French Empire Gilt Ormolu Clock. Clockmaker, François Alibert, Paris, France, first half 19th century. Musical Movement, M. Bordier, Geneva, Switzerland, c. 1810. The Murtogh D. Guinness Collection, Morris Museum. 2003.18.28a-c.
MORRIS COUNTY — Visitors to the Morris Museum can learn about how clock makers incorporated music and animation into their artworks and added a wide range of music to their everyday lives with the exhibit “Musically Timed: Continental Clock Makers and their Markets.” Morris Museum is located at 6 Normandy Heights Road.
The collection, which is on display until Sunday, March 26, traces the circulation of mechanical instruments from shop to store, home to auction, and collection to the museum.
This exhibition features a variety of musical clocks, animated tableaux vivants from Paris, musical picture clocks from Vienna, and 18th Century mechanical singing birds from Switzerland. Musically Timed was made possible by loans from gracious private collectors, augmented by pieces from the museum’s Guinness Viewable Storage vault.
Throughout the 18th and early 19th Centuries, keeping time and making music were increasingly paired attributes for a wide variety of exotic and even fantastic decorative artworks for the homes of the wealthy.
Towards the end of this period, musical picture clocks, animated tableaux, and Black Forest Trumpeter clocks were enjoyed by expanding markets fascinated by these examples of evolving and more affordable technology. These creations came from imaginative minds and the hands of numerous specialists, including mechanicians, sculptors, carvers, painters, gilders, taxidermists, miniaturists, and animators, who all came together to fabricate these masterful decorative artworks.
The animated action could unfold slowly as seemingly static paintings were set in motion. An entire village came to life at times with passing trains and boats rocking on rippling waters. Some would be manually started for personal enjoyment. In contrast, others would operate quietly by themselves for hours, waiting for visiting guests to notice on their own that the supposed static painting was actually moving.
Highlights of this exhibition are the French Empire Gilt Ormolu Clock and the captivating Singing Birds in Cage Automaton Clock. Musically Timed also includes several objects from the Museum’s Guinness Collection that are on view for the first time.
This exhibition is organized by Director of Exhibitions and Collections Anne Ricculli and Jere Ryder, conservator of the Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Mechanical Musical Instruments and Automata at the Morris Museum.
Will and Mary Leland provide leadership support for this exhibition.
Las Leyendas (Leyendas de Mexico) is located at 71 New Road, Parsippany.
MORRIS COUNTY — I can recollect a time when excellent authentic Mexican restaurants were far and few between, often requiring driving some distance to get to that one special place. Not anymore! Now in the Parsippany area alone, because of our diverse population, the growing popularity of Mexican cuisine, and its appealing taste, you can choose any of several outstanding Mexican restaurants close to home. Better yet, give them all a try! The fact is that Mexican food is currently one of the most popular ethnic cuisines in the United States. Which eatery you consider the best is obviously a personal preference. And no, I am not referring to one of those numerous chain restaurants that line our highways. An interesting fact is that in the U.S., most Mexican restaurants, 70 percent, are family or independently-owned restaurants, and the other 30 percent are classified as chain restaurants.
One of those local areas premieres Mexican restaurants, Leyendas de Mexico, is located in one of those easily accessible, multi-business strip malls at the intersection of New Road and Route 46 East in Parsippany.
The interior is lively and energetic environment featuring bold, vibrant, and playful color schemes throughout the interior, creating a truly festive vibe
Initially, Las Leyendas de Mexico appears lost among the row of small businesses in the nondescript strip mall. Still, on entry, you are immediately met with a lively and energetic environment featuring bold, vibrant, and playful color schemes throughout the interior, creating a truly festive vibe. The carefully thought-out, cohesive décor incorporates many elements of Mexican, Aztec, and Mayan heritage and culture, with engaging, large colorful murals featuring various historical and cultural themes, such as Mexican luminaries as Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa. Assorted accent lighting and soft Mexican music help accentuate the tone and mood of the décor. A painted blue-sky ceiling, blended pink, cream, and yellow walls, red brick accents, orange-brown tile floors, Día de Muertos folk art, statuary, sombreros, wall and ceiling tapestries, multi-colored tables, and rustic wicker chairs, all come together to provide diners with a casual, comfortable and is warm setting.
The layout is small and simple, with approximately ten tables, which can seat 35 people, but still manages to feel spacious and cozy while not feeling overcrowded. Natural lighting illuminates the dining room, enhancing the visual effects and dining experience. There’s no doubt the inviting visual experience presented at Ley Leyendas de Mexico, despite its size, clearly sets a tone that enhances the dining experience. Notably, in a 2019 edition of Yelp, Leyendas de Mexico was listed as one of the twenty-four best Mexican restaurants in N.J.
After taking some time to peruse the artwork and enjoy the layout, my group was ready to sit down and enjoy some enticing, authentic Mexican cuisine. What makes food authentic is debatable, in my opinion. One source reminds one that the thing to remember is that the definition of “authentic” changes throughout history, so the food is eaten now is different from the food eaten a few hundred years ago. I guess this would apply to all the world’s cuisine. My research found that yellow cheese is the most common ingredient in Americanized (Tex-Mex) Mexican food. Yellow cheese isn’t Mexican. Often, in Mexico, they use “queso fresco,” which translates to “fresh cheese.” That is the primary difference between authentic Mexican and Americanized Mexican food. Just in case you were wondering.
First to arrive were several nicely sized servings of freshly made, zesty salsa accompanied by crunchy, crispy homemade chips.
We were seated immediately at a comfortable corner table as the very pleasant owner, Elvin Portillo Mazariegos, cordially welcomed us to the restaurant. I must admit our conversation was limited due to my unfortunate and limited ability to converse in Spanish. I was informed that Ley Leyendas de Mexico initially opened in 2016 and has been under the management of Mr. Mazariegos since 2020. Menus, water, and utensils quickly arrived as we discussed our dining selections. Ley Leyendas is a B.Y.O.B., so that I could share some Modelo beer with our host during our conversation.
Homemade Guacamole (fresh avocado, lime juice, red onions, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, and tomatoes, served with crispy tortilla chips).
The menu is surprisingly diverse, complete with a tantalizing selection of many of Mexico’s favorite dishes. Latin and Spanish selections are also available, as are what appear to be creative Tex-Mex dishes to round out the menu. Appetizers included popular selections such as Leyendas Nacho Supremos, Quesadillas, Chimichangas, Tostada de Pata, and many other favorites. Typical Mexican and Tex-Mex fare includes Enchiladas, Tostadas, Flautas, Chilaquiles, Carne Asada, and Molcajete, among the many options. Assorted seafood dishes, soups, cemitas, authentic Tacos, and burrito grande are all tempting. No doubt, pretty much anything Mexican, Tex-Mex, or Latin American you might be in the mood for! Not to forget their homemade desserts, including one of my favorites, Tres Leches Cake. It took some bantering back and forth among the group before settling our choices.
Ground Beef Chimichanga (a small burrito stuffed with spicy ground beef, cream cheese & shredded cheese, topped with homemade chipotle mayo)
First to arrive were several nicely sized servings of freshly made, zesty salsa accompanied by crunchy, crispy homemade chips. The salsa and chips were the perfect preludes to our meal, and we were devoured quickly. Next, out came to our appetizers, which we all shared Homemade Guacamole (fresh avocado, lime juice, red onions, cilantro, fresh jalapenos, and tomatoes, served with crispy tortilla chips), Quesadillas (12” flour tortillas filled with melted tres queso, shredded lettuce, and a choice of spicy chicken, carnitas, Carne al pastor, chorizo or spicy ground beef). With its creamy texture, fresh avocado’s mildly sweet, nutty taste was delicious and refreshing and went perfectly with the homemade chips.
Quesadillas
The tender, crisp, crunchy, cheese flavored Quesadillas were also a treat; Ground Beef Chimichanga (a small burrito stuffed with spicy ground beef, cream cheese & shredded cheese, topped with homemade chipotle mayo), and Chorizo Con Queso (spicy Mexican chorizo mixed w/diced tomatoes & red onions, topped w/melted Oaxaca cheese, served with a side of corn or flour tortillas.) Every individual dish was oozing with fresh, amazing, delicious flavor.
The Mariscos Soup (spicy red sauce sautéed with shrimp, tilapia, mussels, calamari, and zucchini).
The Mariscos Soup (spicy red sauce sautéed with shrimp, tilapia, mussels, calamari, and zucchini) preceded our entrees. A very well-prepared seafood selection, tasty and perfectly seasoned.
Churrasco Steak (Skirt steak marinated with homemade chimichurri sauce, served over grilled veggies, rice, and beans)
As a group, we were not that diverse in our entrée selections on this date. A few of us, including myself, opted for Parrillada Mixta (Grilled chicken breast, steak, shrimp, and chorizo, served with cactus, rice, and beans). In contrast, the others opted for the Churrasco Steak (Skirt steak marinated with homemade chimichurri sauce, served over grilled veggies, rice, and beans). The mixed grill of meats and seafood in my Parrillada Mixta was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It was a satisfying and delicious ending to a very pleasing dining experience. The group members who ordered the Churrasco Steak were equally pleased with their meal. Despite the appealing choice of desserts, we were all stuffed and unable to go any further, so my Tres Leches Cake will have to be put off until my next visit.
Parrillada Mixta
As you may be aware, there are two sister Ley Leyendas de Mexico restaurants in the general Parsippany area, one in Boonton and one in Morris Plains. This review is for the Parsippany location only. Visiting the other locations is certainly on my to-do list. As for Parsippany’s Ley Leyendas de Mexico, I recommend definitely giving it a try. I’m pretty sure you will put it on your restaurant rotation.
Buena comida, buenos amigos, buenos tiempos
Las Leyendas (Leyendas de Mexico) is located at 71 New Road, Parsippany.
(973) 287-7060 leyendasrestaurante.com
Closed Mondays – Dine In – In-Store Pickup – Catering Available
BYOB (Wine and Beer only) – Vegetarian Friendly – Off-Road Parking
Mexican, Latin, and Spanish Cuisine
MADISON — The Borough of Madison will hold its annual public reorganization meeting for 2023 on Friday, January 6, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber of the Hartley Dodge Memorial, 50 Kings Road. Congresswoman Sherrill will conduct the Swearing in Ceremonies.
Rachel Ehrlich
Recently re-elected Council Member Rachel Ehrlich and newly elected Tom Haralampoudis will take the oath of office as Council Members for a three-year term. Ehrlich, who began her first term in office in 2020, will start her second term. Her running mate, Haralampoudis, has been involved with the Library Board of Trustees, Housing Authority, Board of Health, Environmental Commission, and Recreation Committee. He co-founded the Sustainable Madison Advisory Committee and will begin his first term in office.
Conducting the oath of office for Ehrlich and Haralampoudis will be Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. Expected to be joining Congresswoman Sherrill are Assemblyman John F. McKeon and Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, as well as State Senator Richard J. Codey and elected officials from Morris County.
Congresswoman Miki Sherrill with Tom Haralampoudis
Mayor Conley, Council Members, and Borough Officials will honor the service of outgoing Council Member Maureen Byrne, who served two terms as a Council Member from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2022, and served as Council President in 2021.
The agenda will also include official action, including, but not limited to, appointments and reappointments of Boards and Committees for 2023, adoption of resolutions to facilitate Borough business, including awarding professional services contracts for 2023, and naming of Borough Officials.
BOONTON — Marilyn Ward, President of the Board, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry and Gateway Community Resource Center President, was proclaimed on Monday, December 19, by the Boonton Town Council as its 2022 Citizen of the Year. Council Member Marie Devenezian read the Proclamation presented by The Town of Boonton.
Council Member Marie Devenezian read the Proclamation presented by The Town of Boonton.Marilyn’s Grandson Ben Schaub gives her flowers and congratulates his grandmother.Proclamation presented by the Town of Boonton naming Marilyn Ward “Citizen of the Year 2022.”
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Assemblymen Jay Webber, Christian Barranco, and Brian Bergen issued a “Joint Legislative Resolution.”
We can think of no one better within our town of 9,000 who qualifies for such
acknowledgment at this moment.
A Boonton resident since 1964, Marilyn served as special education elementary teacher in
Boonton Schools for 30 years before retiring. During those years, she served as an officer of the NJEA union and represented Boonton’s public school teaching staff. Upon retirement, she took up a second career in retail with her late husband Jim to operate a flower shop in Blairstown for ten years.
Her second retirement was not the beginning of her voluntary leadership as Elder of Boonton’s First Presbyterian Church. For decades she was, and continues to be, a chief advocate for support of the mission beyond its doors. Community engagement is a gene inherited from her parents, with her mother the model of supporting public issues in the quest for justice. She recalls her mother going to any and all rallies or protests and sitting on her father’s shoulders at a coal miner union gathering to hear organizer John L. Lewis, Dad whispering praise of “a great man.” Within her lifetime of following in their footsteps of public service, it is Marilyn’s efforts of the past four years that have caused of
recent public acknowledgment and celebration.
At age 86, Marilyn has retained sufficient mental and physical strength for the past five years to provide the vision, inspiration, and vitality to offer current leadership for two new non-profit service organizations in Boonton. She provided inspirational leadership for officers and members of the First Presbyterian Church of Boonton to conduct two years of research and inquiry into the persisting and most urgent needs of local citizens for whom newly freed building space would be utilized.
The Loaves & Fishes Community Food Pantry was their first responsive venture in pursuit of that vision, subsequently joined by the Boonton United Methodist Church. 3.5 years into its mission, the LFCFP provides meals for an average of 110 households weekly, supported by some 100 community volunteers between the ages of 16 and 86.
Marilyn is Board President; click here for the website.
Not finished with capitalizing upon all the space made available by FPCB, Marilyn gathered a committee of 11 willing volunteers in 2021-22 (during which time she was widowed) to create and launch Gateway Community Resource Center as the second phase of response to local needs, providing an upgraded venue for hosting programs presented by established not-for-profit organizations at no cost to attendees. Opened in mid-September, many programs are now offered for help, education, and enrichment of persons needing affordable support services. Marilyn again serves as President of its volunteer Leadership Team. (Click here for more information)>
Though tiny in stature, her mind, and energy seem inexhaustible. She has the infectious gift of inspiring and persuading people of all ages to join her in these causes.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Matt Gallagher arrested Mr. Hanlian Chien, 38, West New York, on Wednesday, December 14, for DWI.
Officer Gallagher observed Mr. Chien slumped over his steering wheel and parked in a no-stopping or standing zone.
Officer Gallagher approached Mr. Chien to make sure he was alright. While speaking with Mr. Chien, an odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected. Subsequent field sobriety tests were conducted, resulting in Mr. Chien’s arrest.
He was issued motor vehicle summonses for DWI, refusal, recklessness, and no parking in a fire lane. He was released pending his court date.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Megan Pritchard arrested Mr. Rene Leon-Neira, 22, Morristown, on Sunday, December 18, for DWI.
Officer Pritchard responded to a one-car accident and located the driver and the vehicle resting against a telephone pole on McNab Avenue in Cedar Knolls.
After a brief investigation, Mr. Leon-Neira was arrested and issued motor vehicle summonses for DWI, reckless and carelessness, touring privileges, failure to report, improper driving on a sidewalk, open container, and driving without a license.
He was released pending his court date.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Dan Acquaro arrested Mr. Guillermo Rodriguez, 43, Paterson, on Monday, November 28, for receiving stolen property.
Mr. Rodriguez was observed driving a vehicle that had stolen license plates affixed to it. Upon further investigation, Mr. Rodriguez was charged with knowingly receiving stolen property and was issued motor vehicle summonses for a suspended license, no insurance, tinted windows, driving without a license, improper plates, and fictitious plates.
He was processed and released pending his court date.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Carlos Najera arrested Mr. Nicholas Patino, 34, Bergenfield, on Friday, November 25, for possession of CDS.
Officer Najera responded to the 7-11 on Ridgedale Avenue for a reported suspicious vehicle with people sleeping inside.
Upon arrival, Officer Najera spoke with the occupants, and while speaking to the driver, he observed drug paraphernalia in plain view.
After a brief investigation, Mr. Patino was charged with possessing CDS and drug paraphernalia. He was then released pending his court date.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Anthony D’Angelo charged Ms. Anibal Rodriguez-Alverez, 27, Elizabeth, with several counts of shoplifting from the ShopRite, Cedar Knolls, on Tuesday, November 15.
Ms. Rodriguez-Alverez was observed on surveillance video on several dates in October, shoplifting $2680.60 worth of merchandise.
A warrant was prepared and mailed to Ms. Rodriguez-Alverez with a court date to respond.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
File Photo. Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Hanover Township Police Officer Dan Foesel arrested Mr. Henry Smith, 31, and Ms. Shannon O’Leary, 33, both currently residing at the Red Carpet Inn on Route 10, for theft, on November 22.
A victim responded to Hanover Township Police Headquarters reporting that her wallet was stolen while shopping at Wegmans and was used at several locations recently.
A review of the surveillance video identified Mr. Smith and Ms. O’Leary as the responsible parties.
They were located and arrested. Mr. Smith was charged with theft of movable property, credit card theft, and three counts of fraudulent credit card use.
Ms. O’Leary was charged with conspiracy to commit theft and three counts of conspiracy to commit credit card fraud.
The stolen items and credit card were recovered from their room at the Red Carpet Inn.
Editor’s Note: An arrest or signing of a criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until he or she has been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
We can think of no one better within our town of 9,000 who qualifies for such
