlights include:
• Kids Night Out: Saturday, September 23 with the theme of Lego-Mania
• Kids Night Out: Saturday, October 21 with the theme of Harry Potter
• Archery Tag for teens ages 10-15 on Friday, October 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Family Adventure Weekend at Frost Valley YMCA – call for info
• It’s back, and bigger and better: GRIT ‘n SNOW, the Y’s award-winning youth resilience series combining snowboarding with social, emotional, and mental health lessons to build confidence, make new friends, and earn their GRIT.
Returning in December is the Y’s famous Indoor Youth Sports Leagues featuring basketball and soccer. Registration is open and available to both Y members and non-members. All the above programs and classes are open to the community. Registration is underway and classes begin September 11, so be sure to register online by clicking here.
MADISON — St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center Continues No-Fee Adoptions until August 26.
Visit our Madison location for in-person adoptions of cats and small animals, while dog adoptions are available virtually,” announced St. Hubert’s.
Due to possible exposure to canine influenza, we are implementing additional precautions during our dog adoption process. We are not open for walk-in dog adoptions at this time and are instead offering virtual adoptions for all dogs! If you’re ready to adopt within the next 24 hours, join our waitlist here for a virtual meet and greet. We are open for virtual dog adoptions daily from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Thursdays 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.).
Discover your next furry companion by clicking here.
Madison Adoption Center is located at 575 Woodland Avenue. Telephone Number: (973) 377-2295
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.
