EAST HANOVER — Capital Craft will be opening soon in the East Hanover Plaza next to Chili’s Restaurant, in the former Romano’s Macaroni Grill, 138 Route 10 West.

On August 6, 2018 a resolution was passed by the Township of East a Hanover Township Council authorizing a Person-To-Person and Place-To-Place Transfer of Alcoholic Beverage License from Mac Acquisition of New Jersey to East Hanover Restaurant trading as Capital Craft.

Capital Craft combines the warm, relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood tavern with a menu to impress the palate. Our chef puts an eclectic, flavorful spin on what you’ve come to expect from a gastro pub. Offerings are freshly prepared, with superior ingredients like locally sourced meats, organic produce and artisan cheeses. All our burgers are hand-formed fresh every day using our custom blend of chuck, short rib and brisket.

Capital Craft offers the finest array of craft beers in the area, with 24 taps rotating daily. Choose from seasonal selections and exclusive labels hailing from the top brewers in New Jersey, the U.S., and around the globe. Don’t miss special events including tap takeovers, celebratory keg tappings, and gourmet beer dinners where you’ll have the opportunity to sample unique tastes and rare varieties. At Capital Craft, you can even selectively pair your own beer flights, making us the ultimate destination for beer lovers everywhere.

There is another Capital Craft located at 171 US Highway 22, Green Brook.

Other tenants at East Hanover Plaza are Home Goods, Sierra Trading Post, HomeSense, Petco, Pearle Vision, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Capital Craft, Target and Costco.

MORRIS COUNTY — The freshman Democratic congresswoman, Mikie Sherrill, held an open house on Monday, January 14 during the first “Monday with Mikie” event that packed supporters into her new office suite located at 8 Wood Hollow Road.

“An accessible, centrally-located district office is incredibly important to me and my staff,” said Sherrill. “I am looking forward to welcoming residents to their New Jersey office and continuing an open dialogue with the community.”

“I had promised one of first things I would do is have a Monday with Mikie. I want to make sure I’m as accessible as possible,” said Sherrill, with the first town hall meeting set for next Tuesday, January 22, at 7:00 p.m. in the Hanover Community Center.

When the shutdown is resolved, she plans to press hard for the Gateway Tunnel project, and work with New Jersey’s delegation to reverse the federal cap on state and local tax deductions, she said.

Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor Michael Soriano said “I am elated to have Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill open her congressional office in our town. Aside from the fact that the people of Parsippany overwhelmingly showed their support for Mikie last November.  Parsippany is a smart choice because we sit at the crossroads of North Jersey.”

“I’m really glad I had the opportunity to meet Mikie Sherrill at “Monday with Mikie.” Listening to her speak at the event strengthened my confidence in both her leadership and convictions. It’s refreshing to have an accessible representative who will bring the concerns of all constituents, even high school students like me, to Washington. I look forward to following everything she accomplishes for NJ District 11″ said Parsippany High School Senior Bella Rocco.

Monday’s crowd of about 100 people included Morris County Democratic Chairman Chip Robinson, Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano, Former Parsippany Mayor Mimi Letts, Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce Board Member Nicolas Limanov and Morristown’s First Lady Mary Dougherty, a realtor who helped Sherrill find the Parsippany office space.

Communications Directory Jackie Burns said “Office furniture and computer equipment was removed from Frelinghuysen’s office and is our office, but phones, and internet and some other essential needs to be established.”

The new office is located at 8 Wood Hollow Road, Suite 203 and will be open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The NJ Transit bus stop on Smith Road at Wood Hollow Road is a block away from the office. It is served by the 874 and 79 NJ Transit Bus Routes. Accessible via Routes 287, 202, 80, and 46.There is on-site parking at 8 Wood Hollow Road.

PARSIPPANY  — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey secured an assignment on the House Armed Service Committee for the 116th Congress. The House Armed Services Committee is responsible for all aspects of congressional oversight of the Department of Defense and authorization of military policy.

“As a former officer in the U.S. Navy, I understand the importance of a strong national defense and our enduring obligations to all the women and men who serve in uniform to secure our freedom. I am honored to join the committee and further their mission,” said Congresswoman Sherrill. “I intend to be an advocate for Picatinny Arsenal which plays a vital role in both our national defense and our local economy, and to address emerging national security threats such as climate change and cybersecurity.”

Located in Morris County, Picatinny Arsenal is a key national defense installation and an economic anchor in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Nearly 6,000 soldiers, federal employees, and contractors live on the base and in the surrounding towns and it contributes $1.3 billion to the economy of North Jersey. Picatinny is home to the Defense Department’s Joint Center of Excellence for Armaments and Munitions.

EAST HANOVER — Applebee’s® Neighborhood Grill + Bar restaurants owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, a local Applebee’s franchisee with locations in New Jersey, on Long Island and throughout Florida and Georgia, are proud to announce a donation of $238,496.00 to The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and its annual U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. Throughout 2018, Applebee’s locations contributed to the fundraising total by hosting a number of charitable initiatives, including a Christmas in July Barbecue, Breakfast with Santa fundraisers and many more.

Applebees is located at 240 Route 10, East Hanover, in the Hanover Commons Shopping Center.

Doherty Enterprises has been a longstanding partner of Toys for Tots, entering its 20th year of contributions in 2018. Locally, restaurants throughout New Jersey were able to contribute an impressive $114,651.00 to the $238K+ total; restaurants throughout New York on Long Island were able to raise $84,686.00, and restaurants throughout Florida and Georgia were able to provide $39,159.00, raised locally in each restaurant through a variety of fundraising activities. The highest fundraising stores, going above and beyond to smash their charitable goals for Doherty Enterprises’ longest running and largest partnership include Lindenhurst, Shirley, Westbury and Patchogue, New York, Venice, Cape Coral and Port Charlotte, Florida and Tinton Falls and Butler, New Jersey.

“We couldn’t be prouder of our contribution to Toys for Tots this year,” said Tim Doherty, President & Chief Operating Officer, Doherty Enterprises. “We hope Toys for Tots is able to continue their hard work helping children everywhere. What they do is so important and truly betters the lives of our community members nationwide, and we anticipate many more years of successful partnership between Doherty Enterprises and Toys for Tots.”

Over the past 20 years, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises have raised over $4.6 million to benefit The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Doherty Enterprises is committed to giving back to the communities it serves, and each Doherty Enterprises restaurant stays engaged in its neighborhood through participation in community events, donations, sponsorships and fundraisers to help local organizations grow and flourish.

Since its inception 70 years ago, Toys for Tots has aimed to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joys of Christmas. Funds raised by Applebee’s have helped to further Toys for Tots’ objective to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

BOONTON — Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group One (EODGRU1) held a change of command ceremony Thursday, January 10 on Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. During the ceremony, Capt. Oscar Rojas relieved Capt. Dean Muriano as the commodore of EODGRU1.

During his speech, Muriano thanked the many people who had assisted him over the course of his tour. “All of the accomplishments that were listed in my award were not about me. It has always been about the men and women we’re sending down range.” said Muriano. “I’m thankful for the privilege to have served as Commodore of EODGRU1.”

Muriano, a native of Boonton, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Muriano’s next assignment will be at the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, where he will serve as the commanding officer of the school house and oversee the education of students from United States military services, partner nations, and other government agencies in high-risk environments to qualify as Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians.

Rojas, a native of Dumas, Texas, enlisted in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman in June 1990. After graduating from Wayland Baptist University in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree, he attended Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, and commissioned in November 1997. Prior to assuming command, he served as the Director, Joint Special Operations Command, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Coordination Cell.

During his speech Rojas thanked his wife and children, the military families that support the EOD community, commodores of EOD groups past and present, the many senior enlisted mentors who have guided him over the years, and the Sailors of EODGRU1.

“You, the “warfighter” are our nation’s greatest weapon system. In my world, nothing is more important than you. It is my job to work for you in order for you to win every time you go into harm’s way.” said Rojas. “I am very proud of my enlisted roots. I have not forgotten that it is Sailors that make the world’s greatest nuclear power Navy successful. By us working together we will create the most lethal, resilient, and mission ready Navy EOD and diving force in the world!”

Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, provided the keynote speech for the change of command ceremony. He said, “Today, we have the opportunity to reflect on the leadership that enabled this command to thrive and operate at the highest levels of performance. Commanding EODGRU1 is a big job and for more than two years, Capt. Muriano has provided direction, mentorship and guidance to the more than 1,200 men and women who serve as part of this team.”

Muriano received command of EODGRU1 in October 2016 and manned, trained, and equipped a 1,200-person force. His Sailors trained and operated in support of Navy, Joint, and multi-national missions within the Northern, Indo-Pacific, Africa, Southern, and Central Commands areas of responsibility.

During his tenure, the Navy EOD and Navy Diver communities operated in support of Navy Special Warfare and Joint Special Operations forces, salvaging damaged aircraft, dewatering and damage repair of U.S. Navy ships following collisions, working with the Defense Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Agency, and supplying recompression chamber teams in support of carrier deployments to mitigate the risks of physiological episodes, including hypoxia and decompression sickness in aviators.

U.S. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage. EODGRU1 is responsible for manning, training, and equipping seven subordinate units.

Story by Lt. Kara Yingling, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group ONE