Parsippany Focus Magazine - June 2023

Serving 56,162 Households of Parsippany-Troy Hills

June 2023

Publisher Frank L. Cahill

Photographer

Nicolas Limanov

Contributing Writers

Patrick Minutillo

Stephen Pellegrino

Christine Mercado

Sharon Maroldi

Distribution Manager

Luis A. Matos

Design and Layout

Zoomus Marketing, LLC

90 East Halsey Road, Suite 304

Parsippany, New Jersey 07054 (973) 559-6000

MEMBER OF

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COVER STORY

Parsippany-Troy Hills Township Council consists of five elected at-large council members, and currently, three seats are up for election. The council indeed plays a crucial role in representing the interests of the residents and making decisions that impact the well-being of the community.

As a current council member, Paul Carifi, Jr.’s experience and familiarity with the local governance process can be valuable in effectively carrying out the responsibilities of the council. Teaming up with Adam Kandil and Matt McGrath, longtime residents, focus on community involvement and a desire to understand the needs of the township’s residents.

Longtime residents bring a deep knowledge of the community’s history, challenges, and aspirations, which can contribute to decision-making processes that align with the interests of the residents.

6 Message from Mayor James Barberio

“Life doesn’t come with an instruction book – that’s why we have fathers,” author H. Jackson Browne simply stated.

8 National Honor Society Inductions

Dr. Barbara Sargent eagerly welcomes the arrival of springtime in schools, as it heralds the magnificent season of acknowledging students’ academic achievements through their induction into the esteemed National Honor Society.

10 Reform Congregation Opens New Sanctuary

Temple Beth Am, meeting on Zoom and in a temporary location for two years, has found a new permanent home. The congregation celebrated the opening of their new sanctuary, which is located within the premises of Adath Shalom in Morris Plains.

12 A & J Bistro: A Brief Visit to Tasty Taiwan

A good sign of an exceptional ethnic restaurant, which I always look for, is if the clientele is primarily individuals associated with that cuisine’s ethnicity. In the case of A& J., on entering, I observed that the tables were filled with people of Asian descent and speaking either Mandarin Chinese or one of the other sixteen or so languages indigenous to Taiwan.

Touch-A-Truck Returns on June 17

16

About Parsippany Focus

Parsippany Focus was founded on October 1, 1989 by Publisher Frank Cahill. Parsippany Focus is the only dedicated news source, publishing local news and information for over thirty-three years exclusively for Parsippany-Troy Hills.

Parsippany Focus Magazine is published monthly by Zoomus Marketing, LLC, 90 East Halsey Road, Suite 304, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054

(c) 2023 Zoomus Marketing,

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is set to hold its annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, June 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Liquid Church, located at 299 Webro Road, Parsippany. Admission is $5.00 per person or $20.00 per family, with over 1,100 children having attended in 2019.

18 Passage of Time

Parsippany Focus Magazine features “The Passage of Time” highlighting a “then and now” photographic series. This curated series is managed by Parsippany resident and contributing editor Stephen Pellegrino. Readers are invited to send in their own photos for potential consideration by Mr. Pellegrino. Submissions can be emailed to news@parsippanyfocus.com.

30 2023 Annual Memorial Day Observance

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners recognizes resident Veterans by presenting them with the Distinguished Military Service Medal. These medals are unique to Morris County, although copied in many ways, and were first issued in 1999 to honor WWII veterans on the 55th Anniversary of the 1944 D-Day invasion and the liberation of France from Nazi occupation.

ShopRite Holds Grand Reopening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony After Renovations

The local family-owned grocery store, ShopRite, recently completed a large-scale renovation of its Parsippany store on Route 46, celebrated with an official reopening ceremony. Customers can enjoy the new interior decor, an expanded produce section, a completely remodeled store, and a range of new services and amenities.

“Congratulations to Dara Sblendorio and the ShopRite family. You have been a fixture of Parsippany for many years and have given back so much to the community,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.

“Congratulations to Dara Sblendorio and the ShopRite family. You have been a fixture of Parsippany for many years and have given back so much to the community,” said Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barberio.

To celebrate the grand reopening,

ShopRite organized a series of special store tastings and Sunrise Kitchens product tastings.

Sunrise ShopRite, a familyowned business run by the Gladstein family, who have been in the grocery business for four generations, recently completed a large-scale renovation of its ShopRite store on Route 46 in Parsippany.

The family joined the Wakefern cooperative in 1951 and opened ShopRite stores. Ned Gladstein was named president in 1982 and serves as an advisor and chief financial officer.

His daughter, Dara Sblendorio, was elected president in 2017, and her husband, Frank, manages the ShopRite of Parsippany.

Customers will find new interior decor, an expanded produce section, a new Wines and Spirits entrance, and an expanded Sunrise Kitchens section offering more store-made entrees, sides, and ready-to-eat, ready-to-heat, and

ready-to-cook items.

The store, located at 808 Route 46 in the Arlington Plaza, is open daily from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Sunrise ShopRite operates another location at 540 Passaic Avenue in West Caldwell.

The West Caldwell location offers a range of high-quality products and services, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, bakery items, and prepared foods.

With its convenient location and diverse product offerings, the West Caldwell ShopRite is a popular shopping destination for customers in the area.

ShopRite

808 Route 46 Parsippany

Open daily from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.

Mayor James Barberio of Parsippany-Troy Hills cuts the ribbon at the re-grand opening celebration.

Dara Sblendorio and Ned Gladstein, owners of ShopRite, were presented with a plaque by Frank Cahill, Parsippany-Troy Hills Economic Development Chairman, in recognition of the store’s re-grand opening. The plaque also expressed gratitude for ShopRite’s contributions to local organizations.

“Life doesn’t come with an instruction book – that’s why we have fathers,” author H. Jackson Browne simply stated.

The plainly expressed sentiment speaks volumes about the influence our fathers have on us. Our first Superhero is surely our dad because no one can measure up to his stature or his strength. Larger than life, our fathers have always been our protectors and the person we most looked up to on how to deal with the trials and tribulations of life. Even when times were hard we always had faith that our dads would know what to do and that everything would be all right. The weight of the world are the barbells fathers carry on their shoulders every day, but you would never know it. To us, as children, our dad was Batman, Superman and Spiderman all combined into one amazing person. We recognize our fathers this month

Message from Mayor Barberio

and thank them for providing guidance as we navigated the sea of growing up; and we know that no matter how old we are or how big we grow we will never be able to fill their shoes.

While on the subject of expressing thanks to our fathers, there is another group of men, our Founding Fathers, that showed a fearless front in their determination to form a great nation. We can extend our thanks to them for the privilege of being able to cast a vote in an election and having a say to who we choose to represent us. June is the month when the primary elections take place. It goes without saying how important your vote is and to make sure your voice is heard by voting for your candidate choice. You may not feel that your vote will make a difference but that is not

the case. Every vote matters, especially in elections that have close races. Your right to vote isn’t to be taken lightly; many people in countries that do not have the freedom to vote would tell you what an honor it would be to do so. So please, make sure you vote this election. Whether you vote early, via mail-in ballot or in person, your vote counts.

Lastly, I would like to mention that as the warmer weather approaches we will be offering opportunities to once again get out and join neighbors and the community in fun activities. Our summer concert series will be making a comeback once again, so please keep an eye out for more information regarding the bands, dates and times. Additionally, we will be opening a Farmers Market at Veteran’s Park every Friday, starting June 9th to October 27th. As an extra feature to the market, local bands will be playing on certain dates. This promises to be a great social occasion as well as an opportunity to browse fresh produce and other goods. And as always, our Fourth of July fireworks display will be the bang to kick us off into summer. I look forward to seeing you all at these events and enjoying all that we offer to make sure your summer is the best!

James R. Barberio

Mayor James R. Barberio

Dr. Barbara Sargent

Springtime is that glorious time of year in schools when students are recognized for academic excellence through induction into the National Honor Society. Each year, between 40-50% of Parsippany’s eligible high schoolers qualify to apply to their school’s chapter of NHS. In addition to having a highgrade point average, students must also accumulate 100 service hours and present recommendations from faculty and community leaders affirming their strong character, positive leadership, and ethical conduct. To be inducted into the National Honor Society is an incredible privilege and celebrates students’ scholarship, service, leadership, and character.

In addition to the National Honor Society inductions taking place this month, other Honor Societies provide students an additional opportunity to

Message from

be recognized. The National STEM Honor Society recognizes student excellence in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Earlier this month, we celebrated students from Parsippany Hills High School and Parsippany High School as they were inducted into the National STEM Honor Society. These accomplished students are headed to Rutgers, Rowan, NJIT, Steven’s Institute, Purdue, and Virginia Tech to further their studies in STEM fields.

The World Language Honor Society inductions were held last month for students excelling in French, Spanish, and Italian studies. Requirements for the World Language Honor Society includes maintaining a B+ or higher average in a French, Spanish, or Italian Honors course, having a GPA equivalent to a B or higher, and being enrolled in the language for the following school year.

Students must also receive a teacher recommendation. Honor Society inductees receive a special cord to be worn at graduation. We also recognize students who earned the Seal of Biliteracy. The New Jersey Seal of Biliteracy is an honor awarded to students who demonstrate a high level of proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English. The Seal of Biliteracy includes a certificate prepared by the New Jersey Department of Education, a notation on the student’s transcript, and recognition at graduation. This seal provides evidence of linguistic stills that are attractive to future employers and college admission officers.

The district also recognizes students’ scholastic achievement through the English Honor Society (PHHS only) and the National Art Honor Society (PHHS and PHS). It is a testament to our strong teaching faculty and our studious and hard-working students that these incredible opportunities exist for students to be recognized and celebrated.

Congratulations to our students and teachers for their outstanding accomplishments!

Dr. Barbara Sargent

Reform Congregation Opens New Sanctuary in Conservative Synagogue

Temple Beth Am, meeting on Zoom and in a temporary location for two years, has found a new permanent home. The congregation celebrated the opening of their new sanctuary, which is located within the premises of Adath Shalom in Morris Plains. Previously, Temple Beth Am was located on South Beverwyck Road.

Despite being forced to sell their building, the members of Temple Beth Am were determined to preserve their identity and voted to find a new home. With the Covid-19 pandemic preventing in-person gatherings, they continued to hold services and Torah study on Zoom while searching for a new space. Eventually, they signed a lease with Adath Shalom and began constructing a beautiful new sanctuary within the Adath Shalom building.

On Friday, May 5 ParsippanyTroy Hills Mayor James Barberio cut the ribbon as the congregation escorted their Torahs into their new home. A joyous family Shabbat service included the Temple Beth Am choir and special Oneg.

The celebration continued on Saturday morning, May 6, with Torah Study led by Rabbi Matthew Reimer and a complimentary breakfast. Saturday evening offered an evening of fun, food, and entertainment. Dinner was served, and a comedy show followed with comedian Johnny Lampert (www.johnnylampert. com). The cost was $36.00 per person.

To enjoy a Temple Beth Am tour, don’t hesitate to contact the Temple office at office @ tbaparsippany.org. They will gladly give you a tour of their new Sanctuary and Religious School classrooms.

The celebratory weekend concluded with a free breakfast on Sunday morning as they completed another successful Religious School year.

Torah Tot Time is our monthly interactive program for children aged 18 months-6 years and their parents and/ or grandparents. This is a high energy, fun, kid friendly program open to all including those not enrolled at Temple Beth Am. Please check Upcoming Events at TBA as dates may vary from month to month.

Temple Beth Am is located at 841 Mountain Way, Morris Plains, Shabbat Services are held Fridays at 7:30 p.m., except the first Friday of each month when services start at 7:00 p.m.

Temple Beth Am’s new home was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by 1st Vice President Pat Greenberg, Parsippany-Troy Hills Mayor James Barbeiro, and Rabbi Matthew Reimer.

Members of the congregation carry the Torah.

Vrajdham Temple Holds Its 3rd Annual Parsippany Rath Yatra

By Keshav Khandelwal

Rath Yatra, or the festival of chariots, was held on Saturday, May 13.

The festival was put together with the partnership of Vrajdham Temple and ISKCON of Parsippany to create an event that would live in the memories of all who witnessed it.

Rath Yatra is a journey where Lord Jagannath and His siblings, a form of the popular Hindu deity Krishna, sit in a chariot and travel from one temple to another. The Rath Yatra had first been celebratedin Puri, a town in India that has been a beautiful tradition carried on for hundreds of years, and now a town in America blessed with an amazing community and the opportunity to do so.

Attendances were Mayor James R. Barberio and other community leaders. It was a beautiful and colorful event, with people from all over New Jersey and the tri-state area coming together to view the Deity and pull His chariot. Vraj and ISKCON devotees pulled the

chariot to the sound of kirtan, the recitation of the holy name of Krishna, and booming cheers from the devotees as they paraded Lord Krishna through His town.

The festival culminated in a cultural program at ISKCON’s new Parsippany temple! Have a glimpse of the festival through photos in the

article!

All of Parsippany is welcome as Krishna and His Rath (chariot) arrive once more next year for everyone to see and enjoy!

Vrajdham Temple is located at 120 Littleton Road.

ArjunLalJi, Rashesh GandhiJi and Naman Gandharva along with temple leaders

Founder Guru of Vrajdham is seated on the chariot.

“ Whatever good things we build end up building us ”

A & J Bistro: A Brief Visit to Tasty Taiwan

As a restaurant reviewer, one of the joys I experience is stumbling upon hidden gems in our local area. A fellow food enthusiast recently suggested a remarkable yet often overlooked establishment, leading my friends and me to discover A & J Bistro. Nestled inconspicuously on Route 10 West in East Hanover, this delightful Taiwanese eatery proved elusive to locate initially. However, tucked away at the rear of the Castle Ridge Plaza shopping mall, adjacent to Best Buy and amidst the bustling Route 10, we were fortunate enough to stumble upon one of Morris County’s finest Taiwanese restaurants.

By Patrick Minutillo

Look for the cream-colored frontage with the restaurant’s name in large, bold, blue lettering. I don’t believe you will find anything more culturally authentic or delicious than A&J, even in Flushing, N.Y.

A good sign of an exceptional ethnic restaurant, which I always look for, is if the clientele is primarily individuals associated with that cuisine’s ethnicity. In the case of A& J., on entering, I observed that the tables were filled with people of Asian descent and speaking either Mandarin Chinese or one of the other

sixteen or so languages indigenous to Taiwan. Another positive sign was that the entire restaurant staff speaks Chinese, with just enough English to avoid confusion and make your visit enjoyable. The Chinese language menu (with plenty of pictures) also adds to that authenticity. Don’t worry about any lack of familiarity with the menu. The wait staff are very friendly and personable and seemed to enjoy helping us with all our questions regarding our choices. We had a lot of fun bantering with our server, Ben, over our selections of appetizers and entrees from the highly interesting menu.

A&J is a family-owned and independently operated business started ten years ago by owner Josephine Lin. Ms. Lin was kind enough to visit us at our table and provide some background on the business. Arriving in the U.S. in 1997 from Taiwan and having some background in the restaurant business, Ms. Lin decided to open A&J Bistro; when I asked why A&J Bistro, Ms. Lin explained that her father-in-law, Duen Min, owned a restaurant in Taipei, Taiwan named A&J Restaurant and that she wanted to keep on the tradition.

The interior is appropriately lowkey, as is common in authentic Asian restaurants. Who needs that corporate or chain restaurant look? Approximately 18 wooden tables are comfortably situated around the room, separated by a bamboo-style divider. It is Immaculately clean and organized, with soft relaxing colors, appealing wall artwork, and nice ambient lighting creating a warm and welcoming ambiance. Of course, there are the expected Buddhist shrines and various Asian artifacts at the forefront of the restaurant. Cozy, comfortable, welcoming, and relaxing would be a fair

Continued on Page 20

Pat Minutillo, Owner Josephine Lin, and her daughter.

Touch-A-Truck Returns on June 17

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany is set to hold its annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, June 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Liquid Church, located at 299 Webro Road, Parsippany. Admission is $5.00 per person or $20.00 per family, with over 1,100 children having attended in 2019.

The event promises children of all ages a chance to get up close and personal with a variety of vehicles and engage with community support leaders, such as police officers, firefighters, first aid squad volunteers, sanitation workers,

and more. Each child will receive a drawstring bag filled with surprises and coupons.

This event not only offers a fun day out for families but also supports the major initiatives of Kiwanis International, a global organization of volunteers committed to improving the world, one child and community at a time. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany sponsors and supports numerous community causes.

The Kiwanis Club is seeking additional vendors

and sponsors to take part in the event. For more information, contact Touch-a-Truck Chairman Nicolas Limanov at Ndlimanov13@gmail.com or (917) 499-7299. Interested in sponsorships? Please contact Frank Cahill at (862) 213-2200.

Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad Hosted Pancake Fundraiser

The Parsippany Volunteer Ambulance Junior Squad hosted a pancake breakfast fundraiser at Applebee’s, 1057 Rouete 46, on Saturday, May 20. The breakfast consists of Coffee, Tea, Milk or Juice, Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, and Sausage.

The junior squad is for individuals that aren’t 18 years of age yet. PVAS maintains a Junior Squad for anyone interested in riding that is at least 16 years of age.

They will ride with a crew of at least two Senior member EMTs on a regular shift once a week: (Monday through Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or Saturday or Sunday: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

They will assist Senior EMT members on calls and squad-related business. After a firm commitment, Junior members may also be eligible to

become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

For volunteering opportunities visit www.pvas.org/junior-squad

Taylor Edminston, Ashvi Desai, Mason Kerrigan, Brielle Bloch, Aadi Gadekar, Emma Sikora, Abbey Thurkauf, and Ved Desai

Parsippany Focus Magazine features "The Passage of Time" highlighting a "then and now" photographic series. This curated series is managed by Parsippany resident and contributing editor Stephen Pellegrino. Readers are invited to send in their own photos for potential consideration by Mr. Pellegrino. Submissions can be emailed to news@parsippanyfocus.com.

GREYSTONE PARK

Not only did Greystone Park State Hospital consist of the famous main building (shown on this postcard), but there were many outbuildings and private houses within the sprawling complex. All of these buildings were torn down in stages. The 1876 main building was demolished in 2015 despite a fair amount of community opposition.

In the early-2000s, I photographed one of these abandoned houses, which would have been located on Lowery Street is behind the main building. Many houses, sheds, and other structures were in the same general area.

Looking westward toward Lowery Street, this present-day view from the foot of Central Avenue shows that everything has returned to grass and trees. One would never know that the massive Greystone Park Hospital and the houses surrounding it had never existed.

Carifi, Jr. • Kandil •McGrath

Adam B. Kandil, PE

■ Born and Raised in Parsippany

■ Proud Husband and Father of 4 children

■ Parsippany Economic Development Advisory Committee member since 2018

■ Parsippany High School Class Graduate

■ Licensed Civil Engineer (NJ/NY)

■ Rutgers School of Engineering Graduate

■ President of Engineering Firm and accomplished small business innovator with 20+ years experience with an eye for Master Planning and Smart Growth / Sustainable Developments.

■ Captain of Rutgers Soccer Team (Sophomore year)

■ Serves on various Non-Profit organizations focused towards Youth Development

■ Passion for Sports and Coaches Youth Soccer, Football, Wrestling and Basketball

■ Extensive experience managing and designing various high profile infrastructure and engineering projects

■ He is an expert in the design and construction management of multi-disciplinary projects

Paul Carifi, Jr.

■ 51 Year Resident of Parsippany

■ Parishioner of St. Christopher’s Church

■ Graduate of Parsippany Hills High School ‘84

■ Received a BA in Sociology/ Criminal Justice from East Stroudsburg University

■ Graduate of the NJ Chiefs of Police West Point Leadership and Command Program

■ Graduate of the NJ Certified Public Manager Program

■ Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilman Since 2011

■ Parsippany Republican Committeeman & Republican Club Member

■ Member of Sons of Italy

■ Former Parsippany Little League and Little Vikings Coach

■ Sergeant Morris County Sheriff’s Office 25 Years (Ret.)

■ Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team “S.E.R.T.” Commander for 24+ Years

■ Morris County Public Safety Training Academy - Head Physical Training Instructor 34+ Years and Range Master 24+ Years

■ Received Multiple Sheriff’s Achievement Awards, Meritorious Service, Honorable Service & Exceptional Duty Awards

Matt McGrath

■ 17 year resident of Parsippany

■ Parsippany youth sports coach and mentor.

■ Global business leader support public sector customers for over 20 years

■ Married 4 Children all who attend Parsippany Schools

Students Band Together To Keep Parsippany Streets Clean

Members of the Parsippany High School (PHS) Environmental Club volunteered their time and effort to clean up Parsippany and pick up litter around the township.

Members of the club participated in the Keep Morris County Litter Free educational program, which is part of the New Jersey Clean Communities Program’s statewide campaign.

The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority sponsored the clean-up event, providing the kids with gloves, bags and a campaign banner.

The PHS Environmental Club, advised by Nancy Lennon and Monika Castillo, organized and participated in the cleanup with several other club members, such as Mahi Patel, Maira Can, Vanessa

Sanchez and Yashasvi Nekkanti.

On May 11, the students spent two hours collecting litter and covering two acres of Parsippany High School grounds, resulting in many bags of recyclables and garbage.

“The Parsippany High School PTSA and President Liz Kadian supplied refreshments for the group, which was very much appreciated,” the club said.

Because of the students’ participation, the Parsippany High School Environmental Club will receive a $600 grant to purchase recycling supplies.

Recently, the township was also awarded a $127,790 Clean Communities grant by the Department of Environmental

Protection.

More than $24 million was distributed to municipal and county governments throughout the state to beautify neighborhoods, improve water quality, reduce localized flooding, and protect natural habitats.

The program is supported by taxes paid by businesses that manufacture litter-generating products, as well as penalties collected for litter-related violations.

Mayor’s Action Center

Mayor James R. Barberio

What The Mayor’s Action Center Does For You (973) 263-4262

Listens: The Mayor’s Action Center welcomes any request for service or information. No matter what the problem or question, every effort is made to give a prompt response. Please use GovPilot to report a concern, the concern can be reported at any time via online form or through the Gov-Pilot App.

Records: All requests for service, received through the Mayor’s Action Center, are automatically logged-in to ensure that every request is on file and can be easily retrieved. Requests are forwarded to the appropriate department and the requester will be updated along the process.

Resolves: The Mayor’s Action Center attempts to address residents’ concerns in a timely manner. Every request for action is tracked from inception to completion. Upon completion, residents will receive notice that the issue or complaint was addressed.

Examples of Requests: Repairing of potholes; Drainage problems; Requests for signs; Litter; Icy road conditions; Illegal dumping; Housing maintenance problems; Animal control and removal; Street lighting; Curb repair;

Sponsored by TriCore Construction Group

THANK YOU IHOP

IHOP uses the MORRIS NOW APP to promote their locations in Parsippany, Cedar Knolls and Kenvil.

IHOP uses the Morris Now “Zoomer” powerful location-based marketing solution that leverages Bluetooth beacons to deliver highly targeted and personalized content to users’ mobile devices. With our Zoomer, businesses can reach users when they are in close proximity to their location and deliver relevant and timely content that drives engagement and conversion. Our Pro Series Bluetooth Beacon option is the hottest trend in marketing techniques to date, and it’s designed to take your business to the next level. With our beacons, you can place your business’s current promotion on Apple™ or Android™ mobile devices in real-time, right when users are in the vicinity of your business. This allows you to increase foot traffic, drive sales, and build brand loyalty like never before.

A & J Bistro: A Brief Visit to Tasty Taiwan

(Continued from Page 20)

every bite! Bob ordered the Fu Qi Fei Pan (sliced beef & tripe in chili sauce). The tripe was sliced very thin and was some of Bob’s tastiest tripe, and he is a true tripe fan. Others ordered the Lu Rou Fan (braised pork on rice with a braised egg), the tender, succulent

pork was a perfect complement with the accompanying bed of rice, and the Qing Zheng Long Li Ui Pian (steamed flounder filet), which was a substantial sized portion of mild tasting, slightly sweet fish, covered with a blend of Asian sauces.

Again, each dish was given a thumbs-

up.

Desserts are not a big part of authentic Taiwanese cuisine, but ample hot tea was on the table throughout the meal. A&J is a BYOB, so we brought our usual wines and beer.

Of course, they offer Bubble drinks, Fresh Soy Milk, Slushies, Smoothies, and hot coffee with hot tea, juices, and sodas to finish your meal.

Thank you, Josephine and staff, at A&J Bistro, for a wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.

Great food, great people, good friends, and fun times. Also, very reasonably priced.

Another great place to visit is Morris County, do yourself a favor and stop in and enjoy your brief visit to Taiwan.

zhù nǐ chéng gōng

Dine In * Take Out * No Delivery * BYOB; Ample Parking * Reservations Taken for Parties of Six or More. Open 7 Days from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Da Bing Juan Niu (big pancake/sliced beef)

Chao Mian w/Beef (pan-fried noodles with beef)

Ververs Helps Raise Nearly $1200 for West Reading Disaster Recovery

Alvernia University Occupational Therapy student, Hannah Ververs of Mount Tabor, along with Dr. Gregory Chown’s OT 526 class raised nearly $1200 for the West Reading Disaster Recovery Fund created by Berks County Community Foundation in partnership with United Way of Berks County following the explosion of the R.M. Palmer factory in West Reading, Pa. earlier this year.

“I am very proud of the graduating occupational therapy students, who despite their super busy end-of-theyear schedules, showed servant leadership and upheld the Franciscan values to help others in a time of great need,” said Dr. Gregory Chown, associate

professor of occupational therapy.

The students, including Ververs, collaborated to spread the word by attending the West Reading Farmer’s Market, setting up a table at Alvernia University’s cafeteria and using “bingo cards” on social media to incentivize donations.

The fund’s purpose is to provide aid to members of the community who were affected by the tragedy and has reached nearly $1,000,000 in donations.

“It is an honor to be a leader in this effort and be able to work with all of my cohort in the final weeks before graduation to support and give back to our

community in a time of need,” said Lindsay Eckhoff, MSOT ‘22.

Alvernia University is a Catholic comprehensive university with a liberal arts foundation founded by the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters in 1958.

Hannah Ververs of Mount Tabor

Buddy Wants a New Home

Buddy is a wonderful dog! American Bulldog/Boxer mixes, also known as Bulloxers, are known for their loyalty, strength, and friendly nature. With a weight of approximately 75 pounds, Buddy is likely to be a strong and muscular dog.

At six years old, Buddy is considered an adult dog. He initially comes off shy but warms up very quickly and is a really people-focused dog. He is sweet and good with all handling. He lacks confidence and will need a patient family with a quiet home so he can feel safe and trust everyone. Once he is comfortable, Buddy is a 100% ham! He loves to lay upside down on every dog bed he can find (and the couch). He is a lovebug.

He needs a family who has large breed rescue dog experience and are patient with him while he adjusts. He is a sweet boy who prefers to live without any ruckus--he’s just a chill dog who wants to relax! Buddy would do best with no young children in the home and no young children visitors.

If you are interested in adopting, please fill out an application on www.wiseanimalrescue.org/adoptionapplication.

Kiwanis Club Installs New Members

New members joining community organizations like the Kiwanis Club is always nice. The Kiwanis Club of Greater Parsippany does great work in the community, so I’m sure Cassara Grasso and Shaun Astorga will make valuable contributions as new members. And it’s always wonderful to see existing members like Justin Musella sponsoring new members and helping to grow the organization.

Lt. Governor Frank Cahill said, “Kiwanis is something so good that each of us loves to share it. What better way to show our love for our club and community than to welcome a

new member? Today we’re very pleased to welcome Cassara and Shaun to our club. We welcome Cassara and Shaun to our

global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child, and one community at a time.

Soft Shell Crabs Piccata

With String Beans and Roasted Yukon Potatoes

By Matthew Pierone

8 Prime Soft-Shell Crabs

1 cup Wondra Flour

1 /2 cup white wine

1 cup vegetable stock

1 lemon, juiced

2 T capers

2 T butter

1 T chopped fresh parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

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

Chef Matthew Pierone

Gourmet Café Restaurant

136 Baldwin Road

Parsippany, New Jersey (973) 316-0088

gourmetcafenj@comcast.net

deglaze with wine, add butter and whisk, then add rest of stock. Reduce, add capers, parsley, salt and pepper. Remove crabs from pan and plate. Adjust sauce to desired thickness and spoon over crabs. Serve with your favorite potato and vegetable. Alternatively serve with pasta or rice!

Hailey Budney Was Named to Dean’s List at Cumberlands

We are delighted to announce that Hailey Budney has been named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2023 semester by the Office of Academic Affairs at the University of the Cumberlands.

This recognition is a testament to Hailey’s exceptional academic performance.

Hailey was a graduate of Parsippany High School, Class of 2019.

To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours (a full course load), maintain a minimum term GPA of 3.50, and have a good academic standing.

The University of the Cumberlands, located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, is known for being one of the largest and most affordable private universities in the state. It is an esteemed institution offering various quality undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and online degree

With a total enrollment of more than 19,000 students, UC is one of the largest and most affordable private universities in Kentucky. Cumberlands

is devoted to preparing students for the future through innovative programs as well as hands-on, experiential learning and research. For more information visit https://www.ucumberlands.edu.

Hailey Budney is a 2019 graduate of Parsippany High School programs.

2023 Annual Memorial Day Observance

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was commissioned as an Ensign and qualified as a Naval Aviator.

Mr. D’Angelo has flown over 4,000 hours, mostly in helicopters, and has completed 10 overseas deployments, 8 on aircraft carriers. He is credited with 15 life-saving rescues, including a dangerous ocean rescue during Hurricane Floyd.

His impressive resume also is on our website. But let me note Mr. D’Angelo was promoted to Captain, and his awards include 3 Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, and 5 Navy Commendations.

Mr. D’Angelo is happily married, living in Florida, and is a proud father of twins.

Michael D’Angelo

A Morris Catholic graduate, Lt. Commander D’Angelo served in the U.S. Navy for 40 years from 1982 into 2022 and earned roughly 50 special military honors and awards for that service. He began his career as a Naval Air Crewman on various aircraft carriers supporting escorts for re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers, Iranian retaliatory strikes and operations in Libya.

Although heft active duty in 1986, he joined the Naval Reserve, was recalled on 9/11 and was commissioned a Naval Cryptologic Officer in 2003.

His deployments included Afghanistan, and his many assignments included the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, commanding the Navy Operational Support Center in Pennsylvania, working in the Pentagon, serving on the Chief of Naval Operations staff, serving the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and the Navy Personnel Command in Tennessee.

Michael’s son, David, is currently a Chief Petty Officer and Navy Seabee Diver.

served from 1970 to 1999 during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

He is a recipient of the Army Service Ribbon, National Defense service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He was awarded the NonCommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, New Jersey Ribbon of Merit, New Jersey Governor Award, National Guard Unit Strength, and NJ Meritorious Service Medal.

He earned a bachelor’s degree from Bloomfield College and was CEO of Wayne Camera Center. He is a member of the American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, and a Master Mason.

Joel and his wife Sharon have been married for 55 years. They have one son and two grandsons.

Joel Lebowitz

Veteran of the U.S. Army and New Jersey National Guard who Joel Lebowitz

Michael D’Angelo