The Alternative Press

Local: Good Mourning Breakfast a Success

2008-07-24T00:50:00.000-04:00

On June 5, 2008 over 400 people attended the third annual Good Mourning Breakfast fund raiser at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, NJ in support of the Good Grief Center in Summit, NJ. Good Grief, Inc. provides year-round grief support for children and families coping with loss due to death and educational workshops, presentations and grief support for school districts, corporations, agencies and the community-at-large.

Thanks to the very generous sponsors of the event, all the money raised at the breakfast will go directly to providing FREE year round grief support for children and their families. The highest level sponsor at the Community Circle level was Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Circle of Children sponsors included Amerihealth New Jersey, Café Serene in Livingston, Investor Savings Bank, Jersey Central Power & Light, Merrill Lynch, Paramus and Wachovia Securities, Short Hills. Friends Circle of Friends sponsors were Allstate Insurance, Summit, Bank of America, Cranford, Bodnar Financial Advisors, Inc., Bradley & Son Funeral Homes, Calandra Development Corp., Hilltop Community Bank, Summit, Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C, Lois Schneider Realtors, Summit, Morristown Financial Group, True and Associates, Westfield and NYC, XO Athletic.

Photo: Good Mourning Breakfast guests included L-R Mayor Jordan Glatt, a Good Grief Honorary Board member; Terry Blagdon, new HOPE League member; Mary Robinson, Executive Director; Lois Schneider , Lois Schneider Realtors, a Breakfast Sponsor and Honorary Board member; RonnieLynn Smith, Allstate Insurance, a Breakfast Sponsor; Lezli Salz-Bradley owner of Willow Street in Summit and a new HOPE League member; and James Fitzsimmons, Allstate Insurance in Summit, a Breakfast Sponsor (photo courtesy of Mary Robinson, President and Executive Director, Good Grief, Inc.).

The New Providence Farmer’s Market Has Strong Showing

2008-07-24T00:49:00.000-04:00

The New Providence Farmer’s Market Has Strong Showing

By: Vivek Singh

The New Providence Farmer’s Market just completed its fifth week of business this past Wednesday, July 16, 2008. Many area residents came out to purchase fresh fruits and veggies, as well as other products sold by the stores.

Made with Love is a baked goods store that has attended the New Providence Farmer’s Market for the last four weeks. The store is owned by Celeste Governanti and the goodies are baked by Linda Harley, who also owns a catering business called Abuelinda’s Cuisine. Made with Love has been in business for two years and is located in Hoboken, New Jersey. Commenting on the New Providence Farmer’s Market, Linda Harley told The Alternative Press, “The people here are very friendly and they are open to organic food. They children are delightful and they love to taste our cookies. It’s a nice market and the people here are always looking for new products.”

Next door, Stony Hill Gardens and Farm Market was quite busy. Stony Hill Gardens and Farm Market has been a family owned business for 20 years and has been attending tailgate markets for the past six years. The owner, Brandt Davis, was able to spare some time to tell The Alternative Press about his business. “Well, we only sell what we grow. All of our products are Jersey products,” said Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis also had kind words for the Market stating, “This is one of the nicest markets we have attended all season. Nice people, nice place!”

Continue reading, "The New Providence Farmer’s Market Has Strong Showing," by Vivek Singh.

Photo: The New Providence Farmer's Market (photo credit: Vivek Singh)

Summit: Glenside Avenue Road Closure Begins July 28th

2008-07-24T00:40:00.000-04:00

Glenside Avenue from Baltusrol Road in Summit to McMane Avenue in Berkeley Heights will be under construction beginning on or about Monday, July 28, 2008. It is anticipated that the work will take approximately 9 working days to complete, weather permitting. The road will be closed from approximately 6:00 a.m. until 6:00p.m. each day. A detour route will be in place. Parking will be prohibited on Glenside Avenue during the operation of milling and paving. Please contact the Union County Traffic Bureau between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at (908) 789-1489 with any traffic questions.

New Providence Holds 2nd Summer Concert

2008-07-24T00:38:00.000-04:00

New Providence Holds 2nd Summer Concert
By: Vivek Singh

On Thursday, July 17, 2008, New Providence kicked off its second summer concert, this time featuring Across the Floor and the Chatham Community Band. The Chatham Community Band is led by director Brian Conti who is a music education major from William Paterson University and currently the music director at Chatham High School. This is their 23rd season as a community band with roughly 55 musicians ranging from “people who have not played an instrument in 20 years to people who simply cannot stop playing.” The Chatham Community Band rehearses once a week and performs at least 15 times a year depending on how many performances they can fit into their schedule. The band practices for most of the year, except for August, which is their month off. The ensemble has performed at many local venues in Maplewood, Summit, and New Providence.

The band played a variety of music on July 17th ranging from jazz to big band to classical to patriotic tunes. The crowd roared with applause after each song and at the end of the performance, a large group of pleased spectators surrounded Mr. Conti to congratulate him on the night’s performance. At the end of the night, Mr. Conti kindly agreed to speak with The Alternative Press before calling it a night. He said, “I think it was a very entertaining night. It seemed like we had a big sound that everyone could hear, which is always a good thing.” “Our band enjoys playing a wide range of music and we all love music. Some of us haven’t played in a while and some of us never stopped, but we all have a passion for music and that’s what makes this so enjoyable,” Mr. Conti added.

Continue reading, "New Providence Holds 2nd Summer Concert," by Vivek Singh.

Photo: The New Providence Concert Series on July 17, 2008 (photo credit: Vivek Singh)

Regional: Stolen 1974 Motorcycle Recovered

2008-07-24T00:10:00.000-04:00

A Harley Davidson motorcycle stolen in Providence, Rhode Island in 1974 was recovered earlier this week by members of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office Insurance Fraud Unit.

Michael Meistrell, of Cranford, purchased the 1971 motorcycle on eBay.com for $2,400, said Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow. After Meistrell contacted the Harley Davidson Company, searching for additional information about the vehicle, he discovered that it had been stolen on October 31, 1974.

The company contacted National Insurance Crime Bureau who in turn contacted the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. The motorcycle changed hands several times over the last three decades, Romankow said. Investigators have identified several other victims, including the Voorhees man who sold Meistrell the motorcycle.

At some point, a fraudulent vehicle identification number was placed on the motorcycle, but investigators from Union County and the NICB were able to uncover a second tag and trace the vehicle’s history, Romankow said. The investigation will continue and no arrests have been made at this time.

The motorcycle will be handed over to Amica Insurance, the company that handled the theft claim, Romankow said. Meistrell will be reimbursed by eBay.com, under a clause that protects buyers who inadvertently purchase stolen vehicles.

Prosecutor Romankow commended Union County Prosecutor’s Office Sergeant James Russo and Detective Joseph Vendas for their roles in the investigation.

State: Corzine Receives Anti-Terror and Homeland Security Briefing While in Israel

2008-07-24T00:03:00.000-04:00

While on a tour of one of the most heavily bombarded cities in the Middle East, Governor Jon S. Corzine discussed critical concerns on anti-terrorism measures and how they can be applied to New Jersey’s homeland security needs during the fourth day of his official visit to Israel on Wednesday.

While on a conference call with New Jersey reporters Wednesday afternoon, Governor Corzine discussed his tour of the Israeli city of Sdertot – located a stone’s throw from the embattled border of Gaza. The Governor said that during the briefing, he was told that the city of 20,000 residents has averaged 1,000 missile attacks a year over the last seven years, with as many as 70 in one day.

"It shows very clearly that terrorism has a front line, and clearly it is Sderot," Governor Corzine said. "The Israelis are under constant threat. We have a lot of work to do to combat terrorism."

On Tuesday, Governor Corzine received a classified briefing from senior officials at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, where he reviewed new airport security procedures and protocols and the state-of-the-art technology that makes those procedures possible. Other highlights of the Governor’s itinerary include a business roundtable at the MAMTAM High Tech Center, a meeting at a desalinization plant, and an evening roundtable with companies specializing in Green Technology.

Governor Corzine concludes his official visit Thursday with sessions that include a briefing with the president of electric car developer Better Place Project and a test drive of a prototype electric car and a meeting at the Weizman Institute of Science.

Photo: Governor Jon Corzine's forth day of his visit to Israel included a tour of VIP Desalination Company, tour of the town of Sderot near the Gaza Strip, meeting with Israel Chamber of Commerce and a green energy roundtable. (photo credit: Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)

New Providence: Lighting Ordinance to Take Center Stage at July 28th Council Meeting

2008-07-23T00:56:00.000-04:00

On Monday, July 28, 2008, New Providence Borough Councilman Brooke Hern intends to move for approval on first reading of a lighting ordinance he proposed during the June 26, 2008 meeting of the Council. The ordinance addresses commercial lighting and field lighting. It does not address residential lighting. Councilman Hern told The Alternative Press that it does not deal with residential lighting because, "I am not a big proponent of government that over-regulates."

The Councilman said he sees this ordinance as bringing together two groups of people that were previously divided: residents for and against field lighting. He said the proposed ordinance will not stop lights from being installed at the high school but rather will make sure neighborhoods around the field are not lit by the field lights, which has been a primary concern of those opposed to field lighting. “Lighting companies have the means to comply with the ordinance and the technologies involved are readily available,” stated Councilman Hern. He summarized the content of the ordinance as, “if you’re going to put up lights, you must use technology that is readily available to make sure you are only lighting that area and are reducing glare.” Councilman Hern predicted that the ordinance will not meet with opposition by those who want the fields lighted because the ordinance “deals with areas everyone can agree on” and is a “reasonable approach which should be enacted now.”

Councilman Hern’s proposed ordinance has a long history to it. Approximately a year and half ago, Councilman Hern proposed to the Council that the Borough enact a lighting ordinance. He brought materials to the Council including ordinances from surrounding towns and relevant information from organizations that are experts in the lighting field, to help facilitate the process and put an ordinance together. At that time, the lighting ordinance issue was referred to the Planning Board with a request for the Board to come up with a draft ordinance for the Council’s consideration.

Councilman Hern told The Alternative Press that the Planning Board has been very busy and unable to get to drafting the ordinance since then. He said that in no way was a criticism of the Planning Board, noting that the Board members expend a lot of effort, prepare for and attend very long meetings and have a lot of work to do. He added that Board members are not compensated for their efforts.

Continue reading, "Lighting Ordinance to Take Center Stage at July 28th Council Meeting," by Michael Shapiro.

Read the proposed lighting ordinance in its entirety.

BH: Summer International Film Festival Announcement

2008-07-23T00:46:00.000-04:00

The Berkeley Heights Public Library’s annual Summer International Film Festival relocates to the New Providence Memorial Library this August due to renovations on the lower level of the Berkeley Heights Public Library. The Iranian film Offside will be shown on Thursday, August 7 at 7 p.m. at the New Providence Memorial Library. A group of schoolgirls breaks the law by sneaking into a stadium in Tehran to see a soccer game in this dark comedy. The film won the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Offside is rated PG and is in Farsi with English subtitles.

Admission is free and no reservations are required. The library is located at 377 Elkwood Avenue in New Providence. For more information, please call (908) 464-9333.

59,000 Unique Users

2008-07-23T00:40:00.000-04:00

The Alternative Press is pleased to announce it now has over 59,000 unique users! We would like to thank all of our readers for our success and look forward to continuing to serve the residents of Summit, Berkeley Heights and New Providence for many, many years to come.

Opinion: July 2008

2008-07-23T00:36:00.000-04:00

Angel Estrada, Chairman of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, has submitted an Op-Ed for July entitled, "Creative Solutions for Union County: New shared services to help improve recreation and cultural programs."

He writes, in part, "Lively, healthy communities depend on a strong slate of outdoor activities and cultural events. Now more than ever, it’s important to preserve and improve our local parks and recreation programs. To accomplish this, we will have to do more with less. One avenue worth exploring is to share more services between county and local governments."

Chairman Estrada continues to write, "This process is already well under way. Over the past two years, the Freeholder Board has conducted five working sessions to develop new shared service agreements. The response has been enthusiastic. Several school districts and all twenty-one municipalities have attended at least one workshop."

Read "Creative Solutions for Union County: New shared services to help improve recreation and cultural programs," by Freeholder Angel Estrada, in its entirety.

Agree or disagree with an item posted on The Alternative Press? Spot an inaccuracy? Want to write your own take on an issue? Have your voice heard! The Alternative Press welcomes all residents to submit letters to the editor or Opinion pieces at letters@thealternativepress.com

The Alternative Press would like to publish every letter it receives. The publication of letters is at the sole discretion of The Alternative Press. The Alternative Press reserves the right to edit letters for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published.

State: Acting Governor Codey Signs New Jersey Hero Act

2008-07-23T00:05:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, Acting Governor Richard J. Codey signed legislation that requires residents to make organ donation decisions before applying for a driver’s license and requires mandatory organ donation education for high school students.

"Our goal is to generate a collective awareness about the importance of organ donation so that those who want to donate will. Ultimately, we want to move this important conversation out of the emergency room, where illness and injury already create a profound burden, and into the living room, where a thoughtful and deliberate decision can be reached without the pain of loss looming on the horizon. Hopefully, one day organ donation will no longer be an afterthought, but a forethought," said Acting Governor Codey.

The bill, S755/A2083 also known as the "New Jersey Hero Act," creates an interactive component to the already existing Donate Life Registry provided by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). Approximately 23.53% of New Jersey drivers/ID holders currently have the donor designation.

With the legislation every resident 18 years of age or older applying for a driver’s license or identification card is required to answer a few questions regarding organ donation. If an individual is not ready to make that decision, they may designate a decision maker on their behalf. The designated decision maker component is not recorded in the MVC database, but will act much like a living will. If a person does not wish to become a donor or designate a decision maker on their behalf, they must check off a box acknowledging that they have reviewed the importance of making an organ donation decision. This process will be available in nine months but will not be mandatory for five years in order to allow for adequate public education.

"The death of a loved one can be devastating to a family, but families of organ donors at least have a measure of solace in knowing their loved one’s final act was to give the gift of life to someone else in need," said Senator Joseph F. Vitale (D-Middlesex), a sponsor of the Hero Act and Chair of the Senate Health Committee. "Through these new laws, we’re raising the dialogue about organ donation, and ensuring that New Jerseyans talk to their loved ones about the possibility of becoming a donor. By increasing awareness of organ donation programs, we can maximize participation and save lives."

The bill also incorporates a comprehensive education component at the high school and collegiate levels. Under the NJ Hero Act, New Jersey is the first state to incorporate mandatory organ donation education into the high school core curriculum, beginning with the 2009-2010 school year. At the collegiate level, institutions of higher education will be required to provide information on New Jersey ’s organ donor policies through student health services.

As of March 2008, 4,341 New Jersey residents were awaiting organ transplants. In 2007, 692 New Jersey residents received 696 lifesaving organ transplants; 195 New Jersey residents became organ donors that same year. More than 2,470 New Jersey residents have died on the organ donor waiting list over the last 10 years.

The second piece of legislation signed, S753/A1935, the "Anatomical Research Recovery Organization Act," provides oversight of the disposition and use of human bodies and parts donated for education and research. Prior to the bill, very little regulation existed with regard to who may recover, or distribute these donations.

A body, part, or tissue, once gifted to an unlicensed, unregistered, unregulated entity may be virtually untraceable. With this legislation, anatomical research recovery organizations are now required to register with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) and establish and follow certain standards for operation.

Faux Paws Comes to Summit

2008-07-22T00:48:00.007-04:00

Faux Paws Comes to Summit
By Monique Goodwin

Faux Paws is a wonderful new pet store that recently opened in Summit, on May 31st. Owners Nikki Tongg and Sue Bavineau, who describe themselves as "true animal lovers" and are "passionate about nutrition," decided to open their own store after numerous years of offering various pet care services to the local community. They both felt that Faux Paws was the "next step for our business."

Everything that is sold at Faux Paws is all-natural, which is the main foundation of the store’s business. As Nikki points out about their merchandise, "everything is natural, and we know where it’s made." The most popular items include their raw food brands, which are the latest offerings in the organic pet food market. Another sought-after product in their store is "Wet-Noses," natural treats for dogs that come in a variety of flavors. "These are doing so well, they smell like you want to eat them yourself," Sue laughed.

Since their opening, Nikki and Sue have had "a great response" from the residents of Summit. Much of their success has come from customers (and their pets) who love their products and from word-of-mouth referrals. Faux Paws has been a welcome addition to the area and offers an alternative to pet owners who, until recently, only had their local veterinarian for specific pet food needs. Lastly, as Nikki offered to any new customers considering visiting Faux Paws, "we just really want to meet everyone's dogs."

Faux Paws is located at 338 Springfield Avenue, just east of Summit Avenue. Please call 908-516-2701 for store hours and for any additional information.

Photo: Faux Paws is a wonderful new pet store in Summit. Pictured here (L-R) are the owners of Faux Paws, Nikki Tongg and Sue Bavineau. (photo credit: Monique Goodwin)

Dear Debby: The Alternative Press’s Local Personal Advice Columnist, Offering Uncommon Common Sense Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions

2008-07-22T00:15:00.004-04:00

The Alternative Press is pleased to bring our readers the next installment of Dear Debby, our local personal advice column. Dear Debby is authored by a local resident who will be writing under the pen name Dear Debby to ensure that she is able to provide candid responses to your questions.

In this week's column, Sleepless in Summit asks Dear Debby, "I'm a widow in my late 50s but look (and act) a good ten years younger than that. I have a lot more in common with younger men and so far that's not been a problem but as I am getting older, my friends think I need to act my age and settle down with someone my own age. I love my friends but think they need to mind their own business on this. Should I be listening to them?"

Dear Debby responds, in part, "I think that your friends mean well and it is always nice to have people that care about you BUT.... what they want for you and what you want may be two different things. Two things you said in your letter stand out to me."

She continues to write, in part, "First of all, you stated that you are a widow. You may very well have had a long, wonderful relationship and are ready to just discover who you are now. One does not just “settle down” with the snap of a finger. When you have had sufficient time to adjust to the loss of your husband and discover who you are as an individual and not part of a couple, you will come into your own and begin to see what really makes YOU happy."

Debby writes, "The second thing you mentioned was that you have more in common with younger men and that so far it has not been a problem. So what's the problem???"

She concludes, "Interact with people you enjoy being with, be happy and if you meet someone to spend the rest of your life with (sounds so much better than “settle down”...who wants to “settle down”?) Live life to the fullest. Enjoy each day and be happy. The rest will come around if you are true to yourself."

Read this edition of Dear Debby in its entirety.

Have a question for Dear Debby? Email her at deardebby@thealternativepress.com

Agree or disagree with an item posted on The Alternative Press? Spot an inaccuracy? Want to write your own take on an issue? Have your voice heard! The Alternative Press welcomes all residents to submit letters to the editor or Opinion pieces at letters@thealternativepress.com

The Alternative Press would like to publish every letter it receives. The publication of letters is at the sole discretion of The Alternative Press. The Alternative Press reserves the right to edit letters for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published.

State: Corzine Meets with Israeli Officials and Businessmen to Promote Business in New Jersey

2008-07-22T00:01:00.000-04:00

Israeli venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and research scientists are all talking about potential business opportunities and partnerships with New Jersey, Governor Jon S. Corzine told reporters during a conference call yesterday from Tel Aviv.

During the second day of his official visit to Israel, Governor Corzine said meetings have focused on three key areas: economic, cultural, and geopolitical, which includes terrorism and homeland security issues. But thus far, the potential for business opportunities has taken center stage.

"Our most important purpose is to try and create economic connections between New Jersey and Israeli business community, particularly in biotech and clean tech," said Governor Corzine. "I do believe there is an enormous opportunity. Israel is focused on biotech and alternative energy, and efficiency and conservation measures that are very applicable to New Jersey. That’s where we’ve got a great opportunity."

Since Sunday, Governor Corzine has met with top Israeli government officials, including Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Shimon Peres, research scientists and representatives from the Israel venture capital community. Corzine said inevitably, business leaders have been interested in what New Jersey has to offer.

"We are seeing major investment by international companies," Governor Corzine said, speaking of the New Jersey economy. "A whole series of international companies look quite favorably on New Jersey, because we have a concentration of pharma and biotech companies, we have a very, very well educated workforce, and it is in a marketplace where 70 to 80 million people are in a three hours drive. I think a lot of people look at this market as quite attractive."

Governor Corzine continues his Israel visit through Thursday, with meetings scheduled at a high-tech center in Tel Aviv, a review of homeland security technology at Ben Gurion Airport, a meeting at a desalinization plant, and a luncheon with Israeli companies with facilities in New Jersey and U.S. companies operating in Israel. He will also participate in a green technology round table with representatives from several Israeli corporations Wednesday evening.

Photo: Governor Jon Corzine is on day two of his first official visit to Israel this week with a focus on identifying new opportunities to foster trade, investment and commercial relationships between New Jersey and Israel. (photo credit: Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)

New Providence: Salary Increases of 2%-10% for Borough Employees

2008-07-21T00:50:00.000-04:00

The Alternative Press has received several communications from individuals raising questions regarding salary increases recently adopted by the New Providence Borough Council, particularly the monetary amount of raises provided to low level employees as opposed to high-ranking administrators.

The Alternative Press has been informed that a general 2% cost of living adjustment was provided to all Borough employees. In addition, approximately six employees who are on the "step guide" received their step increment plus the 2% cost of living adjustment. These six individuals received a step increment of approximately 8% plus the 2% adjustment, resulting in raises of nearly 10%.

Borough Administrator Doug Marvin, who received a raise of approximately 8% in total, told The Alternative Press that the step guide and the resulting step increments have been in place for many years. He said, "Non-contract borough employees were provided with a 2% cost of living adjustment for 2008, retroactive to January 1st. Newer employees who have not reached the top of their step guides received incremental step increases. The Chief and Deputy Chief of Police received a salary increase consistent with the negotiated contract with the police captains."

This Week's Meetings that are Open to the Public

2008-07-21T00:39:00.000-04:00

Summit:
No meetings are scheduled.

All meetings take place at Summit City Hall, 512 Springfield Avenue.

Berkeley Heights:
Monday, July 21, 2008
Environmental Commission Meeting, Conference Room, 29 Park Avenue, 7:30 p.m.
Planning Board Special Meeting, Public Meeting Room, 29 Park Avenue, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Township Council Meeting, 29 Park Avenue, 7:00 p.m.

New Providence:
Monday, July 21, 2008
Board of Adjustment Meeting, Council Chambers, 8:00 p.m.

All meetings take place at Borough Hall, 360 Elkwood Avenue.

Cinema Update: The Dark Knight

2008-07-21T00:15:00.000-04:00

In this month's edition of Cinema Update, local resident and film critic Raymond Valinoti, Jr. reviews The Dark Knight starring Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Aaron Eckhart, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, and Morgan Freeman.

In part, he writes, "There are many good reasons to see the new Batman film The Dark Knight- Christopher Nolan’s riveting, action-paced direction, Lee Smith’s intense yet smooth editing of suspenseful moments, and James Newton and Hans Zimmer’s uncomplicated yet majestic musical score are among them. But for me the most important reason is Heath Ledger’s astonishing take on the clownish looking fiend the Joker. Sauntering across the screen in a jittery yet controlled manner, constantly darting his eyes and compulsively licking his lips, Ledger epitomizes pure psychosis. This Joker doesn’t care about money or power; he terrorizes people for the sheer fun of it, cackling all the while."

He continues to write, "What’s even more frightening about Ledger’s Joker is that for all his lunacy, he possesses an acute shrewdness. This is particularly evident in his manner of speech. Unlike Jack Nicholson, who bombastically declaimed his lines as the villain in the 1989 film Batman, Ledger delivers his dialogue in a deceptively quiet tone with an underlying menace. The Joker may not have any rational motive for his crimes, but he knows how to execute them."

Read this month's full edition of Cinema Update: The Dark Knight.

Agree or disagree with an item posted on The Alternative Press? Spot an inaccuracy? Want to write your own take on an issue? Have your voice heard! The Alternative Press welcomes all residents to submit letters to the editor or Opinion pieces at letters@thealternativepress.com

The Alternative Press would like to publish every letter it receives. The publication of letters is at the sole discretion of The Alternative Press. The Alternative Press reserves the right to edit letters for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published.

Photo credit: Warner Bros. and IGN.com

Summit: "Summit Splash" Newsletter Offers Summer Events and Programming

2008-07-20T00:51:00.000-04:00

The "Summit Splash" newsletter for July was recently released and offers a plethora of events and activities to enjoy this summer.

Read the "Summit Splash" newsletter in its entirety.

The Shapiro Report: A Troubling Sign for New Jersey’s Economic Future

2008-07-20T00:49:00.001-04:00

In this week's edition of The Shapiro Report, an opinion column I write about State and Federal politics, I write in part, "The New Jersey Policy Research Organization, the think tank of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA), recently released a Study of New Jersey’s business climate. The Study included a telephone poll of 249 business leaders as well as interviews of 29 New Jersey and out-of-state business and government leaders. It also provided 37 policy recommendations for New Jersey based on other states’ best practices. The results of the Study are a troubling sign for New Jersey’s economic future."

I continue to write, "When asked what is most likely to prevent a company from reaching its goals, 21% of Study respondents said the affordability of living in New Jersey, while 20% said New Jersey’s unfavorable tax structure, and 19% said the availability of a skilled workforce. Regarding the most negative impact on New Jersey’s companies, 26% of Study respondents cited the State’s tax policy while 16% said New Jersey’s healthcare policy most negatively impacts the State’s business community. Most troubling for New Jersey’s economy, 42% of Study respondents said that if the State government’s policies remain the same, the business climate will deteriorate while only 26% said that the climate will improve."

Continue reading this week's edition of The Shapiro Report: A Troubling Sign for New Jersey's Economic Future

Agree or disagree with an item posted on The Alternative Press? Spot an inaccuracy? Want to write your own take on an issue? Have your voice heard! The Alternative Press welcomes all residents to submit letters to the editor or Opinion pieces at letters@thealternativepress.com

The Alternative Press would like to publish every letter it receives. The publication of letters is at the sole discretion of The Alternative Press. The Alternative Press reserves the right to edit letters for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published.

Letters to the Editor: July 2008

2008-07-20T00:43:00.000-04:00

Patricia Quattrocchi, a former Republican candidate for the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and Irving Gelb, a resident of North Bergen, New Jersey, have submitted letters for July.

Ms. Quattrocchi writes in part, "'5. Cut down on paper.
In the U.S., paper is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions from manufacturing. Recycled paper products generally take far less energy to manufacture, so they’re a very good alternative to products made from virgin wood pulp. The greenest way to go is to reduce the amount of paper waste in your home or workplace.'

The message above comes directly from the Union County website, specificly the web pages which talk about the county’s 'Go Green Initiative'."

She continues to write in part, "Freeholder Chairman Angel Estrada’s (up for reelection this year) along with Vice Chairman Alexander Mirabella’s mugs are featured in a glossy, color mailer which landed in county residents homes this week. The mailer urges county residents to 'Be part of the Solution….be part of Union County’s Go Green Initiative'."

Read Pat Quattrocchi's letter in its entirety.

Meanwhile, Mr. Gelb writes in part, "More and more Americans are falling on hard times, living at risk of losing their homes by defaulting on their mortgages. They need real help now. The standard Republican reply has always been that while the situation is sad, it is their own fault because borrowing more than they could repay was irresponsible."

He continues to write in part, "Now the banks that encouraged the “irresponsible” borrowing are in trouble. Instead of being told the banks are responsible for their own predicament, we are being told that we must bail them out. As with most situations, there is a Republican answer and a Democratic answer."

Read Irving Gelb's letter in its entirety.

Agree or disagree with an item posted on The Alternative Press? Spot an inaccuracy? Want to write your own take on an issue? Have your voice heard! The Alternative Press welcomes all residents to submit letters to the editor or Opinion pieces at letters@thealternativepress.com

The Alternative Press would like to publish every letter it receives. The publication of letters is at the sole discretion of The Alternative Press. The Alternative Press reserves the right to edit letters for length and content. Anonymous letters will not be published.

Regional: Suttle Found Guilty of First Degree Murder

2008-07-20T00:08:00.000-04:00

Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow announced Friday that a jury found an Elizabeth man guilty of 1st degree murder. Gary Suttle of the Bayway section of the city, was arrested for the March 2004 murder of Lois Zukowitz. Zukowitz was beaten to death by Suttle, after he delivered drugs to her home, said Assistant Prosecutor Bruce Holmes, who prosecuted the case. Suttle admitted in court that he used to buy heroin and prescription drugs for the woman on a regular basis.

An April 2008 trial on the same charge resulted in a hung jury. This time around, following a two week trial before Union County Superior Court Judge Joseph Donohue, the jury deliberated for less than three hours before handing down the conviction. Suttle faces up to life in prison when sentenced on September 12.

Prosecutor Romankow commended Assistant Prosecutors Ann Luvera and Bruce Holmes, Union County Prosecutor's Office Detective Harvey Barnwell and Elizabeth Police Department Detectives Anthony Wilk and Robert Perez.

Mount Carmel Fair Holds Annual Fireworks

2008-07-19T00:58:00.000-04:00

Mount Carmel Fair Holds Annual Fireworks
By: Vivek Singh

The Mt. Carmel Fair is an annual event that provides family entertainment including fireworks, carnival rides, and food from local restaurants. The fair also brings the community of Berkeley Heights together to enjoy each other’s company and take a break from the normal routine. Some of the businesses that participated in this year’s Fair were Angelotti’s Pizzeria, Mom’s London Broil, Oriental BBQ, The Pretzel Dude, Sandart, the Candy Shoppe, and Runfolo’s Seafood Center.

The Alternative Press had the opportunity to interview four of the owners of businesses that took part in the Fair. All of them were pleased with the turnout and were eagerly awaiting the Fair’s fireworks to begin. Nick Bitsakakis, the co-owner of Angelotti’s Pizzeria, has been participating in the Mt. Carmel Fair for two years. Commenting on the Fair, he told The Alternative Press, “It’s a nice little fair. The people in this town really enjoy the fair and I can understand why. The fireworks are unbelievable!”

Business was booming next door at Runfolo’s Seafood Center where Pete Runfolo and other family members were serving up fresh lemonade, iced tea, calamari, mussels, and clams. “It’s a good time. The fair is a nice tradition and these guys have the largest display of fireworks I have ever seen!” said Mr. Runfolo, with a smile on his face. Runfolo’s Seafood Center has been in business for 45 years and was originally called Mansueto Runfolo’s Fishing Company. The business has been to the Mt. Carmel Fair three times and has a very popular booth because of its unique and tasty food.

Continue reading, "Mount Carmel Fair Holds Annual Fireworks," by Vivek Singh.

Photo credit: Fireworks at the 2008 Mount Carmel Fair (photo credit: Vivek Singh).

Summit: "Hot Summer Nights" to Kick Off July 22nd

2008-07-19T00:32:00.000-04:00

Summit's "Hot Summer Nights" will kick off on July 22, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Village Green, directly across from the Summit Train Station, in Summit. "The Kootz", a band from New Jersey, will entertain concert goers with an evening of classic rock, pop, blues and soul.

The concert is free and open to the public.

View the "Hot Summer Nights" concert lineup for the summer.

Regional: Zandstra Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison

2008-07-19T00:20:00.000-04:00

Randall Zandstra, who fled during his 2006 theft trial in Union County and spent nine months on the run before he was arrested in Colorado, was sentenced to nine years in prison on Friday, said Union County Prosecutor Theodore J. Romankow.

Zandstra was sentenced by Union County Superior Court Judge James C. Heimlich after granting the State’s motion for an extended term. Zandstra will be eligible for parole after serving four years under the terms of the extended term sentence handed down by the judge.

Zandstra’s sentence today followed an 11 month federal prison sentence for violating supervised release, said Executive Assistant Prosecutor Eileen Walsh, who prosecuted the case. "Zandstra is indeed a danger to the public," Walsh said. "He assaults and he steals. He’s physical and he’s financial in his criminal acts. Randall Zandstra is only one victim away from his next crime at all times."

In July 2006, Zandstra walked out of a Union County courtroom during a break in his theft trial. He was free on bail at the time. Testimony in the trial had been completed and the only portions of the trial left to do were the lawyers’ summations. The jury found him guilty a few hours later but he wasn’t there to hear the verdict. Zandstra was on the run. Again.

Randy Zandstra had a long history of running from the law. He had been convicted for attempted murder and aggravated assault after a trial in Texas in 1994. He served 2 years of the 12 year sentence in a Texas penitentiary but the attempted murder conviction was overturned on a technicality on appeal. He was released pending a new trial. Then he disappeared. Zandstra is thought to have been hiding in Mexico. His dubious movements in the United States can only be traced now through his criminal record.

In October, 1999 he was arrested in a sting operation conducted by Federal authorities in the Southern District of New York and charged with several counts of mail fraud. Zandstra reportedly devised a scheme to induce people to purchase a vending machine business. Zandstra marketed his phantom machines through mail solicitations that reportedly bilked 29 different victims out of over $276,000. He was convicted at trial of mail fraud and conspiracy to commit mail fraud in October, 2000.

While he was awaiting his federal trial in New York, Zandstra was working as a foreman for a major landscaping company in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In September, 2000 he took $16,500 from a Berkeley Heights client of the company as payment for a landscaping job and kept it for himself. The theft was not discovered until after Zandstra had left the company. Unbeknownst to his employers, he left the company to stand trial on his federal mail fraud charges. After he was convicted at trial, he was out on bail waiting to be sentenced when he disappeared.

By December, 2001 Zandstra was wanted by New Jersey, Texas and Federal authorities. He was finally apprehended by a SWAT team in Loveland, Colorado in January, 2004 and returned to Texas where he pled guilty to the still-pending attempted murder charge in return for a sentence of time already served. From Texas he was returned to Federal authorities and was finally sentenced on his mail fraud case in June, 2005.

Zandstra was released on parole supervision from federal prison in Kentucky in January, 2006 and he turned himself in to authorities in Union County, New Jersey in late January. He was released on $10,000 bail pending his theft trial scheduled for July, 2006. This time, Zandstra did not even wait for the trial to be completed before disappearing.

According to U.S. Marshals who tracked Zandstra from the time he disappeared from New Jersey Superior Court Judge James C. Heimlich’s courtroom in Elizabeth, Zandstra may have been supporting himself during the time he was on the run with his Poker skills. The marshals based that conclusion on information that Zandstra had been a finalist in the World Series of Poker in the past and continued to be an avid player, both in casinos and on-line.

For the nine months he was being tracked, Zandstra managed to stay one step ahead of the Marshals who by October, 2006 had followed him from New Jersey to New York State to Loveland, Colorado. In December, the marshals and local authorities raided a house in Loveland that was thought to be his residence. In the house, the marshals found another man, a known associate of Zandstra. The house had been turned into a marijuana grow house. Zandstra’s 1990 green Mitsubishi Montero was in the garage but Zandstra, himself, was not home.

As a result of that raid, Zandstra, the former landscaper, now faces charges of marijuana cultivation and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute in Larimer County, Colorado.

It was in Greeley, Colorado where Zandstra’s luck ran out. Five U.S. Marshals from the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force along with authorities from Colorado and Texas watched him drive out of his garage in the same green Mitsubishi they had seen in Loveland. Two of the marshals stood in the road with guns drawn to prevent Zandstra from leaving but Zandstra just accelerated towards them. The marshals leaped out of the way and jumped into their cars.

The marshals, in two cars, chased Zandstra for almost 5 miles on a dirt road. They could see him talking on his cell phone as he pushed his car to over 100 m.p.h. At one point, Zandstra attempted to force one of the marshal’s cars off the road and, instead, lost control of his own vehicle which rolled over several times throwing Zandstra 15 feet into the air. He was taken to the hospital with a broken back, leg and arm and other injuries.

Authorities later searched Zandstra’s residence in Greeley where they discovered a sophisticated marijuana growing factory complete with an elaborate ventilation system, a carbon dioxide tank, grow lights and 112 marijuana plants. They also found a fully charged taser, fraudulent documents and books on evasive driving techniques and counter-surveillance.

As a result, he is now charged with marijuana cultivation, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of counterfeiting tools in Weld County, Colorado. He will be extradited at a later date.

Photo: Randall Zandstra (photo courtesy of the Union County Prosecutor's Office)

State: Governor Signs Legislation Transferring Atlantic City Convention Center Project

2008-07-19T00:04:00.000-04:00

On Friday, Governor Jon S. Corzine signed legislation moving the Atlantic City Convention Center project from the auspices of New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority to the control of the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors’ Authority.

"I am gratified to sign this bill today so that both the Sports & Exposition Authority and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors’ Authority can do what they do best: maintain and govern their own destinations in different parts of the state," said Governor Corzine.

The Atlantic City Convention Center project includes the convention center, which is comprised of approximately 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, 45 meeting rooms, and a 1,500-space parking garage as well as the historic Boardwalk Hall and its West Hall expansion, which hosts family shows, concerts and sporting events.

"The Convention Center is an important part of the continued growth of Atlantic City as a world-class tourism and convention destination. We’re strengthening the Visitors Authority and its ability to maximize the economic potential of greater Atlantic City regional," added Senator Jim Whelan, (D-Atlantic).

Both facilities generate revenues through either admission charges in the case of Boardwalk Hall or rents, parking fees, concessions and convention and trade-show related services at the Convention Center.

According to Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, "The signing of this legislation not only separates us from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, it reflects the maturing of Atlantic City as a destination and the ACCVA as a destination marketing organization. It provides greater efficiency, cost savings, and enables us to better market the Atlantic City region to visitors and convention planners."

Sponsors of A2011/S1393 were Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester); Senator Paul A. Sarlo (D-Bergen, Essex, Passaic) and Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic).