Parsippany Focus Magazine - July 2021

July 2021

Volunteers: Operation Feeding Morris County

199 Baldwin Road, Parsippany 973-334-3777 rauchbergdmd@optimum.net 2 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

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July 2021

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July 2021

Serving 53,515 Households of Parsippany-Troy Hills

July 2021

Town Halls Return in August | 6

One of the most cherished and distinguishing aspects in American democracy is the ability for the public to not just have a say in government but to take an active role in it. The strength of our democracy rests on a representative government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

It’s as true in Washington DC as it is right here in Parsippany.

www.ParsippanyFocus.news Frank L. Cahill, Publisher Barbara Freda, Sales Manager Nicolas Limanov, Photographer Patrick Minutillo, Contributing Writer Christine Mercado, Contributing Writer Sharon Maroldi, Contributing Writer Luis A. Matos, Distribution Manager

Up Thai Restaurant: Fresh, Strong, Diverse Flavors | 7

Imagine, if you will, a meal that will stimulate all your taste sensations, consisting of substantial food that is distinct with its fresh, strong, diverse flavors, and is healthy, hearty, tasty, and robust? Sounds surprisingly good, doesn’t it?

Design and Layout Zoomus Marketing, LLC 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 332 Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (862) 295-1300

Keeping the Learning Going | 8

We are swiftly approaching the end to a pretty incredible school year. The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District prioritized the health and well-being of students and staff and worked to provide a consistent and sound instructional experience for children. We accomplished both successfully.

Member of

Catherine McCall Keeps in Touch with Those Gone Before Us | 16

The information comes through our senses, so we hear, we feel, we smell, we face empathy. All of our senses are in use, and we call them our ‘clairs.’ So, with clairvoyance, clairsentience, and claircognizance – this is all coming through our senses.

Kiersten Koch Graduates from Morris County School of Technology | 17 Congratulations to Kiersten Koch who will be graduating from the Morris County School of Technology as a member of the Sports Medicine Academy.

Volunteers: Operation Morris County | 18

Scattered throughout North Jersey locations were over 75 volunteers, including Kiwanis Member and Dover Police Officer Ilmi Bojkovic. People who donated their time to help the people who need it most throughout their communities.

“Transit to Trails” App Offers Public Transportation Options to Parks | 21 About Parsippany Focus Parsippany Focus was founded on October 1, 1989 by Publisher Frank Cahill. Parsippany Focus is the only dedicated newsource, publishing local news and information for the past thirty years exclusively for Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Parsippany Focus Magazine is published monthly by Zoomus Marketing, LLC, 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 332, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (c) 2021 Zoomus Marketing, LLC.

NJ TRANSIT has launched its “Transit to Trails” initiative, an interactive and user-friendly web application that easily identifies great parks and green spaces in New Jersey that are accessible by public transportation.

Gourmet Cafe Italian Restaurant Celebrates 14 Years | 24

On Sunday, June 27 Chef Matthew Pierone celebrated the 14th Anniversary of the Gourmet Café Italian Restaurant.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.

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July 2021

Town Halls Return to Parsippany in August “A key part of our democracy is having a marketplace of ideas, and open forums where people with diverse viewpoints can be heard and treated with respect.”

-Mikie Sherrill Mayor Michael A. Soriano One of the most cherished and distinguishing aspects in American democracy is the ability for the public to not just have a say in government but to take an active role in it. The strength of our democracy rests on a representative government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It’s as true in Washington DC as it is right here in Parsippany.

This is precisely why I believe that our monthly Town Halls have been so important over these past three years. The Town Hall format can serve as a bridge between government officials, municipal operations, and the residents. Town Halls offer the community an opportunity to hear directly from public officials, while providing residents the platform to explore local topics deeper, offer alternative solutions, and even challenge the established thought process on a subject, offering a voice to those who might otherwise feel silenced or dismissed.

Sadly, the pandemic changed the accessibility of this critical forum. I’ve long held the belief that democracy is at its best when citizens let their voices be heard. COVID-19 changed that to a degree, and we lost some ability to be accountable, not only to our constituents, but to one another. It’s been far too long since I have met with the community, and it’s time we return to engaging face to face, and mind to mind.

Town Halls will return to Parsippany. Each month, township officials will assemble on a makeshift dais and discuss a wide range of topics impacting the township and our community at large. Residents will also have the opportunity to ask questions of civic leaders on subjects or issues that are concerning to them, their neighbors, their families, and their friends.

The first Town Hall will take place at the Police Athletic League building at 33 Baldwin Road.

I’ll be joined with officials from Engineering, Parks & Forestry, Finance, Police, Business Administration, the Mayor’s Action Center, and Construction and Zoning.

The format will focus on topics impacting residents in Lake Hiawatha, but everyone in Parsippany is welcome and encouraged to attend.

I hope you’ll join us for these important discussions, and I look forward to seeing you soon.

I’m proud to announce that starting in August, 6 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

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July 2021

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Up Thai Restaurant: Fresh, Strong, Diverse Flavors

By Patrick Minutillo

PARSIPPANY — Imagine, if you will, a meal that will stimulate all your taste sensations, consisting of substantial food that is distinct with its fresh, strong, diverse flavors, and is healthy, hearty, tasty, and robust? Sounds surprisingly good, doesn’t it? If that piques your interest, you might just want to plan a visit to Up Thai, located in a relatively small strip mall right on Tabor Road in (Parsippany) Morris Plains.

Thai food with its authentic balance of sweet, bitter, sour, creamy, spicy, and salty flavors, along with generous use of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices makes this cuisine something special, that will surely wake up your palate and provide a wonderful dining experience. In general, this cuisine which is associated with being hot and spicy can be easily modified to accommodate your personal heat level so you can still enjoy a wide variety of dishes. As for me, I love spicy, hot food.

Each dish, as is customary in Thai tradition, is

July 2021

carefully plated to be as visually attractive and enticing as possible. That along with all those aromatic herbs, spices, sauces, as well as many other exotic ingredients common to this cuisine is what I am talking about when I referred earlier to food to stimulate your senses.

Thai cuisine is essentially a marriage of centuries-old Eastern and Western influences harmoniously combined into something uniquely Thai. Going back to the 13th Century, Thailand’s complex cuisine was heavily influenced by many surrounding countries, including China (noodles and wok), India (spices and flavors), Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Burma, and Malaysia.

Today Thai cooking is considered one of the fastest-growing and most popular cuisines in the world.

Up Thai, which opened in June of 2019, is another one of those small storefront places, located on the

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 7

A Message From the Superintendent

Keeping the Learning Going

Dr. Barbara Sargent We are swiftly approaching the end to a pretty incredible school year. The Parsippany-Troy Hills Township School District prioritized the health and well-being of students and staff and worked to provide a consistent and sound instructional experience for children. We accomplished both successfully.

The district opened on time in September to a cohort model (Week A/Week B) of hybrid instruction, providing daily instruction to self-contained special education students.

Gradually, we offered in-person learning to more special populations, including English Language Learners, seniors at risk for graduating, and special education students.

We combined cohorts in March and April and offered in-person learning to any student who desired to be present in the school building, all the while maintaining a rich virtual experience for remote learners.

And, now, all schools are holding full-day sessions for the month of June. This will allow our students and staff to end the year with regular class times, lunch, and (for elementary students) in-person related arts classes and recess. I am proud of our staff and students for their creativity, pragmatism, and troubleshooting. We are ending the year on a positive and happy note – and are excited for September.

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The learning doesn’t end in June, however! Our Summer Stepstones Program, a free and optional academic enrichment program for Parsippany students entering Grades 1-5, will be offered again this year for students wishing to maintain their literacy and math skills over the summer. We’re offering a special virtual camp for our English Language Learners and will identify elementary students for small group instruction in reading and math.

Students entering Grades 6-9 can engage with mathematics teachers and receive valuable instruction in foundational skills that will be expected in the new school year.

The Wide World of Summer program will be offered in person and a new PLUS program will provide different enrichment opportunities in STEM and Cultural Arts.

Finally, let’s not forget our own amazing town libraries for fun and intellectual activities.

Visit https://parsippanylibrary.org/resources/ children/ and make plans for summer reading adventures.

Thanks to our hard-working teachers and students, the learning doesn’t end in June.

We’re excited for a slower pace, a chance to renew our spirits, and continued opportunities for scholarship. Have a terrific summer!

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July 2021

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Up Thai Restaurant: Fresh, Strong, Diverse Flavors

Up Thai Restaurant is located at 981 Tabor Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950. (973) 998-8536; www.upthainj.com

(Continued from Page 7)

side of a small strip mall off Tabor Road. It may have only 9 or 10 tables, but it certainly packs a punch. Cozy, comfortable, inviting, impeccably clean, and welcoming, it is a great place for a relaxing lunch or dinner. It is also great for takeout, which was obvious by the ongoing stream of customers coming in to pick up their orders throughout the entire time I was there. The interior, nicely lit by the large storefront window, is nicely decorated with warm, rustic-looking wood paneling covering the walls, tile floors, attractive Thai-related paintings adorning the walls, along with Asian-style lanterns overhanging the wooden tables which are placed along the walls. A good part of the interior is comprised of a customer counter outside the kitchen area to accommodate those outgoing orders.

affable hostess, Tanya Padilla, could not have been more accommodating, cordial, and helpful. Our waitress was equally pleasant and made sure to check on our table throughout the meal, in addition to keeping our water glasses topped off, which can come in handy as you dig into those no joke Thai chili dishes. Important note: they will prepare your dish to suit your heat level, even to the point there is no spicy heat at all, so do not worry about those stories you have heard about “make your head explode” spicy food. Personally, I always prefer to kick my food up a bit with a little extra heat, but that is just me.

I brought my sister-in-law along since she eats Thai cuisine two or three times a week and absolutely loves it. I wanted to get her insight as a Thai enthusiast. For appetizers We started with Steamed Chicken Dumplings, which were served with a garlic soy sauce; Satay, savory chicken marinated in

The service is attentive, friendly, and prompt. Our July 2021

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

Up Thai Restaurant: Fresh, Strong, Diverse Flavors (Continued from Page 9)

yellow curry powder and coconut milk, which came with a memorable homemade peanut sauce, as well as a cucumber vinaigrette dipping sauce; and Curry Puffs, fried puff pastry stuffed with minced chicken, potato, caramelized onion, carrot, and yellow curry, which was served with cucumber relish. Everything was savory, fresh, and delicious, plus as we were about to find out, Up Thai is very generous with its portion sizes. Quite frankly, these three appetizers were a fantastic meal in themselves.

The menu is enticing and extensive with one delicious choice after another. I was tempted by many of those choices, with plenty of meat, chicken, fish, and vegetable selections to choose from, but I decided to go with Thai’s most popular dish, their Authentic Old School Pad Thai. I understand there are numerous ways to make Pad Thai in Thailand, but it would be hard to beat Up Thai’s version of this delectable noodle dish.

Featuring stir-fried thin rice noodles, mixed with a tangy tamarind sauce, combined with egg, tofu, scallion, bean sprouts, and ground peanut, with my choice of beef (you can choose chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu). This was one rich and flavorful entree, not spicy, and a great introduction if you are new to Thai cuisine. Of course, you know I had to

Hostess Tanya Padilla and Patrick Minutillo

try a variety of dishes, so I also ordered Drunken Noodles; stir-fried flat noodles, with chicken, shrimp, egg, fresh chili, garlic, onion, carrot, pepper, tomato, and Thai basil.

This is listed as a spicy dish, and I requested it medium hot as I was not familiar with the heat level at Up Thai. The dish did possess a nice palatable kick and had a reasonable heat level to it (as I said I do like spicy food) and would in all probability suit most diners who prefer that bit of heat.

Again, the dish was delicious, satisfying, and filling. We also split the Spicy Chili Shrimp; crispy large-sized fried shrimp topped with chili sauce, garlic, lemongrass, onion, pepper, tamarind juice, and Thai basil. The shrimp were crisp, juicy, and blended harmoniously with the tangy spicy chili sauce to create a taste sensation. It came with a side of Jasmine rice, which served as a great compliment to the spiciness of the dish. This was one of those “eyes bigger than your stomach” situations, (Continued on Page 13)

Curry Puffs July 2021

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July 2021

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Up Thai Restaurant: Fresh, Strong, Diverse Flavors

Drunked Noodle (Continued from Page 11)

but everything was so tasty you did not want to stop. By the way, did I mention that Up Thai is a BYOB restaurant? I brought along some cold Yanjing beer, which turned out to be a good call.

done, but I had to try Up Thai’s desserts. We split the Black Sticky Rice with Fresh Mangos and their Banana Nutella Cake. Fresh, new, decadent tastes I have not had before, but I would not hesitate to order either one of them again. Not too sweet and just the right ending to a very flavorful meal.

By now, a reasonable person would have been July 2021

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

Up Thai Restaurant: Fresh, Strong, Diverse Flavors (Continued from Page 13)

If you are new to Thai food, Up Thai I would highly recommend this restaurant if you were looking for something different, a bit exotic, and something very affordable.

Up Thai Restaurant is located at 981 Tabor Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950. (973) 998-8536; www. upthainj.com.

If you are already a fan of Thai food, I feel confident you will be adding Up Thai is one of your go-to places. So, hop on board for an exciting gastronomical adventure, and if you have not done so yet, give Thai a try. I really think you will become a fan.

I almost forgot, my Thai loving sister-in-law thought it was fantastic. Two thumbs up!!

Aroy mak, khop khun khap!

Health & Safety Measures: BYOB, Delivery, Curbside Pickup, Takeout, Inside Dining, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Off-Street Parking Lot. Closed Monday.

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Dumplings

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July 2021

July 2021

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FEATURE EVENTS

Catherine McCall Keeps in Touch with Those Gone Before Us Catherine McCall remembers, when she was a child, her aunt had bought a new house, and she slept over in her cousin’s bedroom.

Both fell asleep, but McCall woke up and saw a man standing in the corner of the room. Both engaged in an all-night-long staring contest. The next morning, when she went downstairs for breakfast and told her aunt about the encounter, her uncle walked in and said he had been talking with his new neighbor about the prior owner, and the description matched the gentleman in the room with McCall. The man had recently passed away. “I never forgot that,” she says. “That was my first real knowledge that I was seeing a legitimate person. He was attached to that house that they lived in. He didn’t do anything; he just stood in the corner and stared at me all night.”

It also was her first real knowledge of possibly being a Psychic Medium, although she didn’t know it at the time. McCall was born and raised in Dover, and she has an office there. She has been a professional Medium since 2007 and explains the realm.

“Mediumship is communicating with the spirit world, and the spirit world is heaven, and when our loved ones pass over, they use people like myself to communicate with their loved ones that they’ve left behind.

The information comes through our senses, so we hear, we feel, we smell, we face empathy. All of our senses are in use, and we call them our ‘clairs.’ So, with clairvoyance, clairsentience, and claircognizance – this is all coming through our senses. I use all of them, but I use clairvoyance with the seeing, clairaudience – which is hearing, and the feeling which is clairsentience.” McCall, 52, finally got used to the spirit world when she started reading for the public. “I didn’t really understand much about mediumship, and I started to discover it and really started to look into it when I was in my mid-30s.” The experience that changed her life forever occurred when she was age 37 and enduring a challenging period in her life. She was in the shower when she heard a female voice that said, “You need to snap out of it. You need to get yourself together, and get your head and your life together because you’re going to change.” “I remember looking around and thinking, ‘Who’s talking to me?’ I heard it; it was so clear.” She exited the 16 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

Catherine McCall

shower and prepared to go out for the evening, but the voice kept talking to her, and she kept asking, “Who is this?” Finally, at day’s end and late at night, the voice was still speaking to her and she asked who it was one final time. “And the voice said, ‘This is your grandmother, your mother’s mother, Henrietta.’ She passed when I was a year old, and she said, ‘The depression is going to leave you, you need to get yourself together, you need to stop feeling sorry for yourself because you’re going to take care of and help lots of people in your life.

McCall says. “It saved my life. It brought me to a place to understand that my life is here because I’m supposed to help other people with their life. I give everything I am to this because this saved me, and I have to do as much as I can for others because I’m grateful for what has been done for me and my family, and my life.” She’s paying it forward.

“Absolutely, every single day,” she says definitively.

Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany will present Catherine McCall on Thursday, July 15 at the Parsippany PAL, 33 Baldwin Road. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. and Catherine starts at 6:30 p.m. For tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-with-catherine-mccall-tickets-158639130911 www.parsippanyfocus.news

July 2021

SCHOOL NEWS

Kiersten Koch Graduates from Morris County School of Technology Congratulations to Kiersten Koch who will be graduating from the Morris County School of Technology as a member of the Sports Medicine Academy.

Kiersten will be pursing a major in Public Health at Rutgers University where she was invited to become a member of their Honors College.

During her time at Tech, Kier was a member of the basketball team as well as NHS, NTHS, and Red Cross.

She also played Field Hockey and Lacrosse for her home town of Parsippany. Job well done Kiersten!

Juice Up Your Morning Back In Person Networking is the cornerstone of business. There is nothing more effective than building meaningful business connections in a face-to-face environment. Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce offers many valuable networking opportunities through our Juice Up Your Morning Networking Event. It’s 100% Networking.

Bring plenty of business cards.

Tuesday July 27 8:30 a.m.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

90 East Halsey Road, Suite 322 Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (973) 402-6400 www.parsippanychamber.org/Events July 2021

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Volunteers: Operation

Volunteers Dover Police Officer and Kiwanis Member Ilmi Bojkovic, Tyler Brookes, Chris Sorrentino, Kylie Mastropolo, Austyn Brookes, Byrce Brookes, and Dylan Brookes distributing the food to residents at Birchwood Elementary School

MORRIS COUNTY — On Saturday, June 26 at Birchwood Elementary School, 1 Art Street, Rockaway, Kiwanis Club of Rockaway Valley, along with other surroundings Kiwanis clubs, carried out Operation: Feeding Morris County.

With the help of surrounding Kiwanis clubs, over 75 volunteers, multiple sponsors, and many more, they were able to distribute over 20,000 pounds of food to over 500 families in need.

volunteers, including Kiwanis Member and Dover Police Officer Ilmi Bojkovic. People who donated their time to help the people who need it most throughout their communities. The day started at 5:30 a.m., volunteers showed up at St. Therese parking lot, in Succasunna, as early as 6:00 a.m. Volunteers helped assemble boxes, organize food as it came off the 18-wheeler, fill boxes with food, load the transport truck to take food boxes to other pick-up locations, load cars

Kiwanis Club of Rockaway Valley, a new Kiwanis Club being formed to serve Rockaway Township, Rockaway Borough, Wharton, and Dover, is sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Roxbury.

Local Kiwanis clubs included Kiwanis Club of Greater Roxbury, Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany, Tri-Town Kiwanis Club, and Kiwanis Club of South Orange/Maplewood. With the help of these clubs, the towns that we’re able to hold food pick-up locations included Roxbury, Rockaway, South Orange, and Maplewood.

Scattered throughout all locations were over 75

Pallets of food lined up so the volunteers can start disbursing into individual boxes to be given out

Feeding Morris County

Boxes of food ready for area residents to pick up. The food was purchased by local Kiwanis Clubs.

with food that were in line, clean up, and so much more.

seat of their car, puts the box of food in, closes the door, and drives off.

“I want to personally thank all the amazing volunteers that took time out of their busy schedules to come to help us. They are what made the event be able to run as smoothly as it did, and they truly make the event come to life,” said Valerie Kuglin, a local Rockaway resident and a new member of the Kiwanis Club of Rockaway Valley.

“We want people to feel as comfortable as possible. We want them to know that Kiwanis is here to help,” said Ilmi Bojkovic, who spent his day volunteering. “The economic damage brought 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.” Cahill says, “So long as there’s a need, we will continue to do the food distributions every month.”

“Many people may feel like they need to humble themselves because they are asking for help, so we try to alleviate any feelings like that they might have.” Frank Cahill, Lt. Governor Division 9, New Jersey Kiwanis. To date, Kiwanis Club has distributed over 169,000 pounds of food to over 4,200 families with a retail value of over $425,000.

While we ask for families to register online, this is only for a rough estimate of how much food we need to purchase. The only person who can see that list is the club president. On the day of the distributions, families simply pull up, say if they are registered or not, then a volunteer opens either the trunk or back

Bojkovic is one of the many volunteers who helped during the past few months. Senator Anthony Bucco, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon, Surrogate Heather Darling as well as other police officers, firemen, EMS workers participated in one of our locations. This is definitely a community project.

If you are interested in joining the Kiwanis Club contact Frank Cahill at (862) 346-5100 for additional information.

PET ADOPTIONS

12-Year Old Chihuahua Mix Needs Adoption Children are ok but above the age of 16.

Neemoe would do best with dogs who share his low energy temperament. He will happily co-exist with them. Neemoe also likes cats. He is house trained.

Neemoe is the love bug you need! He loves to cuddle and receive pets! His small size makes him the perfect lap dog! He is a couch potato and perfectly content spending the whole day laying next to you. He will let you carry him wherever you go. He is easy to please and very well behaved! His tail never stops wagging when he goes on his short walks outside.

Neemoe, Chihuahua mix, 12 years old, weighs six pounds is looking for his forever home.

Neemoe was rescued from an overcrowded shelter in NYC. He is now ready for a fresh start! Will you be the Dory to his Neemoe?

Neemoe will need an owner who can accommodate his current and future medical needs. A quiet home would let this sweet gentleman spend his days in relaxation.

If you are interested in adopting Neemoe visit www. wiseanimalrescue.org/adoption-application

Neemoe has trouble walking with his weak back legs but manages to get around. WISE is going to fit Neemoe for a wheelchair which will ease his trouble!

Follow Us on Instagram: https://www.instagram. com/wiseanimalrescue Like Us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ wiseanimalrescue/

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July 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

“Transit to Trails” App Offers Public Transportation Options to Parks NJ TRANSIT has launched its “Transit to Trails” initiative, an interactive and user-friendly web application that easily identifies great parks and green spaces in New Jersey that are accessible by public transportation.

The “Transit to Trails” website, found at njtransit. com/trails, has links to NJ TRANSIT service details and park information for 62 national, state and county parks throughout New Jersey. Results will feature bus, rail and light rail options within two miles of the desired park throughout all 21 New Jersey counties.

“Continuing our commitment to leveraging technology to improve the customer experience, our “Transit to Trails” initiative links all NJ TRANSIT services to one of our state’s greatest resources: our unparalleled parks and trails,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kevin S. Corbett. “It also supports our recently launched “While You’ve Been Away” public information campaign, giving our customers yet another reason to return to public transit. What could be better as we emerge from the pandemic than using NJ TRANSIT as an equitable, convenient and cost-effective option to access the great out-

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While using NJ TRANSIT’s “Transit to Trails” map, users will be able to search for their prospective destinations by park name or view a virtual map of the state with different park locations. Each destination has clickable access points comprised of park entranceways, parking lots or meeting areas.

Service options for each of these individual areas, managing agency information and directions will be accessible from a pop up that appears at each access point.

The ease and convenience of being able to efficiently plan for leisurely visits to outdoor recreation and community destinations encourages residents and visitors to utilize available public transportation as opposed to their personal vehicles when planning a trip. NJ TRANSIT’s “Transit to Trails” application planning tool will help decrease road congestion, help the environment and ensure equitable access to New Jersey’s parks for those who depend on public transportation for all their travel needs.

“This user-friendly app gives people information on how to use NJ TRANSIT to visit the Garden State’s many beautiful parks and outdoor recreation areas simply and easily,” NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Chair Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said.

For more information on NJ TRANSIT to TRAILS please visit njtransit.com/trails.

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 21

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 23

CELEBRATIONS

Gourmet Cafe Italian Restaurant Celebrates 14 Years

By Patrick Minutillo

On Sunday, June 27 Chef Matthew Pierone celebrated the 14th Anniversary of the Gourmet Café Italian Restaurant. The Gourmet Café, located on Baldwin Road, has become one of the most popular go-to Italian restaurants in Parsippany, not only because of Chef Matt’s creative and innovative, and mouth-watering dishes, but because of the above and beyond sincere hospitality, warmth, and attentiveness of the staff, and of course Chef Matt. One visit to this cozy, comfortable, and classy restaurant, and most likely you will instantly feel at home and anxious to return.

As a way of saying “thank you” and express his gratitude to all his loyal and supportive customers and friends who offered their continued support and encouragement throughout this past year, the Chef hosted an Anniversary open house/cocktail party on Sunday, June 27, where assorted complimentary Hors D ’Oeuvres were served (Zucchini Roll-Ups, Eggplant Caponata, Bruschetta, Asiago Cheese and Olives, and for a sweet and decadent ending, Tiramisu) and, of course, a variety of vino was on hand to compliment the tasty treats.

24 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

It was a nice function, and in addition to those who attended, hundreds more sent their regards and congratulations through texts, emails, and social (Continued on Page 26)

Matt Pierone and Patrick Minutillo

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July 2021

RECIPES

Soft Shell Crabs Francaise

Soft Shell Crabs Francaise With Organic Grape Tomatoes & Capellini Pasta (feeds 4)

8 Prime Soft-Shell Crabs 1 cup Wondra Flour 6 eggs, whipped (Grated Cheese optional) 1 pint organic grape tomatoes 1lb Capellini pasta 1 /2 cup white wine 1 cup vegetable stock 1 lemon, juiced 2 T butter 1 T chopped fresh parsley Salt and Pepper to taste

over finished crabs. Toss the pasta in sauce and divide into 4 bowls. Remove crabs from pan, and place on top of pasta. Return remainder of sauce to a simmer and pour on top of the crabs.

Sauté tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil for 1 minute and use as garnish.

Chef Matthew Pierone, Gourmet Café Restaurant 136 Baldwin Road Parsippany, New Jersey 973-316-0088 gourmetcafenj@comcast.net

Pat crabs dry with paper towels. One at a time, flour, shake off excess, and sear in a sauté pan.

Remove from pan and place on a sheet pan. Add half the vegetable stock to keep moist. Bake in oven for 8 minutes. Remove excess oil from pan and deglaze with wine, add butter and whisk, then add rest of stock. Cook pasta, retain some of the pasta water to use in sauce. Add the water and reduce sauce, then add parsley, salt and pepper. Reserve 1/3 of the sauce to spoon July 2021

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l25

CELEBRATIONS

Gourmet Cafe Italian Restaurant Celebrates 14 Years

Frank and Kelly Robertazi, Delores dePierro, Council President Michael dePierro, Chef Matt Pierone andMike and Nancy Eger celebrate Gourmet Cafe’s Anniversary (Continued from Page 24)

media. Chef Pierone stated, “I must thank all my wonderful customers for all the support, especially grateful for all of you who got us through this past year with your takeout and gift purchases. I always believed we would survive the pandemic and come out of it even stronger! With renewed appreciation and determination to continue to improve, we look forward to the coming years.” The chef went on to give a special shout-out to his staff of Armando, Cristina, and Cesar who stuck with him and who worked practically every day throughout the pandemic.

local charities. Chef Matt and the Gourmet Café have truly proven to be an asset to the Township of Parsippany.

Congratulations to Chef Matt and the Gourmet Café for 14 outstanding years. Hope to see you on your 28th Anniversary!

It should be noted that despite the hardships he had to endure for the past year, as did all small businesses, Chef Matt continued his support for others through his ongoing generosity supporting several 26 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

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July 2021

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 27

SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS

Kayla Christofferson Graduated During Spring 2021 Commencement Coastal Carolina University recognized nearly 1,200 students during its in-person Spring 2021 commencement ceremonies, held Friday, May 7, and Saturday, May 8, in Brooks Stadium. Among the graduates were: Kayla Christofferson is part of the Parippany Hills High School Class of 2017.

Coastal Carolina University is a dynamic, public comprehensive liberal arts institution located in Conway, located just minutes from the resort area of Myrtle Beach, S.C. CCU offers baccalaureate degrees in 95 major fields of study. Among the University’s graduate-level programs are 27 master’s degrees, two educational specialist degrees, and the doctorates in education and in marine science: coastal and marine systems science.

CCU boasts a growing array of internship, research and international opportunities for students, as well as numerous online programs

through Coastal Online.

More than 10,000 students from across the country and around the world interact with a world-class faculty, and enjoy a nationally competitive NCAA I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction that is fueled by more than 180 student clubs and organizations.

Engaged? Married?

New Arrival?

Graduating?

Focus wants to put your special event in the spotlight. news@parsippanyfocus.com

Parth Bhagat

28 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

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July 2021

COMMUNITY NEWS

The 200 Club Welcomes 45 New Members The 200 Club of Morris County announced that it welcomed 45 new members at a recent recruitment event at Jersey Girl Brewing in Mount Olive.

officers, firefighters and EMS personnel that sacrifice themselves for us.”

The nonprofit continues to support local and state police, fire, and EMS personnel who protect the families in Morris County. Since 1971, The 200 Club has given more than $5 million to first responder families, either in the form of death benefits and dependent awards when a first responder dies in the line of duty, as well as college scholarships to high school seniors of Morris County first responders, or seniors who are Morris County first responders themselves.

The recruitment event included a tour of the 10,000-square-foot brewery where all members enjoyed specialty craft beers generously provided

by Jersey Girl Brewing owner Chuck Aaron, who is also a board member of The 200 Club, along with abundant appetizers and light fare, courtesy of Enzo’s Ristorante & Pizzeria of Mt. Olive. As an event-planning destination, Jersey Girl Brewing Co. provided the perfect venue for the evening’s event, boasting a sample room with high-top tables and an outdoor beer garden.

“Our members help us keep our promise to the first responders who protect and care for our families,” said Jim Rizzo, who is the president of The 200 Club of Morris County. “We will continue to grow our community so we can give back to all the police

Rizzo thanked the well-deserved efforts of Vice President Rob D’Emidio, Membership Committee Chair V.P. Joe Jannarone, Chairman of the Board Bill Lockwood, board and club members and supporters for a successful event.

July 2021

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 29

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Sponsored by Parsippany Area Chamber of Commerce and Parsippany Area Visitor Center. You are invited to participate in our community wide celebration of food to showcase culinary specialties in the Parsippany Area.

Monday, October 4, 2021 - 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Hilton Hotel, One Hilton Court, Parsippany

For more information call (973) 402-6400. To purchase tickets or reserve a table www.tasteofparsippany.com or email members@parsippanychamber.org July 2021

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 31

You're invited on a

BAT WALK Explore the secret nightlife of NJ bats!

July 16, 2021 @ 7:30pm (rain date: July 17) 250 Troy Meadow Rd. Parsippany, NJ

This event supported by:

Participants should expect about 1 mile of walking. Limited transport by 4WD is available with advance request.

Space is limited to first 40 respondents.

RSVP: AJAShotwell@gmail.com Learn more: lisajplevin@gmail.com

32 l Parsippany Focus Magazine

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July 2021

WHAT IF YOU’RE THE ONE? If you’re holding this magazine in your hands right now, you ARE the one.

You’re the one who knows the importance of a strong education. You value your environment.

You hold doors for people and offer a smile when someone holds one for you. You know people deserve to be happy, healthy and safe. We know how you feel because we feel that way too.

And we know you’re the one.

You’re the one who can change the world. Right now. Right this moment. How do we know?

Because we know that everyone has that power within them. Really. You do. One simple act of kindness toward another changes the world. Can you imagine the power you’d have if you joined forces with others who are also the one?

You are the one. It’s you. This is an amazing world. Let’s continue to make it better by helping children and families live their greatest lives.

Join Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany at Empire Diner, 1315 Route 46 East, Parsippany on Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. to learn how you can change the world. For more information visit www.parsippanykiwanis.org.

Visit www.parsippanykiwanis.org for meeting details

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Parsippany Focus Magazine l 35

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