Commissioner Douglas Cabana (center with envelop) delivered the grant to The Boonton Coffee Co. owner Frank McDonald (in black T-shirt) with Boonton Council Members (l-r) James Lynch, Joseph Bock, Michael Wade and Marie DeVenezia
BOONTON — The Boonton Coffee Co., a busy café on Main Street, Boonton, received a $14,559 check from the Morris County Small Business Grant Program, as the Morris County Board of County Commissioners joined local officials in meeting with the local entrepreneur.
“This is great. Thank you so much. It will go a long way,” said Frank McDonald, who owns and operates The Boonton Coffee Company with his wife, Nicola.
Commissioner Douglas Cabana delivered the grant, which is drawn from a fund created by the Commissioners to assist small businesses and nonprofits who survived the pandemic yet continue to struggle to operate and meet expenses.
Joining the grant delivery with Commissioner Cabana were Boonton Council members Joseph Bock (Ward 3), Marie DeVenezia (Ward 2), James Lynch (Ward 4), and Michael Wade (Ward 4). The Boonton officials gathered Morris County Small Business Grant Program pamphlets to distribute to other business owners in town.
“Our goal is to help small businesses hit hard by the pandemic. We initially put $5 million into the program, and we quickly followed up with another $5 million. I believe we are just shy of $3 million that has not yet been committed, and we urge every small business owner and nonprofit to explore this grant opportunity. We know they are busy, but this is worth investigating,” said Commissioner Cabana.
Outside The Boonton Coffee Co. on Main Street (l-r) Bock, McDonald, Cabana and Lynch
More than 600 applications have been filed since the Morris County Small Business Program was launched on Valentine’s Day with “Morris County Loves Small Business.” The Morris County Board of County Commissioners created the grant program from pandemic relief funding issued through the American Rescue Plan Act.
Morris County is still accepting applications.
Most of the applications heading for final approval will provide each of the qualified businesses and nonprofits the maximum grant amount of $15,000. While the remaining applications are still being reviewed, the program remains open to new applications.
There is no cost to apply.
The Small Business Grant Program eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to:
· Business has 25 or fewer full-time employees (or equivalent)
· In operation since January 1, 2019
· Located within Morris County
· Less than $5 million in sales/revenue
· Proof of a decline in sales/increased expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic
Read the Qualifications & Apply: morriscountysmallbusinessgrant.com
Federal guidelines covering the grant program will determine exactly which expenses qualify for coverage under the grant program and which applications may be approved.
The grants are capped at $15,000 per applicant. However, business owners and nonprofits are encouraged to submit applications that include all costs they believe may qualify for the grant, even if the total amount of a single claim exceeds $15,000.
A final review may determine that some costs submitted for consideration are not covered under the program guidelines. However, by submitting all expenses that may qualify, applicants increase the possibility of getting the maximum amount of grant dollars possible.
MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony Bucco that would allow New Jersey towns to increase funding for volunteer first aid and rescue squads was signed into law by Governor Murphy.
“I am extremely pleased that the Governor signed this bill into law. As a 40+ year member and former captain of the Salvage and Rescue Company of the Boonton Volunteer Fire Department, I am well aware of the shoestring budgets that volunteer first aid and rescue squads struggle with each year,” said Bucco (R-25). “These organizations are essential assets for our communities, especially in suburban and rural areas. Unfortunately, many squads continue to experience a shortage of basic first aid equipment, and some cannot even maintain their ambulances. My legislation will help alleviate these issues by allowing towns and counties to increase the annual funding for these life-saving services so that they can properly protect the people they are sworn to serve in their communities.”
The current limits of $70,000 and $35,000 that a county or a municipality can contribute to volunteer rescue squads have remained static for more than 20 years.
Bucco’s legislation will increase these amounts to $125,000 and $70,000 respectively.
“Thousands of dedicated EMTs and rescue specialists across this state put the needs of their neighbors above their own,” added Bucco. “It’s time to give them the funding they deserve.”
HANOVER — The Board of Trustees of Employment Horizons is very pleased to announce that Lisa Montalbano has been named as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer.
Lisa began her career with Employment Horizons in July 1998.
Over the years Lisa held various roles at Employment Horizons including Job Coaching and Development and overseeing the agency’s Career Development Services Department.
In 2012, the organization moved Lisa into the all-important Director of Business Development role. For the last several years, Lisa has held the dual responsibilities of business development and managing fundraising and events as our Director of Development.
Lisa’s most recent appointment was to the position of Chief Operating Officer. Lisa holds a BA in Psychology from Liberty University as well as a MA in Executive Leadership from Liberty University.
Jack Cox, the president of the Board of Trustees said, ‘The Members of the Board of Trustees are thrilled to be able to elevate Lisa into the role of CEO. She has broad institutional knowledge and is very well known and appreciated by all our constituents. With her familiarity with our past, support by all constituents, and understanding of the organization’s opportunities, Lisa is poised to lead Employment Horizons into the future.”
Lisa served as Board Secretary of Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce from September 2008 until January 2014.
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Christian Barranco (R- Morris, Essex, Passaic) has prime sponsored legislation to give parents a greater say in what and how their children are taught in public schools and access to more information about the operations of public school districts.
Titled the “Parents Bill of Rights Act”, the legislation (A3800) prohibits school districts from interfering with or denying the rights of parents and guardians the right to review copies of school curricula, books, and other educational materials.
The legislation comes on the heels of the recent disclosure that the State Board of Education is embarking on a plan to have school districts teach children as young as six and seven a sex education curriculum – including lessons on gender identity — that many parents find objectionable or not in the best interest of children
“This legislation will put the operation of school districts where it belongs, in the hands of parents and taxpayers,” said Barranco, the father of three school-age children. “It is not the province of educational elites or the special interests that they align with to determine what our children learn.”
Among its many provisions, the Parents Bill of Rights Act forbids school districts from denying parents or guardians copies of curricula, books, and education materials used in the classroom as well as the names and professional qualifications of teachers and guest lecturers; and the names of third-party individuals or organizations that receive contracts or funding through the school district.
Districts also must provide parents – prior to the start of the new school year – with copies of the syllabi and books for each class the student is enrolled in. And districts must allow parents to be heard at school board meetings. Districts must obtain from parents or guardians written permission for the school district to collect biometric data – such as fingerprints, palm prints, DNA, and retina scans — from students.
Parents who are denied the rights under the proposed legislation can file a civil action against the district. According to the legislation, the state Attorney General’s office may also seek an injunction against the school districts that fail to uphold the rights of parents.
“It is sad that in the 21st Century the classroom has become the battlefield of the culture wars brought on by the progressive left, whose sole aim is to undermine America and the American family,” said Barranco.
“I wish this legislation was not necessary. But I cannot sit on the sideline and allow school officials to dictate to parents what their children learn, nor can I sit by quietly and allow political indoctrination to replace skill development in our children,” added Barranco.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Sheriff’s Office, specifically the Patrol Division wants to reassure all persons enjoying the Morris County recreational facilities that their enjoyment of the parks system and their safety are of paramount importance. The officers operate regular and routine patrols in and around all aspects of the 20,000+ acres of Morris County Park Commission properties and its 38 facilities. Safety and security technologies are at our disposal and are deployed strategically. We partner with all municipalities in providing a police presence and incident response as needed.
We also want to reassure the public that last week’s incident on the Traction Line Recreation Trail in Morristown is not a common occurrence in county recreational areas. The attack concluded with two arrests being made swiftly with exemplary solid police work. Patrols have since been increased.
Should an emergent matter need immediate attention in a county park, please DIAL 9-1-1 and report your location, explain your emergency, and request a Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division unit to respond. You may also contact the Sheriff’s Office dispatch by calling (973) 285-2900. Please report all suspicious activity in the county parks to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division. Always remember to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity no matter the significance. Remember, your safety is important to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
Learn more about the Sheriff’s Patrol Division and County Park regulations by clicking here.
Mexican Antojitos, is located at 122 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. Phone: (973) 588-4047
MORRIS COUNTY — We missed Cinco de Mayo by a day, but my group of adventurous gastronome friends and I headed to the newest Mexican restaurant in the area for a visit. This past April, Mexican Antojitos opened on North Beverwyck Road in Lake Hiawatha, in a previously owned building by a local pizzeria.
Pat, Daniel, Neybi, Ana, Owners- Roman, and Cynthia
There is certainly no shortage of high-quality Mexican venues in the area, but as Mexican cuisine continues to grow in popularity there seems to always be room for one more. In fact, Mexican food is one of the most popular ethnic cuisines in the United States. Mexican Antojitos appears to focus primarily on antojitos (as in its name), but they offer a lot more. Antojitos, referring to “little cravings,” refers to a wide variety of popular street snacks or appetizers, often sold by street vendors in Mexico as a precursor to the big meal of the day, or after a few late evening cocktails, and considered by many as some of Mexico’s most enjoyable and beloved food. There are at least fifteen types of antojitos and regional specialties. Commonly known choices might include tacos, empanadas, tamales, nachos, and enchiladas, but there are many more selections to choose from.
Co-Owner Cynthia Sanchez
Mexican Antojitos, a family-owned and operated eatery, offers a wide selection of these tantalizing “little cravings,” as well as an impressive full menu complete with entrees of Pork Ribs, Grilled Steak, Fried Fish, and more. The menu also offers a selection of breakfast items, as they do open their door for business starting at 6:00 a.m. There are no desserts on the menu, but a variety of drinks (Bebidas) and coffee are available. The restaurant is also a BYOB, so for my first visit, I brought along some Cerveza Pacífico Clara, a Mexican pilsner-style beer, to complement my meal
I have always found Mexican cuisine, which is a blend of Indigenous and Spanish dishes, to be hearty, savory, full of flavors and textures, with plenty of gusto. Distinguished by fresh and healthy tomatoes, chiles, traditional spices, beans, corn, meat, and cheeses, Mexican fare is a delicious and healthy cuisine that is certainly worth a try.
Pat Minutillo
Prior to their opening Mexican Antojitos renovated and updated the building’s interior to transform it from the pizzeria that occupied the location, to create a clean, cozy, comfortable, and casual atmosphere where one can relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The exterior windows and signage are enticing and welcoming, decorated with bright colors and a collage of mouth-watering Mexican treats. The interior is brightly lit, with cream-colored walls, a tile floor, and 12 to 14 tables. Apart from the red and green checkered tablecloths, Mexican motif chairs, and Mexican music playing in the background, the interior is simply decorated, with no-frills, and very unpretentious. Clearly, the emphasis is on the quality of the food and not the décor. I found it a nice feature that you could observe the cooks expertly preparing freshly made tortillas through a small open window allowing a view into the kitchen.
As our group arrived, the friendly staff enthusiastically welcomed us. Our pleasant server, Cynthia, who immediately brought over a basket of corn chips with zesty, homemade salsa, was very attentive and helpful. After perusing the menu, we decided to choose a variety of antojitos to share among the group for appetizers, with the intention of ordering individual entrées afterward. We agreed on a couple of servings each of Enchilada de Mole, Sopes, Quesadillas, Tacos Dorados, and Tostadas.
The Enchilada de Mole (a corn tortilla stuffed with chicken or beef in a Mole sauce, topped with lettuce, onions, sour cream, and cheese) a highly popular and traditional Mexican street food, was savory and perfectly seasoned and was clearly enhanced by the rich, nutty, sweet, and earthy flavors of the Mole sauce. Sopes (a soft fresh Tortilla, with beans, lettuce, cheese, and sour cream, with a choice of beef, pork, or chicken) a homemade corn flour shell; thicker than a tortilla, the Sope shell has a rim around the edge with pinched sides to keep in all the toppings. The deliciously fried Sope was savory, and tender, and has a nice crunchy texture. Our Quesadillas (Corn dough with chicken, beef, pastor, or chorizo) were crispy, gooey, and flavorful. The Tacos Dorados (filled with lettuce, tomato, radish, cheese, crema y salsa, with chicken) were perfectly packed within a nicely textured shell, and generously sized; as were all our choices, and finally the Tostadas (Fried Tortillas, beans, lettuce, tomato, queso crema, avocado, and filled with a choice of chicken or meat}. Do not forget to try the assortment of sweet and hot sauces that are readily available. My personal preference was the Habanero sauce, but I do like hot, spicy food.
As we enthusiastically devoured all our antojitos, the consensus was that the food not only met but exceeded our expectations. The portions were generous, and everything was cooked and seasoned to perfection. The only problem we encountered was that “our eyes were bigger than our stomachs,” and despite our initial intention to follow up with a full entrée, we were all so satiated after our antojitos that none of us could not eat another bite. I guess that the Bistek a la Mexicana I was planning to have will have to wait until my next visit. It was a very pleasurable, satisfying, and filling meal. This is the “real deal” for Mexican cuisine and certainly belongs on the revisit list.
I did have the opportunity to speak with Roman Sanchez, who along with his wife Cynthia owns and operates Mexican Antojitos, expressed that “his goal was to offer the finest, most natural ingredients, including fresh-tasting organic meat to real Mexican herbs and seasonings, in the restaurants authentically made dishes. Mexicans take pride in serving you a dish of Mexican food that is packing the punch in taste, texture, and overall delightfulness in every bite you take.” One of my personal tell-tale indicators of an authentic ethnic restaurant is the ethnicity of the customers frequenting the venue. In this case, there were quite a few customers of Mexican heritage enjoying their meals, and when asked, responded that Mexican Antojitos food was as authentically Mexican as you can get. “A taste of home.” A nice compliment for a restaurant!
Mexican Antojitos is another great new addition to our diverse restaurant community. Stop in, just by yourself, with friends, or with the entire family for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I believe you will be happy that you did. And as always, please continue to support all our local businesses.
Mexican Antojitos, is located at 122 North Beverwyck Road, Lake Hiawatha. Phone: (973) 588-4047.
Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery. BYOB. Catering. Reasonably Priced. Ample free street parking available. Open 7 days a week. Monday to Friday 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
MORRIS COUNTY — Assemblyman Brian Bergen, a former Apache fighter pilot during Operation Iraqi Freedom, says a report released Monday showing New Jersey failed to award disabled veteran-owned businesses statutorily required state contracts demands an immediate response and swift corrective action.
“New Jersey state agencies are mandated to do business with veteran turned entrepreneurs, but they have not lived up to their commitment. It is completely unacceptable and I’m calling on state leaders to join me in making consequential changes,” Bergen (R-Morris) said. “For the past seven years, veteran-owned businesses have lost out on millions because of empty promises and failed policies.”
According to the report released by the Garden State Initiative and New Jersey State Veterans Chamber of Commerce, 97% of state agencies that have procurement power are not enforcing a 2015 law that requires 3% of their budgets to be set aside for contracts with businesses owned by disabled veterans. No state agency is following the legal reporting requirements.
“According to news reports, Gov. Phil Murphy has deflected comment on the matter to the Treasury Department. A better response would have been to say he is creating a task force to ensure New Jersey meets its legal requirements and improves procurement rates for veteran businesses,” Bergen said. “I am urging the governor to support this initiative.”
There are 255 certified disabled-veteran businesses in New Jersey and nearly 60,000 veteran-owned. State contracts can be worth as much as $1 million.
“I am also calling on Speaker Craig Coughlin to work with Senate President Nick Scutari to establish a joint legislative subcommittee to foster economic development for veteran-owned businesses,” Bergen said. “I want to make New Jersey the best state for veterans to start a business after they complete their service to our country. Whether it is through legislation or leadership, I will work with my veteran communities and colleagues to make sure state government is working for those who selflessly fought for our freedom.”
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 22 Annual Golf Classic Monday, June 6, at Spring Brook Country Club in Morristown. The day includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cocktails, a dinner buffet, and an awards ceremony.
The chamber will honor Michael Stivala with the 2022 Business and Community Service Award for his professional accomplishments and commitment to the community at the dinner. Stivala is president and chief executive officer of Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. a nationwide distributor of propane, fuel oil, and related products and services, as well as a marketer of natural gas and electricity. Suburban Propane serves more than 1 million customers in 42 states and Stivala has led the company’s charge to promote the green qualities of propane while also moving into other innovative, renewable energy activities.
Stivala and Suburban Propane also strive to support and give back to the community. The company entered into a national partnership with the American Red Cross through its SuburbanCares philanthropic initiatives. Stivala spearheaded the company’s support of veterans through its Heroes Hired Here initiative. Stivala also is a member of the Regional Council of the New Jersey Region of the American Red Cross and will begin serving as chairperson of the council beginning in 2022.
Various player packages are available for the golf outing, including special Gold Foursome and Silver Twosome packages that offer premier promotional value and varied levels of sponsorships.
To register, purchase a sponsorship, or for more information click here.
The Morris County Chamber of Commerce has more than 745 member organizations that range from entrepreneurs and small businesses to large corporations and Fortune 500 companies. The chamber’s mission is to collaboratively advance the interests of its members to champion a thriving business and community environment. The chamber’s many events, meetings, and seminars provide a platform for its members to connect, collaborate, learn and succeed. The chamber is dedicated to the advancement of Morris County’s businesses and community by providing services, information, and advocacy to support the success of its member organizations. They are headquartered in Florham Park.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — The Mountain Lakes Borough Council Meeting will be held on Monday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. In-Person at MLHS Media Center, 96 Powerville Road. Executive Session at 6:30 p.m.
The agenda for the Borough Council meeting includes:
1) Executive Session – Litigation (Tax Appeals) and Attorney-Client Privilege (Approval of Executive Minutes);
2) Report – Solid Waste Advisory Committee Update;
3) Discussion – First Quarter 2022 Current Budget Report;
4) Discussion – First Quarter 2022 Water Budget Report and First Quarter 2022 Sewer Budget Report;
5) Discussion – Trust Balances;
6) Discussion – Capital Account Balances;
7) Introduction of Ordinance 4-22, Amending Chapter 26 of the Revised General Ordinances of the Borough of Mountain Lakes Regarding the Establishment and Governance of the Department of Police.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, Chief of Detectives Christoph K. Kimker, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Morristown Police Chief Darnell Richardson, and Morris Township Police Chief Mark DiCarlo announced that two men have been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged sexual assault that occurred the afternoon of Tuesday, May 3, in Morristown.
On May 3, 2022, at approximately 3:41 p.m., two males approached a female and asked for money on the Traction Line Recreation Trail.
When the female victim did not provide money, one of the males pushed the victim to the ground and sexually assaulted her while the other male stood nearby.
It is alleged that the male who pushed the victim to the ground was armed with a rock at the time he sexually assaulted her.
Thereafter, both suspects fled the area.
Both suspects were unknown to the victim. On May 6, a 17-year-old juvenile male and an adult, Lizandro Osorio-Mejia, 18, were arrested in connection with the sexual assault.
It should be noted that these arrests were effectuated within hours of the public release of identifying information by the authorities.
The juvenile was charged with one count of Robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2) (as an accomplice), a crime of the First Degree; one count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2) and N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(2), a crime of the Second Degree; and Theft, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3a, a crime of the Fourth Degree. The juvenile will not be identified by name.
Osorio-Mejia was arrested and charged with:
Two counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(3) and N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a(4), crimes of the First Degree.
One count of Sexual Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2c(1), a crime of the Second Degree.
Two counts of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3a, crimes of the Third Degree.
One count of Criminal Sexual Contact, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3b, a crime of the Fourth Degree.
One count of Robbery, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2), a crime of the First Degree.
One count of Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:15-1a(2) and N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(2), a crime of the Second Degree.
One count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, a crime of the Fourth Degree.
One count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, in violation of
N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, a crime of the Third Degree.
One count of Terroristic Threats in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3b, a crime of the Third Degree.
One count of Aggravated Assault in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(7), a crime of the Third Degree.
One count of Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2a, a crime of the Fourth Degree.
Prosecutor Carroll commended CrimeStoppers for quickly offering a reward for information and the New Jersey State Police for composing the sketch.
Prosecutor Carroll said, “Thank you to all our law enforcement partners at the state, county, and local levels, without whom such a thorough and swift investigation and arrests would not have been possible. I also thank the public and our local/regional media for their vigilance and for helping to get the word out. It is this due diligence and communication that enables law enforcement to most effectively protect the public.”
Sheriff Gannon said, “Prosecutor Carroll, Chief Richardson, Chief DiCarlo, and I agreed that this type of crime calls for pulling out all of the stops. The victim and the public deserve nothing less. After such a heinous crime, and especially when an imminent and public threat continues to be present, it is crucial to deliver a concerted and prompt response. This was done both to identify and apprehend the offenders, as well as to protect the people of Morris County until the danger is finally mitigated.”
