April 3, 2013 • www.theobserver.com • Vol CXXV, No. 47
COVERING: BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD
Now Bergen is buying back guns In February, law enforcement authorities sponsored a gun buyback program in Essex County, collecting 1,770 weapons from Essex residents over two days. Now, it’s Bergen County’s turn. On Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office will partner with local police departments to host a countywide gun buyback at places of worship in seven communities: Garfield, Hackensack, Englewood, Fair Lawn, Maywood, Park Ridge and New Milford. According to a statement from Sheriff Michael Saudino’s office, the buyback is being held “in light of the recent acts of gun violence that have taken place across our nation.” “If we can take even one dangerous weapon off our streets, we can make Bergen County a safer place in which to live, work and play,” the statement said. Individuals who turn in firearms can receive up to $300 for each weapon surrendered. Compensation varies by firearm type: $20 for non-operational weapons; $80 for rifles and shotguns; $100 for handguns, and $300 for automatic assault weapons and machine guns. see GUNS page
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• EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY
Out in front with technology By Ron Leir Observer Correspondent LYNDHURST –
W
ith technology viewed as the bridge to the future, Lyndhurst public schools are committed to crossing that bridge right now. “It’s all about readiness and preparation for the real world. We’re on that path,” said Lyndhurst High School Principal Nicholas Coffaro. So this year the school district took a big step on that path by ordering and distributing an iPad to every Lyndhurst High School student on the assumption that it has a practical application to learning in virtually any kind of academic setting. And, by the time the next school year begins, in September, the district plans to have either iPads or laptops in place for every middle schooler in grades 6 through 8. Not only will the new instrumentation fit in as a useful instructional tool, noted Schools Superintendent Tracey Marinelli, but it will also be essential for students to get acclimated to them since the state Department of Education
Photos by Ron Leir
see IPADS page
Lyndhurst teachers and students find ways to adapt iPads to a variety of classroom lessons.
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Afraid of cyberspace fraud? Fight back! Worried about being caught in an online “phishing” expedition? Concerned about malware? Identity theft in cyberspace? The N.J. Division of Consumer Affairs recently unveiled a new Cyber Security Handbook as part of its effort
“to empower consumers with the information and awareness necessary to protect themselves against fraud.” According to the DCA: “The Cyber Security Handbook includes information on protecting everything that is potentially exposed to the
Internet. This includes computers, smartphones and other devices; personal information and privacy; and consumers’ own personal safety as well as that of their families.” The handbook can be viewed online at www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/publica-
201-991-1300 KEArny OFFICE 213 Kearny Ave, Kearny, new Jersey
C21Semiaokearny@Century21.com
tions/. Chapter topics include: “Viruses, Phishing and Identity Theft”; “Ads, Apps and Your Personal Privacy”; and “Online Predators and Cyberbullies.” see CYBERSPACE page
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201-460-8000 LyndhurSt OFFICE Semiao & Associates
761 ridge road, Lyndhurst, new Jersey
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