PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) today voted for the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, landmark legislation to support workers’ basic right to organize and negotiate for higher pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions.
“I know first-hand the impact a good-paying union job can have on a family. My grandfather’s union job helped my family move out of poverty and into the middle class after the Great Depression,” said Rep. Sherrill. “In North Jersey, unions are protecting workers’ rights and creating success for families just like it did for mine. But in too many places, a bitter fight for collective bargaining and organizing rights is still ongoing. The PRO Act is the most monumental effort to protect and expand those rights we’ve seen in decades. Bypassing it today, we’ve ensured that the hope for a good-paying union job is alive and well for millions of workers across the country.”
“The PRO Act will help restore our middle class by strengthening the voice of workers allowing them to negotiate better pay and working conditions. It will help eliminate ‘right to work’ laws. Laws established to benefit big businesses and the wealthy at the expense of workers. This is truly one of the most pivotal times in America’s history for workers,” said Anthony Abrantes, Organizing & Political Director for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.
“Workers need to be able to fight for their rights and protections. It is incumbent upon us to secure this right for all workers. The PRO Act would guarantee that as Americans we are able to engage in this type of activity without our fear of retaliation from our employers. We support it and urge Congress to think about our essential workers, and their basic protections. It is time to pass the PRO Act now,” said Kevin Brown, Executive Vice President and Director of 32BJ New Jersey.
“The PRO Act is one of the most important pieces of labor legislation we’ve seen in decades,” said Ken Simone, President of The Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union of New Jersey Local 4. “The House passing this bill today is nothing short of a game-changer for union workers in New Jersey and for workers around the country seeking to exercise their rights to organize. Unions built the middle class and continue to fight for working people everywhere, and the PRO Act will be crucial in maintaining that legacy. This couldn’t have happened without Rep. Sherrill’s steadfast leadership in the fight to protect collective bargaining and organizing rights, and we thank her for being a strong voice for the workers of New Jersey.”
MORRIS COUNTY — NJDOT officials announced the start of a rockfall mitigation project requiring lane and shoulder closures on I-80 westbound in Rockaway, Denville, and Parsippany-Troy Hills, Morris County.
Beginning at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, NJDOT’s contractor, Union Paving & Construction Co., Inc., is scheduled to close the right lane and shoulder on I-80 westbound between Fox Hill Road in Parsippany and Stony Brook Road in Rockaway. This closure will allow the contractor to install a construction barrier in the shoulder creating a work zone. Three lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout the day.
By 5 p.m. tomorrow evening, the right lane on I-80 westbound will reopen. The shoulder will remain closed for the duration of the project.
The $3.2 million federally-funded projects will mitigate rockfall hazards in two locations on I-80 eastbound and westbound between milepost 36.78 and milepost 41.04. It includes excavation and rock scaling, draped rockfall mesh, and riprap stone slope. The project is anticipated to be complete by summer 2022.
The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information. For NJDOT news follow us on Twitter @NewJerseyDOT and our Facebook page.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is hosting a “drive-thru” Fish Fry (and chicken) prepared by the famous Argyle’s of Kearny on Friday, March 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
All you need to do is to click here, pick your time and proceed to STEP 2 to place your order and make your payment.
To social distance during the fundraiser, meals will be brought to your car. Your email confirmation will serve as your ticket. Please be sure to have it with you for pick-up. This will be sent to you after you have paid online.
Please invite family and friends to enjoy a night…free from cooking and in support of St. Peter’s ministries.
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church is located at 215 Boulevard.
BOONTON — Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town will be one of five Kiwanis Clubs participating in free food distribution during the weekend of March 13 and March 14. People who need food can register at any of the locations: Boonton, Parsippany, Clifton, Roxbury, or Asbury Park.
Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town President Nicolas Limanov distributing a box of food
“The USDA estimates that in 2018, about 774,860 people, including 219,760 children, in New Jersey were food insecure. That means one in 11 individuals (8.7%) and one in nine children (11.3%) live in homes without consistent access to adequate food for everyone to live healthy, active lives,” said Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Kiwanis Division 9.
“The economic damage wrought by mass layoffs and business closures is expected to persist long after vaccines become widely available and that means demand for food assistance will remain at the current high level for months or years to come,” said Nicolas Limanov, President Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town.
The Kiwanis Club of Tri-Town will be distributing food at Boonton High School, 306 Lathrop Avenue, Boonton starting at 11:00 a.m., on Sunday, March 14. To register for the Boonton Food Distribution click here.
Morris County Sheriff James Gannon and Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany member Justin MusellaEach food box contained 35-40 pounds of perishable and nonperishable food items
On Sunday Morning starting at 9:30 a.m. Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury will be distributing 10,000 pounds to over 300 families at Kiwanis Park, 9 Makin Lane, Succasunna. Also joining the event is Morris Counties Navigating Hope and Hope One. The Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One van offers critical support for persons struggling with addiction. Navigating Hope is a social services program that operates out of a van to deliver assistance and information on Food Stamps, housing, veterans’ benefits, and much more to Morris County residents.
“These numbers have increased drastically with families struggling during the pandemic,” said Cain Pope, President of Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury. To register for the Roxbury Food Distribution click here.
Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will be distributing the food at Parsippany High School, 309 Baldwin Road, Parsippany starting at 1:00 p.m. To register for the Parsippany Food Distribution click here.
The Kiwanis Club of Clifton will be distributing 70 boxes of perishable and non-perishable food on Sunday, March 14 at 3:00 p.m. If you know of a Clifton family in need, please have them email Jacqueline Turk at [email protected] with the name and cell number of the person picking up the food.
On Saturday, March 13 at Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park will start distributing at 10:00 a.m. at Jersey Shore Arts Center located at 66 South Main Street in Ocean Grove.
“It is amazing to see the Asbury Park community come together in a time of need. Asbury Park should be proud for rising to the occasion to #FeedAP during a global pandemic,” Lt. Gov-Elect [Division 5] and Club Secretary Martin Slezak, explained. “We look forward to continuing to serve our community on the move forward and we thank all who have donated and supported this initiative.”
If you or anyone you know is in need of food, in the Asbury Park area you can register by clicking here.
“The overwhelming amount of support we’ve gotten so far speaks volumes for the people in this community,” said Sarah Bloom President of Kiwanis Club of Asbury Park. “I am so proud of the members of this club, all of which have bent over backward to do the little things to keep us going full speed.”
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.
Masks are required and social distancing must be adhered to at all locations.
For additional information contact Frank Cahill at (862) 346-5100 or Project Coordinator Cain Pope at (201) 300-7654.
FLORHAM PARK — Daniel Michael Froehlich, 36, of Florham Park, passed away unexpectedly on February 27, 2021, due to a rare heart condition. His passing was sudden as he was doing what he loved so much, playing softball.
A proud former US Marine, Daniel served the first tour of duty in Fallujah, Iraq. Upon return to the States, he acquired his associate’s degree from County College of Morris. He was currently employed as a project engineer for Pinnacle Consulting & Construction Services.
Above all else, Daniel loved to spread laughter and happiness. He worked hard and enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends. He was passionate about playing in his softball leagues. He made everyone feel accepted and welcome wherever he went.
Beloved son of Maria G. Sisti and Fred W. Froehlich. Loving brother of Adria Bogosian and her husband Scott. Cherished uncle of Derek and Justin Bogosian. Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.
Funeral services were held privately to the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Daniel’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, 370 7th Avenue, Suite 1802, New York NY 10001. Tel: 1-877-832-6997 Web:https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org
FLORHAM PARK — The following letter was prepared at the request of Florham Park Borough Councilmen Charles Malone (Liaison to Finance & Recreation) and Scott Carpenter (Liaison to Police, Fire and First Aid), was presented at the March 4, 2021, Florham Park Borough Council Meeting and subsequently approved for issuance.
An Open Letter to the Residents, Businesses, and Stakeholders of Florham Park:
On February 22, 2021, the Governor of New Jersey signed into law three (3) bills that effectively legalized marijuana and significantly changed the way possession, distribution, sale, and use of marijuana is regulated throughout our State. As many are aware, this legislation was purportedly in response to voter approval of a State question on the November election ballot to amend the State Constitution to legalize marijuana for “adult use only.”
What many residents may not be aware of, however, is how significant the changes in the law are as it applies to persons that are underage. While still technically prohibited for anyone under age twenty-one (21), the new law essentially legalizes marijuana and alcohol for children, teenagers, and anyone else under age twenty-one (21) in some respects by eliminating penalties for underage use and possession. It also significantly restricts the ability of law enforcement to interact with underage persons in encounters involving marijuana and alcohol. A summary of some of the key changes in the law as related to people under the age of twenty-one (21) is listed below. Astonishingly and maybe most significantly, the new law forbids parental notification by police in connection with first marijuana and/or alcohol-related offense. Parental notification is only required for second and subsequent offenses.
Like many residents, the Mayor and Members of the Florham Park Borough Council are deeply concerned about the impact of this new law on children and families within the community. While we respect the will of the people in voting for this initiative, we believe the legislation that was passed is inconsistent with the intent of those that voted for this constitutional amendment. Furthermore, in our view, any law that restricts the ability of parents, guardians, and families to be notified and informed of their minor children’s behavior is misguided and stands in contradiction to the type of policies we should be encouraging and creating.
In that regard, the Mayor and Borough Council of Florham Park have been consistent and unwavering in our support and funding of school, policing, and other community-based programs, such as the D.A.R.E. Program (Drug Awareness Resistance Education), the Florham Park Police Department’s Community Policing Program, the assignment of School Resource Officers to Borough schools, National Night Out, Safe Night Out, Coffee With A Cop, and others as a means of educating and ensuring positive choices for the Borough’s youth. Our annual budgetary commitments of your tax dollars to these programs been unwavering and money well-spent in light of the long body of research that has consistently found early education and intervention to be highly effective in combating drug and alcohol use as potential gateways to future substance abuse problems.
As related to people under the age of twenty-one (21) years of age, these changes in the law: 1) were not stated in the ballot question, 2) restrict the police department from helping people under the age of twenty-one (21), and 3) jeopardizes decades of hard work, education and community-based policing which favors education and early intervention for the benefit of all young residents.
We strongly encourage all in Florham Park to join us in contacting our legislative representatives to advise them of your concerns about this law by using the link or the addresses and phone numbers below:
New Jersey Legislature – Contact your State Representative(s) – Click here.
Senator Richard Codey – District Office: 651 Old Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039 (973) 535-5017
Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (co-sponsor of the Bill) – District Office: 511 Valley St., Maplewood, NJ 07040 (973) 762-1886
Assemblyman John McKeon – District Office: 221 Main St., Madison, NJ 07940 (973) 377- 1606
A summary of some of the key changes in the law as related to people under the age of twenty-one (21):
Those under the age of twenty-one (21) will be given a series of written warnings for marijuana and alcohol offenses in lieu of criminal penalties or fines.
The new law forbids parental notification by police in connection with first marijuana and/or alcohol-related offense. Parental notification is only required for second and subsequent offenses.
The odor of marijuana, burnt or raw, or alcohol is no longer cause to stop an individual who is under the age of twenty-one (21), nor to search the individual’s personal property or vehicle. As such, in the context of a motor vehicle stop where there is an odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, if it is determined that the driver is not under the influence, there is no justification to continue the stop, nor to conduct a search of the vehicle or the occupants, and thus the police must immediately terminate the encounter.
BOONTON — This two-story home, contains 1540 square feet of living space on two stories. The home was built in 1912. This three-bedroom home sold for $515,000.
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Experience year-round river living in this waterfront home. Open floor plan offers stunning views from the great room with a stone fireplace as its focal point, opening to a gourmet kitchen. The kitchen features include a center island, granite countertops, and all stainless steel appliances. Four second-floor bedrooms include a lovely MBR with a lavish bath and a large laundry room. The side deck and big side yard provide tons of outdoor livable space perfect for entertaining. The stone staircase down to the Rockaway River is both tranquil and functional. In a top-rated school district, over 200 yards of riverfront property is not to be missed. This property located at 20 Old Denville Road sold for $735,000.
Year-round river living in this waterfront home
Other recent home sales in Boonton Township include:
Lakefront Dreams Do Come True! 250 Boulevard, Mountain Lakes sold for $999,000
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Lakefront Dreams Do Come True! Wake up to lovely lake views and end your days with sunsets on this special property with a 150+feet lakefront and a private dock. Perfect yard for outdoor entertaining, deep landscaped property with lakeside patio, the perfect spot for watching fireworks and sailboats go by. Set between Island Beach and Mountain Lakes Club, you are a quick kayak ride to both and across the street from the walking path. The first floor has an open living and dining room and screened porch with lake views, a bright updated kitchen, bath, and two bedrooms. The second floor has two additional bedrooms, a full bath, and a large den. Walkout lower level with family room, rec area with radiant flooring, and full bath. Enjoy summer days swimming and sailing and winter ice skating on the lake. Truly a place to make lasting memories.Steps to NYC Transit. This home was on the market for 62 days before it was sold.
Wake up to lovely lake views and end your days with sunsets
The Thirsty Turtle Eatery, 186 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park
FLORHAM PARK — We may not be able to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in the manner we are all used to, in this age of COVID restrictions, but if you are looking for a safe, lively, energized, fun place to go that also offers a menu with a nice selection of tasty pub food, as well as an extensive selection of libations, you might just want to head out to Florham Park Thirsty Turtle.
Opened in August of 2012, in a former Trader joe’s location, it was a bit tricky finding the restaurant. It is located, in what I found to be a somewhat hidden location, in the rear of numerous other stores in the large Regency Plaza mall, right off Columbia Turnpike and James Street. Once you find it, there is plenty of parking, and it is a bright, appealing, and attractive-looking building. It appeared busy for a Thursday evening, with workers bringing take-out orders to waiting cars and a few people who did not make reservations waiting for seating. Yes, I would make reservations coming here, obviously because of the limited indoor dining capacity. Fortunately, I did make reservations, and on entering, our very pleasant, friendly, and welcoming Hostess, Jenna, happily escorted me to a nice, comfortable corner table.
Great selection of various craft beers
Though not what I would personally consider an authentic Irish Pub, the Thirsty Turtle serves that need and is what I would refer to as a gastropub, a term coined in London in 1991, basically a combination of the word’s pub and gastronomy, notable for an emphasis on serving high-quality food, as well as a great selection of various craft beers (bottled and tap), and other alcoholic drinks (wine, martinis, ciders, libations). If you love a pub atmosphere featuring a wide range of quality beers, the Thirsty Turtle certainly hits that mark, with 22 rotating tap-best seasonal choices, complete with an impressive selection of local craft and new releases; well-prepared cocktails, or just a relaxing, casual venue where you can enjoy a nice casual lunch or dinner; then this might be just the place for you.
Plenty of seating
With a comfortable looking, long bar, with plenty of seating, and once we put this pandemic behind us, the Thirsty Turtle would clearly be an outstanding place to catch a game with friends or just a comforting place to stop in and enjoy something from their carefully thought-out menu, which seems to have something to meet everyone’s taste. After all, what could be better than a refreshing, ice-cold beer, mixed drink, and finger foods while all being enjoyed at your favorite pub.
As must be said, it was clear that this pub was exceptionally clean and was carefully following all the pandemic required health safety guidelines. Nice atmosphere, putting off a
The sound quality was great, relaxed lighting, and quite a few large screen televisions
great sports bar vibe, with widely spaced seating, comprised of large family-style booths and individual tables for four. The sound quality was great, relaxed lighting, and quite a few (I counted 7) large screen televisions (sound off) carefully placed throughout the bar area. Attractive décor throughout, with a lot of wood accents and tastefully decorated to set the mood. It was clear that this was also a family-friendly environment and all the patrons were clearly enjoying themselves. It was kind of sad to see the beautiful bar sealed off with those plexiglass barriers that we have all gotten used to seeing, but it was nice to watch the bartenders still working their craft, preparing a variety of tantalizing cocktails.
Jenna, the Hostess
And, they have an equally attractive back-room area which looked like a perfect place for a business or family function. The Thirsty Turtle is certainly an appealing venue. This relatively new, modern look and feel of pubs have come a long way from my small dive bar many years ago when the only food items were pickled, hard-boiled eggs and sausages, which were in jars simply placed on the bar, and which tasted surprisingly good when you were drinking, and not to forget, one of those little rotating hot dog broiler things for when you wanted to go gourmet. Of course, you must be a little older to remember those treats.
Once seated, our waitress, Tricia, quickly greeted us and took our drink order, which arrived promptly. Kudos to Tricia for her attentiveness, professional and friendly service. Obviously, a great and efficient wait staff certainly enhances the entire perception of any restaurant. My groups’ appetizers started with us sharing the Irish Nachos (potato crisps, bacon, cheddar & Monterey Jack, scallions, red peppers, Guinness sour cream), Filet Mignon Spring Rolls (queso fresco, caramelized onions), and the Chicken Pot Stickers ((Sesame mustard sauce, soy reduction, scallions).
Irish Nachos
The Irish Nachos were delicious, nice crunchy, crispy chips, gooey cheese, just the right amount of salty and cheesy bite at the same time, and the Guinness sour cream seemed to put it over the top. The Chicken Pot Stickers were exceptionally good; a nicely filled dumpling with savory, nicely spiced chicken; and the Filet Mignon Spring Rolls; not your traditional spring roll, but prepared perfectly with a kick, nice juicy bites of steak complemented by the spring roll wrapper, the white Spanish cheese, chopped scallions, and sweet caramelized onions. Great appetizers and plenty of each to share for our starters. Of course, since Saint Patrick’s Day is soon to arrive, I had to start off with a Guinness, while my guests had an Arnold Palmer and a Blue Moon.
Filet Mignon Spring Rolls
For my Entrée, and based on reviews, I chose to try the interesting Pretzel Burger, an 8-ounce premium Angus burger served on a toasted soft pretzel roll, topped with American cheese, bacon, Russian dressing, and shredded lettuce. It was a good substantial burger. I enjoyed the various textures and flavors of the ingredients, the crunchiness, and saltiness of the bacon, with the crunchy and chewy taste of the pretzel roll, complemented with the cheese and dressing, made for a tasty and satisfying meal. I could see why this is one of their most popular items on the menu. All our entrees came with nice crispy French-fried potatoes and a pickle. By now I was ready to try one of their craft beers; the Smuttynose Finestkind IPA. I am not normally a big beer drinker, so it is hard for me to judge, but it was nice, cold, and refreshing.
The Cuban Sandwich
Others in the group went with the Filet Mignon Kabobs; twin kabobs, marinated filet, onions, red peppers, fries, and coleslaw. My opinion was that the meal was as delicious as it looked and sounds. He does not like coleslaw, so I jumped at the opportunity to try that and found it to be a nice, creamy, cold, and crunchy treat. And, finally, The Cuban Sandwich, which is new to their menu, slow-roasted pork loin, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, Cajun aioli, chipotle BBQ sauce, sliced dill pickle, Cuban baguette, and fries. Reportedly, that sandwich was also well prepared and delicious.
They do have a dessert menu, but for this time around we skipped the usuals and went with their Espresso Martini. Wow, decadently delicious. The perfect ending to a fun evening.
Pretzel Burger
Honestly, I am confident that I could have gone with any of these entrees, or any of the items on the menu for that matter, and have been completely satisfied. Overall, I would have to give high grades for the delicious food, good service, nice ambiance, and overall satisfaction with the Thirsty Turtle from this visit. As I said, I have been here before and I will certainly be back.
As an end note, I did reach out to the owner of the Thirsty Turtle, who was not available on my visit, to ask him about any special plans they may have for Saint Patrick’s Day. Jim, the owner, did say that because of the restrictions they are not sure what they will be able to do, but that they are presently in the planning stages for whatever specials they will have for the celebration. But, be assured, even though nothing is available for publication as of this writing, they will have something special planned for the day’s menu.
Safe, lively, energized, fun place to go that also offers a menu with a nice selection of tasty pub food
Sláinte mhaith!
Open 7 days a week for Dining and Curbside Pick-Up, Delivery, Parking Lot, Wi-Fi, casual, Outdoor seating, even Gluten Free Selections
Thirsty Turtle is operated under Growth Restaurants, which also owns The Famished Frog in Morristown, Bamboo Grille in Basking Ridge, and Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph.
The Thirsty Turtle Eatery, 186 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park, NJ 07932. Phone: (973) 845-6300. Click here for the website.
The Thirsty Turtle Eatery, 186 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park
FLORHAM PARK — We may not be able to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in the manner we are all used to, in this age of COVID restrictions, but if you are looking for a safe, lively, energized, fun place to go that also offers a menu with a nice selection of tasty pub food, as well as an extensive selection of libations, you might just want to head out to Florham Park Thirsty Turtle.
