MOUNTAIN LAKES — Mountain Lakes Zoning Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 4, at7:30 p.m. Remote Meeting via Zoom.
The agenda for the Zoning Board meeting includes: Public Hearing – 136 Ball Road, 9 Van Duyne Road and 8 Crescent Drive.
The Zoning Board Agenda is available by clicking here.
To Participate via computer please use the following link to join the webinar: https://zoom.us/j/94321697504
Or iPhone one-tap: US: +13126266799,,94321697504# or +19292056099,,94321697504# Or Telephone: Dial (for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location): US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 929 205 6099 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 346 248 7799 or +1 669 900 6833
Webinar ID: 943 2169 7504
If calling into the meeting by telephone, the following commands can be entered via DTMF tones using your phone’s dial pad while in a Zoom meeting:
*6 – Toggle mute/unmute
*9 – Raise Hand (Once hand is raised, it cannot be lowered – if you change your mind and choose not to speak, when called upon, please let the host know that you have changed your mind and no longer wish to speak)
International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/acNqOSGPrm
The Committee Members of the Zoning Board are:
All inquiries and/or correspondence for the Zoning Board should be submitted to the Board Administrator/Secretary, Cynthia Shaw.
Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling (File Photo)
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County Surrogate Heather Darling presented the Morris County Surrogate’s 2021 Annual Report to the Morris County Commissioners recently.
The 2021 Annual report is the second of its kind ever for the Surrogate’s Office. “The year 2021, like 2020, was extraordinary with significant challenges; however, our team was able to accomplish our goals and exceed expectations as we introduced new services using technology to provide the people we serve with easy and convenient access to better serve their needs,” said Surrogate Darling.
This annual report highlights key accomplishments for the past year including new initiatives and financial results which defray County taxes. The Surrogate recognizes her team for their outstanding work in serving the residents of Morris County. Some highlights include the introduction of “The Personal Record” booklet for Morris County citizens, designed to help organize and record important personal information that may serve as a roadmap for family members in the event of an emergency, the service of taking credit cards as a form of payment and the ability to make an appointment on the Surrogate’s website. Surrogate Darling also serves as the Surrogate’s Section Chief and Secretary of the Constitutional Officers Association of New Jersey (COANJ).
The Surrogate also has continued her community outreach initiative, making herself available to talk with community organizations and businesses across Morris County. To book a speaking engagement or for a copy of the 2021 Annual Report contact the Morris County Surrogate at [email protected].
The 2021 Annual Report is also available in downloadable format at the Surrogate’s website by clicking here.
File Photo. Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
MORRIS COUNTY — After a two week jury trial, a Ismael Lorenzo, Jr., 36, was convicted Thursday on Possession of a Weapon While Committing Certain Drug Crimes, Money Laundering, Possession With Intent to Distribute Controlled Dangerous Substances, and in a bifurcated proceeding following the jury’s verdict on the first three counts, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon, in a case brought by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. Senior Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan and Assistant Prosecutor Matthew Kelly represented the State at trial before the Honorable Stephen J. Taylor.
The jury returned the guilty verdicts on July 28, after deliberating for approximately four hours. Lorenzo, Jr., remained in custody after the verdicts were announced and will be sentenced on August 25.
Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll, First Assistant Prosecutor Maggie Calderwood and Chief of Detectives Chris Kimker thanked the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Enforcement Unit/Narcotics Task Force, the New Jersey State Police, the Parsippany-Troy Hill Police Department, the Chatham Township Police Department, and the Rockaway Township Police Department for supplying personnel to the task force that participated in this investigation and prosecution. The Office also thanks the Morris County Sheriff’s Office’s K9 Unit, the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, and the Crime Scene Investigations Unit, whose efforts contributed to this successful prosecution.
Incredible opportunity and value in the heart of Mountain Lakes
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Incredible opportunity and value in the heart of Mountain Lakes! Your very own private oasis awaits! Built in 2003, this custom gem offers an expansive open floor plan, exquisite finishes and a magnificent floor plan allowing for a multitude of options to meet your specific needs.
Mountain Lakes Home For Sale
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Incredible opportunity and value in the heart of Mountain Lakes
Incredible opportunity and value in the heart of Mountain Lakes
Incredible opportunity and value in the heart of Mountain Lakes
Incredible opportunity and value in the heart of Mountain Lakes
Incredible opportunity and value in the heart of Mountain Lakes
Incredible opportunity and value in the heart of Mountain Lakes
Ideal for multi-generational living, the home features three spectacular suites, perfect for visiting guests or an au-paire. The possibilities here are truly endless. Set on an enchanting, private .94 acre property – located in the desirable “Hill” section, you are close to the Tourne County Park for hiking & biking, yet still have easy access to NYC transportation. Have it all here in the fabulous community of Mountain Lakes with a top rated school system. Live in pure elegance, enjoying recent updates, with plenty of room for all to gather and stay while communing with nature on the inviting back patio with built-in grill/kitchen. There is even room for a pool if desired!
From the moment you enter the soaring 2-story foyer with a grand Princess staircase
and gleaming onyx floor – you will immediately be impressed by the unique architecture,
immense natural light and incredible sense of open space & elegance. A perfect home
office is nestled just off the foyer. Relax in the spacious Living Room. Gather in the
heart of the home in the gourmet kitchen with a sunny breakfast room that opens to an
inviting Family Room. Entertain in the stunning formal Dining Room. Completing the first
level is a spacious bedroom suite with an updated full bath and a private garage
entrance.
Take the soaring Princess staircase to the second level, home to a luxurious primary
suite with an expansive bedroom, lovely sitting room and incredible walk-in-closet. Let
your cares slip away in the primary bath – a sauna is the ultimate pampering spot. Enjoy
two additional bedroom suites, one with a sitting room, balcony and private entrance
from lower garage. A tranquil office at the end of the hall as well as an ample laundry
room complete the second level.
The third level is home to two bedrooms, a crisp hall bathroom as well as a recreation &
bonus room. This floorplan offers so much flexibility – there is simply room for all to be
quite comfortable. The lower level features more living space with a very large finished
recreation room with built-in kitchenette/bar area, as well as a full bath, extra storage
and utility rooms.
This home represents such a unique opportunity to have plenty of luxurious living space
set on an exquisite .94 acre property in an incredible location. The 3-car garage is just
one more incredible feature. Also included in the sale, .34 acre lot directly behind the
rear yard. Simply move right in and enjoy all that the fabulous community of Mountain Lakes has to offer, including one of the top school systems in the state!
Shrimp with garlic sauce, a favorite at Bill & Harry Chinese Cuisine
MORRIS COUNTY — As usual, my hungry foodie group and I were in search mode for our next visit to one of the area’s great arrays of ethnic eateries. The consensus led us to the highly rated and well respected, Bill & Harry Chinese Cuisine in East Hanover. This small, unassuming, storefront, with a simple sign, is situated right on Route 10 East in one of those small highway strip malls which are scattered throughout New Jersey, right next to McDonald’s. I suggest you stay alert, or you might drive right by it without even noticing, and that would be a shame because you would be missing out on some of the best ethnic Chinese food in Morris County, if not in all of New Jersey.
Bill & Harry Chinese Cuisine is located at 319 Route 10 East, East Hanover
Considering the large population of people of Chinese descent in our area, not to forget the significant number of Chinese American commuters who work in and pass through our area on a regular basis, it seems only logical that it would not prove difficult to find some outstanding Chinese eateries. In Parsippany alone, the Chinese population numbers approximately 7 percent, the highest of any Morris County municipality. Bill & Harry fits the bill as one of those eateries. Originally opening in 1985 in Livingston, and shortly thereafter moving to East Hanover, two Chinese gentleman, who used their Americanized names, Bill, and Harry, created one of Morris County’s most admired authentic Chinese cuisine locations. Jason Long, the personable, current, and longtime proprietor was kind enough to sit down with me and discuss the establishments history. You cannot help but love these small, strip mall, independently and family-owned gems. New Jersey would not be New Jersey without them. And, in case you were wondering, this restaurant is not affiliated with the Bill & Harry’s in West Orange, Maplewood, or Livingston.
Bill & Harry Chinese Cuisine is located at 319 Route 10 East, East Hanover
A cute, clean, bright, simple, pleasant, low-key ambiance greets you as you enter the restaurant. We were warmly welcomed by Mr. Long and offered a table of our choice, as our prompt and friendly servers immediately addressed our needs. About fifteen tables nicely spaced throughout the interior, covered neatly with white linen tablecloths, silverware, and embroidered red rose cloth napkins carefully placed at every seating. The interior is bright, warm, and well-lit with natural lighting for the daytime, and track lighting for the evening. The painted walls are a calming white color, adding to the sense of brightness, with simulated wood tile floors, and limited artwork, (original lithograph prints from the original Bill & Harry), adorning the walls, along with an Asian themed wooden partition separating the dining room from the kitchen area. Light music plays in the background all creating a very casual, comfortable, relaxing environment.
Scallion Pancakes
In fact, Bill and Harry, has been recognized as one of the best Chinese restaurants in New Jersey by such notable publications as the New York Times, Daily Record, and NJ.com; as well as receiving accolades from several well-respected food critics, including northjersey.com’s Chinese Food Crawl, and the Star Ledger’s Peter Genovese.
The large, double sided, paper menu is quite extensive, and is divided into an array of selections of appetizers, soups, delectable meat, chicken, and seafood entrees, along with plenty of noodle and rice dishes. Hot and spicy selections are noted with a star, but they will be happy to alter your dish to your taste. There is also the option to choose from a section called Bill and Harry’s Gourmet, where you will find a tantalizing choice of traditional and authentic Chinese specialties, including a whole or half Peking Duck, and it is not necessary to order this in advance.
Egg Rolls
The menu also offers Sizzling Platters, Spa Platter (Steamed and Vegetable dishes), as well as other Side Orders. The Lunch Menu (Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) also looked very appealing and reasonable but we were told it was only available as a takeout only option. Not for us that day, but something to consider. Finally, there is the Party Package (Take Out Only) which provides an ample meal for ten people at $150.00. If I did not mention it, Bill & Harry is BYOB.
Orange Chicken
Our group started with Hot and Sour Soup, along with a few shared appetizers, including Egg Rolls, Scallion Pancakes, and Fried Pork Dumplings. The generously sized, well filled Egg rolls were some of the tastiest I have had in quite some time. These deep-fried, savory, treats were a mouth-watering delight. The nicely seasoned, aromatic, brothy, Hot and Sour soup looked and smelled delicious. Our ample Scallion Pancake was crispy and flakey, and received rave reviews from the group. The contrasting taste and texture of our traditional well stuffed, and fluffy Fried Pork Dumplings made for the perfect selection for our shared appetizers. I would be remiss if I did not mention the accompanying choice of brown or white fluffy rice, and the assorted Duck, Mustard, and Hot Oil dipping sauces that perfectly complemented each appetizer. Personally, I would have liked to have tried their Barbequed Spareribs, but there were still entrees to be devoured, and I can only eat so much. So many great choices, next time!
Lake Tung Ting Shrimp
For an entrée I went with the Lake Tung Ting Shrimp (jumbo shrimp, stir-fried with broccoli, snow peas, baby corn, and red peppers, in white wine sauce). This is one of their highly rated dishes on-line and it lived up to expectations. A generous amount of large, and I mean large, shrimp, stir fried together with fresh, crispy, and crunchy vegetables, in a wine sauce. Tasty as it sounds! The shrimp were firm, yet had a soft texture, cooked al dente. Perfectly prepared, delicious dish, and it could not have been fresher tasting! I would certainly order this again over and over.
Pork DumplingsHot and Sour Soup
Others in the group decided on Hot Spicy Jumbo Shrimp (jumbo shrimp, stir-fried with the chef’s hot, spicy red sauce, chopped fresh onions, and garnished with fresh broccoli). Orange Flavored Chicken, which can also be ordered with beef or shrimp (choice is deep fried and sauteed, with orange flavored, tangy brown sauce, and garnished with fresh broccoli. Hunan Pork (sliced pork, sauteed with seasonal vegetables in a hot spicy brown sauce). Beef Szechuan Style (sliced beef, sauteed with shredded carrots, celery, and scallions, in a hot spicy sauce), and finally Shrimp with Garlic Sauce (jumbo shrimp, stir fried with broccoli, water chestnuts, green & red peppers, in a garlic flavored chili brown sauce. For Dessert, each person at our table received a Fortune Cookie. Consensus was that everyone thoroughly enjoyed all their selections.
We all left with our stomachs full, satisfied, and with a smile on our faces. Another great dining experience right here in our own backyard. If you have not been to Bill and Harry Chinese Cuisine, I would recommend putting it on your calendar. I am confident you will enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you to Jason Long, and his staff, for their wonderful hospitality.
Bill & Harry Chinese Cuisine is located at 319 Route 10 East, East Hanover, NJ 07936 (Next to McDonald’s) Phone: (973) 887-6001. www.BillandHarrytRt10.com
Dine In – Take Out – Delivery (Grubhub) – BYOB. Off Road Private Parking Lot (Front and Rear). Office & Home Party Catering
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Meet your local police officers, first responders, along with neighbors and other members of the community. Boonton Kiwanis First Aid Squad, Boonton Fire, Boonton Township Fire and Mountain Lakes Fire will be present, on August 2 starting at 6:00 p.m.
The event will be held at RVA – Johanson Memorial Fields, 353 Powerville Road, Boonton.
Live music by Naughty Humphrey. Bruce House and Dunk Tank.
Multiple Law Enforcement Demonstrations Throughout the Night. Free food and drinks provided.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets for he Zootopia Movie starting at Dark.
John O. Bennett III. (Photo: More Monmouth Musings.)
DOVER — Dover’s Business Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent and Municipal Clerk John O. Bennett, III, 74, has resigned effective August 19.
In a letter to the Mayor and Members of Board of Aldermen, it stated “Following that date, I will be willing to continue to serve until September 16, 2022, spending two days a week in the office and using my accumulated vacation/sick time for the remaining three days.”
He is also willing to assist in finding a replacement for his positions and will help with any necessary transition. In the event they find someone sooner than the days listed, he will leave when his replacement is in place.
When Christie Whitman resigned as governor to head the federal EPA, that made Senate President Donald DiFrancesco the governor, but his Senate term ended a few days before the gubernatorial term he was filling. So, Bennett, who was the new Republican Senate leader, was governor for a few days before Jim McGreevey’s term began in the middle of January, 2002.
Bennett has held a number of municipal administrative and attorney jobs around the state.
On Thursday, September 10, 2020 Bennett was hired as Dover’s interim administrator. At the time, Mayor Blackman said “We were very lucky to have found Mr. Bennett,” noting the former governor’s extensive experience. She said Bennett probably would serve for nine months – enough time for the town to find a permanent administrator. Bennett will be paid $127,500 for a nine-month contract, which could be terminated early if the town finds a permanent replacement before June 2021. His appointment was made permanent in April 2021.
At the time Bennett has been unemployed since January 2020, when he was let go from his post as the business administrator in Woodbridge.
Once one of New Jersey’s most powerful politicians, Bennett had served a decade in the State Assembly before winning a 1989 special election for State Senate. He served as Senate Majority Leader from 1994 to 2002.
After Democrats and Republicans each won 20 seats in the 2001 general election, Bennett and Richard Codey (D-Roseland) became the co-Senate Presidents.
Throughout the 2003 campaign, Bennett faced a seemingly daily barrage of media attention – mostly from the local Asbury Park Press newspaper – attacking Bennett’s ethics and allegations that he over-billed municipalities that he represented as an attorney.
Held to 59% in the Republican primary, Bennett then lost the general election to Democrat Ellen Karcher by 4,574 votes. His 42.5% of the vote reflected in a drop of 16 percentage points from his 2001 total.
Bennett became the first sitting Senate President to lose his own seat in at least 100 years.
MORRIS COUNTY — Three weeks after the enactment of the FY2023 budget, requests for changes to the appropriations bill made by lawmakers and the executive branch have still not been made public. Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, a member of the Assembly budget committee, proposes to put an end to the lack of transparency by drafting legislation requiring budget resolutions be made public by June 1 of each year.
“Good governance is a shared experience and the complete lack of transparency in this year’s budget process should outrage every resident. It rightfully erodes the public’s trust in our system of government. The people of New Jersey deserve honest and open public servants,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “Taxpayers should know where their money is going, how it is being spent and who requested the funding.”
According to the rules, all proposed changes to the budget, as well as the author of each change, must be published at least 14 days prior to the final consideration of the appropriations bill. The Democrat majority has interpreted the language differently, arguing that budget resolutions must only be filed with budget committees in that time frame.
“Timely disclosure of budget documents is intended to allow for ample examination and instill public confidence in the process. Unfortunately, legislative leaders have failed to follow the rules, so it is time we spell them out clearly in law,” Dunn said.
Under Dunn’s bill, additions to the budget would be published on the legislature’s website by June 1 of each year – well ahead of the June 30 deadline to pass the annual appropriations act.
Between Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed budget delivered in March and the final $50.6 billion plan presented just moments before the respective budget committees approved it June 25, it grew nearly $2 billion for political interests. The add-ons, known as Christmas tree items in Trenton, fund pet projects in individual legislators’ districts.
“There shouldn’t be secrecy when it comes to such generous gifts. This isn’t Santa’s workshop, it’s the Statehouse,” Dunn added. “As I said from the Assembly floor, transparency brings accountability, accountability brings trust in our government.”
HANOVER TOWNSHIP — Victoria Lofaro of Cedar Knolls graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a BFA in film and animation.
Some 4,300 degrees were conferred in the 2021-2022 academic year at all of RIT’s campuses. RIT’s 137th academic convocation celebration was held in May and featured remarks by Kimberly Bryant, founder of the nonprofit organization Black Girls CODE.
RIT is home to leading creators, entrepreneurs, innovators and researchers. Founded in 1829, RIT enrolls about 19,700 students in more than 200 career-oriented and professional programs, making it among the largest private universities in the U.S.
The university is internationally recognized and ranked for academic leadership in business, computing, engineering, imaging science, liberal arts, sustainability, and fine and applied arts. RIT also offers unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation. Global partnerships include campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai and Kosovo.
