MORRIS PLANS — The Borough of Morris Plains Organization Meeting on Thursday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. will be held at the Community Center, 51 Jim Fear Drive. Masks are mandatory.
MADISON — Governor Phil Murphy announced the second round of funding for the Library Construction Bond Act (LCBA), which allocates $37 million to 36 library projects from 13 counties across New Jersey.
The Library Bond Act was approved by voters in 2017 and authorizes $125 million in state bonds for technology updates, building improvements, and other library projects across the state. The first round of funding, which allocated $87.5 million, was announced in January 2020. The list of projects for the second round of funding has been submitted to the Legislature and will be signed by Governor Murphy once it reaches his desk.
Free Public Library of the Borough of Madison will receive $913,974.00.
“Libraries are the foundation of our communities and investing in them is just as critical as investing in our schools, in our cities and towns, and in our families,” said Governor Murphy. “The library offers critical resources and is where the concept of lifetime learning comes to fruition, where the spirit of community is celebrated, and where families come together. I am pleased to announce this second round of funding so we can continue to see progress in the modernization of New Jersey’s libraries.”
“Libraries have served as a lifeline for so many during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the Library Construction Bond Act, the Long Branch Public Library will have the funding it to help close the digital divide by expanding the space it needs for computers and career counseling initiatives,” said U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone. “At the federal level, I’ve fought to ensure that libraries have access to critical funding to help students and teachers stay connected to the classroom. The Emergency Connectivity Fund that I included in the American Rescue Plan has delivered over $96 million to our state’s schools and libraries, giving students the tools they need to complete their homework, research, and at-home projects. Every dollar we invest in our libraries is an investment in the future of young people in our state. I want to thank Governor Murphy for his leadership and his effort to ensure that libraries have the resources they need to stay open and accessible for years to come.”
“Back in 2017 when New Jerseyans passed the Library Construction Bond, no one knew a pandemic was on the horizon, and during the pandemic, we’ve seen just how valuable our public libraries are to communities all over the state,” said Jennifer Nelson, New Jersey State Librarian. “The new and refurbished buildings that are being supported through the Bond Act will benefit New Jerseyans for years to come with safe, healthy spaces and up-to-date technology that are available to all. When we improve our libraries, we improve our communities and the lives of residents.”
“New Jersey’s public libraries are constantly evolving to serve a wider range of community needs. From jobs and workforce development to digital literacy and community building, they assure that all New Jerseyans have access to key tools of the 21st century,” said Dr. Merodie Hancock, President of Thomas Edison State University.
The state’s investment in public libraries will ensure that more people who lack access to basic technology and information have a place to go. Our libraries have stepped up during the pandemic and shown that equitable access to technology and information is critical to rebuilding our state.”
MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Steven Oroho and Senator Joe Pennacchio have filed requests for public records related to the Murphy administration’s $53 million settlement for veterans’ home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’ve filed a request for public records related to the $53 million that apparently will be paid by New Jersey taxpayers to settle claims of negligence and incompetence made against the Murphy administration for deaths in State-run veterans’ homes,” said Oroho (R-24), the incoming Republican leader. “The documents we are seeking will help us to understand what went wrong at the start of the coronavirus pandemic so we can develop effective policies that better protect our seniors and veterans. This isn’t about playing ‘gotcha’ with the administration, we’re trying to save lives.”
Days before Christmas, the Murphy administration confirmed it will pay $52.9 million to settle claims with 119 families of veterans home residents whose deaths were attributed to the coronavirus at the start of the pandemic.
Since May of 2020, Senate Republicans have sought to understand how the Murphy administration’s response to the pandemic contributed to unnecessary deaths in New Jersey’s nursing homes and State-run veteran’s homes.
In a continuing attempt to understand the underlying facts as well as the administration’s rationale for settling claims related to veterans home deaths, Oroho and Pennacchio have filed new requests for government records under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) with the Governor’s Office, Department of Health, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Department of Law & Public Safety as follows:
“Please provide a copy of any and all directives, policy statements, or other instructions or guidance, related to COVID-19, provided under the authority of the [named department], or any subdivision thereof, to any administrator, supervisor, or other staff or personnel, including volunteers, of a State-operated veterans nursing home in New Jersey between March 1, 2020, and the date on which this request is received.
“Additionally, please provide a copy of any settlement, mediation, arbitration or other agreement entered into by the State, or subdivision thereof, arising out of a lawsuit concerning the death, due to COVID-19, of a resident of any of the State-operated veterans nursing homes in New Jersey, as well as any government record relied upon to determine the terms of the settlement, mediation, arbitration, or other agreement.”
The Murphy administration denied a prior OPRA request from Senate Republicans seeking documents transmitted by the Department of Law & Public Safety to the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice pursuant to a federal investigation into pandemic-related nursing and veterans home deaths.
Pennacchio said he is hoping this new effort leads to a greater understanding of the impact of Murphy administration policies which forced the admission and prevented the testing of patients by nursing homes and State-run veterans home. Further, he hopes settlement-related documents can answer questions about the role of the New Jersey Department of Health and the State Epidemiologist in developing those policies and provide a clear timeline of discussions.
“At every turn, we’ve been stonewalled by the Murphy administration and denied access to public records that could provide critical insight to lawmakers,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Their repeated denials will not deter us from continuing to seek important pandemic records that can inform our efforts to improve the health, safety, and economic well-being of New Jerseyans. Every OPRA request the Murphy administration denies only strengthens our case for convening a select committee with subpoena power to get the answers that lawmakers, victims, and families deserve.”
Senate Republicans have been calling for the formation of an investigative select committee since May of 2020 and have made multiple efforts to bring a resolution (SR-68) forming the committee up for a vote.
Following news of the $53 million settlement, the Senate Republican caucus sent a letter to Senate President Stephen Sweeney and Senate President-Designate Nicholas Scutari repeating calls for the formation of a Senate Select Committee on the Executive Branch’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Clerk Ann F. Grossi is pleased to announce the launch of the Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App; a new and free online service. Continuing to bring innovation and enhancements to the Clerk’s Office has been a hallmark of her tenure and the Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App is the latest installment of Ann’s commitment to both Morris County and the greater area she serves.
“By utilizing modern technology to engage citizens, the free Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App is designed to give residents easy access to all the services offered by the Morris County Clerk’s Office,” said Clerk Grossi. With the 2022 New Year in full swing, the Morris County Clerk’s App is ready to provide the information and services delivered directly into your home right to your fingertips. Need to see current or past election results? Easy, simply hit the “Elections” button. Want to know what they require applying for a passport or need to schedule an appointment? Easy, just hit the “Passports” button. Need forms? Another easy fix just hit the “Forms” button. Other features include access to the free online Property Fraud Alert System, Registry, Social Media, Notary, Latest News, Records Vault, and other services, such as Veteran; Senior, Gold Star Parent ID’s, as well as our “On the Road Programs.”
Morris County Clerk’s Mobile App can be downloaded for Apple devices in the App Store. They can also download the app for Android devices in the Google Play Store. If you have questions about downloading the app, please contact Brian Tone at (973) 829-8201.
MORRIS COUNTY — Rockaway Resident William Schievella has been elected Vice-Chair of Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.), an organization dedicated to educating communities about the dangers of drugs and violence.
“We are thrilled that Bill will be our Vice-Chair,” said Nick DeMauro, CEO of L.E.A.D. “He has been a tremendous Board member and our Directors unanimously elected him Vice-Chair. He will provide excellent leadership for our Board and our organization overall.”
L.E.A.D. is taught in 40 states by over 2800 dedicated police officers, teachers, and prevention specialists, who provide leadership and resources to allow law enforcement agencies to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. As the only proven effective anti-drug, anti-violence curriculum for students K-12, the L.E.A.D. the curriculum is taught over the course of a 10-week program to educate our youth on how they can make smart decisions without the involvement of drugs.
Currently, Bill serves as the Director of the Police Studies Institute at Saint Elizabeth University, where he oversees the implementation of executive development programs for law enforcement as well as community-based law enforcement collaboration. He is a Criminal Justice and Public Service Professor as well as the current President of the New Jersey Italian American Police Society.
In 2017 and 2018, Bill was the Director of Communications and Community Policing for the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. Along with being elected Vice-Chair of L.E.A.D.’s Board of Directors, Bill’s achievements include being named ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ by the New Jersey Columbus Day Parade and ‘Grand Marshal’ of the Morris County Columbus Day Parade.
For more info on L.E.A.D’s Board of Directors click here.
About L.E.A.D.
L.E.A.D. provides the leadership, resources, and management to ensure law enforcement agencies have the means to partner with educators, community leaders, and families. L.E.A.D. succeeds by providing proven and effective programs to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying, and violence. L.E.A.D. is committed to reinforcing the mutual respect, goodwill, and relations between law enforcement and their communities. For more information click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany and Kiwanis Club of South Orange Maplewood have teamed up in the distribution of free Winter Children Jackets.
“This has been an annual project, mainly supply jackets to the homeless. This year we decided to supply jackets to area children,” said Gordon Meth.
The jackets are available in assorted sizes and styles. Both Kiwanis Clubs will schedule a day and location to pick up the jackets, and in some cases, our volunteers will be able to deliver them to your home.
To obtain a jacket, please visit kiwanishelps.org and choose the Children Jackets tab, and fill out the form to reserve your jacket. While supplies last.
NJ Kiwanis Lt. Governor Division 9 Frank Cahill said “Kiwanis has been there to help families during hard times, especially during COVID-19. At Kiwanis, we want to ensure that all children have the opportunity to lead healthy, successful lives. We believe that by helping one child, you help the world.”
“I believe in giving back to my community. That’s why I became a member of Kiwanis. When Kiwanis donated surgical masks to my department, I knew immediately I wanted to join a wonderful organization.” said Dover Police Officer Ilmi Bojkovic.
Kiwanis Clubs in Northern New Jersey have been supplying food to local families since December 2020. To date they have distributed 358,000 pounds, serving almost 9,000 families and over 17,000 children. The food distributed has a retail value of over $600,000. The next food distribution will be held on Saturday, January 22.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members, Kiwanians, are service-minded men and women who are united in their commitment and compassion for others.
Working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. When you help improve a community or give a child a chance to learn experience, dream, and succeed, great things happen!
For additional information contact Frank Cahill at (862) 346-5100. For more information click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — Mexican food or Peruvian food, though similar but having distinctive characteristics in many ways, comes down to one’s preference. Peruvian food is a combination of Spanish, African, and Native American influences, utilizing a lot of fresh seafood, chilies, potatoes, corn, rice, and beans, while Mexican food, one of the most popular and diverse cuisines in the world, utilizes corn, beans and, cheese as their staples. Although both cuisines have meat and seafood dishes, Mexican food is more meat-based, while Peruvian food seems to lean towards fresh seafood. Fortunately, whichever one you prefer you will find one of your favorite dishes right off Route 46 East in Parsippany at the Garibaldi Peru-Mex Restaurant.
Another one of those small storefront eateries stuck in the middle of a small, nondescript strip mall right off the highway near the New Road intersection, Garibaldi is a true find. The restaurant specializes in both Peruvian and Mexican cuisine. It is not a fusion restaurant but offers a menu with Mexican dishes on one side and Peruvian on the other. And yes, the food is authentic, fresh, and homemade. Garibaldi has been a staple in Parsippany since 2010 when husband, Jorge, who comes from Peru, and wife, Gloria, who hails from Pueblo, Mexico (hence the mixed menu) opened their doors. Today, the business is still family-owned and run, with Jorge, Gloria, and daughter, Emily, still cooking and serving delicious and healthy food.
Garibaldi could certainly be described as a low-key venue. Nothing fancy here folks! This is not your white linen tablecloth type of place. A nice humble, unpretentious place with only eight simple Formica tables, linoleum floors, and delicious, personalized service, and home-style cooking. The interior, though plain, is exceptionally clean, cute, cozy, comfortable, and welcoming. The walls are a vibrant combination of orange, yellow and blue, and are thoughtfully decorated with assorted Peruvian and Mexican artifacts with live Aloe Vera plants lining the large exterior windows, all providing a nice ethnic ambiance. A large screen TV, on low volume, sits on a corner wall with a Spanish station playing. Reminds me of small eateries of this type you will find in one of our inner cities.
Stopped in with a group of friends and immediately noticed that everyone in the restaurant, which was crowded, was speaking Spanish. A great sign when going to a Peru-Mex restaurant! Our group grabbed a seat and began to peruse the menu as the lunch crowd was clearing out. Gloria, our host, and the server came over as we discussed what we would share as appetizers. Gloria, a very pleasant and friendly person who immediately made us feel very much at home, was helpful in suggesting our different options. We finally settled on servings of a combination of Marinated Pork Tacos and Brisket Tacos, Sausage Tostadas, and a serving of Ceviche Mixto Seafood.
The Tacos, wrapped with a soft, corn tortilla were fragrant, mouth-watering, moist, juicy, and packed with meat. No argument that both the pork and brisket were equally delicious. The open-faced spicy sausage Tostada, also served on a corn tortilla, was savory and went perfectly with the tasty Mexican homemade tangy Picante style sauce, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and olives that it came topped with.
The Peruvian style Ceviche Mixto Seafood, which we ordered as one of our appetizers, had an ample amount of fresh, assorted fish, to satisfy our group of four. Ceviche, a mixture of fresh fish that is marinated with lemon juice, came with red onions, yams, and toasted corn kernels. It is a hot-button issue as to which country has the best Ceviche, but Peru claims it as their national dish and claims to have been enjoying it for over two thousand years. Yet, Mexican Ceviche still has many fans who would disagree. Typically, Mexican Ceviche is served with toasted chips and tomato sauce and uses shrimp, squid, or tuna. Peruvian Ceviche is less soup-like and served promptly on a plate after the fish marinates. All I can tell you is that the one we had tasted incredible and had great texture.
I should mention that Garibaldi is BYOB. Always looking to bring along something to authentically compliment the meal, I opted to bring along an American-Style Lager, Cusqueña, an all-malt beer with a pale straw color, and one of the most popular beers in Peru. It was tasty and refreshing.
My entrée was the Camarones a la Diabla, a very flavorful, juicy, spicy, tangy shrimp dish covered with a fiery, bright red chili chipotle sauce, with a side of white rice. As with all our dishes, it came with a nice presentation and stimulating fragrance. A nice-sized portion of medium-sized, perfectly prepared shrimp and rice. A succulent dish that I would happily order again. The Scoville heat scale in this dish may be a bit higher than some may like it so be careful when ordering.
Everyone else in the group decided to go with a traditional Peruvian favorite, the Lomo Saltado. Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian dish, a stir fry that typically combines marinated strips of sirloin (or other beef steaks) with onions, tomatoes, French fries, and other ingredients; and is typically served with rice. One of the dishes was ordered with chicken in place of the meat. The feedback was extremely positive, and everyone enjoyed their individual dishes. The sides of homemade hot, sweet, and mayo/horseradish sauces and dips were also a treat and really enhanced the meal. If they would bottle them, I would buy them.
Dessert was a choice between Tres Leches Cake and Churros. We all chose the Tres Leches cake, arguably Mexico’s favorite dessert, along with a strong cup of coffee. This very moist sponge-type cake made from three kinds of milk (condensed, evaporated, and full cream) was jaw-droppingly delicious. A fantastic ending to a great meal.
So, if you are looking for a casual, low-key, relaxing meal that packs a great punch, offers nice-sized portions of delicious food at reasonable prices, you might just want to stop in at Garibaldi Peru-Mex restaurant.
In addition to hearty authentic dishes, they also offer Rotisserie chicken. I would encourage you to enjoy both Latin cuisines for yourself, your taste buds will appreciate it.
As always, please remember to support all our local businesses.
Buena comida, buenos amigos buenos tiempos!
Closed Sundays – Dine In – Take Out- No Delivery – BYOB – No Outdoor Dining – Ample Parking. 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Garibaldi Peru-Mex Restaurant is located at 107 Route 46 East, Parsippany. (973) 808-7028. www.garibaldiperumex.com.
Reprinted from Parsippany Focus Magazine – January 2022. Click here to view the complete magazine.
MORRIS COUNTY — First Lady Tammy Murphy tested positive for COVID-19 on a rapid antigen test. She is asymptomatic. Governor Murphy and the rest of the family have tested negative, and they will continue to test regularly in the coming days.
The Governor and First Lady tested themselves due to a recent known non-family contact in their home. Required procedures for reporting, case investigation, and contact tracing have been followed.
The Governor’s regularly scheduled COVID-19 briefing will shift to a virtual format and stream online. As the Governor is vaccinated and boosted, he is not required to quarantine per CDC guidance. He will continue to wear a mask in all public settings.
Both the Governor and First Lady are vaccinated and boosted and have exercised caution whenever possible, including double masking. They urge all New Jerseyans to get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask, and keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Young Republicans held its annual Christmas Party Fundraiser at Elma’s Turkish and Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant in Parsippany. During the event, the members of the 2022 MCYR Executive Board took their oaths of office and assumed their leadership positions.
The 2022 Leadership consists of the following members:
Chair – Luke Ferrante, Parsippany. Luke graduated from Ramapo College class of 2020 after completing internships at local, state, and federal levels. Luke recently was North Regional Field Director for the Jack Ciattarelli campaign and since has accepted a role on a 2022 congressional campaign.
Vice-Chair – Anthony DeSpirito, Parsippany. Anthony spent time as both a legislative and campaign intern before graduating from Saint Joseph’s University in 2020. In 2021, Anthony was campaign manager for Webber Barranco for Assembly and has since accepted a position as a legislative aide in Assemblyman Jay Webber’s office. Come January 2022, Anthony will be filling the role of Executive Director of the Morris County Republican Committee.
Treasurer – Asad Ullah, Boonton. Asad spent 2021 working for the Jack Ciattarelli campaign after graduating in May 2021 from Seton Hall University.
Secretary – Mike Andrejcisk, Roxbury. Mike served in the Airforce for four years before spending 2021 as an intern for the Jack Ciattarelli campaign. He currently works in airplane maintenance at Newark Airport.
Committeewoman – Gianna Libretti, Florham Park. Gianna, a past intern for Senator Joe Pennacchio, graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and a double minor in Forensic Psychology and Psychology. She is currently in the Master’s program at FDU for Criminal Justice and will graduate in 2022. While earning her master’s she works as a legislative aide for Assemblyman Webber.
Committeeman – Chris Paz, Landing. Chris graduated from Rutgers University Newark in 2019 with a BS in Criminal Justice and BA in Political Science. Since then he has worked both in politics and government in Morris County. Chris has been the MCYR Committeeman for several years and looks forward to continuing his success with a new slate of leadership.
The Morris County Young Republicans enjoyed a very successful 2021, as many of its General Members won local campaigns or played an important role in the Governor, State, and local campaigns. Club Members Justin Musella (Parsippany) and Christina Kovacs (Denville) won the election to their first terms in their municipalities. Joe Bock (Boonton Town) and Sarah Neibart (Mendham Township) won their re-election campaigns. Young Republican Kyle Holman and his running mate Christopher Heil won their re-election campaigns to the Chester Borough Council unopposed.
For club voting rights, members must be registered Republicans between ages 18-40 and live in Morris County. However, any supporters outside of those requirements are welcome to join as Associate Members and participate in all events.
For more information or to join the club, please visit the Morris County Young Republicans website by clicking here
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon presided over a swearing-in ceremony today for Park Police officers who were merged into his agency as sheriff’s officers under actions taken in October by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners and the Morris County Park Commission.
The Morris County Park Police were absorbed by the Sheriff’s Office, effective January 1, 2022, in a move that will keep the 24 park officers on staff and enable an increase in overall park patrols, while addressing insurance coverage issues that arose earlier in the year. The newly sworn officers will become part of a newly formed Patrol Division within the Sheriff’s Office, with Chief Warrant Officer Jack Ambrose serving as chief of the unit.
“This is a historic moment. Today, we join two outstanding law enforcement agencies to create a new, highly trained Patrol Division within my office that will enhance the protection of not only our unique, one-of-a-kind park system, but also all of our county facilities and the Morris County community in general. Under the tutelage of Jack Ambrose, a seasoned, law enforcement veteran who was sworn in as Chief of the new division today, the people of Morris County can expect nothing short of the finest service from this professional team of officers,” said Sheriff Gannon.
The special ceremony was held in the Dragonetti Auditorium at the Student Center at the County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph.
Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw and Commissioner John Krickusattended the event with a host of other county dignitaries. Among the attendees, in person and virtually, were Morris County Park Commission Chairman Stuart Lasser, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, CCM President Anthony J. Iacono, and his administrative staff, Morris County Crimestoppers Chairman John Sette, and Washington Township Chief of Police Jeffrey Almer, who is Chairman of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association.
“This ceremony culminates a necessary and prudent consolidation of law enforcement resources that will enhance the safety and enjoyment of our Morris County park system for more than four million people who visit it each year. With more than 20,000 acres of parkland and 39 facilities ranging from golf courses to historic sites, this is the largest county park system in New Jersey and an important community asset that we need to properly protect,” said Commissioner Director Shaw.
“The Park Commission is excited and looks forward to working on the continued protection of the county properties and the public. Sheriff Gannon has been most gracious and fully understands the needs of the Park Commission,” said Park Commission Chairman Lasser.
The decision to merge the state’s last remaining county Park Police department into the Sheriff’s Office was prompted by concerns over insurance coverage for the park officers. It brings the Park Police in line with insurance coverage afforded all other officers in law enforcement agencies throughout New Jersey, particularly in terms of coverage should any legal actions arise in regards to an officer’s performance of his or her duties.
“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office commends the merger of the former Morris County Park Police into the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. This action provides a beneficial unification of command, improves efficiency, enhances coverages of key County properties, and increases the law enforcement protection of all our communities. The appointment of Jack Ambrose as Chief Warrant Officer adds a highly experienced and respected law enforcement professional to lead the Patrol function and the Morris County Prosecutors Office looks forward to working with the Sheriff and Jack in this new unification,” said Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll.
“I worked with Jack for over 25 years and I have never met such a loyal, natural leader. He is dedicated and motivated, and he will excel in leading this new Patrol Division within the Sheriff’s Office. I can think of no one better suited for this position,” said East Hanover Police Chief Christopher F. Cannizzo.
Ambrose joined the Sheriff’s Office in May 2020 after retiring in November 2019 as a Captain for the East Hanover Police Department following 33 years with the department. For 25 of those years, he helped to train generations of police officers in Morris County and beyond as the lead Drill Instructor and a Physical Training Instructor at the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy
The 20,000-plus acres of parkland and 39 facilities making up the park system also include outdoor educational and recreational facilities, arboreta, conservation areas, more than 253 miles of trails, and an ice skating arena. Park activities operate year-round, requiring police presence to ensure the safety of visitors and park employees alike.
At the ceremony, officers officially retired the flag and patch of the Morris County Park Police, and those items will be preserved with county historical artifacts.
Morris Focus was founded in 2017 and is published in print and online formats. Its mission is to provide timely and accurate news coverage to Morris County residents and promote community engagement and involvement. The newspaper covers various topics, including local government, education, business, and sports. We can be reached by calling (973) 559-6000—a member of the Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce.
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