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Picatinny Arsenal to Receive COVID-19 Vaccines for Employees Next Week

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County’s largest employer, Picatinny Arsenal, expects to receive a shipment of COVID-19 vaccines to innoculate employees next week, representatives said. “While we don’t yet know exactly when we will receive vaccinations, Picatinny Arsenal has received communications that indicate we will receive doses of vaccination sometime next week, representatives said.

There is approximately 6,000 personnel working at the arsenal, 5,000 of them civilians, 160 military, and about 1,000 contractors.

$12,000 in Scholarship Money Available to Morris County June Graduates

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Retirees Education Association Philanthropic Fund, Inc. (MCREAPF) is offering six scholarships to Morris County residents who are attending and will be graduated from a public high school. This scholarship is for students who plan to pursue a career in education and who will be attending an approved four-year accredited college or university offering a Bachelor’s Degree with an education major.

The scholarships are for $2,000. The recipients will be sent $2,000. after the chairperson receives a copy of the first-semester transcript which indicates enrollment in the field of education and a successful academic record.

The deadline for the receipt of applications is Friday, April 30, 2021. Scholarship applications are available at your high school guidance office or click here.

Preschool Advantage Successfully Placed More Than 100 Children in Preschool

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File photo

MORRIS PLAINS — Preschool Advantage, the Morristown-based nonprofit whose mission is to fund preschool tuitions for families in need, announced that it placed 102 children in local area preschools in the 2020-2021 school year. Two of these schools — Joyful Noise Nursery School and the Morris Plains Cooperative Play School — are located in Morris Plains.

“We’re thrilled to have helped so many children, as the need has never been greater,” said Nancy Bangiola, Executive Director of Preschool Advantage. “Many Preschool Advantage parents are “essential” workers on the front lines, and high-quality, daily educational programs are crucial for their child’s development.  We’re happy to fulfill our mission by helping these families.”

Preschool Advantage pays the tuition for children aged 3 – 4 to attend preschool at one of 28 high-quality preschools in Morris and Somerset Counties.  We are committed to leveling the playing field between children whose families can afford to send them to preschool and those who cannot so that all children in the community begin kindergarten with the tools they need for success.

Research indicates that 85% of brain development occurs before age 5, and children from low-income families often begin kindergarten with a significant disadvantage in vocabulary and social skills.  Additionally, the gap between children who’ve attended preschool and those who have not increase each successive year.  However, when children are enrolled in a high-quality preschool program, these trends can be reversed, which allows children from all backgrounds to flourish.

Demographics of Preschool Advantage students this year: 

  • Percent of children from single-parent households: 26%
  • Percent of families that don’t speak English at home: 35%
  • Location: 80% of our families reside in Morris County, 14% in Somerset County, and 6% in other counties
  • Income Level: 88% of families fall at or below the income level needed to provide for basic needs in Morris and Somerset Counties
  • Average household income: $48,214
Enrollment for Fall 2021 Now Open!! 

Preschool Advantage is currently accepting applications for the 2021-22 school year.  Parents and caregivers can learn more by clicking here.  “We invite all who are interested to learn more and encourage those who know of eligible families to help spread the word,” said Executive Director Nancy Bangiola.  Applications received before March 1, 2021, will be given priority funding.

Preschool Advantage is committed to giving children the opportunity to attend preschool and thus equalize the gap between lower-income families and affluent families.  The organization is supported by individual donors as well as by grants from foundations and businesses.  Since its inception over 25 years ago, Preschool Advantage has paid over 1,500 tuitions, providing families with financial assistance for quality preschool education. Additional information about the organization can be found by clicking here, or by calling (973) 532-2501.

Bergen Advocates Against Standardized Testing During Pandemic

By
Frank Cahill
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Assemblyman Brian Bergen

MORRIS COUNTY — The state Education Department quietly sent a memo last week to school districts detailing its plans to require standardized tests this spring even while it could apply for a waiver from the Biden administration.

Assemblyman Brian Bergen says the state should think about the impact on students.

“There is a lot of agreement that the last thing students need is the stress of a standardized test,” said Bergen (R-Morris). “This school year has been extraordinarily difficult for children, parents, and teachers, and it shouldn’t become more difficult.”

Bergen has two school-age children and has seen first hand the challenges they are facing this year.

“The burden of this pandemic is falling squarely on the shoulders of our children,” continued Bergen. “We should be focused on getting them back to normalcy. That should include prioritizing teachers for vaccines and getting the school back to full-day in-person instruction. Standardized testing is an unnecessary distraction from the things that will work.”

The federal Education Department provided a waiver for testing last spring and has indicated that it will at least allow changes to states’ testing schedules.

“If New Jersey can apply for a waiver, Governor Murphy shouldn’t think twice about accepting it,” concluded Bergen.

Morris Habitat for Humanity to Host Virtual Hearts & Hammers Gala

By
Frank Cahill
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0

MORRIS COUNTY — Morris Habitat for Humanity announces its first-ever virtual Hearts & Hammers Gala on Thursday, February 25, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in lieu of an in-person event. The fun-filled evening will raise funds for the organization’s largest project to date — a 25-unit condominium complex planned for Randolph. Registration is free and open to the public.

Tune in to the live-streaming event to learn more about Morris Habitat’s mission to provide affordable housing as well as its impact on local communities. Attendees will hear directly from Habitat homeowner families who will share their stories, as well as honorees, volunteers, and sponsors who have helped make Morris Habitat’s life-changing work possible. The 16th annual celebration, hosted by Toni Yates of WABC-TV, will also feature new construction projects, plans for the future, prize giveaways, and ways people can get involved–even during the pandemic.

“This has been a very challenging year, and the pandemic has put a spotlight on just how important safe, decent and affordable housing really is,” said Morris Habitat for Humanity CEO, Blair Schleicher Wilson. “While we would rather be gathering in person, the virtual gala will allow people to help build homes without ever leaving home.”

Corporate sponsors are stepping up to lend support to Morris Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.  Major corporate sponsors to date include GAF, Bayer, Valley Bank, Lakeland Bank, and Schindler.

To learn more, register, or sponsor the virtual gala, click here or contact Stephanie Buonarota at (973) 349-7612.

Morris Habitat for Humanity is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization committed to building homes, communities, and hope. Through volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Morris Habitat builds new homes and provides home repair services to income-eligible families in Morris and Middlesex Counties as well as Fanwood, Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Green Brook, North Plainfield, and Watchung. Since 1985, Morris Habitat has served more than 650 households through homeownership opportunities, home preservation, and international home building programs. Proceeds from the ReStore have helped to fund construction while diverting almost 5,800 tons of useable material from local landfills.  For more information click here or call (973) 891-1934.

Judge Rules Overwhelmingly in Favor of Morris GOP

By
Frank Cahill
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Laura Ali

MORRIS COUNTY — Superior Court Judge Berdote Byrne has ruled in favor of the Morris County Republican Committee (MCRC).

In her decision, Judge Berdote Byrne denied the plaintiff’s claims, calling them “recklessly misleading” and “not supported by the factual evidence”. In this admonishment, she also ordered the plaintiffs to reimburse MCRC for all legal costs.
“We are pleased that the Judge affirmed what we already knew and are looking forward to our meeting on Saturday where the County Committee will finally have their voices heard”, said Chairwoman Laura Ali.
On Saturday, February 6, MCRC members will vote on a bylaw modification to adopt a county line in Morris. The proposed adoption will give Morris County Committee members the power to endorse candidates in a primary – a role that nearly every duly elected committee person in the state already holds.

Zagursky’s Bar & Grill: Where Everyone Knows Your Name

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Zagursky’s Bar & Grill is located at43 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Whippany

HANOVER — Looking for a burger that is simply good enough, you will certainly have no problem finding one among the numerous fast-food, chain style, cookie-cutter burger places that dot Parsippany’s highways and byways. Likewise, if your preference leans towards a more creative, gourmet-style burger, Parsippany offers a diverse choice of gastro pubs and fine restaurants that would certainly meet your needs.  For me, I do not think you can do much better than finding that often elusive, tasty, fresh off the grill, crispy, juicy, savory, classic American burger. Not surprisingly, where better to find that classic American favorite than at a true, iconic, neighborhood American dive bar, often just referred to by its regulars as Z’s.

On Mount Pleasant Avenue in Whippany, right off Route 10 and basically a couple of miles from the border of Parsippany, you will find Zagursky’s Bar & Grill.  A simple, non-descript looking white house, family-owned and operated, long time, neighborhood watering hole and sports bar, Zagursky’s is a true throwback type bar and restaurant, with friendly and welcoming service, delicious food, cold beer, and a nice pour.  One of those “where everyone knows your name” places. Originally opened in 1945 by Anna and John Zagursky, and currently run by grandsons, Bobby “Stitch” Yannotta and Kevin “KP” Yannotta, this family tradition continues. The moment you walk in you can feel the high energy of this sports-style bar scene, filled with lots of laughter, good friends, and lively conversation.  After three generations of providing their most loyal and regular customers with great bar food you can be confident, they are doing something special.

I must admit, I have an affection for these no-frills, non-pretentious places that come with a great backstory.  They are getting harder and harder to find so it is a treat to visit them while you still can. Zagursky’s, for me, is reminiscent of a little shot and beer joint I owned in the late 70’s, but Z’s is so much better.  A lot of comforts sometimes, just to take a step back in time and smile; and it was a pleasure to meet and talk with the very personable, cordial, and amusing Yannotta brothers.

Zagursky’s burger with fresh toppings of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, all firmly held together with a sesame seed bun

I know I started this review highlighting the Zagursky’s burger since I think that is where Zargusky’s stands out from the pack, and I will get back to that later, but Z’s does have much more to offer than burgers on their menu.  Stitch’s reputation for creating delicious personal-sized bar pies was something we could not resist, so as a starter we decided to kick off this meal-sharing both sausage and a pepperoni-onion pie.  Delicious, crispy, thin-crust, and slightly well done, with a perfect little bit of char on the bottom and edges of the crust. The sauce was tangy and tasty with just the right amount of cheese and toppings.

Mozzarella Sticks

Excellent, properly prepared pies and we were off to a good start. Next, out came the onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and hot and spicy chicken wings.  Ample and satisfying bar food just as you would expect it. The onion rings were perfectly fried, crunchy, and tender, the mozzarella sticks were firm to the touch and filled with the nice chewy cheese, and the 12 wings, ordered hot and spicy, were surprisingly large and meaty, with just the right amount of heat and bite to awaken your taste buds.

Zagursky’s half-pound, bacon, cheeseburger had been rated among the best in New Jersey just a few years back, so I was anxiously looking forward to enjoying this savory treat, and it did not disappoint.

Crispy and crunchy on the outside, moist, and juicy inside, cooked to medium with fresh toppings of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, all firmly held together with a sesame seed bun.  While the others were deciding on their orders Stitch happened to mention that he had just made fresh Kielbasa that day, so by special request he came up with his first time ever, creative Kielbasa and sauerkraut slider.  Well, that slider is a keeper, moist, tender, and perfectly seasoned Kielbasa offset with the slightly sour, tangy bite of the sauerkraut.  After all this great food, accompanied by a very cold and fresh tasting tap beer, I could not eat another bite.  We all left with our stomachs full, a smile on our faces, and a promise to return very soon.

Delicious, crispy, thin-crust and slightly well done, with a perfect little bit of char on the bottom and edges of the crust

If you have not been to Zagursky’s Bar & Grill I would recommend you give it a shot. Great food, exceptionally clean, friendly atmosphere, and you are not going to break the bank here as the prices are very reasonable. If you are looking for a good spot to just relax and catch a game, Zargusky’s has seven large-screen televisions conveniently located around their good-sized wooden bar; and if you are looking for something a little quieter, a family-friendly atmosphere, Zargusky’s does have a separate dining room detached from the bar area which will meet your needs.

And, as always, please come out and support all our small, independent local businesses in any way you can.

Take out, Delivery, Ample Parking

All COVID-19 Health Requirements Strictly Enforced

Zagursky’s Bar & Grill is located at43 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Whippany, N.J. 07981. For more information call (973) 386-1412.

This article was written by Patrick Minutillo.

Murphy Signs Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking

By
Frank Cahill
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0
File Photo
MORRIS COUNTY — During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (A883) amending the “Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection, and Treatment Act” to direct the Commission on Human Trafficking to broaden its current mission of developing public awareness of human trafficking to also include awareness of victim remedies and services and trafficking prevention, including the creation of a public awareness sign. The Commission would develop and determine the language for the public awareness sign, which must contain the national, 24-hour toll-free hotline telephone service on human trafficking operated pursuant to federal law.
“It is essential that we shine a light on the devastation of human trafficking and I am proud to enact legislation that will strengthen our mission to raise public awareness surrounding this pervasive issue,” said Governor Murphy. “We must remember that our battle against human trafficking extends far beyond this month as we commit to continuing the fight for fundamental human rights and freedoms.” 
The bill also requires the sign to be posted, to the extent practicable, in places that are clearly conspicuous and visible to employees, as well as members of the public, in such establishments as strip clubs or sexually-oriented businesses; places of business of employers of massage or bodywork therapists; bars, hotels, motels, and similar places of public accommodation; and in airports, rail and bus stations, truck stops, and service and safety rest areas located along interstate highways, as well as on all forms of public transportation, including railroad and passenger cars. A business or establishment that does not comply with the bill’s requirement for posting signs would be liable for a civil penalty of $300 for a first offense and $1000 for each subsequent offense.
Primary sponsors of the bill include Assemblymembers Thomas Giblin, Britnee Timberlake, Annette Quijano, and Senators Tom Kean and Nicholas Scutari. 
“The true prevalence of human trafficking cannot be confirmed by incomplete data,” said Assemblyman Tom Giblin. “As a result, we have to remain vigilant through public policy and committed to raising the level of public awareness.”
“Equipping people with the information to safely connect and refer a potential trafficking victim to the appropriate resources is crucial,” said Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake. “We also have to do better to ensure there is no room for willful ignorance or complicity.”
“The trafficking hotline is one of the safest and most effective tools for victims to access emergency assistance,” said Assemblywoman Quijano. “Putting signage clearly displaying the hotline number all throughout our public spaces is, therefore, an incredibly important strategy to get those in crisis the help they need.”
“I am proud that this legislation will be enacted today, especially during Human Trafficking Awareness Month,” said Senate Minority Leader Tom Kean. “The more we raise awareness of human trafficking, including what it looks like, where it happens, and how to get help, the harder it will be for traffickers to get away with their despicable crimes.”
“Human trafficking is, unfortunately, more prevalent than people realize,” said Senator Nicholas Scutari. “Raising awareness about human trafficking is imperative and empowering the public to know the signs of someone in this scenario and how to report potential incidents will strengthen our efforts to combat this horrid practice.”

Morris County COVID-19 Vaccination Center and Morris County Testing Center Will Be Closed Tuesday, Feb. 2

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Sgt. Gil Benitez of the Mountain Lakes Police Department is greeted by Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen H. Shaw just before being vaccinated

MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center in Rockaway Township and the Morris County COVID-19 Testing Center at the County College of Morris (CCM) will both be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 2, due to inclement weather.

All vaccination appointments scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 2, at the Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Center at the Rockaway Townsquare Mall are rescheduled for Thursday, February 4, and individuals will be able to receive their vaccinations at the same time as their original Tuesday appointment.

All vaccination appointments that were canceled for today, Monday, February 1, have been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 3, at the same time as their original Monday appointment.

Everyone who had an appointment for a COVID-19 test that was canceled today, Monday, and tomorrow, Tuesday, at the testing center at CCM is urged to reschedule an appointment by clicking here.

Montclair State University Congratulates Fall 2020 Dean’s List

By
Frank Cahill
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0
Donato Casolaro, East Hanover, is a graduate of Hanover Park High School

MORRIS COUNTY — Montclair State University congratulates Red Hawks named to the Fall 2020 Dean’s List. Students residing in our readership area are:

Robert Manlapig of Parsippany

Fred Nagle of Morris Plains

Jewel Rankel of Morris Plains

Caroline Walz of Mount Tabor

Mike Ezpeleta of Lake Hiawatha

Dirgh Patel of Parsippany

Kathrina Ramirez of Parsippany

Gabrielle Barrese of Morris Plains

Bridget Murphy of Florham Park

Donato Casolaro of East Hanover

Natalie Koeber of Mountain Lakes

Brenna Gawley of Boonton

Roqaya Wafa of Parsippany

Jenna Kalynovych of Cedar Knolls

Courtney Calabrese of Parsippany

Alex Angulo of Parsippany

Abigail Fletcher of East Hanover

Kenny Slaman of Lake Hiawatha

Houda Sabeh of East Hanover

Sharanam Shah of Morris Plains

Farah Sheira of Lake Hiawatha

Lucia Lucarella of East Hanover

Disha Patel of Parsippany

Meaghan Debenedette of Parsippany

Jamie Bazaral of Parsippany

Ruby Murad of Madison

Kira Welenc of Morris Plains

Juan Gomez of Parsippany

Marissa Lawler of Parsippany

Gabriella Iacono of East Hanover

Justin Salluce of Parsippany

Remy Frost of Morris Plains

Michael Papaianni of East Hanover

Marcus Wan of Parsippany

Uzma Hasan of Parsippany

Ben Earl of Lake Hiawatha

Jenna Wear of Lake Hiawatha

Gianna Foti of East Hanover

Zinab Yaqoobi of Lake Hiawatha

Destiny Oridge of Parsippany

Phillip Metta of Lake Hiawatha

Neel Patel of Parsippany

Kayla Bush of Morris Plains

Patricia Vanderpool of Parsippany

Matt Chan of Parsippany

Yousof Mamoor of Parsippany

Juliana Barnhill of Morris Plains

Joyce David of Parsippany

Anabelen Delgado of Lake Hiawatha

Razan Akkad of Parsippany

Alex Pirl of Parsippany

Julia Leva of Boonton

Aesha Patel of Parsippany

Sakae Handerson of Boonton Twp

Leah Kashulines of Mountain Lakes

Uzair Ullah of Boonton

Nadya Almganhi of Parsippany

Miriam Aguirre of Parsippany

Gianna Hartigan of East Hanover

Robert Marciano of Mount Tabor

Sherilyn Ostlin of Morris Plains

Valerie Gargiulo of East Hanover

Christina Gillespie of Boonton

Jaydon Lynch of Boonton

Ally D’Addezio of East Hanover

John Lee of Parsippany

Robert Gillo of Morris Plains

Tori Freire of Parsippany

Ava Costa of East Hanover

Christina Proietto of Boonton

Connor Goodwin of Morris Plains

Nicholas Roepke of Parsippany

Kathy Lopez of Lake Hiawatha

Alfonse Napolitano of Morris Plains

Britt Ruggiero of East Hanover

Megan Leitner of Lake Hiawatha

Juan Ayala of Morris Plains

Rachel Klemovitch of Parsippany

Elizabeth Shivietz of Florham Park

Jack Keane of Morris Plains

Cassie Bodendorf of Boonton

Juliana DeAngelis of Morris Plains

Harrison Kraft of Boonton

Jeffrey Wear of Lake Hiawatha

Nicole Synnott of Parsippany

Timothy Rabel of Madison

Hamzah Turan of Parsippany

Lexi Becker of Boonton

Faith Mostillo of Parsippany

Suraj Makadia of Parsippany

Taylor Castelli of Morris Plains

Justin Green of Boonton

Julia Krevis of Boonton

Morgan Schaefer-Jones of Morris Plains

Kevin Cronin of East Hanover

Grace Keane of Morris Plains

Luz Martinez of Madison

Mareldi Denas of Parsippany

Emma Mendoza of Boonton

Nick Verducci of Parsippany

Jenna Corsi of East Hanover

Patrick Ferreira of Florham Park

Ashley Rosato of Florham Park

Michaela Tomanelli of Lake Hiawatha

Colette Murphy of Florham Park

Daniel Rodriguez of Parsippany

Ashley Loprete of East Hanover

Emma Wilcox of Cedar Knolls

Zoe Nolz of Parsippany

Giuliana Martinez of Boonton

David Fleitas-Guillen of Lake Hiawatha

Connor Dubeau of East Hanover

Megan Canzonieri of East Hanover

Andrea Delgado of Lake Hiawatha

Nikki-James Soto of Parsippany

Laila Tlack of Parsippany

Tran Chau of East Hanover

Melinda Cazimoski of Morris Plains

Giovanna Di Lauri of East Hanover

Deirdre Licciardi of Boonton Twp

Kaitlyn Sklow of Parsippany

Lydia Parker of Parsippany

Nami Patel of Parsippany

Gabriella Vazzano of Boonton

Sean DuBeau of East Hanover

Edwin Aguirre-Rosas of Parsippany

Ashley Perri of Boonton

Michael Rigillo of East Hanover

Bobby Ezzi of Boonton

Mariam Wali of Parsippany

Shalin Patel of Lake Hiawatha

Victoria Lupo of East Hanover

Alyssa Feola of Lake Hiawatha

Catalina Castelan of Lake Hiawatha

Nicole Davino of East Hanover

Gina Decroce of East Hanover

Sophia Castaneda of East Hanover

Lance Bancairen of Morris Plains

Michael Primamore of East Hanover

Kelly Coombs of Parsippany

Eric Wong of Parsippany

Bhoomika Vachhani of Parsippany

Jared Bazaral of Parsippany

Savannah Cerrato of Parsippany

Kashvi Rastogi of Morris Plains

John Trevisan of Parsippany

Sunah Choudhry of Boonton

Nabil Mamoor of Parsippany

Sarah Akrami of Parsippany

Amy Albin of Morris Plains

Samuel Pedersen of Parsippany

Manny Gonsalves of East Hanover

Alexis Cajas of Lake Hiawatha

Allison Hofmann of East Hanover

Morgan Villopoto of Parsippany

Larissa Salmeri of East Hanover

Nicholas Ezzi of Boonton

Fiona McCarthy of Morris Plains

Fatima Yaqoobi of Lake Hiawatha

Davin Budich of Parsippany

Ashley Johnson of Morris Plains

Jared Stock of Parsippany

Frankie Caruso of Florham Park

Devyn Reidy of Boonton Township

Megha Patel of Parsippany

Eka Swamy of Lake Hiawatha

Connor Preston of Lake Hiawatha

Yasmine Ashour of Parsippany

Peter Jones of Parsippany

The Dean’s List, issued after the close of the Fall and Spring semesters by the academic deans, gives recognition to students with a 3.500 or higher semester GPA if a minimum of 12 credits is earned in courses that contribute to the GPA and if there are no IN (incomplete) grades for that semester.

Montclair State University is a research doctoral institution ranked in the top tier of national universities. Building on a distinguished history dating back to 1908, the University today has 11 colleges and schools that serve 21,000 undergraduate and graduate students with more than 300 doctoral, masters and baccalaureate programs. Situated on a beautiful, 252-acre suburban campus just 12 miles from New York City, Montclair State delivers the instructional and research resources of a large public university in a supportive, sophisticated, and diverse academic environment.

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