MOUNTAIN LAKES — Kelsey Zappa Thompson has been named to the Wofford College Dean’s List for the 2021 spring semester.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a student must be enrolled for at least 12 semester hours of graded courses and attain a semester grade point average of 3.6 or higher.
Wofford College, established in 1854, is a four-year, residential liberal arts college located in Spartanburg, South Carolina. It offers 27 major fields of study to a student body of more than 1,700 undergraduates. Nationally known for the strength of its academic program, outstanding faculty, study abroad participation and successful graduates, Wofford is home to one of the nation’s 290 Phi Beta Kappa chapters. The college community enjoys Greek life as well as 19 NCAA Division I athletics teams.
MORRIS COUNTY — Bills signed into law without public testimony and meeting notifications without an agenda are pushing one GOP lawmaker to legislate good governance.
“I refuse to let public officials silence the people of New Jersey,” Assemblywoman Aura Dunn said. “Transparency in government is essential to maintaining public trust.”
Dunn currently sponsors a constitutional amendment (ACR144) to require every bill and joint resolution introduced in the Legislature to be heard in committee and is introducing a bill requiring municipal governments to post agendas prior to public meetings.
“We are a government of the people, not over the people,” Dunn (R-Morris) said. “At the very least, advocates and community members should be given an opportunity to voice their concerns, support, and opinions. That is impossible to do when people don’t know what will be discussed at a meeting or meetings are canceled altogether.”
Dunn says the secrecy at the statehouse during the pandemic has been of particular concern. Gov. Phil Murphy and the Democrat majority in Trenton have faced criticism from Republicans and the public for their lack of transparency during the Covid-19 public health emergency.
“From refusing to comply with public records requests to rushing legislation that allows Murphy to maintain many of his executive pandemic powers, the majority party has essentially closed the door on bipartisanship and public input,” Dunn said. “The majority party has kept the majority of New Jersey in the dark for far too long. It’s time we bring more than one party to the table.”
Dunn also noted that Boards of Education are currently only required to alert the public of the location, date, and time of a meeting. Dunn said she is drafting a bill requiring that local governments follow the same announcement rules as the legislature to make sure the public has the opportunity to attend and speak during the public portion.
“Parents have a right to speak to the issues that affect their child’s education,” Dunn explained.
“Both of my bills come back to good governance. It should be a shared experience. Not a one-sided show.”
Out of the approximately 100 bills being considered by Senate and Assembly committees Wednesday, only seven are sponsored by Republicans.
MORRIS COUNTY — Greater financial transparency is needed to lower Medicaid costs for taxpayers and prescription drug prices for beneficiaries says Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce.
A bill she sponsors requiring pharmacy benefit managers working within the Medicaid program to disclose certain financial information to the N.J. Department of Human Services was cleared by an Assembly committee Monday.
Under the bill (A1259/S249), a pharmacy benefits manager providing services within the Medicaid program would be required to disclose all sources and amounts of income, payments, and financial benefits received on behalf of a managed care organization (also known as a health plan), ingredient costs and dispensing fees or similar payments made to pharmacies, and administrative fees.
“By properly monitoring pharmacy benefit managers’ profits, their payment models and use of spread pricing, New Jersey will be better equipped to put a stop to practices that are costing taxpayers and Medicaid beneficiaries,” DeCroce (R-Morris) said.
Spread pricing occurs when pharmacy benefit managers keep a portion of the amount paid to them by the health plans for prescription drugs instead of passing the full payments on to pharmacies. Studies in other states have estimated that prohibiting spread pricing could save Medicaid programs up to $43 million annually.
“Everyone is negatively affected as the prices of prescription drugs rise. For our lower-income residents who forgo important medications to pay the bills to our taxpayers who are suffering under increased state spending, it’s time we reign in these runaway costs,” DeCroce said.
Data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services show that from 2013 to 2017, average state and federal Medicaid spending on prescription drugs increased by more than 14.8% annually. Average Medicaid prescription drug spending as a percentage of state budgets has increased by more than 89% over the past 10 years.
The bill passed the Senate unanimously in February 2020.
V-Yan Hot Pot & BBQ, 796 Route 46, Parsippany; Located in Arlington Plaza; (973) 299-8666. www.vhotpot.com
It was a truly fun and entertaining learning experience deciding on how long to cook and prepare our chosen items
PARSIPPANY — If you were a Mongolian horseman 800-900 years ago, under the tutelage of Genghis Khan, cold, and hungry, you probably used your ornate iron and leather hardened helmet as a vessel to simmer some broth over an open fire, then threw in some chunks of meat, probably mutton or horse, to get fortified so you were ready to attack your next village. The origins of Hot Pot can be traced back to those roots and have since subsequently spread throughout China. In fact, if you happen to be walking down a street in some cities in China, or throughout Asia, you may find Hot Pot eateries as popular as our own fast-food burger joints.
Key Lin, Patrick Minutillo and Car Sun Lin
In the summer of 2016, Parsippany became the home to just such an eatery, offering Asian fusion cuisine with the opening of the V-YAN Hot Pot & BBQ, located in the Arlington Plaza right off Route 46 Westbound. V-Yan translates to “a party” according to our server. Some may remember that location as the old Blockbuster store. Although Hot Pot has its origins in China, the BBQ this restaurant offers refers to the popular Korean cuisine method of grilling meats, fish, chicken, pork, etc. at the dining table itself. I would guess the Korean barbecue (gogi-gui) origin story goes back as far as Hot Pot’s and is assuredly just as interesting, but it really only became popular in its current style, complete with plenty of Western influences, since the 1980s. If you are unfamiliar with Korean BBQ, it is quite dissimilar from the low and slow style of American BBQ you may be used to. Instead of large cuts of meat, like brisket and ribs, which are slowly smoked, Korean BBQ is centered around pieces of various meats and chicken that are skewered and grilled.
Since Hot Pot, sometimes called Steamboat, is a social, communal, interactive feast that is best experienced with friends and family, I invited a couple of foodie friends to join me for my first visit to this kind of cuisine, and I was looking forward to this new dining experience. And, although hot pot, steaming cuisine is traditionally enjoyed during the coldest months of winter, we chose to time our visit while in the middle of a summer heatwave. As it turns out, it did not matter, the restaurant was comfortably air-conditioned and we had a great time.
The interior was impressive, laid out thoughtfully with black counter comfortably separated tables, bright calming colors throughout, clusters of bright overhead hanging lamps, and soft acoustic music playing in the background
When you arrive, you are met with a very architecturally appealing, glass-front building, standing apart in the Arlington Plaza, and on entering you encounter a surprisingly spacious, modern, bright, and upscale vibe. A cordial, Key Lin, who was working the front counter, was immediately welcoming and ensured our group was immediately led to our table. The interior was impressive, laid out thoughtfully with black counter comfortably separated tables, bright calming colors throughout, clusters of bright overhead hanging lamps, and soft acoustic music playing in the background. There are also dining sections set apart along the sides of the dining room that appeared to be a little more private and perfect for a more intimate get-together. The ambiance was very cool, relaxed, comfortable, and casual.
Jenny bringing out a cart with all of the food items ordered
The tables are set up with individual heaters, that can be set from low to surprisingly high, for each diner to boil their own chosen Hot Pot broth (there is a variety of broths to choose from) as they like, and in the center of the table is a grill for the group to cook the BBQ. After a very brief training session from our helpful, patient, friendly, and attentive server, Jenny, we had it down like experts. LOL. As advertised, it was a hugely enjoyable, social get-together, where everyone at the table participated in the preparation of the food that we shared which included a large array of meats, fish, and vegetables that were there for our choosing.
Pat wastes no time in preparing a delicious dish
You can order individually either the Hot Pot or the BBQ, or you can order a combination of both, which I did on my visit. The combo dinner is $32.99 per person, but in my opinion, was well worth it considering the variety and a large amount of food that you can order. Did I mention you can order an unlimited amount of food and it is also a BYOB?
I made sure to bring along some Lucky Buddha beer, while my friend found a traditional Korean wine. Make note, your table must match the option picked by everyone in your group, but you can individually choose from a variety of soup bases. As usual, I went with the hot and spicy. Since the food is brought out for the entire table to share this policy does make sense.
Assorted seafood selections
There are literally multiple pages of mouthwatering food options to choose from, some for your now boiling hot pot soup base and others for barbecuing. My group was not hesitant to choose an ample amount of premium beef, lamb, pork, pork belly, sliced chicken, shrimp, squid, calamari, fish fillet, clam, crab meat sticks, mussels, oysters, dumplings, lobster ball, and Fuzhou Fish Balls, just to start. And do not forget the Udon and assorted other noodles to thicken your personalized hot pot broth. Nope, we were not shy about ordering, and reordering and our attentive servers continued to bring it out as quickly as we ordered it. It was a truly fun and entertaining learning experience deciding on how long to cook and prepare our chosen items. You will find that this cooking interaction is a big part of what really enhances this lively dining experience. Note: the cooking time is very quick in both the hot pot and on the grill, but you will figure it out very quickly.
The cooking interaction is a big part of what really enhances this lively dining experience
I found this a great venue to visit, and certainly enjoyed the entire dining experience. I was previously unfamiliar with Hot Pot, but it only took minutes to get comfortable and feel right at home, and the servers are more than willing to help guide you along with any questions or cooking suggestions. All the assorted meats, fish, chicken, and veggies were fresh, tasty, and of high quality.
Self-serve sauce bar
There is also a self-serve sauce bar available in the rear of the restaurant complete with a large variety of sauces, marinades, and herbs that you can mix and match to enhance your meal as you like. I found the hot chili sauce, along with some scallions, an excellent dipping selection. And, for a perfect ending to this feast, do not forget to serve yourself some cool, smooth, and delicious ice cream for dessert. It is included in the price and there is a large selection of flavors to choose from, and you can have all you want. Personally, I liked the pistachio. That is if you can still eat any more at that point. One of my guests could not.
Pistachio Ice Cream
If you have not yet tried this type of cuisine, I would recommend getting together with a friend or two, a group, your family, and giving it a try. Do not be hesitant to try something new. I think you will suddenly become a fan and will want to add this cuisine to your future outings. The food is flavorful and delicious, it is reasonably priced, and it is a lot of fun preparing your dinner together. Great for a family get-together, the kids will love it. Do not know what took me so long to get here!
As always, please continue to support all our local businesses and restaurants. 火鍋 고기구이
Large Parking Lot, BYOB, Dine-In, No Delivery, Vegan Options; Reservations for Large Groups
V-Yan Hot Pot & BBQ, 796 Route 46, Parsippany; Located in Arlington Plaza; (973) 299-8666. www.vhotpot.com
MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution last night proclaiming June 2021 Pride Month that recognizes vital contributions made to the nation and county by LGBTQ+ individuals and encourages the inclusion of all people in our society.
Resolution 472 was adopted unanimously by the board at their public meeting.
“We wish to celebrate and encourage diversity, acceptance, and inclusion within our community, and we include the LGBTQ+ community by proclaiming June as Pride Month. Equality, respect, and inclusion are for everyone, and it is an attainable goal,” said Commissioner Kathryn DeFillippo, the board liaison to Human Services planning.
“But the need for education and awareness is vital to end discrimination, bias and prejudice — and specifically this resolution tonight is for the LGBTQ+ community. So we ask our Morris County community to embrace these principles, and together foster a warm and hospitable place for all, irrespective of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity,” she added.
The proclamation is included below:
Pride Month 2021 Resolution
Adopted June 9, 2021
Morris County Board of County Commissioners
Whereas, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners recognizes that the pursuit of equality, respect and inclusion for all individuals is an attainable goal; and
Whereas, all human beings should be equal in dignity and rights, and no one should live in fear or face persecution and violence due to their sexual orientation or gender identity; and
Whereas,the County of Morris celebrates and encourages diversity, acceptance and inclusion within our community and supports the self-affirmation, equality and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; and
Whereas, LGBTQ+ individuals have made and continue to make vital contributions to our county and nation, including cultural, scientific, political, civic, educational, economic, and in many other areas; and
Whereas, it is essential to acknowledge that the need for education and awareness remains vital to end discrimination, biases, and prejudice; and
Whereas, the County of Morris calls upon residents of our community to embrace this principle and work together to foster a warm and hospitable place for all to live; and
Whereas, celebrating Pride Month influences awareness and provides support and advocacy for Morris County’s LGBTQ+ community, and fosters dialogue to build understanding and acceptance and advance equal rights for all Morris County residents.
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, by the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, in the State of New Jersey, that June 2021 be proclaimed Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and Plus (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in Morris County and that our residents continue to respect all fellow human beings, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
PARSIPPANY — Avis Budget Group Inc. which includes its wholly-owned brands Avis Car Rental, Budget Car Rental, and Payless Car Rental, will pay $10.1 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by overcharging the United States in connection with rental vehicles, said Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig.
Avis Budget Worldwide Headquarters is located at 6 Sylvan Way.
According to the contentions of the United States contained in the settlement agreement:
Avis Budget made false claims in connection with obtaining payments under an agreement with the United States managed by the Department of Defense Travel Management Office. From January 1, 2014, through December 31, 2019, Avis Budget submitted false claims and received payment from the United States for unallowable supplemental charges to car rentals, including collision damage waiver/loss damage waiver insurance; supplemental liability coverage/additional liability insurance; personal accident insurance; personal effects coverage/personal effects protection; and late turn-in fees. In addition to being unallowable, some of the fees Avis Budget charged were already included in the government rental rate.
Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty; Regional Agent in Charge for the New Jersey Resident Agency, Richard Monticello; Regional Agent in Charge for the St. Louis Resident Agency, Mitch Berry, and personnel of the Department of Defense, Defense Travel Management Office, under the direction of Director William R. Mansell Jr., with the investigation leading to the settlement.
The United States is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark C. Orlowski of the U.S. Attorney’s Government Fraud Unit in Newark.
The claims settled by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) testified in front of the House Committee on Appropriations to highlight the community projects she submitted on behalf of NJ-11 during the committee’s Member Day Hearing. Today’s testimony is a crucial step in Rep. Sherrill’s efforts to ensure these projects ultimately receive funding through legislation put forward by the Appropriations Committee later this year.
In this extremely competitive process, Rep. Sherrill was only able to submit 10 project requests. Those requests must have been from state or local governments, government-adjacent organizations, and nonprofits. The 10 projects submitted by Rep. Sherrill would each make a lasting impact on the lives, livelihoods, and resilience of those in the communities they serve.
Prepared remarks included here:
Thank you, Chairwoman DeLauro, Ranking Member Granger, and members of the Committee for providing me the opportunity to testify today. I also want to extend a special nod of thanks to my good friend and colleague from New Jersey Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman for her outstanding work to represent and support our state’s priorities on this Committee.
I want to speak today about a number of crucial projects I have submitted on behalf of my district and the communities and constituents I represent.
You’ve heard from and will continue to hear from a number of members today. Many, if not all, of us, will be highlighting the community projects we’ve submitted for consideration by this committee.
For this committee, it may seem tedious. I assure you, no matter the size, scale, or issue area that these projects fall under — they will be life-changing to the constituents we’re here advocating for.
For every community, the past year has been excruciatingly difficult. The pandemic, the economic fallout, the loss, the isolation, the change in daily routine. Kids learning remotely and families prevented from seeing each other in the most troubling times many of us have ever faced.
Every part of this nation was hit hard. But for New Jersey, we were hit hardest and hit first. The impact hasn’t been lost on those in my district. Whether it’s the trauma of loss or loneliness, the financial hardship of closed businesses or a lost job that threatens housing security, or the uncertainty of what awaits on the other side of this crisis — reopening and getting back to normal is going to be a challenge.
But we’re well on our way to making that reopening a reality, and now is the time to be making the types of investments that will make us better and stronger than before.
So, each of these projects requests that I’ve submitted was chosen because they will make a significant difference in people’s lives and livelihoods. That’s what we as Members of Congress need to be doing more than anything right now — finding ways to improve the lives of our constituents and the services in our communities to help ease our recovery and pave the way for a more resilient future.
I know that goal is at the heart of every one of you as well. And whether it’s the American Rescue Plan, the infrastructure package we’re negotiating, or these community projects I’m fighting for — our priorities have been in the right place. And I want to extend my thanks to this Committee and the Members on it for the role they’ve played in helping to make that the case.
Now with that goal in mind, let me name just a few of the projects I’ve submitted for consideration.
$3 million for Morris Habitat for Humanity’s largest affordable housing project to date in Randolph
Nearly $300,000 for Suicide Prevention Services through the Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris County
$250,000 for a Park Improvements Project in West Orange, specifically designed to enhance ADA accessibility and provide exercise options for seniors
Nearly $650,000 in funding for the installation of new lights at a recreation complex in Totowa
$250,000 for the replacement of a water main in Stanhope
$3.1 million for the expansion of a collaborative childcare project through United Way of Northern New Jersey
More than $135,000 for traffic improvements in Morris Plains that provide safe access to public transportation for residents of affordable housing
$255,000 for the replacement of lead pipes and service lines in Bloomfield
$800,000 for a water system upgrade to improve the water system in Hopatcong
And finally, $500,000 for the preconstruction engineering efforts for a flood mitigation project on the Peckman River
Some of the benefits of these projects speak for themselves. Improvements for clean drinking water and the replacement of lead pipes, aid for a project designed to protect communities, homes, and businesses from flooding, or traffic improvements that will increase pedestrian safety and access to public transportation for an underserved population.
These aren’t the flashiest projects Congress has ever funded, but they are often the most impactful and there are always projects like these in our communities that need to be addressed.
And then there are those, whose importance may have reached a crisis level during the challenges of the past year. Aid to Habitat for Humanity, for example. In my district, they are housing those who may have lost everything during the pandemic. I had the honor of joining as a volunteer on one of their builds just last month. Or a project to expand childcare services that will help rebuild New Jersey’s early education and care sector when 71 percent of the family childcare providers in the state have been lost. Or, perhaps sadly the most life-saving, the expansion of suicide prevention services when we’re in the midst of a mental health crisis only exacerbated by the pandemic.
These are the types of projects we need to be funding right now and I’m proud to be fighting for them here today. Thank you all so much. Thank you, Chairwoman, and I yield back.
MORRIS COUNTY — Marley is about 2 – 3 years old, weighs about 44-45 pounds and she is super sweet! She is an energetic, sweet, smart, and sassy dog who enjoys being with people, kids, other dogs and she is even ok with cats. This affectionate pup likes to cuddle and be close to her family. When you pet Marley she will put her paws around your arms! It’s so cute! Marley is a happy-go-lucky pup with lots of energy with a tail that is always wagging. She would be a wonderful companion for an active family that likes to run or hike or throw a ball. And, a fence in the yard would be great. Marley really enjoys the great outdoors!
Marley knows basic commands such as sit, come, paw, down, and no. She is good in the car and she will eat and drink on command! She is pretty good on leash with the occasional redirection needed not to pull (she get excited and is ready to go). Marley is not a barker but will let you know when someone is at the door. When Marley is finished drinking, she lets you know. She will pick up her bowl and carry it around. It’s so funny! It’s all about toys and Treats for this dog!! Give Marley a treat and she will be your best new friend, Marley is a happy, loveable, and playful dog.
Sadly, Marley’s family could no longer care for her, so due to no fault of her own, Marley is in search of a family or person to love her. Is it you?
If you have a furever home for this pup, please email [email protected] for an adoption application.
To see more photos or to see Furever Home Dog Rescue’s other rescue pups up for adoption, click here.
MORRIS COUNTY — A Hero’s Welcome North Jersey made a special trip to the Rockaway Mall on Tuesday, June 8 to provide lunch to the National Guard Unit stationed at the Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center.
AHW’s North Jersey Director, Rose Pagan of Hasbrouck Heights, coordinates all of the group’s “missions” that range from welcoming troops home at Newark Airport to supporting as many veteran projects as possible. AHW North Jersey, along with a multitude of volunteers and donations, has been providing meals to the National Guard Units stationed at the Meadowlands, Paramus Veterans Home, and North Bergen Recreation Center for months and upon learning of another Unit stationed in Rockaway, providing lunch to them “in recognition of their dedication and service is our honor”, said Pagan.
Susan DeJessa, Assistant Director, (pictured) of Lake Hiawatha, and Debbie Nunn, of Dover, were AHW’s North Jersey volunteers today. “We sometimes forget about the men and women who volunteer for our National Guard. They are ready, willing, and able to answer our Country’s call whenever needed. They train hard and are always available at a moment’s notice. The Unit here in Rockaway has some of the nicest people I have ever met and we just want them to know how much they are appreciated”, said DeJessa.
The lunch, consisting of 10 pizzas and a huge tray of wings, was graciously donated by Mario’s Famous Pizza of Randolph. A sweet dessert of fresh-baked cannoli was also donated by AHW volunteer Debbie Nunn. AHW North Jersey is hoping to provide another lunch in the very near future. If any local vendors would like to be a part of their next mission, they can reach out by following A Hero’s Welcome North Jersey’s Facebook page.
