News12 MyTown Fair Lawn: From Your Neighbors

Burglar who lept from window caught

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:43:00 GMT

A woman in Alpine got an unpleasant surprise yesterday after she found a burglar hiding in a bedroom closet.

According to the Record, after being spotted, the burglar lept from the home's second floor balcony and fled.

The man apparently got into the home on Stone Tower Drive through an unlocked door and slipped by unnoticed from the woman, her three children, and another couple and child.

The suspect's car was stopped by police a short time afterwards. Jamalle T. Jordan and Kevin D. Kinlaw, both of Queens, were arrested and the victim was able to identify Jordan as the intruder.

Both were charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools, according to the report.

Arts Field Day in Bergen

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:42:00 GMT

Bergen County will host its Arts Field Day on Wed., Dec. 3 at Bergen County Community College in Paramus.

Teachers and principals from elementary through high schools, both public and parochial are invited to attend the workshops.

“Last year’s Arts Field Day was a resounding success,” said County Executive Dennis McNerney. “This year’s activities will once again explore how teachers and students benefit from having professional AIE teaching artists visit their schools through these grant residencies.”

The first session is the Arts-in-Education (AIE) Workshop, which will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:35 a.m. It will be followed by the AIE Residency Grant Technical Workshop from 11:45 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Schools that attend the AIE Residency Grant Technical Workshop will be qualified to receive a free three-day mini-residency grant with an AIE roster artist in the discipline of their choice.

The workshops are free, but pre-registration is required. Attendees need to register for both sessions. Registration forms can be obtained by calling Greg Lucente in the County’s Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs at 201-336-7292 or via e-mail at glucente@co.bergen.nj.us. Registration forms are due Friday, November 21. They can be faxed to 201-336-7262.

Update: 15-year-old killed in crash

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:05:00 GMT

A 15 year-old was killed and another teenager seriously injured in a crash yesterday on Route 17 South in Bergen. The driver of the vehicle is a 17-year-old.

According to Prosecutor John L. Molinelli, the 15 year-old was pronounced dead at the scene and the 14-year-old was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) where he remains in critical condition.

At this time, the 17-year-old driver has not been charged and is also in HUMC being treated for serious injuries. Those injuries do not appear to be life threatening. The investigation is ongoing. All three teens are from Bergen County.

Night time pedestrian safety campaign

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:38:00 GMT

The latest traffic safety reports are in, and over the last three years, four pedestrians have been struck and killed in Fair Lawn and another 70 pedestrians injured in motor vehicle crashes.

Fair Lawn police are urging motorists and pedestrians to be extra cautious, especially this time of year that includes shorter daytime hours. Nationally, nearly 50 percent of pedestrian fatalities happen between 6 p.m. and midnight.

Fair Lawn police are in the midst of a campaign to remind drivers to look out for pedestrians, and to ensure pedestrians use crosswalks and obey crossing signals.

"Unfortunately many motorist forget to be defensive drivers and pay little attention to pedestrians," said Sergeant Derek Bastinck. "Many motorists are dealing with distractions inside their vehicles such as G.P.S. systems, cell phones, and mobile lab top computers, this just adds to the danger for pedestrians."

Police recommend that school children and other s carry a flashlight while walking and wear reflective materials at night.

Bergen gas prices remain higher than others

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:47:00 GMT

(AP) - Gasoline prices in New Jersey continue to drop as Garden State residents prepare to hit the roads for the holiday.

AAA-Mid-Atlantic says the average price for regular is $1.97 a gallon.

A year ago it was $2.92.

It's the first time since Dec. 5, 2005 that the average price was under $2 a gallon. The last time the price was $1.97 was March 29, 2005.

The auto club says average prices were even lower in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties at $1.89 a gallon.

Average prices remain higher in Bergen and Passaic counties.

AAA says gasoline prices in 22 states are now under the $2 average.

Fatal car crash on Route 17

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:02:00 GMT

A deadly accident forced Route 17 South to close down in Bergen County last night.

According to the Record, Route 17 was closed at Sheridan Avenue in Waldwick due to a single-car accident around 9:10 p.m., that injured one person and killed the other.

The severity of the injured person is unknown at this time.

Main event: Washington's retreat to Bergen

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:46:00 GMT

The Bergen County Historical Society will present historian Arthur S. Lefkowitz, author of "The Long Retreat," who will mark the 232nd anniversary of the 1776 invasion and Washington’s retreat through Bergen County with a 50-minute slide presentation.

The presentation will be held today at the Second Reformed Church in Hackensack at 7:30 p.m.

Video: Cops rally for fellow officers

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:38:00 GMT

Over 100 people, mostly officers from various towns and PBA local 180 gathered at the American Legion in Cresskill this morning to rally in support of Cresskill officers Brad Levitzki and Matthew Banta.

Both officers were suspended with pay, following last months fatal car crash in New Milford in which they responded.

Officers were critical of Police chief Stephen Lillis' decision to suspend the officers and supporters called for their reinstatements.

Click here for a previous coverage.

Cops step up DWI enforcement

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:30:00 GMT

The Holiday season if fast approaching, and for police that means an extra effort at nabbing motorists who drink and drive as part of their annual "over the Limit Under Arrest" program.

The crackdown, which will run from Dec. 8 to Jan 2. will include various DWI checkpoints and increased patrols throughout Fair Lawn.

The national program began in 1999 and aims to combat drunk driving during the busiest travel times of the year.

In 2007, 28 percent of the 724 motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol related.

Main event: "Too Fat to Fish" tour

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:41:00 GMT

See Artie Lange on tour promoting the book "Too Fat To Fish".

Lange will make an appearance at Bookends Bookstore in Ridgewood at 6 p.m. The bookstore is located at 232 E Ridgewood Ave.

Tis' the season to donate

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:50:00 GMT

The Volunteer Center in Bergen County is once again sponsoring the "All Wrapped Up Holiday Giving Program," which matches individuals and families in need with willing donors from the community.

Last year, 792 families and 980 individuals, referred by 57 area non-profit agencies, were "adopted" by other families, individuals, community groups and companies. Over 775 donors from the community responded with contributions of gifts, gift certificates, toys, clothing and household items, totaling nearly $400,000.

The Holiday Hotline has been open since November 3 and will be matching donors with people referred by area agencies.

For more information about donating click here.

Main event: open blues jam

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:43:00 GMT

Open Blues Jam hosted by Steve Johnson at Mexicali Live. Come in, sign up and get your jam on.

Show starts at 7:00 p.m. at 1409 Queen Anne Road in Teaneck.

Man struck, killed by train

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 19:59:00 GMT

A NJ Transit train struck and killed a man this morning in Hackensack.

The victim, identified as Stephen Nolan, apparently walked around the down crossing gates and was struck by an oncoming train at roughly 9:20 a.m., according to NJ Transit Spokesperson Courtney Carroll.

Why Nolan crossed in front of the gates is under investigation she said.

Service on the Pascack Valley Line was suspended until 11 a.m. with some later residual delays, Carroll said.

The train was carrying 12 other passengers at the time of the incident. No passengers or crew members were injured.

Crash temporarily closes ramp on Rt. 17

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:37:00 GMT

The ramp at Century Road on Rt. 17 was temporarily closed this morning while the scene of an accident was being cleared.

According to published reports in the Record, an infant suffered minor injuries in the car accident that occurred around 9:30 a.m. The injuries were not considered life threatening.

Further information was not immediately available.

Cops plan rally for suspended officers

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:26:00 GMT

The Cresskill Police Benevolent Association is planning a demonstration to show support for two officers facing charges related to a fatal car crash in October.

According to a report in the Record, Officers Matthew Banta and Brad Levitzki were suspended following the October 16 accident where 10-year-old Miriam Avraham of Fair Lawn, was killed, and a 14-yea-old boy critically injured in a crash in New Milford.

Both officers have been charged with a host of departmental violations, including insubordination, neglect of duty, conduct unbecoming of a police officer, and abuse of police cars and equipment, according to the report.

The PBA demonstration is planned for Nov. 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the Cresskill American Legion Post, located at 75 Legion Drive in Cresskill.

The accident occurred after Harold Saenz, allegedly driving a stolen Mercedes, crashed into the Honda Avraham was driving in with her family. Saenz was being chased by the car's owner who saw Saenz steal his car from the driveway. The car's owner called 911 during the chase.

Man arressted for selling drugs in deli

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:56:00 GMT

A Wood-Ridge man has been charged with selling marijuana out of a deli.

According to the Record, Vincent A. Schiraldi, 25, of Wood-Ridge worked as a delivery driver for Craig D’s Deli on Washington Avenue and allegedly sold marijuana at the store and also delivered it to customers. Police found 37 small packets of marijuana in the delivery truck.

Schiraldi was arrested on Nov. 13, after a two month investigation. He was charged with possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana with the intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school property.

He was released on $10,000 cash bail.

Suspect pleads not guilty in hotel attack

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:31:00 GMT

Kenneth Gough, the Ohio man who was arrested in July for attacking a woman at a Carlstadt hotel has plead not guilty to the charges, according to a report in the Record.

Gough is accused of attacking and trying to rape the desk clerk at the Hampton Inn. The victim fought off his advances for 30 minutes before escaping. Later at the police station, Gough allegedly took an officer's gun and pointed at the officer before being subdued, according to the report.

Lawyers for Gough say he has a history of mental illness. Gough remains in jail on $500,000 bail.

Blotter: vehicle stops lead to drug arrests

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:45:00 GMT

Here's a look at crime in the borough for the first few weeks of November. Fair Lawn police want to remind motorists to make sure all portable navigation units are not visible from outside your car. This includes the suction cup mounting systems many times left attached to the window. These GPS units still have a high re-sale value on the streets and help support illegal activity.

BURGLARY/THEFTS
-A resident of Midland Ave. reported on Nov. 6 that someone broke into their car and stole a lap top computer, a GPS unit, and other items. The total value of the theft is over $1,000.
-A student attending a party at a home Lambert Ave. reported on Nov. 9 that his laptop computer was stolen. The computer is valued at $1,000.
-A resident of Kenneth Ave. reported on Nov. 7 that someone broke into their home and stole $75 worth of coins. The burglary may have entered the home through an open second floor window.
-Police are investigating an attempted theft at a CVS on Fair Lawn Ave. on Nov. 11. The store manager told police that a white man tried to leave the store with $650 worth of unpaid merchandise. The man left in a red vehicle.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
-A resident of Radburn reported on Nov. 7 that someone punctured a tire on their vehicle. The car had been parked in the victim's driveway.
-A resident of Andover Pl. reported hearing her door bell ring the night of Nov. 8 followed by a loud thud. The next morning she found that her front storm door had been broken by a metal watering can found near by.

ARRESTS
-Police arrested Makesha Singh, 18, of Hawthorne on Nov. 5 for shoplifting at Shop Rite on River Rd. Store security reported seeing Singh try to leave the store with $78.87 worth of unpaid merchandise.
-Police arrested John Deyoung, 21, of Ringwood, and Lauren Taflambas, 24, of Ringwood following a motor vehicle accident on Nov. 7. Deyoung, who was driving the car, had veered off Lincoln Ave. and struck several parked cars. During the investigation, police found marijuana inside the car's passenger compartment.
-Police arrested Thomas Vitale, 35, of West Milford on Nov. 9 for possession of suspected heroin. Police stopped Vitale on Maples Ave. for a motor vehicle violations at which point he allegedly threw four to five small baggies of suspected heroin.
-Police arrested Casimer Sanzari, 36, of Passaic for having an outstanding warrant. Sanzari was taken into custody after police saw him peering into windows of closed businesses along Broadway in the early morning hours of Nov. 11.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

View Larger Map

60-year prison term for armed robber

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:36:00 GMT

AP) - A defendant who refused to attend his trial and was convicted of armed robbery also stayed away from his sentencing and has been handed a 60-year prison term.

Twenty-nine-year-old Victor Baez is already an inmate at South Woods State Prison in Bridgeton, where he is serving an eight-year sentence for eluding police.

Baez's lawyer told the judge his client's absence wasn't a protest. He just didn't feel like leaving his cell to make the nearly three-hour trip to Paterson for the sentencing hearing on
Friday.

Superior Court Judge Ernest Caposela said Baez's absence had no bearing on the length of the sentence. He cited testimony that Baez roughed up gas station attendants and a convenience store clerk during a series of holdups in Fair Lawn, Paterson, Clifton and Lodi.

Baez was arrested in December 2006 along with three accomplices. All three testified against Baez and are serving prison sentences.

Baez was convicted of 22 counts of armed robbery, aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Information from: The Record of Bergen County

Verizon to stop paying taxes on utility poles

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:13:00 GMT

(AP) - Verizon is telling New Jersey towns that it will stop paying local taxes on utility poles, wires and other equipment because people are using other means to communicate.

Municipal leaders in cash-strapped towns say the loss of revenue could force them to shift the costs to homeowners.

The Record of Bergen County reports Verizon is using a 1940 state law to argue traditional telephone use has slipped significantly as people turn to cable and the Internet for phone services.

Verizon says the law requires the company to pay taxes on land line equipment only when it is the dominant provider. The company says it is losing more than 35,000 residential phone customers a month due to competition.

The state attorney general is looking into whether Verizon is following the law.

Main event: Holiday fund-raiser

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:05:00 GMT

The Englewood Field Club will host its annual holiday shoppe fund-raiser to benefit the Community Chest of Englewood, Tenafly, and Englewood Cliffs.

The fund-raiser will run today, from 12 to 5 p.m. at the Englewood Field Club in Englewood.

Fuel surcharges drop, commuters save money

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:27:00 GMT

Many monthly commuters who travel with NY Waterway will be able to save $21 a month starting Dec. 1.

According to published reports on Westchester.com, NY Waterway is eliminating fuel surcharges on multi-trip tickets on all routes operating between Manhattan and Port Imperial in Weehawken, 14th Street in Hoboken, Edgewater Ferry Landing in Bergen County and Belford in Monmouth County.

Due to the increase in fuel prices, surcharges were instituted in June and July and although fuel prices continued to rise during the summer, NY Waterway did not institute an additional surcharge as of Sept. 1 and therefore commuters will be able to save.

According to Westchester.com the new fare structure for monthly passes will cost:

- $635 between Belford and Manhattan, a savings of $21.

- $232 between Port Imperial and Manhattan’s West 39th Street Ferry Terminal, a savings of $10.50.

- $232 between Hoboken - 14th Street and West 39th Street, saving $10.50.

- $232 between Weehawken’s Lincoln Harbor and West 39th Street, saving $10.50.

- $314 between Edgewater in Bergen County and West 39th Street, savings $21.

- $311.50 between Port Imperial and Wall Street’s Pier 11, saving $21.

- $311.50 between Port Imperial and the World Financial Center, saving $21.

- $261.30 between Hoboken-14th Street and the World Financial Center, saving $21.

For more information, call 1-800-53-FERRY or click on www.nywaterway.com

Main event: Iris Dement to perform at Bergen

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:43:00 GMT

Iris Dement, a noted singer and songwriter, will perform at Bergen Community College on tonight at 7:30 p.m., in the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre.

Tickets are $24 for general admission and $22 for students and seniors (65+).

Dement who began her career at the age of 25 has won universal acclaim as well as a Grammy nomination and currently has a recording contract with Warner Brothers.

The performance is part of Bergen Community College’s “This & That from Here & There” Performing Arts Series. For ticket information or for a full schedule of events, please call Bergen’s Office of Community and Cultural Affairs at 201-447-7428 or visit them on the Web at www.bergen.edu/cca

Vacant dealership fire under investigation

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:33:00 GMT

A vacant Bogota auto dealership was a blaze this morning for more than an hour as firefighters from seven municipalities tried to put it out.

According to the Record, the three-alarm fire, reported at 7:11 a.m., is still under investigation by the Bergen County arson squad.

Schools in the area have been asked to keep their windows closed today due to the heavy residual smoke.

Emergency workers blocked vehicle access to the bridge spanning the Hackensack River at about 7 a.m. and were preventing pedestrians from crossing the area a half hour later according to the published reports.

The roof of the building collapsed at about 7:45 a.m., setting off a new round of flames that spread more smoke into the sky.

Police and firefighters at the scene would not immediately comment.

Bergen man sentenced for tax evasion

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:58:00 GMT

(AP) - A wholesale food distributor from Alpine has been sentenced to six months in prison for tax evasion.

Seventy-one-year-old George Abad Sr. pleaded guilty in May to evading taxes by filing false federal income tax returns for the years 1999 to 2003.

Prosecutors say he under reported his income by $2.4 million to evade nearly $860,000 in taxes.

As part of the sentence handed down Thursday by U.S. District Judge Katherine S. Hayden in Newark, Abad was also ordered to pay a $40,000 fine.

Abad, who ran General Trading Company Inc. in Carlstadt, has already paid $3.2 million in back taxes, interest and penalties.

He is to surrender Jan. 5 to begin serving his sentence.

Bergen developer eyeing Atlantic City

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:33:00 GMT

Despite tough times in Atlantic City, it may be getting a new casino. A real estate agent from Bergen County wants to build one in the Marina district.

According to the Press of Atlantic City, Rob Pagano is trying to get approval to re-zone 17 acres he owns near the Borgata.

Triple 5 Worldwide, the company that owns the Mall of America in Minnesota, may also be involved in the project.

Former mayor resigns post

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:27:00 GMT

Former North Arlington mayor Leonard Kaiser, whose home was searched today by federal agents, has resigned from the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, according to a report in the Record.

Kaiser handed in his letter of resignation on Nov. 6, according to the report. He gave no explanation for his departure.

Kaiser has been caught up in the scandal involving Bergen County Democratic Chair Joseph Ferriero. He allegedly was partners with Ferriero and Dennis Oury in a government grants consulting company that is currently under investigation and has lead to corruption charges for both Oury and Ferriero.

Kaiser also serves as head of the Bergen County Utilities Authority.

Update on flag burning suspect

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:26:00 GMT

(AP) - Bergenfield police are accusing an unemployed postal worker with burning an American flag on Veterans Day.

Terrence Byrnes is charged with criminal mischief. Burning the flag is not a crime, but police say the 37-year-old destroyed someone else's property.

Police say Byrnes lit a bamboo shoot and ignited the tattered flag at a former auto dealership on S. Washington Avenue.

Police say Byrnes told them he felt it was 'dishonorable' to display such a weather-beaten flag.

Byrnes is scheduled to appear in Bergenfield Municipal Court on Nov. 20.

Ferriero's business partner's home searched

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:43:00 GMT

The home of Leonard Kaiser, former business partner of indicted Bergen Democratic Chairman Joseph Ferriero, was searched today by Federal Agents.

According to a report in the Star-Ledger, an FBI spokesperson confirmed that the FBI was conducting a search warrant at the home of Kaiser, the former mayor of North Arlington and current executive director of the Bergen County Utilities Authority.

Kaiser and Ferriero were partners in a consulting company along with Dennis J. Oury, the former Bergenfield attorney, according to the report. The company has come under scrutiny by the Attorney's General Office.

Ferriero and Oury both face corruption charges in connection to the consulting company.

Film festival to present the Golem

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:07:00 GMT

The Teaneck International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Teaneck Festival Of Arts (TFOA), will be presenting The Golem, a program that will be the centerpiece of Teaneck's third annual film festival on Nov. 15, at 8 p.m., at the Cedar Lane Cinemas, 503 Cedar Lane, Teaneck.

Golem, a story based on an ancient Hebrew legend, is regarded as the source of the Frankenstein myth.

Tickets are on sale now at the Teaneck Public Library, Cedar Lane Cinemas, Simply the Best and Briar Rose Books located on Cedar Lane or on-line at www.teaneckfilmfestival.org.

Tickets are $20 if purchased in advance and $25 at the door. Prices for weekend passes, good for all films except The Golem, are $25; single day passes are $15; and individual tickets are $5. Through a grant from Target, children under 12 will be admitted free to family-friendly movies.

For more information visit www.teaneckfilmfestival.org.

Ramsey Blotter: Man arrested for heroin

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:57:00 GMT

Here is a look at the Ramsey police blotter for last week:

- On Oct. 23, at 10 p.m., Detective Brian Huth investigated a complaint at a hotel on Route 17. During the course of the investigation, Detective Huth arrested a 20-year-old Hillsdale man for disorderly conduct and Officer Craig Weber arrested a 21-year-old Washington Township man for possession of Heroin.

- On Nov. 1, at 3:58 p.m., Officer Adam Szelag arrested a 22-year-old Ramsey woman for an outstanding warrant.

- On Nov. 1, at 2:11 a.m., Officer Diane Bornkamp investigated a motor vehicle accident in the parking lot of a Route 17 hotel. During the course of the investigation, a 25-year-old Palisades Park man was arrested for driving while intoxicated.

- On Nov. 2, at 11:30 p.m., Sergeant Brian Lyman observed a suspicious male seated in a vehicle in a restaurant parking lot on Route 17. While speaking to the 31-year-old Paterson man it was discovered that a traffic warrant existed and he was arrested.

- On Nov. 2, at 10:04 a.m., Patrolman Craig Weber was dispatched to ShopRite for a shoplifter in custody. A 39-year-old Mahwah man was arrested.

- On Nov. 7, at 9:01 p.m., Patrolman Matt Rork conducted a motor vehicle stop in Erie Plaza. During the course of the stop, a 24-year-old Highland Mills man was arrested for possession of marijuana.

Family prays killer's parole is denied

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:29:00 GMT

The mother behind Joan's Law and her family are anxiously awaiting the announcement of whether Joan D'Alessandro's killer will be paroled.

Rosemarie D'Alessandro testified for the fourth time in 15 years to keep Joseph McGowan in prison. Following her testimony, D'Alessandro was joined by others for a protest outside the courthouse.

D'Alessandro's 7-year-old daughter Joan was raped and murdered nearly 35 years ago in Hillsdale. After the young girl's death, the grieving mother helped create a now federal law that mandates a life sentence for sexual predators charged with murdering children younger than 14.

Joan's Law went into effect in 1998. McGowan was convicted prior to that and spared a life sentence.

The D'Alessandro family says they are praying the parole board will do the right thing and deny parole.

Not guilty plea in fatal crash

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:54:00 GMT

Keema Green, the Teaneck woman accused of plowing into a crowd of people, plead not guilty today in Superior Court in Paterson, according to a report in the Record.

Green, 24, had apparently just been involved in a fight on Goodwin Ave when she allegedly drove her Mercury Mountaineer into a group of people, killing Natalie Mestre, 26, of Paterson. Five other people were also hit and injured.

Green is currently free on $20,000 bail.

Wayne man charged with sexual assault

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:37:00 GMT

A Wayne man was arrested by Prosecutors this week on a slew of child sex assault charges.

Robert Huff, 45, was taken into custody after a girl reported to Paramus Police that she and Huff had sexual intercourse along with numerous other sexual contacts.

He has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and endangering the welfare of a child. Bail was set at $220,000. Huff has been prohibited from contacting the victim or her family and was forced to surrender his passport. He remains at the Bergen County Jail.

Man arrested for flag burning

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 16:51:00 GMT

Police in Bergenfield arrested a man caught burning an American flag on Veteran's Day.

According to a report by the Star-Ledger, witnesses saw Terrence Byrnes, 57, of Englewood, setting fire to the flag, which was hanging on a pole in a defunct car dealership on South Washington Ave.

Byrnes was given a disorderly persons summons. Police are unsure why Byrnes burned the flag.

Pigeons electrocuted in Garfield

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:06:00 GMT

A Garfield woman is fighting to save pigeons from electrocution.

Rita Skultety said the birds frequently fly into an overhead wire on River Drive near her home, leaving the birds with severe burns, according to an interview in the Record. She has taken many wounded birds to Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital were some have to be euthanized because of their injuries.

PSE&G representatives say a conduce failure may be to blame.

New administrator in Rutherford

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:50:00 GMT

Rutherford appointed a new administrator yesterday.

According to a report in the Record, Leslie Shenkler, the former administrator in Allendale, will start this week with a $116,000 salary.

Shenkler was chosen unanimously by the council out of 25 candidates for the position. The previous administrator Timothy Stafford, resigned when Republicans became the majority last January.

Local list of Veteran Day Services

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:24:00 GMT

Lyndhurst
The annual Veteran's Day Memorial will be held at the corner of New York Avenue and Delafield Avenue at 11 a.m.

New Milford
The Borough of New Milford will be honoring it's veterans on Tuesday, November 11th at 11:00 AM. The ceremony will be at the war memorial in front of the Borough Hall. All attendees will receive a small American Flag. Please come and thank all veterans, past and present, in their unselfish service to our Country.

Rutherford
Rutherford Veteran's Day - Lincoln Park, Tuesday, November 11th. 9:30 am – Dedication of Eternal Flame Monument, 11:00 am – Veteran's Day Service.

Garfield
Veteran's Day service at 11 a.m. at the VFW Hall on Outwater Lane.

Ramsey
Please join us in honoring our veterans at our Veteran's Day Service on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 11a.m. at Veteran's Park.

Ridgewood
Veteran's Day Service
Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square. American Legion Post #53 will thank our neighbors, friends, and relatives for their service to our country.

Teaneck
Veteran's Day Program, coordinated by the Teaneck Patriotic Observance Advisory Board will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Municipal Green.

Oradell
Flag Retirement Ceremony
Tuesday Nov. 11 – The American Legion will have a “Flag Retirement Ceremony” at exactly 11:00 a.m. in the parking lot of the Oradell Veterans Memorial Building. Residents wishing to have their flags retired are asked to bring them to the OVM building. If no one is there, please leave the flags by the door of the building.

Mother to testify against parole for killer

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:18:00 GMT

The Bergen County mother behind Joan's Law will speak to the state parole board this week in hopes of keeping her daughter's murderer behind bars.

This is the 15th time Rosemarie D'Allesandro will testify to keep Joseph McGowan in prison. McGowan raped and murdered D'Allesandro's 7-year-old daughter Joan 35 years ago while the girl was selling Girl Scout cookies.

After her daughter's death, D'Allessandro helped create legislation to sentence sexual predators who murder children younger than 14 to life in prison. New Jersey passed Joan's Law in 1997; a year later it became federal law.

D'Allesandro plans to bring a poster of her daughter and a tape recording of her voice to the parole hearing.

"I'm going to talk to them about Joan and get them to understand she was an innocent girl and a beautiful child," she says.

McGowan is eligible for parole in January as he was convicted before Joan's Law was passed. A demonstration to protest his release will be held on State Street in Trenton before D'Allesandro's testimony.

Police look for hit and run driver

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:08:00 GMT

Police are looking for the driver who struck a woman in Teaneck Sunday night and then fled.

According to the Record, the victim was struck at the intersection of Teaneck Rd. and West Englewood Ave. A witness reported the driver who fled was a female, driving a silver Infiniti.

Police are asking anyone with information on the hit and run to call police at (201) 837-2565. The victim suffered non-life threatening injuries.

A history lesson: the Naugle home

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 17:28:00 GMT

The Fair Lawn Historic Preservation Commission (FLHPC) invites you to an evening learning about the Naugle House and its history at the Fair Lawn Library on Monday, Nov. from 7:15 to 9 p.m.

The speaker will be Eric Bal, president of the First Mountain Chapter of the New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. His topic will be exclusively on the subject of Fair Lawn's historic Naugle House, specifically its history and family genealogy.

The program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For information, call the library at 201-796-3400.

Also, for the entire month of November, the FLHPC invites you to view the library showcase exhibit featuring the Naugle House (in the main lobby at the Library entrance).

Blotter: 4 arrested for fire at school

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:35:00 GMT

Here's a look at crime in Fair Lawn over the last few weeks of October and early November. Fair Lawn has been hit with a rash of burglaries and thefts.

BURGLARIES/THEFTS
-A gold bracelet was stolen from a car parked at the Shop Rite parking lot on River Rd. on Oct. 22. The victim told police the bracelet had been hidden under a car seat but that she might have left her doors unlocked. The bracelet was valued at $1,600.
-A home on Wyckoff Terr. was burglarized on Oct. 29. Neighbors reported seeing a Hispanic man go to the home's front door, ring the bell, and then head to the backyard. Another neighbor reported seeing a Hispanic man driving around the area in a white Honda prior to the burglary. The home had been broken into from a rear door on the home's deck. Cash and personal belongings were stolen from the home.
-An inflatable Halloween lawn ornament was stolen from the front yard of a home on Fairclough Pl. on Oct. 30. The ornament was valued at $150.
-A garage on Kenneth Ave. was burglarized on Oct. 30. The victim told police that $2,500 worth of power tools were stolen as well as cash from the inside of his truck.
-A resident of Fair Lawn had her purse stolen after she accidentally left it in a shopping cart at Shop Rite on River Rd. on Oct. 27. The purse contained cash and various gift cards, one of which was used at a store in Hackensack that same day. Police are investigating.
-A home on Hartley Pl. was burglarized on Oct. 24. The burglar had gained entry into the home by pushing in a bedroom air conditioner. The victim reporting finding a wrench in the home which may have been used in the burglary. The bedroom had been ransacked.
-A car parked on George St. on Oct. 23 was broken into. A G.P.S. unit, a laptop computer, and eyeglasses were stolen.
-A customer at Shop Rite on River Rd had money from her purse stolen on Nov. 1. The victim told police that her purse was taken from her shopping cart. Customer service later reported that the purse was turned in by a 12-year-old boy. All of the contents of the purse were still there, minus $110.

ARSON
-Four juveniles were arrested on Oct. 24, suspected with starting a fire at the wildlife area of Lyncrest School. Police found two cans of lighter fluid next to the gazebo in the wildlife center. All four juveniles were released to their parents. Charges are pending while detectives continue to investigate.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
-A resident of Lenox Dr. reported on Nov. 3 that someone threw a rock through a rear window of his home.
-Someone shot an arrow through an office window at the Knights of Columbus building on Maple Ave. on Oct. 27.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
-A 12-year-old Fair Lawn student reported being followed as he walked home from school on Oct. 31. The boy told police that he noticed a young man, driving a black four door Audi, follow him as he walked in the area of Raphael and Hartley Streets. As the boy crossed the street and called a friend, the man asked the boy if he was calling the police. When the boy replied "no", the driver asked him if he wanted a ride home. The boy said no and the man drove away. The suspect is described as a 25-year-old man, with medium length blonde hair, with dark eyes.

ARRESTS
-Police arrested Joel Dilone, 18, Jose Lopezgenao, 21, and a 17 year-old with burglary and possession of stolen property after they were seen breaking into a car Cyril Ave. on Oct. 28. The owner of the car reported to police that she saw two of the suspects breaking into her car and then fleeing the scene. Fair Lawn police were unable to locate the suspects' car, but it was later stopped by police in Elmwood Park. According to police, the car was filled with numerous stolen electronic devices and burglary tools.
-Police arrested Jay W. Vanhouten, 57, of Fair Lawn on Oct. 24 for DWI and driving with a suspended license. A witness who saw Vanhouten staggering and then getting into a car alerted police.
-Police arrested Pamela I. Vera, 49, of Paterson for shoplifting on Oct. 26. Vera was seen by security at Shop Rite trying to hide conceal items and leave without paying for them.
-Police arrested Frederick Steinman, 28, of Hewitt, and Brittany Wright, 23, of Hewitt on Oct. 24 for possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. Police stopped the pair in the parking lot Maple Lanes. Officers found 20 bags of heroin and a hypodermic needle in the car.
-Police arrested Kadeem A. Clarke, 19, of Hackensack on Nov. 1 for driving while intoxicated. Clarke was arrested after he was stopped at a DWI checkpoint on Broadway.
-Police arrested Michael Kaserkie, 22, of South Amboy on Nov. 1 for driving while intoxicated. Kaserkie was arrested after he was stopped at a DWI checkpoint on Broadway. Police also found marijuana in his coat. Kaserkie also had an outstanding warrant out of Paramus.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

View Larger Map

Main event: Steve Malzberg to visit Bergen

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Noted radio talk show host Steve Malzberg will speak at Bergen Community College 11 a.m. Mon., Nov. 10 in room A104 at the college, 400 Paramus Road, Paramus.

Doors Tribute Band Packs Community Center

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 22:19:00 GMT

Doors tribute band The Soft Parade sold out the Fair Lawn Community Center on September 27, packing the house with 170 concertgoers and earning a profit of $1,500 that will be used to offset costs at the facility. The concert was the first in a series of shows now being planned by a local volunteer group, the Friends of the Fair Lawn Community Center (FFLCC). Upcoming events will feature a variety of performers in the worlds of music and comedy.

The FFLCC’s mission statement states that the committee was formed “to serve Fair Lawn residents, utilizing the community’s expertise to brainstorm, study and propose enhancements in the center’s programs and facilities to make it more useful and financially viable, and to increase value for all.” The group hopes that concerts and other programs will allow the building to generate more revenue and help ease the financial burden on Fair Lawn taxpayers.

The Soft Parade has received praise worldwide as the premiere Doors tribute show. Before coming to Fair Lawn they had toured 20 countries, with an enormous following in Europe, particularly in Germany, Holland and France.

“It was a fun show,” said Howard Rudolf, the FFLCC’s chairperson. “It was great to have such a wonderful response to our premiere event, and the money earned is a small but important step toward making the center a money-maker.”

Rudolf noted that the committee is actively recruiting those with interest and expertise from all over the community -- anyone from architects and engineers, to accountants, pr specialists, designers and those with experience in producing performing arts events. “Anyone who is interested is welcome to join us in rolling up our sleeves and creating money-making improvements to the center, whether in the form of innovative physical improvements, or shows that can utilize the great theater and other facilities the center has in order to generate money. It’s a chance to get creative, help the town and have some fun at the same time.”

Rudolf said that the committee meets about once each month. Those interested in volunteering or finding out more can call 201-703-1020.

Video: Manager gets his hearing

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:20:00 GMT

The much anticipated Nov. 6 manager meeting went as expected, with scores of people showing up to support Tom Metzler and evidence of a bitterly divided council.

Supporters showed up in force with "Keep Tom Metzler" tags. Metzler himself had a table full of documents, minutes, exhibits, and even brought in testimony from the borough's CFO, all to refute charges of incompetence by the council.

But after a nearly five and a half hour meeting, it was clear the decision to remove Metzler may have lasting repercussions for the council.

The meeting got off to a rocky start as both Republican council members Jeanne Baratta and Ed Trawinski objected to adopting procedures for the meeting, claiming they were unaware of what exactly the meeting would entail, and had not been notified by the borough attorney Bruce Rosenberg of any hearing procedures. Trawinski said Rosenberg had acted as a "super majority" in his discussions with the mayor about procedures, while Weinstein countered that all council members had opportunity to ask questions about the hearing in the month prior to yesterday's meeting.

When the hearing finally began, Metzler went through each charge by the council, charges that included failure to implement budgetary goals, failure to execute sound judgement in purchases, and disparate treatment of borough employees.

The two big issues of contention surrounded "cargate" and Metzler's alleged favoritism of certain employees. Metzler said if the situation surrounding the purchase of the car had not been leaked to the press, the entire public ordeal could have been avoided.

"Once again the council failed to protect my rights as an employee," Metzler said of the leak.

In "cargate", Metzler was reprimanded for purchasing a vehicle without council approval.

Metzler also pointed to two other instances of car purchases in 1994 and 2000 made by previous managers not approved by the council.

As for favoritism, Metzler said, "I don't play personality." He added he doesn't micro manage, leaving that up to department heads. According to Metzler, his authority to fire employees reflected Fair Lawn's strong manager form of government. "I'm a manager, not administrator", said Metzler.

"You want to fire me because of poor morale? Who the hell did you talk to you?"

With his presentation coming to an end, Metzler addressed the mayor, who he said was a good, honest, man, who had tried to "do this the right way."

"I don't believe this has to end like this," Metzler said. He implored Weinstein to appoint a committee, of one Democrat and one Republican to work out his separation.

Acknowledging his imminent departure, Metzler said, "I can't work here any longer for this council. I'm asking you, Mayor, to make this right."

Weinstein meanwhile, said the decision to remove Metzler was not without foundation.

"The decision to support the resolution was not made in an arbitrary, indifferent, or insensitive manner," Weinstein said, reading from a prepared statement. He also went to list a number of issues he believed were left undone by Metzler.

Weinstein did not comment on the possibility of a committee, as public comment went well into the early hours. Another meeting, where Metzler, can again respond to the charges, has been set for Nov. 24.

Meanwhile Fair Lawn resident and former borough employee Joan Carr said Metzler had done a good job, if not better than previous managers. And as for tonight's meeting, "it's what I expected it to be... right down party lines." She also said Metzler deserved an apology from the council.

Nurses protest in Teaneck

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:05:00 GMT

Nurses took to the streets yesterday in Teaneck, fighting for higher wages and more benefits.

According to a report in the Record, workers at the Teaneck Nursing Center are protesting a one percent wage increase offered in contract negotiations.

Representatives for the nurses say they want the Center to offer benefits and wages on par with other nursing centers. Meanwhile lawyers for the Center acknowledged that economic problems could make negotiations difficult for both sides.

Xanadu must apply for liquor license

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:58:00 GMT

In a meeting late last month the State's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control confirmed they want bars and restaurants at Xanadu in East Rutherford to apply for special permits allowing alcohol sales.

Jerry Fischer of the State's Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control reaffirmed his 2005 decision in a ruling late last month while others complained that the decision severely undercuts the value of Meadowlands-area liquor licenses which often cost over $500,000.

A special state concessionaire permit cost $2,000.

Bergen holds Mental Health meeting

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:27:00 GMT

Bergen residents are invited to attend the County’s Mental Health Board executive session on Monday, November 17.

The session will be held at 5 p.m. and will be followed by the board’s regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. The meetings will be held in the auditorium of the Community Services Building located at 327 East Ridgewood Avenue in Paramus.

Dr. Asghar Hossain, medical director of Behavioral Health Services at Bergen Regional Medical Center, will speak during the regular monthly meeting. He will present an overview of the behavioral health services offered at Bergen Regional Medical Center. Food will be served.

The public will have the opportunity to ask questions regarding behavioral health issues during the session. For more information contact the Bergen County Mental Health Board at 201-634-2750.

Manager's public hearing tonight

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:04:00 GMT

The public hearing for fired Manager Tom Metzler will be held tonight, at 7:30 p.m. at Borough hall.

At the hearing, Metzler, who was removed from his position by a 3-2 vote last month, will get the chance to publicly respond to the "charges" the council used in deciding for his dismissal.

4 indicted for church thefts

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:52:00 GMT

Four people were charged today with stealing from churches throughout north Jersey, including Bergen County.

According to a report in the Star-Ledger, Kathleen Cahill, 21, and her brother, Sean, 20, both of Kinnelon, Andrew Mascari, 19, of Kinnelon and Peter Picariello, 48, of Pompton Plains were indicted by a Morris County grand jury for burglary, theft, conspiracy, and other charges.

The four are accused of stealing from churches in Oakland, Wayne, Butler, and Kinnelon in 2007. Among the items allegedly stolen were cash from donation boxes and musical instruments and equipment, according to the report.

The items were later sold to a pawn shop in Bergen County and the money was used to purchase drugs.

Man dies after crashing into a beer truck

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:54:00 GMT

A 49-year-old man was killed yesterday afternoon after losing consciousness and driving into oncoming traffic.

According to the Record, the man collided his station wagon into an oncoming beer truck. Police believe the driver had a medical issue that may have caused him to lose consciousness behind the wheel. The accident occurred on Johnson Avenue between Main Street and Voorhis Place around 1:25 p.m.

The unidentified driver was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center about an hour later where he was pronounced dead. The truck driver, Terrance Henderson, 35, of Passaic, and a passenger in the truck, Andres Suazo, 44, of Newark, were treated for minor injuries according to the Record.

Leonia school put on lock down

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 21:52:00 GMT

A Bergen County high school was put on lock down a couple hours ago after a bullet was found in a school bathroom.

According to the Star Ledger, Leonia High School was locked down after someone reported finding .45 caliber bullet around 2 p.m., 45 minutes before the end of the school day.

A search by Leonia police, the Bergen County Police Department's K-9 unit, and other agencies have so far discovered no other weapons. No injuries have been reported.

Students were still being held at the school at 4:15 p.m. according to the Star Ledger. However police expect to release them by 5 p.m.

Further details were not immediately available.

Bergen bank under watchful eye

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:05:00 GMT

A bank in Bergen county is under the federal microscope.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has issued a cease and desist order against Citizens Community Bank in Ridgewood, alleging hazardous lending practices involving bad loans.

The bank is still open for business, but the FDIC has ordered it to resolve the problems immediately or risk further action.

Facebook group urges violence at schools

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:50:00 GMT

(AP) - Bergen County prosecutors are probing a Facebook posting inviting students at Ramapo and Indian Hills high schools to engage in violence.

Authorities say several students recently received invitations to join a group called "December 1" to engage in violent activities at the schools in Franklin Lakes and Oakland.

Interim Superintendent August DePreker tells The Record of Bergen County that students who accepted the invitation wrote on the group page that they wanted no part of any violence.

Prosecutors are trying to determine who wrote the invitation. The group was removed by Facebook administrators.

Freeholder race still unofficial

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:11:00 GMT

Total votes for candidates for County Freeholder have yet to tallied as of today. Officials at the County Clerk's office are still counting absentee and provisional ballots, and official results may not be available until Thursday, according to members of the Election Division.

Republican candidates Chris Calabrese, Paul Duggan, and Jeffrey Heller are challenging incumbent Democrats David Ganz, Bernadette McPherson, and Vernon Walton.

So far, the Democrats seem to have swept this election. The tally, as of Wednesday, show McPherson leading with 168,195, Walton at 164,034, and Ganz earning 163,156 votes.

Calabrese received 155,741 votes, Heller-151,307, and Duggan- 153,804.

Election results

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:25:00 GMT

Barack Obama was elected the nation's first black president Tuesday night, breaking down the final racial barrier in American politics.

In a decisive victory over Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Illinois senator's message of change apparently resonated with voters at a time of extreme economic turmoil in the U.S., a theme that exit polls showed was on the minds of many voters as they left polling sites Tuesday.

Obama addressed those concerns at his victory speech in Chicago's Grant Park. He told screaming supporters that America showed the world they have the ability to stand together and make their voices heard.

Click here to view the local, statewide and national results.

Election Day 2008

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 18:07:00 GMT

It all comes down to this. After months of campaigning, debates and rallies, voters will finally decide who will be the next president of the United States. News 12 New Jersey has Election Day 2008 covered, from the presidential race to every local contest that affects New Jersey residents and their future.

Stay with News 12 New Jersey, News12.com and News 12 Interactive, channel 612, for up-to-the-minute Election Day developments today and throughout the night.

News 12 New Jersey Vote 08

Main event: Holiday clothing drive

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:10:00 GMT

The Allendale Community for Mature Living is sponsoring a holiday clothing drive today to benefit the Clothes Line Thrift Shop at Archer United Methodist Church in Allendale.

Donations of clean, gently used men’s, women’s, children’s and infant’s clothing are being accepted at The Atrium at The Allendale Community for Mature Living, located at 85 Harreton Rd., off of Route 17 South in Allendale.

The project is part of the campus’ “Caring for the Community” outreach program and marks a second effort on behalf of the shop, which serves residents throughout northwestern Bergen County.

For more information call (201) 818-7979.

Former secretary sues after being fired

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:20:00 GMT

A former Paramus school district secretary is suing the district for allegedly eliminating her job.

According to the Record, Anna Baldino was fired due to complaints she had about the schools budgeting practices. She filed a complaint at the Superior Court in Hackensack in June claiming the district wanted to hide overspending that forced it to cut 18 jobs this year, including teaching positions.

Working as secretary for the district from 2004-2007, Baldino said her supervisor told her to stop filing regular budget reports after she noticed that the district was overdrawing its accounts on several line items, in violation of state law.

According to the Record, Baldino was let go when a co-worker who Baldino previously reported for allegedly abusing the district's tax-free status to buy herself a personal computer was promoted to become her supervisor.

Wrong way driver crashes into Trooper

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 14:36:00 GMT

An elderly woman driving the wrong way on the highway crashed into a State Trooper Monday night, according to the Record.

Nina Valentino, 77, of Fair Lawn, was driving on Route 80 when she struck Trooper Anthony Sardonopoli's cruiser. The trooper had driven ahead of Valentino to warn motorists and try to stop her from heading into traffic.

The trooper was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center for evaluation. Valentino, who police say has a medical condition, was taken to St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center.

Puffin foundation sponsors film festival

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 22:10:00 GMT

The Puffin Foundation is pleased to sponsor the Teaneck International Film Festival during its 3rd year.

The Forum will be one of four theaters to feature films during the festival on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16, that will include films such as "Kids Flix Mix," film shorts for children, "Small Bites 2," a series of Spanish shorts, "Creative Nature," about glassblowing artist William Morris featuring a Q&A with director John Andres, and a very special afternoon with award-winning actor, Philip Bosco, most recently of "The Savages".

For a complete schedule and details visit www.teaneckfilmfestival.org . Tickets are $5 for adults, and Free for children under 12-years-old. To purchase tickets in advance,visit www.puffinculturalforum.org.

The Puffin Cultural Forum is located at 20 Puffin Way (formerly East Oakdene Ave., off Teaneck Rd.) in Teaneck. For more information, call 201-836-3499.

Polling locations in Bergen

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:47:00 GMT

The record voter turnout expected for tomorrow's presidential election is sure to keep the country's polling places busy.

Here's the list of locations to vote in your town.

FAIR LAWN
1 Warren Point School All Pur. Rm 30-01 Broadway
2 Thomas Jefferson Middle School 35-01 Morlot Ave. Auditorium
3 Milnes School; 9-11 Philip St. All Purpose Room
4 Edison School All Pur. Rm. 37-01 Fairlawn Ave.
5 Edison School All Pur. Rm. 37-01 Fairlawn Ave.
6 Milnes School; 9-11 Philip St. All Purpose Room
7 Thomas Jefferson Middle School 35-01 Morlot Ave. Auditorium
8 Warren Point School All Purpose Rm. 30-01 Broadway
9 Warren Point School All Purpose Rm. 30-01 Broadway
10 Warren Point School All Purpose Rm. 30-01 Broadway
11 Fair Lawn Recreation/Community Center/10-10 Kipp Street/ Gym
12 Fair Lawn Recreation/Community Center/10-10 Kipp Street/ Gym
13 Radburn School -Multi Purpose Room - 18-12 Radburn Rd.
14 Radburn School - Multi Purpose Room - 18-12 Radburn Rd.
15 Maurice Pine Free Pub. Library 10-01 Fair Lawn Ave. Basmt.Mtg.Rm.
16 Fair Lawn High School Auditorium/14-10 Berdan Ave.
17 Fair Lawn High School Auditorium/14-10 Berdan Ave.
18 Lyncrest School All Purpose Rm. 10-16 Morlot Ave.
19 John Forrest School; 10-00 - Hopper Ave. All Purpose Rm.
20 Maurice Pine Free Pub. Library 10-01Fair Lawn Ave. Basmt.Mtg.Rm.
21 Westmoreland Sch. Library - 16-50 Parmalee Ave.
22 Memorial Jr. H.S. 12-00 First St. Auditorium
23 Memorial Jr. H.S. 12-00 First St. Auditorium

BERGENFIELD
1 Borough Hall 198 No. Washington Avenue Council Chamber
2 Jefferson School Gym Hickory Ave. & Martin St.
3 St. John's Conlon Hall Main Hall North Williams Street
4 Jefferson School Gym Hickory Ave. & Martin St.
5 Roy W. Brown Middle School/Boy's Gym W. Clint. & S. Wash Aves.
6 St. John's Conlon Hall Main Hall North Williams St.
7 Brookside Gardens Senior Building/293 Murray Hill Terrace&Sylvan Ave.
8 Roy W. Brown Middle School/Boy's Gym W. Clin & S. Wash Aves
9 Brookside Gardens Senior Building/293 Murray Hill Terrace&Sylvan Ave.
10 Lincoln School Gym Highview Ave. & Schoolcraft Rd.
11 Lincoln School Gym Highview Ave & Schoolcraft Rd.
12 Bergenfield H.S. Corridor 80 South Prospect Ave.
13 Lincoln School Gym Highview Ave. & Schoolcraft Rd.
14 Bergenfield H.S. Main Lobby - 80 South Prospect Ave.
15 Bergenfield H.S. Main Lobby - 80 South Prospect Ave.
16 Franklin School East Hall W. Church & N. Prospect Aves.
17 Franklin School East Hall W. Church & N. Prospect Aves.

For a complete view of polling locations throughout Bergen County, click here.

Mysterious fumes force evacuations

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:36:00 GMT

Mysterious fumes at a Bergen County mall sent several people to the hospital Saturday.

It happened at the Bergen Mall in Paramus.

An employee at the Century 21 says there was a funny, ammonia-like smell at the store.

The Century 21 employee said people started getting sick and fainting. The store was evacuated a short time later.

The mall is currently undergoing renovations.

Main event: Alzheimer's Disease awareness

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:49:00 GMT

In an effort to unite New Jerseyans affected by Alzheimer’s disease and raise awareness of the disease in New Jersey, The Alzheimer’s Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter will host a One Night, One Light candlelight vigil.

The vigil will be held today, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Paramus Borough Hall in Paramus.

Paramus student sent home for Jesus costume

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:44:00 GMT

(AP) - Children often dress as historical figures for Halloween, but one northern New Jersey school says a costume of Jesus Christ took it too far.

Alex Woinski, an eighth-grader at West Brook Middle School in Paramus, was sent home from school on Friday.

Woinski, who has shoulder-length brown hair, wore a white robe, a red sash, sandals, a fake beard and a crown of thorns. His mother told The Record of Bergen County that Alex was told he could keep the costume on if he removed the beard and crown of thorns.

Superintendent James Montesano said the district doesn't want students wearing costumes that could be distracting.

Woinski's mother is Catholic, while his father is Jewish. She says her son recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and is studying Bible scripture.

Gang arrests in Englewood

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:48:00 GMT

Eight alleged gang members were arrested this week in Bergen as part of a statewide gang crackdown. The suspects are believed to have ties to the Crips and Bloods gangs.

Of the eight, five belong to the "Grape Street Crips", which operates primarily out of Englewood. Over several months, undercover officers were able to infiltrate the gang, according to prosecutors. They allege the gang members sold officers drugs and handguns.

The "Grape Street Crips" are identified as Julio J. Joseph, 23, of Englewood, Jeremy E. Nunnally, 27, of Englewood, Christian Griffin, 19, of Englewood, Brandon T. Randolph, 29, of Englewood, and Shawn Smith, 34, of Hackensack.

Three other men with ties to the Bloods were also arrested. They are Lee A. Donawa, 21, of Bergenfield, Quincy Goldman, 19, of Bergenfield, and Keon Wiggins, 19, of Hackensack.

In total, seven handguns were seized and police made 11 undercover drug sales. Prosecutors believe the guns seized from the Grape Street Gang were used in recent shootings in Englewood.

School 1 Celebrates Halloween

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:28:58 GMT

Staff at School One in Clifton are all part of a team for this years Halloween!

Share your Halloween pics with My Town

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:44:00 GMT

Happy Halloween!

My Town is inviting you to share your photos and videos capturing the precious moments of your kids trick or treating.

Post them here or e-mail them to mytown@news12.com and your stuff could be featured on the My Town Web site.

5 nabbed in drug bust

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:10:00 GMT

Prosecutors arrested five men accused of selling drugs to undercover detectives in Elmwood Park and Teaneck.

The arrests, made on Oct. 29, were the result of four separate narcotics investigations. The first investigation nabbed Marckale Clarkson, 21, and George Mason, 19, both of Paterson. Both had sold crack/cocaine to detectives in Elmwood Park.

Three other men, Rudolph Carroll, 37, of Hackensack, Kerohn Jackson, 28, of Hackensack, and Daeron Jones, 20, of Paterson, were also caught selling drugs, again crack/cocaine, to undercover officers.

All five men are in jail facing various drug and possession charges. Carroll, Jackson, and Jones are also being held on unrelated charges.

Bergen man arrested for child endangerment

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 14:02:00 GMT

A Rutherford man was arrested Oct. 29, on charges of endangering the welfare of a child.

David Levin, 25, was arrested after a thirteen-year-old female told detectives that on Oct. 12, she and Levin engaged in numerous sexual acts. The incident occurred at a residence in the Borough of Emerson.

Levin was arrested and charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

Bail is set for $200,000.

Man dumped on Turnpike after attack

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:37:00 GMT

Police say a man was attacked, kidnapped and then dumped on the New Jersey Turnpike shortly after nightfall Thursday in Carlstadt.
The victim is in stable condition and recovering at Hackensack Medical Center after being attacked and kidnapped during a break just outside General Trading. The trucking company is located in the 400 block of 16th Street in Carlstadt.

The victim, whose name is not being released, has worked at General Trading for years as a night porter and driver. According to his co-workers, two men drove up to him during his break and then forced him into a car at gunpoint. The men smashed his teeth, beat him up and then dropped him off on the Turnpike.

According to police, the suspects got away with the victim’s paycheck, which was about $2000. They are now looking for a dark colored Chevy Impala and the two men who were driving it.

Me and My Buddy

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:34:00 GMT

Kindergartener Olivia and her 8th grade reading buddy Izabela created a necklace for All Hallows Eve.

Trix may be for kids, but...

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:30:55 GMT

Miss Green and her 6th graders at St. Anne's coordinated the "World Cereal-ies" collection of cereal for the parish food pantry. They collected 156 boxes!

Video: Candidates square off in debate

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:21:00 GMT

The Republicans came out swinging at yesterday's County Freeholder's debate, aligning incumbent Democrats with corruption and indicted Bergen County Democratic Organization Chairmen Joseph Ferriero.

"I call it a corruption tax that each and everyone of you are paying," said candidate Chris Calabrese, adding the indicted Ferriero "hand picked" each freeholder and the county executive.

Six candidates are vying for three open seats. Up for re-election are Freeholders Bernadette McPherson, Vernon Walton, and David Ganz. They are being challenged by Republican newcomers Calabrese, Jeffrey Heller, and Paul Duggan.

The six talked briefly at the debate, moderated by the League of Women Voters, on such topics as economic troubles and its effect on the county budget, open space, and their qualifications for office.

Calabrese advocated cutting the open space fund in half, and even putting the matter back to voters in a referendum to reduce the tax from one cent to half a cent. The Republicans also implied that taxpayers don't reap the benefits of open space, paying for projects such as turf and lights, instead of preservation.

Meanwhile McPherson, attempting to counter questions that the open space fund suffers from corruption, said those charges were an insult to the committee, and Walton said the open space fund allows towns to complete projects they might not otherwise be able to afford. Ganz added the fund gave back more than $98 million to communities.

But more evident was the Republicans insinuation that the democrats were puppets for Ferriero. Heller said not one had the courage to ask for Ferriero's resignation, while adding each had benefitted from the corrupt "pay to play" culture in Bergen County. Calabrese later implied that not only do the three march "lock and step" with Ferriero, but with the County Executive Dennis McNerney.

"They say yes to everything the county executive puts in front of them," Calabrese said.

The Democrats countered this perception, adding they disagree with the county executive's small town merger plan. McPherson said the accusations were merely because the three were from the same party, and that "a great deal of discussions" take place at their meetings.

Walton added that it was interesting that Republicans made references to how the freeholders voted at meetings. "I've never seen them in attendance at the work sessions."

Chiropractor finally admits to child luring

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:39:00 GMT

A chiropractor based in Maywood has finally confessed to luring two individuals he believed to be minors via the internet and phone after years of denying the allegations.

According to the Record, Bryan Bajakian, 49 admitted to the luring charges of the supposed minors as well as owning a semiautomatic banned assault weapon that authorities incidentally found in a locked vault in his home while conducting a search warrant to seize his computer.

Initially charged in 2004, Bajakian faces five years in state prison after his sentence takes place on April 24. He will become eligible for parole 20 months into that term and will have to register as a Megan's Law offender, under which he will be on parole for life upon his release from prison.

Main event: Magic for muggles

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 14:29:00 GMT

Learn magic from a pro. Magic Jim will teach young magicians and magicians-to-be a few of his favorite tricks. So start your Halloween off with a bit of magic.

Today at 6 p.m. at the Tenafly Public Library.

A haunted jail in Bergen?

Thu, 30 Oct 2008 13:30:00 GMT

Some residents and police officers think the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack is haunted, and with Halloween just two days away, News 12 New Jersey checked out the site of one of the most reported ghost stories in the state.

Though the jail has been closed for 15 years, some officers who have worked inside report a ghostly presence, spooky sounds of moaning and footsteps and an eerie feeling of violence. Some say the ghost of John Avery, a criminal who was hanged at the jail in 1872, lurks the hallways and empty cells.

The jail used to isolate New Jersey’s toughest criminals and murderers, but occasionally housed prisoners whose charges were less violent, like Frank Sinatra, who was jailed there in 1938 under the charge of “seduction.”

The old jail is now listed as a historical landmark. The sheriff's top cops still have offices there, but many say they would rather deal with the criminals than the frightening ghosts lurking inside.

Main event: Halloween safe night

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:56:00 GMT

Garfield will be holding its 8th Annual Halloween Safe Night at 20th Century Field on Elizabeth Street at 5 p.m. tonight.

The Garfield Community and the Garfield Recreation Department are sponsoring the event that will include trick or treating in costume, a haunted hayride, DJ Music, and dancing.

The event is open to all residents of Garfield.

Refreshments will be available for a small price.

Englewood man steals pizza delivery car

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:21:00 GMT

A Englewood man was arrested Monday night after stealing a pizza delivery car.

According to the Record, Michael Jackson, 41, jumped in the running vehicle around 5 p.m. and drove off. He was stopped in Leonia after police were alerted of a stolen silver Honda Accord on I-95 North.

Inside the stolen pizza car police found more than $800 worth of cosmetic makeup that was stolen from a Pathmark in Hackensack.

Jackson is believed to be responsible for a string of local shopliftings, however police are still investigating.

Jackson was charged with two counts of receiving stolen property, according to the Record. Bail was set at $25,000.

Candidates for Freeholder debate today

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 14:12:00 GMT

The League of Women Voters of Bergen County will moderate the County Freeholders debate today, Oct. 29. Six candidates are vying for three seats. They include incumbent Democrats Vernon Walton, David Ganz, and Bernadette McPherson. The three newcomers are Republicans Christopher Calabrese, Paul Dugan, and Jeffrey Heller.

The debate will be held at 3:15 p.m. in room A104 at Bergen Community College, located at 400 Paramus Road, Paramus.

Woman claims retaliation for tax complaints

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:44:00 GMT

A Palisades Park woman says borough politicians are punishing her for expressing her opinion.

Debbie Duffy wrote a letter to the Bergen Record, pointing out that her property taxes went up by almost 40 percent after a town wide revaluation. Duffy says a campaign against her was launched by Mayor James Rotundo (D) within days.

A flier was sent to town residents slamming Duffy for her tax complaints. The front of the flier lists her contact info and asks if anyone is interested in purchasing her home.

"I started getting people ringing my doorbell and phone calls from people who thought the house was for sale," says Duffy. "Why would they spend all that money in a flier about me? I'm not a candidate … I'm not running for anything."

Rotundo was not available for comment, despite being told News 12 New Jersey would be coming a day earlier.

Stormy weather hits Jersey

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 20:02:00 GMT

Rain, wind, and in some parts snow, is causing havoc on North Jersey roads. Already the storm has flooded parts of Route 17 in East Rutherford, according to the Record.

There is a wind advisory in affect for all of the state and a flood warning for northeastern New Jersey.

Free flu shots available

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:52:00 GMT

County residents who are 65-years-old and over are invited to get their flu shots at no cost in November.

Providing the flu vaccines for Bergen residents will be America’s Unidas Senior Activity Center, 133 River Street in Hackensack on Nov. 3 and the South West Center, at 147 Hackensack Street in East Rutherford on Nov. 18. Both locations will give the shots between 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

“The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each fall,” said Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney. “In New Jersey, about 2,500 deaths per year are directly attributed to pneumonia and influenza; nearly 90% of these deaths occur among persons age 65 and over.”

Flu shots will be administered at no charge to Bergen County residents age 65 and over who present a Medicare card with Part B/Medical Insurance coverage and who are not covered by an HMO. Flu shots will also be administered at no charge to residents between the ages of 18 to 64 with a chronic illness who present a physician’s note.

For more information on the flu clinics call 201-634-2648. You can also contact the Bergen County Health Information Line at 201-225-7000 for frequently asked questions about influenza or visit the department web site at www.bergenhealth.org.

Edgewater library could be a part of history

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:43:00 GMT

A library built in 1917 may soon be a part of history.

According to the Record, the Andrew Carnegie constructed library in Edgewater was recommended by a state panel this week for inclusion on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.

Assistant Commissioner Amy Cradic of the state’s Natural and Historic Resources Division will now consider the recommendation for several weeks before signing it. Her signature would nominate the library to the national Register of Historic Places.

The library has about 25,000 books, DVDs, audio books and “play-aways” - books on mp3-type recorders.

The library is the last standing facility in Bergen County funded by Carnegie in the early 20th century. Out of 36 libraries built with Carnegie funds in New Jersey, 20 are still libraries.

Man hit by car at Fort Lee diner

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:15:00 GMT

A man suffered a broken leg after being struck by a car in Fort Lee this morning, according to the Record.

The man was exiting his car in front of the Plaza Diner when he was struck and was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center.

The incident appears to be just an accident, according to police. The other driver has not been charged.

High voter turnout leads to school closings

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:44:00 GMT

A high anticipated voter turnout has pushed a handful of schools serving as polling places to close on Election Day.

"I think we're probably going to see 90 percent turnout," says Patricia Di Costanzo, Bergen County Superintendent of Elections. "I just want to try and cover all the bases that we can, and the safety of the children, as an ex-PTA president, is huge to me."

Schools will be closed on Nov. 4 in Bogota, Cliffside, Elmwood, Englewood, Hackensack, Palisades, Teaneck and Tenafly.

Despite the county's recommendation to cancel classes, some schools will remain open. Glen Rock Superintendent George Connelly will keep schools open, saying he doesn't expect a much higher turnout than the last major election.

More than 60,000 new voters have registered in Bergen County prior to this election.

Happy Halloween

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 13:02:37 GMT

Some people just know how to celebrate life... Happy Halloween

Linden man leads police on Red Bull chase

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:41:00 GMT

A Linden man was arrested after police chased him through three towns in a stolen Red Bull delivery truck.

According to the Record, a Closter Police Sgt. noticed the truck while on patrol on Knickerbocker Road shortly after 10 a.m. Friday, just minutes after hearing an Orangetown, N.Y., police alarm about a stolen delivery truck.

The driver, Jerome Smith, 25, led the officer on a low-speed pursuit for a mile and a half before being forced to stop the truck near the railroad tracks on Old Hook Road.

Smith jumped from the truck and again led the police on a chase. He led officers from Harrington Park and Haworth to Oradell Reservoir where he tried to escape by swimming away, but instead came back to shore where officers arrested him

Smith is charged with theft of movable property and eluding an officer. He is being held on a $5,000 bail, pending his transfer into the custody of Orangetown police.

Paramus man charged in fatal crash

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:01:00 GMT

A grand jury indicted a Paramus man today on charges he struck and killed a University of North Carolina student mascot last year, according to the Record.

Armen Hovsepian is charged with hitting mascot Jayson Ray, 21, while he walked along the shoulder of Route 4.

Hovsepian's father originally told police that he was behind the wheel during the accident, but a witnesses later said it was his son who was the driver. Armen Hovsepian license had been suspended at the time of the accident.

Pregnant woman hit by car in Teaneck

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:53:00 GMT

A pregnant woman was struck by a car near Route 4 on Oct. 26, according to the Record.

The woman, who was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center, was walking along Queen Anne Road in Teaneck Sunday night when she was hit. Her injuries are not considered life threatening.

Closter police search for masked robber

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:34:00 GMT

Closter police are searching for a masked man who robbed a gas station attendant at gunpoint last night.

According to the Record, the attendant at a BP gas station was standing inside the front office with his back facing the door when he was grabbed by the shoulder and spun around by the robber who was carrying a black semi-automatic handgun.

The attendant handed the robber about $200 to $300 that he had in his pocket, after informing him that there was no safe at the gas station.

The robber described as about 6 feet, 180 pounds with blue eyes, was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, dark pants, brown shoes and had a mask covering his face fled on foot shortly after being handed the cash.

Bergen County Police canine unit and neighboring police departments assisted in the search for the man, but were unable to locate him last night.

Anyone with information in this incident is asked to contact Closter police at 201-768-5000.

Fair Lawn crime blotter

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:24:00 GMT

Here's a look at crime in Fair Lawn for October. Among the notable reports were a rash of thefts and burglaries.

THEFTS
-A resident of Arnold St. reported on Oct. 5 that someone stole both license plates from their car, which had been parked outside of their home.
-A car parked on Banta Pl. was broken into on Oct. 3. A G.P.S. Unit and a satellite radio had been stolen.
-Police are investigating a theft at a gas station on Wagaraw Rd. involving counterfeit bills on Oct. 7. The station attendant told police that a man came in asking for change of a $100 bill. The attendant gave the man change but soon realized the $100 bill was counterfeit. The suspect fled, but police were able to track the description of the man and his vehicle.
-Two vehicles parked on Watkins Ave. on Oct. 16 were broken into. Both vehicles had been parked in driveways and left unlocked.
-A resident of Ellis Ave. reported on Oct. 14 that someone had stolen an Ipod and a G.P.S. unit from their car. The vehicle had been left unlocked.
-Four G.P.S. units were stolen from cars over the course of one night on Oct. 16. The thefts were reported to vehicles on Grunauer Pl., Southern Dr., and 27th St.

BURGLARIES
-A home on 20th St. was burglarized on Oct. 17. The victim came home and found the rear sliding glass door open. Several items were missing throughout the home.
-A home on Hartley Pl. was burglarized on Oct. 10. The victim found the bedrooms ransacked and jewelry and personal belongings missing. The victim told police that the home's rear window had been opened and its screen removed.
-A home on Ellis Ave. was burglarized on Oct. 20. The suspect apparently got into the home through a rear bathroom window. Once inside the suspect used a pillow case to remove items from a bedroom.

ARRESTS
-A juvenile was arrested for possession and intent to distribute on Oct. 3. Police arrested the juvenile after a report of a suspicious vehicle in the are of Lincoln and Loretta Avenues. Police found the juvenile in the driver seat, attempting to hid drugs under his feet. Police also found a pipe and six bags of marijuana. An additional investigation revealed that the juvenile had purchased 18 bags of drugs earlier in Paterson and had brought them to the area to sell.
-Police arrested Aslan Musalaev, 19, of Fair Lawn for driving under the influence and possession of narcotics on Oct. 3.
-Police arrested Paul Dorando, 19, of Fair Lawn on Oct. 9 for possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Dorando was arrested after police stopped him and three other juveniles after receiving reports of suspicious persons in the area of Orchard St.
-Police arrested Kathleen Kirsteuer, 39, of Paterson on Oct. 18 for driving while intoxicated.

FIRE
-A small fire was reported at a home on Grunauer Pl. on Oct. 4. When police and fire officials arrived, they found an electrical fire near the backyard pond's pump.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
-A resident of Blue Hill Ave. called police on Oct. 11 after hearing loud noises and glass breaking from his backyard. The homeowner told police he saw two juveniles running from his neighbor's home. Police checked the home and found that a rear window had been opened and a window screen removed. No items were missing from the home.
-A resident of Rosewood Pl. reported on Oct. 22 that he found a teen standing in his driveway when he arrived home in the afternoon. When he asked the teen what he was doing the man said he was taking a short cut and then proceeded up the street. Police were unable to find the suspect, described only as a black male juvenile, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.
-Two fifth graders at Radburn School reported to police on Oct. 21 that a white van, driven by a man in his late forties with short brown hair, had beeped at them and appeared to follow them as they left school. Police were unable to find the van.

View Larger Map

Garfield man arrested for child endangerment

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:00:00 GMT

A Garfield man was arrested last week and charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

Raul Concepcion a.k.a. “Spanky,” 20, was arrested after a 13-year-old female told detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Garfield Police Department that she had sexual intercourse with Concepcion at his residence.

Concepcion was arrested on Oct. 21 and charged with sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

Bail is set at $50,000.

Relief at the pump

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:26:00 GMT

Drivers in New Jersey are finally seeing some relief at the pump.

According to NewJerseyGasPrices.com, the average price for a gallon of regular gas in the Garden State is now $2.61. Just last month, the average price was $3.39 a gallon.

Residents had various ideas how to spend their savings at the pump, but some said they would use it to buy necessities such as food.

Prices may rise, however, as OPEC has announced it will be cutting back on production.

"The Story of the Barefoot Angels"

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:22:00 GMT

The Puffin Cultural Forum will present Abigail Nessen Bengson in "The Magic Show: The Story of the Barefoot Angels."

Nessen's tour-de-force is a story of two American communities devastated by Hurricane Katrina on the Gulf Coast and a volcano eruption in Santa Ana, El Salvador. Nessen channels the voices of six good-hearted and passionate characters who dance, tell jokes, weep, laugh, share their stories and sing music as diverse as Salvadoran hip-hop, zydeco and old-time 12-bar blues, all in a whirlwind one-act solo performance with live music by "one man (hus)band" Shaun Bengson.

Audience members are invited to meet the performers and learn more about their craft after the show tonight at 8 p.m. A $10 donation is suggested. Reservations are recommended.

The Puffin Cultural Forum is located at 20 Puffin Way (formerly East Oakdene Ave., off Teaneck Rd.) in Teaneck. For more information, call 201-836-3499 or visit www.puffinculturalforum.org.

Car crash suspect had troubled past

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:06:00 GMT

The man accused of driving a stolen car that crashed into another car, killing a 10-year-old girl, has led a tormented life, according to the Star-Ledger.

It was reported that Harold Saenz, of Bergenfield, 22, has been off his medication for months and suffers from schizophrenia.

The lawyer said his client stopped taking his medication two months ago because it left him drowsy with a dry mouth.

Saenz, an unemployed high school dropout, is charged with felony murder, aggravated manslaughter, aggravated assault, burglary and theft in connection with the Oct. 17 collision. He faces a prison term of 30 years to life if convicted of the most serious charge, felony murder.

Main event: Last Comic Standing live tour

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 14:02:00 GMT

The Emmy-nominated laughfest returns with an all new group of the world's funniest comics. See the finalists perform live as the Last Comic Standing Live Tour appears at the Bergen Performing Arts Center, Oct. 24 at 8 p.m.

The Bergen Performing Arts Center is located in Englewood.

School bus driver caught drinking on the job

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:35:00 GMT

A Bergen Catholic High School bus driver was allegedly caught drinking beer minutes before he was scheduled to pick up students Thursday.

Police say James Pruitt was spotted drinking in Orangetown, N.Y. before speeding off. The bus driver crossed into New Jersey to pick up a student and was headed back to New York when he was stopped by police.

According to authorities, Pruitt was not drunk but did have the smell of alcohol on his breath.

Pruitt has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. School administrators are investigating and contacting parents.

Pruitt, who was not a school employee, has been fired by Vel Coach Incorporated due to a zero-tolerance policy. The company says he had a clean driving record in his two years of prior service with it.

Eureka!

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:13:19 GMT

Debbie and Giovanni get excited about science at St. Anne School.

Science can "expand" your mind

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 08:12:06 GMT

Claudia, a 6th grader at St. Anne School, observes what happens when yeast reacts with sugar and water.

Fire at Teaneck home

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 19:09:00 GMT

An early morning fire displaced two families in Teaneck today, according to an article in the Record.

The fire filled a two-family duplex with heavy smoke, but no injuries were reported.

Fire officials are still trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Teens run red light, busted for drugs

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:39:00 GMT

A traffic stop turned into a drug bust yesterday morning in Fair Lawn.

According to the Record, several bags of marijuana were found in a car that was stopped after running a red light. Police nabbed the group of teens, from Paterson, driving eastbound on Route 4 around 2 a.m.

Andrew Chang, 19, and his passengers Christiana Villabona, 18, Luis Rodriguez, 19 and Alexis Veras, 20 were all charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. A 17-year-old juvenile in the car was released to his parents.

Bail was set at $3,500 for the adults involved.

Deer shot at nature center

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 15:59:00 GMT

Authorities are looking for the hunters that illegally shot a deer at a nature center in Englewood.

A park ranger found the carcass of the deer, with three wounds, at the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center yesterday, according to a report in the Record.

Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call the Englewood Police Department at (201) 568-4875.

Police search for alleged abductor

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:00:00 GMT

Police in Bergen County are searching for a man who may have tried to abduct a 12-year-old girl in Englewood.

According to police, the girl was walking alone yesterday afternoon on Knickerbocker Road and John Street when a man opened the door of his van, grabbed her backpack, and tried to pull her inside.

The girl was able to pull away and get help. She described the man as about five foot four with black, spiky hair and a moustache. She also said he was driving a black and white van, but the make and model of the van are unknown.

Main event: clothing drive

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:39:00 GMT

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 164 will hold a clothing drive to benefit the Salvation Army.

Collection hours are today from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the IBEW Local 164 Training Academy in Paramus.

Don Bosco graduate found dead

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:12:00 GMT

A college student, formerly of New Jersey, was found dead in his South Carolina apartment Sunday morning, according to a report in the Record.

Timothy Jones, 20, a 2006 graduate of Don Bosco, was a student at the College of Charleston and a member of the school's fraternity.

Police are investigating his death but said there were no signs of trauma on the body.

Car in flames related to Bogota robberies

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:51:00 GMT

The car stolen from a home in Bogota yesterday was found on fire in Teaneck today.

A grey Toyota Camry was found consumed in flames around 9:40 p.m. last night on East Cedar Lane, according to the Record.

The Bergen County Arson Squad reported to the scene and police are in the process of searching the car to see there was any evidence that the robbers tried to destroy in the flames.

According to the Record, the robbers fled with four TVs, a home theater system and two cars, the Camry and a Dodge Charger.

The incident is still under investigation and police are still searching for the individuals believed to be involved.

Anyone with information in either incident is asked to contact Bogota police at 201-487-2400 or Teaneck police at 201-837-2565.

Teen tied up in home invasion

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:10:00 GMT

Police are searching for two suspects who tied up and terrorized a 13-year-old girl during a home invasion in Garfield Tuesday.

The incident allegedly occurred around 12 p.m. inside an apartment on Monroe Street. The suspects barged in and ransacked the place, but didn't take anything.

The girl was home sick from school, according to Hermelinda Gutierrez, the girl's mother. The two men broke in while the mother was out picking up lunch.

According to Gutierrez, her daughter was lying on the floor when she returned. The teenager had a sweater wrapped tightly around her neck and cords tied around her arms and legs.

Gutierrez says her daughter was so traumatized by the event that she is staying at a friend's house and scared to come home.

Fair Lawn council news

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:49:00 GMT

Fair Lawn is going to the dogs.

Council members are currently checking on the feasibility of a dog park right here in the borough. While the exact location is yet to be decided, Deputy Mayor Joe Tedeschi, who first proposed the park 10 months ago, said a park is absolutely wanted here in town.

And while the creation has been slow going, Tedeschi said he has already begun to receive petitions from residents who favor the move.

A dog park could run the borough approximately $15,000, a much lower price than originally thought. Dog parks are typically one acre in size. Tedeschi said the ideal place for the park would be on a flat, unimpeded space, away from resident's homes.

In other news, council members are narrowing down their search for members to fill the new competivazation committee. The committee has formed with the goal asking volunteers( nine in total) to help find ways the borough can save money in tough economic times. The council has asked members of all fields of expertise to lend their particular knowledge to the committee.

The council has already received resumes from dozens of applicants, according to Tedeschi. Applicants include CEO's, finance experts, accounts, and regular Fair Lawn citizens.

"I'm unbelievably surprised by the quality of people volunteering," Tedeschi said.

Smash and run in Paramus

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:21:00 GMT

Police in Paramus are looking for a driver wanted for smashing up nearly a dozen cars in an office parking lot.

Some employees at the Dorothy B. Kraft Center on Essex Road heard the destruction, then discovered the damage this morning.

Some of the cars were smashed-in. Others had shattered tail lights. Witnesses say the culprit was an elderly man, driving a grey late model chevy.

Police say the guy took off, after the damage was done.

Using those guide words

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:50:21 GMT

Third graders at St. Anne School recently received a gift of new dictionaries from the Fair Lawn Rotary Club. Thank you, Rotary!

Can you spell philanthropy?

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 13:49:12 GMT

Members of the Fair Lawn Rotary Club visited St. Anne's on Oct. 22 with a gift of new dictionaries for the third grade.

Fair Lawn council agenda

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 16:46:00 GMT

The Fair Lawn council will hold a work session tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Borough Hall.

Among some of the topics on tonight's agenda are narrowing down applicants for the new comp committee, the feasibility of a dog park, and ridership numbers for the borough's mini bus.

Click here for a full list of the agenda.

Police investigate 2 robberies in 1 night

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:25:00 GMT

A Bogota home was ransacked and a gas station robbed, all in one night.

According to the Record, police are investigating two armed robberies last night, including one that happened across the street from police headquarters.

Police were notified about the break in of a first floor apartment on the two-family house when the second floor resident, Cesar Soler, ran across the street to tell police that two cars and four televisions were stolen while the victim was held at gunpoint and tied up by three men.

Bogota Police Chief Frank Gurnari could not provide any information on that incident, but said detectives were investigating. The second incident occurred at a Lukoil gas station, where the attendant was robbed at gunpoint shortly after.

Main event: Author discussion and signing

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:59:00 GMT

Author Carl Capotorto joins us for a discussion and signing of his book "Twisted Head: An Italian American Memoir."

Capotorto will be at Barnes & Noble in Paramus at 7:30 p.m.

Seizure may have caused collision

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:57:00 GMT

A head on collision yesterday that killed a person on Route 9W is believed to have been caused by a siezure, accoring to the Record.

The accident, which occured shortly after 4 p.m., closed down the roadway for hours while police clearing the scene.

The driver may have suffered some type of seizure before his car crossed a double yellow line on Route 9W and smashed into an oncoming vehicle, authorities said.

In Alpine, a stretch of Route 9W southbound south of Hillside Avenue also remained shut down at 10 p.m.

Crackdown on mortgage fraud

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:38:00 GMT

A recent lawsuit by the New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram accuses 37 people of mortgage fraud.

The suit names two companies, Vest Financial LLC, formerly of Paramus, along with 16 other defendants, and JP Global Property Management, Inc. of Bloomfield, along with 19 defendants. One of the defendants listed is Paramus Council President Frank Ciambrone.

The defendants are accused of exploiting homeowners by convincing them to sell their homes to a third-party, or "straw" buyers as part of a "sale/lease-back" transactions. Homeowners were assured that after signing over their properties, they would be allowed to remain in their homes as renters and repair their credit, and ultimately re-purchase their homes.

When the renewed home ownership did not materialize, the defendants collected most of the proceeds from the sale/lease-back deals for themselves.

"The conduct charged in these lawsuits is unconscionable," said Milgram. "These defendants preyed on people who were facing foreclosure and searching for a lifeline that would enable them to get back on their feet and remain in their homes."

For a complete view of the defendants and to view the complaints, click here.

Art show, "The Search for Heroic Beings"

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:25:00 GMT

During the month of November, the Teaneck Festival of the Arts will display an art show called, "The Search for Heroic Beings," at the Teaneck public library.

The art show will consist of more than a dozen adult visual artists, interpretation of the theme along with masks created by 5th and 6th graders at Teaneck's Community Charter School.

A "Meet the Artists" reception co-sponsored by the Teaneck Public Library with the unveiling of an Art Video created by Film Editor Liz Celotto, based on the display, will be held in the library auditorium on , Nov. 2, from 3-5 p.m. In addition, a special arts partnership formed with characters from WINTUK by Cirque du Soleil will come decked out in the wintry colors and give participants at the reception a chance to win a Family Four Pack of tickets to one of their upcoming shows.

The Art Reception is free and open to the public. For more info on the Art Show go to www.teaneckfoa.org

Court appearance postponed

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 20:31:00 GMT

The court appearance for Harold Saenz, the Bergenfield man who caused a fatal crash in New Milford, has been postponed until Thursday, according to a report in the Record.

Saenz was scheduled to appear in court today but was transferred instead to a psychiatric hospital Sunday night.

Saenz was the driver of a stolen car that crashed into a Honda, killing Miriam Avraham, 10, of Fair Lawn on Oct. 16. Another 14-year-old in the Honda was critically injured.