MOUNTAIN LAKES — During the reorganization meeting of the Borough of Mountain Lakes, Thomas Menard was selected as Mayor and Lauren Barnett as Deputy Mayor to serve during 2021.
Thomas Menard was sworn in as MayorLauren Barnett was sworn in as Deputy Mayor
Also, Cynthia Korman, Lauren Barnett, Khizar Sheikh, and Christopher Richter were sworn to serve a four-year term.
The Oath of Office was given to Cynthia Korman and Lauren Barnett by Mitchell Stern; Morris County Commissioner Director Stephen Shaw gave the Oath of Office to Chris Richter and Umar Sheikh gave the Oath of Office to Kizar Sheikh.
Khizar Sheikh taking the oath of officeChris Richter takes the oath of officeLauren Barnett was sworn in to serve a four-year term on the Mountain Lakes CouncilOath of Office was given to Cynthia Korman by Mitchell Stern
MORRIS COUNTY — Drivers will soon have a better understanding of their rights and responsibilities during traffic stops — the most common law enforcement interaction for Americans.
Under legislation (A3871) signed by Governor Phil Murphy, the Motor Vehicle Commission must produce a video on drivers’ rights and responsibilities during police traffic stops and incorporate it into their education and testing process.
“As a mom and an advocate for education, I was excited to embrace this bill because it offers an important learning opportunity for new drivers. Understanding your rights when stopped for a traffic violation is just as important as reading and interpreting road signs,” said Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, a prime sponsor of the bill. “It equips drivers with the knowledge to act responsibly and ultimately encourages more positive police encounters. It also creates a safer environment for law enforcement.”
Drivers are granted certain rights under state and federal law, including the right to be free from unreasonable or illegal searches by law enforcement, and the right to remain silent and not answer questions by the police.
“We want to establish a foundation for safer, less stressful police interactions and in order to do that, we must educate people on what actions are permissible under the law,” said Dunn (R-Morris). “Educating new drivers is an issue that should be championed by both sides of the aisle and I am glad I will get to see this law implemented.”
The law will take effect in seven months. After this time, soon-to-be drivers will be required to watch the video before taking the written examination for a validated permit.
MOUNTAIN LAKES — Mountain Lakes Borough Council Reorganization Meeting will be held on Monday, January 4, at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom by clicking here.
The annual reorganization meeting of the Mountain Lakes Borough Council will include the swearing-in of new Council Members, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and officers of the Mountain Lakes Volunteer Fire Department. The complete Agenda is available by clicking here.
Thomas Donadio, Brian Honan and Senator Tony Bucco
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — Boonton Township officials were sworn in Sunday, January 3 at 12:30 p.m.
Thomas Donadio and Brian Honan were elected to three-year terms and Patricia Collins was elected to a one-year unexpired term.
Thomas Donadio was reappointed as Chairman (Mayor) and William Klingener was reappointed as Vice-Chairman (Deputy Mayor) for 2021.
Fire Department Board of Chiefs for 2021: Chief Kyle Spicer, Deputy Chief William Neely, Captain Michael Como, Captain Christopher Glander, Lt. Don Covart, and Lt. Jay Galluzzi.
Patricia Collins, her daughter Nicole holding Bible and Sheriff Jim Gannon
PARSIPPANY — Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) took the oath of office as the Representative of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Sherrill joins the 117th Congress for her second term.
“It’s an incredible honor to once again be sworn in and to continue my service to the 11th District,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I have high hopes for 2021 as we see the light at the end of the tunnel for COVID and ensure that people have a secure future in the aftermath of this horrible pandemic. I stand ready to work with my colleagues and the new administration to serve North Jersey and get us to the other side of this crisis.”
Gourmet Café (Italian Restaurant) is located at 136 Baldwin, Parsippany. For reservations call (973) 316-0088
PARSIPPANY — Anyone who knows me knows that one of my favorite go-to restaurants in Parsippany is the Gourmet Café. Since I was dining there for a pre-holiday dinner with friends, I figured it was as good a time as any to write up a review.
Gourmet Café (Italian Restaurant) is located at 136 Baldwin, Parsippany. For reservations call (973) 316-0088.
The Gourmet Café is like so many New Jersey small, independently owned, and operated restaurants that you find hidden in the middle of some strip mall off the highway. The Gourmet Café is in Baldwin Plaza on Baldwin Road in Parsippany, nestled between a row of other small stores, and right off Route 46 West.
Matt Pierone, Patrick Minutillo, Lou Pitsilis and Armando Luna
Despite a classy and attractive exterior, unless you know of the Gourmet Café chances are you will drive right past it. Fortunately, many have found their way to this multi-award winning, highly acclaimed venue throughout the 15 years it has been here, mostly through word of mouth and social media. One thing I have noticed is that once someone finds this place they come back, and they come back often.
Chef Matthew Pierone
The Gourmet Café, which opened in 2007, is the lifelong dream, pride, and joy of Chef Matthew Pierone, known to all his friends and customers, which are usually the same, as Chef Matt. I think you must look at the back story of any great Chef to really appreciate how, where, and from whom, they learned and how they developed their exceptional culinary skills and abilities. I believe that a great Chef must pay his/her dues if they want to get to where they can earn such recognition. Ask any of his customers and they will most likely tell you, Chef Matt who is one of the most sincere, warm, welcoming, and personable people you will ever meet always goes the extra yard to make every customer feel that they are part of his family, which presents itself not only in the personalized service but in the high-quality gourmet dishes that he is proud to serve every day. When he can extricate himself from the kitchen Chef Matt enjoys making the rounds and personally visiting every table. A genuinely nice personal touch.
Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, Mozzarella and Red Peppers
Back to Chef Matt’s back story which began at age 14 as a dishwasher at several popular restaurants before graduating with the highest honors from The New York Restaurant School in Manhattan. Early ventures into the restaurant trade included stints at such high-quality establishments as Gracie Mansion, The Highlawn Pavilion, and the Rainbow Room in NYC. As he continued to learn and develop his skills his reputation grew, and people noticed. He went on to become the Executive Chef at the Racquets Club of Short Hills, Chef de Cuisine at Eccola Italian Bistro, Saucier at Rod’s Steak House, Chef at the Green House & Sous Chef at the Grande Café in Morristown. Each new experience providing Chef Matt the opportunity to continue to enhance his culinary skills, which now can be experienced with a visit to his fine establishment.
Pignoli Encrusted Sea Scallops
On entering the Gourmet Café, you will find a very classy and chic ambiance. Custom crafted tables are spaced throughout in accordance with COVID safety rules, the interior of the beautiful dining room comes across as very intimate, cozy, and comfortable. The restaurant is immaculately clean, and the service is fast, personable, and always professional. Basically, it is a very friendly Bistro style setting with tasteful accouterments throughout, including the Chef’s nicely framed family photographs that adorn the walls and the tasteful brick accents. The dining room is always well-appointed, and the table settings are always elegant and sparkling and do not forget to bring along your favorite vino as the Gourmet Café is BYOB.
On entering we were immediately welcomed and directed to our well-prepared table. Without delay, our wine was uncorked (at my request) as cold water and a basket of bread was brought to our table by the very accommodating, friendly, and cordial wait staff.
Zuppa di Pesce
On this visit our group started with appetizers’ including Spiedini all Romana (this bread filled treat complete with Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Anchovy, and Garlic was fantastic), Pignoli Encrusted Scallops with a Balsamic Reduction drizzled over the large, sweet, and buttery, perfectly prepared row of scallops, fresh and flavorful grilled shrimp, and a generously sized portion of Sausage, Broccoli Rabe, Mozzarella and Red Peppers. I personally could not wait to try the Gourmet Café’s newest dish, Zuppa di Pesce. The carefully prepared presentation alone makes your mouth water.
Zuppa di Pesce
This is truly a treat any seafood lover will go crazy over. A large selection of fresh and delicious assorted seafood thoughtfully arranged over al dente pasta with a ring of mussels surrounding the plate. It was seriously as good a Zuppa di Pesce as any I have ever had.
The roasted, crispy Chicken Matteo also looked and smelled amazing. Served with crispy Salami, Spinach, and melted Mozzarella and served with an Anisette brown sauce. I was told by my friend that it was as delicious as it looked as he devoured his serving.
Orecchiette with shrimp, sausage, roasted peppers and served with a Maple Whiskey Sauce
Of course, there’s always the Gourmet Café’s signature pasta dishes to choose from. Tonight’s choice was the Orecchiette with shrimp, sausage, roasted peppers and served with a Maple Whiskey Sauce. Perfectly prepared with just the right amount of shrimp and sausage to compliment the pasta.
A normal human being would have stopped there but I could not pass up Chef Matt’s newest sensation, the Pear Clafoutis. I have never had or heard of this French dessert and I do not know how it is made but it is tender, sweet, and somewhat custard-like and topped with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream. I was seriously impressed at how good it was and along with a final cappuccino it made for a perfect end to a memorable dining experience. I have no doubt that the Pear Clafoutis will soon be a much-in-demand item on the dessert menu.
Chicken Matteo
We are incredibly lucky to have such high quality, gourmet Italian food available right here in Parsippany and I highly recommend stopping in and giving the Gourmet Café a try. I am confident you will not be sorry.
Dine-In, Take Out, BYOB, Available Parking, Curbside Pickup, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options.
Gourmet Café (Italian Restaurant) is located at 136 Baldwin, Parsippany. For reservations call (973) 316-0088. To visit their website click here.
File Photo. Photo for illustration purposes only. The actual incident may not reflect the photo.
MORRIS PLAINS — Hanover Township Police Officer Eric Prach arrested Mr. Ankur Teli, 43, Morris Plains, for shoplifting on Sunday, December 20.
Mr. Teli was originally stopped for a motor vehicle violation when several bags of toys as well as empty bags from Wal-Mart and Target were observed throughout the vehicle.
After a brief investigation, it was learned that Mr. Teli shoplifted all the items in his vehicle.
It was later learned that Mr. Teli had a house full of merchandise he had shoplifted in the past.
The total value of the stolen merchandise is unknown at the time of this report. He was charged with shoplifting, receiving stolen property, and burglary tools. He was released pending his court date.
BOONTON TOWNSHIP — On December 31, 2020, members of the Boonton Township Police Department assisted the NYPD Major Case Squad and the NYPD/FBI Joint Bank Robbery/Violent Crimes Task Force, with the arrest of George Martin, 31, of Parsippany on an outstanding criminal warrant for bank robberies he conducted in New York City.
An investigation by the Boonton Township Police Detective Bureau determined that Mr. Martin was staying at various residences in Morris County including a residence within the Township.
A joint effort with the NYPD was put together and Mr. Martin was located and placed under arrest without incident. He is being lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending extradition to New York.
MORRIS COUNTY — Morris County will modify its no-cost COVID-19 testing efforts by next week to focus on the walk-up service provided by-appointment-only at the County College of Morris and phase out at-home-tests for all but homebound, symptomatic residents.
Municipal leaders throughout the county were told of the modified testing plan in a conference call, and they were urged to help the county find transportation alternatives for residents who do not drive, but who otherwise would be able to use the walk-up testing center at CCM. That testing operation was opened at the Student Center in Randolph earlier this month and requires individuals to pre-register for a test through the Morris County COVID-19 website.
Individuals who are symptomatic and unable to leave their homes will still be able to order no-cost, at-home tests through the Morris County COVID-19 website. But the only at-home test available after next week will be a federally-supported nasal test known as Pixel, which is provided by Lab Corp.
A second at-home test, which is a saliva test offered over the past month through Vault Health, is being phased out. The transition is necessary because more than 50 percent of the people who have ordered the at-home Vault tests have hoarded them, forcing authorities to focus Morris County’s limited COVID-19 testing resources on programs that are not as easily abused.
About 16,300 of the at-home Vault tests have been ordered, yet only 7,500 have been returned with samples for testing. While the Pixel at-home testing is supported through a federal grant, Morris County has fronted the costs of all Vault testing in the county, including the CCM center, a community testing program operated through the Zufall Health and the at-home tests that must now be discontinued.
Morris County has received very limited aid under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to respond to the pandemic. It was one of 12 New Jersey counties left to fund their own COVID-19 pandemic response efforts last spring when $1 billion in direct CARES Act relief dollars were provided to nine other counties to share. The nine counties received from $87 million to as much as $162 million, while the rest of New Jersey received nothing.
The CARES Act direct aid was conditioned on whether a county’s population, based on the 2010 Census, exceeded 500,000 residents. Morris County missed the mark by 7,724 residents, but worked with state and federal representatives, as well as the Governor’s office, to eventually secure more than $7 million in CARES dollars last August to pay for past testing efforts and continue testing programs into the New Year.
