Volume 17, No. 3
February 28th - March 15th 2013 FREE PUBLICATION
riverviewobserver.net
201-349-4336
Pg. 2 On the Cover Pg. 4
Hudson Then. . . Again
Pg. 5
Al Certo
Hudson Celebration to honor Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
M
Care Guide Pg. 12 Carsee inside
Pg. 20
Restaurant Views
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By Sally Deering arch is National Women’s History Month, a time to reflect upon and honor the contributions, achievements and great strides women are making throughout the country. This year, several Hudson community leaders will host the 15th annual tribute to local women of achievement by honoring: “Women Inspiring Innovation through Imagination: Celebrating Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics”. On Tues, Mar. 19 at County Plaza in Jersey City, Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise, the Hudson County Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs and the Hudson County Board of Freeholders will honor 10 local women who are leaders in science, technology, engineering and math. These women, who live and/or work in Hudson, are making major contributions to the quality of life in Hudson and throughout the world. “As someone raised by two great women, this celebration is one that is dear to my heart,” Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise says. con’t pg. 2
on the cover . “Our 2013 class of honorees I believe will illustrate superbly our theme this year.” This year’s honorees are architect and engineer Helena Ruman, AIA, PE; neuropsychologist and researcher for the Kessler Foundation Dr. Nancy Chiaravallotti; New Jersey City University mathematics professor and author Dr. Deborah Bennett; Union City High School educator and Science Supervisor Nadia Makar; Wallace elementary school science educator in charge of PISA (Partnership to Improve Student Achievement) at Stevens Institute of Technology Virginia Guider Wingert; Bayonne High School engineering and technology educator Marie Aloia; Liberty Science Center
..
By Sally Deering
Science Educator and Associate Director of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Educators Susan Chasmer; High Tech High School Computer Aided Design and Animation Teacher and Robotics Facilitator Alba Simon; Hudson County Community College Professor of Engineering Science Mojdeh Tabatabaie, P.E.; and New Jersey Institute of Technology Freshman and Intel Science Fair winner Mervy Michael of Union City. “We choose one young person every year,” Hudson County Freeholder Dr. Deborah DiDomenico says. “It’s a neat thing to look at their path as a future woman of history. Out of all the things I like about being a Freeholder, the Women’s
History Month celebration is one of my favorites. I love learning about the honorees and all the things they have accomplished. A couple of women when I called, they asked, ‘How do you know what I do?’ When you hear what they do you’re surprised more people don’t know.” This is the 15th annual Women’s History Month Celebration sponsored by Hudson and this year’s event will be dedicated to the memory of former Jersey City Councilwoman, educator and activist Willie Flood who passed away in April 2012. “Willie Flood was a local woman of history and we want to dedicate the ceremony to her,” DiDomenico says. “She was a very impressive lady and a sweetheart.” con’t pg. 3
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The Honorees This year’s national theme for Women’s History Month is women in science, technology, engineering and math and Hudson honorees this year all fit the bill. Science and math educators, an architect and a neuropsychologist and researcher will be among those receiving medals and certificates at the March 19th ceremony. Neuropsychologist and researcher Dr. Nancy Chiaravallotti of Bayonne is the director of neuropsychology and neuroscience at the Kessler Foundation. She has been with Kessler since 1999 where she began as a Research Fellow and recently Dr. Chiaravallotti helped the Foundation receive a $2.2 million grant for disability and rehabilitation research. “That’s the grant that funds our traumatic brain injury program,” Dr. Chiaravallotti says. “The grant funds the Northern New Jersey
Traumatic Brain Injury Model System Program, a federally-funded program in which they award 16 grants nation-wide to model systems of research and care for persons with traumatic brain injuries. We have a great deal of ongoing research that looks at new and innovative treatments.” Honoree Dr. Deborah Bennett of Jersey City is a mathematics professor at New Jersey City University. She received her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education from New York University, her M.S. in Operations Research from George Washington University, and her B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Alabama. She has been a statistical consultant for the New York City Department of Finance, and an operations research analyst for the U.S. General Accounting Office in Washington, DC. She also served as a volunteer in the Peace Corps. “It’s really great that Hudson County is in the forefront in honoring women
who contribute to their society to their environment,” honoree Nadia Makar, an educator and Science Supervisor at Union Hill High School says. “Women have always been in the forefront as givers. That’s our nature. But they haven’t been recognized as such in the past. It’s really great that the County Executive and Board of Freeholders see there is a need to honor those women who work to make our society a better place for everyone. I applaud them.” One of Makar’s former students Mervy Michael is also being honored. A New Jersey Institute of Technology freshman, Michael earned two awards from the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2012 while a senior at the Academy for Enrichment and Advancement at Union City High School. At the competition, Michael won fourth-place in the Environmental Sciences category and first-place for her project, “The Removal of Harmful Contaminants
in Water using Low Temperature Microplasma,” a process she created to purify water. “All of my life I have been a great supporter of science especially for young people,” Makar says. “If we nurture the young mind at an early age they can achieve miracles. I believe the young people are the future not only of our nation but of the world. It is our duty and our responsibility to open all the doors for them and equip them with the tools they need to become successful. World science is a wonderful thing when it is used for the good. If we know how to mold the mind of students at a young age they will grow up to use it for the good of humanity.”
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If you go: Tues, March 19, 6 pm Hudson County Celebration of Women’s History Month: County Plaza 257 Cornelison Avenue Jersey City For more info: 201-459-2070 http://www.hudsoncountynj. org/cultural-affairs--tourism
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Hudson Then...Again Andrew Corcoran Windmill Manufacturer by: Maureen Wlodarczyk
I
recently heard a cable television pundit remark that we had not really averted going over the “fiscal cliff� but rather swerved at the last minute temporarily avoiding the plunge only to now be hurtling head-on into the debt ceiling crisis. There is no shortage of ideas about how to reduce spending, even if there is no agreement on those recommendations. One of the debt reduction measures being put on the table is the end of subsidies and government funding of private sector solar and wind energy projects.
Andrew J. Corcoran Windmills have a long history dating back centuries and punctuated by periodic peaks and declines in popularity over the many years since. One of those peak periods occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the Horse
shoe section of Jersey Cityhome to the Corcoran Windmill Company, named for its entrepreneurial founder, Andrew J. Corcoran. Mr. Corcoran was born in Dublin, Ireland in about 1842 and emigrated to the U.S. with his parents as a teenager in the mid-1850s, living in Brooklyn and in the Albany area where he apprenticed in a blacksmith shop before pursuing work in a machinery manufacturing company. That job led to his working on perfecting a windmill pump for a man named Mills. Mills eventually purchased the manufacturing plant, converting it to produce windmill parts and making Corcoran the plant superintendent. It was there that Corcoran would
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produce the first self-regulating windmill, an invention that won a prize at a N.Y. State Fair in 1862.
Corcoran Windmill Long Island NY Not long after, Corcoran was temporarily blinded by
an explosion at the plant and, although he slowly regained some sight, his eyes were permanently damaged. After some years of collaboration with Mills as part of the Empire Windmill Company, Corcoran went into business for himself and, in the late 1880s, opened a factory at Jersey Avenue and Thirteenth Street in Jersey City where both iron and wood-working were done. He was issued multiple patents for his windmill inventions and developments into the early 1890s and he and his family became residents of Jersey City. Windmills, pumps and water tanks manufactured by the Corcoran Windmill Company were sold to clients around the world and were erected in Italy, India, South America, New Zealand, Egypt, Japan, South Africa and China, where they generated power for irrigation, mining, milling, and other industrial purposes. Right here in New Jersey, Corcoran windmills were in service in Sea Bright and Red Bank among other places. As an employer, Corcoran had a reputation for treating his employees fairly and humanely including paying sick employees and hosting an employee holiday party for 27 consecutive years. Throughout the first twenty years of the 1900s, Andrew Corcoran was active in Jersey City community affairs, particularly efforts to improve the quality of life in the Horseshoe neighborhood that was home to many other Cont’d on page 6
Tweed Suits and Golden Gloves
Former Boxing Champ Al Certo on Choosing the Right Weave By Sally Deering
H
ow many people can say Frank Sinatra’s mother brought them into the world? Born in Hoboken under the watchful eye of midwife Dolly Sinatra (she was a neighbor), Al Certo was raised in Hoboken where he dreamed of being a dancer but, instead, built two careers as a professional boxer and men’s tailor, Certo weaved back and forth between those two worlds until he eventually hung up his gloves and threw himself into herringbones and tweeds. Certo’s Custom Tailors has thrived in Secaucus for more than 50 years. Back in the day Certo’s shop was
two floors with eight tailors handling the orders; today, the top floor is now a pizzeria and Harsh Khindri who has been with Certo for 15 years handles most of the work.
“He’s one of the greatest tailors I ever met,” Certo says. “He has gold in his hands.” Certo’s tailor shop is filled with sewing machines and
along several walls are rows of hangers with yards of fabrics like cashmere, wools and cottons. bove the hangers is a line-up of
photographs mostly of famous boxers who Certo knew from his years in the ring. Sometimes they came to Certo’s shop to talk boxing and sometimes they picked out a suit. That’s what boxing legend Muhammad Ali did. “I got to be very close to Ali,” Certo says. “He came walking in; I got all the pictures of the fighters on the wall and he says, ‘where’s all the black
fighters?’ We hit it off good. Ali had a 34 waist and a chest like, I would say 5052.” Back in the day, Certo built a good reputation as a boxer, won the Golden Gloves in 1953 and turned pro in ’56. He owned a gym on Washington Street in Hoboken during those years, too, but there came a time when Certo had to flip a coin and make a careerdecision. “What do I do, let this thing go and devote full time to the boxing? “ Certo says, describing how he chose tailoring over boxing. Pointing to the 8 x 10 framed photographs that line the top edge of the walls, he says: “There’s a billion Cont’d on page 7 -Certo
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Hudson Then...Again Cont’d from page 4 -Corcoran
Irish-Americans, including my own great-grandparents. He crusaded for the elevation of the Erie Railroad tracks for citizen safety as well as for the improvement of sewers and sanitation. He also served as president of the Board of Trade. Corcoran’s wife, Eliza Wilder Corcoran, a descendant of an old New York family, became a local philanthropist in Jersey City known for her charitable works including an active role with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The Corcoran’s were married over 50 years at the time
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she fell victim to the Spanish Influenza epidemic and died in 1919. Andrew Corcoran died less than 18 months after his wife’s passing. An obituary in a local newspaper commented that he had “written his name conspicuously in the history of Jersey City,” his death marking the loss of a “truly progressive citizen.” Funeral services for Andrew and Eliza Corcoran took place at St. Aloysius Church and they were laid to rest at Holy Name Cemetery.
Maureen Wlodarczyk is a fourth-generation-born Jersey City girl and the author of three books about life in Jersey City in the 1800s and early 1900s: Past-Forward: A Three-Decade and Three-ThousandMile Journey Home, Young & Wicked: The Death of a Wayward Girl and Canary in a Cage: The SmithBennett Murder Case. For info: www.past-forward. com.
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Al Certo -Cont’d from page 5 dollars-worth of talent on that wall.” He’s right. Black and white photos of the biggest legends in the boxing world like Ali, Joe Louis, Jake LaMotta, Jack Dempsey, Chuck Wepner, Jersey Joe Wolcott and Rocky Graziano are hung next to superstars like a young Frank Sinatra, who Certo dressed in his custom-made suits. Sinatra had a 29-inch waist at the time, Certo says. There’s also a picture of Martin Scorcese, Joe Pesche, Ray Liotta and Rober DeNiro who visited Al while filming “Goodfellas”. “DeNiro was doing research on his role as Jake LaMotta in ‘Raging Bull’ and he knew I was a fighter and fight promoter and wanted to ask me questions,” Certo says. Certo is featured in several books including a popular new release “The Boss Always Sits in the Back” by Jon D’Amore who is a former Secaucus
resident now residing in Hollywood. Friends since the 1980s, whenever D’Amore comes to the area for book signings, he hooks up with Certo. “Since back in the late 1970s when I was 14 years old I’ve credited Al Certo with being one of the people responsible for my successful career as a musician that lasted until I retired from it in 1985,” D’Amore says. “He booked my first group, The Mixed Expressions, made up of 6 high school teens from Secaucus and Weehawken, for our very first paying job at The Plaza Arena. Al and I have stayed friends ever since and it’s been an honor to know him. Even now that I live in Hollywood, whenever I come back to New Jersey or New York City I always make it a point to stop by Al’s shop and have a cup of coffee.” Although he built his custom-tailoring business in
Astaire are now stored away along with memories of his days as a pro boxer, Light on his feet and in good shape, Certo looks like he still could wow ‘em on the dance floor – an observation that he brushes away like a puff of lint on a lightweight wool. “I’m 85,” he says. “I got two left feet now.”
Al Certo (far left ) top row with some of Boxings greatest fighters
Secaucus, Certo’s a Hoboken guy who remembers “when rents were $5 or $6 a month”. He grew up on Monroe Street a block from the Sinatra family and it was Sinatra’s mother Dolly who supplemented her income as a midwife and brought Certo into the world. His father, Al, a trombone player and mother Nettie raised 12 kids– Certo was a middle-child -- and when Cer to was big enough, he worked as a shoe shine boy
near the Hoboken docks that lined the Hudson. In his early 20s, he married Lee Bernacci; they are together 64 years. “I never wanted to be a fighter. I wanted to be a dancer,” Certo says. “I was a good dancer with my sister Joanne. Once, we were at a dance in Hoboken and the whole dance floor got off and watched us dance. We were great.” Dreams of dancing like his idols Gene Kelly and Fred
Certo’s Custom Tailors 1259 Paterson Plank Road Secaucus (201) 867-4934
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Have you heard the word? The Liberty Savings Five Corners Branch is now open on Saturdays!
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Have You Tried 2013’s Hottest Home Trends and Easy Upgrades?
(BPT) - The top home decor trends for 2013 are already emerging, and homeowners seeking a fresh look will find a lot to love. Not only can these looks be accomplished in minimal time - they’re budget friendly and easy enough for DIYers to finish in a weekend or less. Giving your home an updated feel doesn’t require a fullscale renovation. Instead, focus on simple updates for the most frequently used rooms in your house. When you’re ready to get started on your home’s new look, let these trends of the year be your design guide. In the kitchen Kitchens need to be functional, but in this hub of the home style is just as important. Upholding practicality while adding visual interest is a top trend this season. Twotoned upper and lower cabinet colors are rapidly growing in popularity as a way to let homeowners customize their kitchen spaces and express their personalities. * Maple is the style frontrunner when it comes to wooden cabinets, but painted cabinets in white, black and gray tones are also on the rise. Whether you opt to replace your cabinet fronts or paint them, your efforts will give you impressive - and fast - results. * On the functionality front, innovative hands-free faucets simplify cooking and cleaning tasks while requiring minimal effort to install. * Open shelving is seeing a boost in popularity. Cont’d on page 10 Page 9 -February 28th - March 15th, 2013 River View Observer
Cont’d from page 9
Have You Tried 2013’s Hottest Home Trends and Easy Upgrades?
Both glass-fronted cabinets and simple open shelves capture this trend, allowing you to put your style on display while creating a sleek, updated look. In the bath
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A luxurious-feeling bath doesn’t need to make big demands on your wallet. By making a few on-trend updates, you’ll give your room designer appeal guaranteed to make an impression. * Updating the vanity, often the focal point in a bathroom, provides immediate results. Customizable modular options like those from the allen + roth Windelton line let you create a storage-savvy vanity that fits virtually any bathroom while also adding functional drawer and countertop space. * Tiling provides the perfect solution to add extra personality to your bath. Right now, trends offer two -different but equally chic directions large-scale tile
and small-scale mosaics. Tiles with wood-like appearances are also gaining popularity; they create a warm, inviting look, but offer the wet-space practicality of tile. If it’s your first time tiling, home improvement experts at stores like Lowe’s can provide guidance to get startedwith your tile flooring. Throughout the home When it comes to loweffort, big-impact changes, it’s hard to beat a fresh coat of paint. For walls that feel drab, boring or outdated, new paint makes a color statement and draws attention to architectural details. Follow these paint tips to make an instant, dramatic impression:’
* Alter the dimensions of a space by painting ceilings a * Create patterns and shapes using painter’s tape. Stripes, chevrons and ombre effects are perfectly on-trend. * Highlight architectural details by painting interior doors and trim in a colorful hue instead of traditional white. In one weekend or less, these simple changes will make your home feel like an entirely new space. So when the seasonal urge to renovate sets in, don’t resist - reinvigorate your home with these ideas. Find more decorating trends and inspiration at Lowes.com. Lowes has locations in North Bergen 7801 Tonnelle Avenue North Bergen, New Jersey 07047 Phone: (201)662-0932 Fax: (201)662-8509 Jersey City 727 Route 440 Jersey City, New Jersey 07304 Phone: (201)234-3170 Fax: (201)234-3173 Bayonne 400 Bayonne Crossing Way Bayonne , NJ 07002 (201) 243-5110
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PRE-SPRING CAR CARE 2013 Car Care Tips That Can Extend the Life of Your Vehicle (BPT) - There is no truer saying than, “Take care of your car and it will take care of you.” Taking care of your vehicle should be at the top of your priority list when you rely on it to transport you, your family and friends. You don’t have to be a mechanical expert to take care of your car, you just need to be aware of what needs to occur and keep a regular schedule to ensure the safety and life of your car. Know how to check your oil Checking and changing oil is important to keeping your car’s engine running properly and efficiently.
Check your owner’s manual for what viscosity oil you should use and oil change interval recommendations. The type of motor oil you use is just as important as making sure it’s changed regularly. Many cars are now coming from the factory filled with synthetic oil. If your car didn’t come with synthetic, consider switching from conventional to premium synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple. Using synthetic oil will allow you to go longer between oil changes, usually up to 10,000 miles depending on your driving habits. Fewer oil changes means
money saved and less oil deposited back into the environment. It’s also important to know how to check your oil between changes. Locate where to check your oil under the hood, and make
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sure you’re parked on a level surface for an accurate reading. If you need to topoff your oil, make sure you don’t overfill, or you could damage the engine. What is ATF?
If your car has an automatic transmission, the Automatic Transmission Fluid or ATF protects against transmission breakdown, corrosion system wear and oxidation. Checking your ATF level is similar to checking your oil level, but with the car running. The usual recommendation for change interval is about every 30,000 miles. Battery check Like other car parts that have been made to last longer, most car batteries are maintenance-free and can last more than three years. The first sign that may indicate you need a new battery is if you have trouble Cont’d on page 14
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PRE-SPRING CAR CARE 2013 Cont’d from page 12 starting the engine. See clearly One of the most neglected basic car care tips is taking care of your windshield wipers. You should change your wipers every 12 months or if the rubber becomes worn. You will also want to check the wiper fluid reservoirand keep it full. Basic car care is an easy first step in making sure your car stays on the road longer. Regular maintenance checks can also catch needed repairs before they become big dollar items.
Get Your Car Road Trip Ready for Spring (BPT) - You may be dreaming about escaping on a vacation, but the sky-high costs of flights and cruises can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you’re looking to take a break without breaking the bank, a good, old-fashioned road trip could be the way to escape. Aside from packing snacks and preparing the perfect playlist, there are a few things you should consider before venturing out on the open road. A few updates and precautions can help you avoid the wear and potential safety hazards a long trip can have on your vehicle. Fast fixes Winter can be hard on a vehicle’s exterior, and even seemingly insignificant cosmetic damage can become a large issue if left unattended. Many owners are aware of some scratch or dent in their vehicles but are wary of the cost to have it professionally repaired. But allowing exposed metal to rust can create an even bigger problem. Fortunately, you can avoid ugly and potentially costly issues using Dupli-Color Scratch Fix touch-up paint. This innovative solution is available in hundreds of exact-match
colors for a seamless fix to nearly any vehicle paint damage. With a roller ball tip for precision and a taper brush for full coverage, Scratch Fix is the ultimate tool for any vehicle owner. Make sure to apply DupliColor Scratch Fix Clear Coat over the touch up paint, to ensure a manufacturer-approved color match. For a fraction of the cost, this do-it-yourself solution will help protect and beautify your vehicle before and after a long road trip. Trip-worthy tires Good tires are an integral aspect of vehicle safety, and it is extremely important to check your tires before heading on an extended road trip. According to the Car Care Council, thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions, particularly on wet roadways. Thin or worn treads can cause tires to hydroplane and potentially lead to loss of control of the vehicle. To ensure tires wear evenly and avoid dangerous situations, it is commonly recommended to have tires rotated every 7,000 miles. This simple routine not only makes for a more dependable vehicle, but also saves money by extending the life of your
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tires. Replacing worn tires before a trip is also a good idea to ensure you will have no problems while far from home - plus, you may even see better gas mileage. Brake check Checking your brakes is an extremely important aspect of routine vehicle maintenance, and you should be sure your brakes are in prime condition before a long journey. New brake pads and fluid may not be the most appealing travel expense, but will certainly save you the hassle and cost failed brakes can incur.Routine maintenance
Whether your trip is 100 miles or 1,000, checking your vehicle mechanics is important before heading out on the open road. This includes checking and changing your oil, coolant, brake and transmission fluids as needed. In addition to its inner workings, make sure all outside components of your vehicle are in top shape. Ensure headlights and blinkers work properly, inspect windshield wipers and review mirrors, and check windows for any cracks before setting out. www.riverviewobserver.net
PRE-SPRING CAR CARE 2013
Top technical accessories for your car BPT) - Americans spend a lot of time in their vehicles - almost 540 hours a year according to a Roland Berger study. With so much time spent behind the wheel, it’s worth it to invest in the top gadgets to make your ride safer and more comfortable. These accessories provide you with some of the latest safety features and allow you to bring all the comforts of home along with you on your ride. Safety first: Back-up cameras are a simple installation that can save lives. About 34 percent of all non-traffic car fatalities for children under five are caused by back-overs, according to KidsandCars.org. PEAK Automotive Back-Up Camera Systems allow you to place the viewer on your windshield or install it into your rear-view mirror. Then install the waterresistant camera to the rear license plate of your car, truck, RV or camper so you can see what is behind your vehicle as you back up. Convenient help: A dead battery at any time of the year can be a real downer, especially if you are unable to find a person willing to give you a jump start. PEAK JumpStarters allow you to restart car batteries without the need of another car. This rechargeable and portable system features a low charge alert that sounds when the battery life is getting low. Just plug the system into the wall or your car’s cigarette lighter outlet to recharge. Keep it in your car so it’s always available in time of emergency. A handy charging station: Cellphones, tablets, video games and even laptop computers are all portable and popular accessories for passen-
require charging stations. And everyone knows that road trips with dead video game or e-reader batteries are not fun. The PEAK 150 Watt Cup Inverter is perfect for recharging electronics in the car. It fits into the cup holder, so you won’t have bulky items in the front of the car, and two AC outlets and one USB plugin are available for charging multiple electronics at once. Wi-Fi on the road: Once you have the mobile charger, put your electronics to use with a Mobile Internet Router. Passengers can surf the Internet, check emails and play on-line games with a simple plug-in. The coverage area is wide enough to supply a connection to the entire family. Tailgating supplies: If you’re driving over to the stadium for a picnic before the game, or are in the middle of the mountains and ready for a bite to eat while admiring the scenery, chilling drinks or warming up meals at the drop of a dime is a real benefit. The PEAK 12 volt Can Cooler/ Warmer is just the gadget to help you enjoy your tailgating party with minimal fuss. It cools soda cans and sandwiches, or heats up leftovers like soup and chili, and plugs directly into the car’s cigarette lighter socket for your meal on-the-go. These and other products can be found nationwide at retailers such as AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, Pep Boys, and O’Reilly Auto Parts. A lot of time is spent on the road, and these accessories can make your trip safer and more comfortable. Visit PeakAuto.com for more information on the products you need to power your life.
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Brushstrokes & Grain -The hob’art Gallery, Monroe Art Center Exhibition of works by Joe Gilmore and Tom Egan
B
rushstrokes & Grain, openend on February 28th at the hob’art gallery, Monroe Art Center, 720 Monroe Street, #E208, Hoboken, NJ. Two gallery members, Joe Gilmore and Tom Egan, have on exhibit artwork in two mediums painting and photography. The Brushstrokes and Grain show emphasizes the contrasting styles and mediums, by the two exhibition artists. Joe Gilmore’s paintings are a lighthearted look at physical and spiritual intimacy within the home, inspired by the eight days he spent without power in the aftermath of Super Storm Sandy. During that time, the artist reflected on two very important lessons: the importance of nesting and what people do during a blackout. Tom Egan’s photography is part of his long term project to document New York City’s underground club scene, especially the Burning Man subculture. Regular parties that spring up throughout
Manhattan and it’s boroughs are showplaces for outrageous clothes, exciting performances and flamboyant personalities. The exhibited images represent a series of moments captured in 2012. The exhibit is open to the public from now until March 24, 2013, Gallery hours are: Thursday thru Sunday, 1 - 5pm and by appointment. Artists’ Talks: Gallery Walk Sunday, March 17, 3:30pm Gallery information can be obtained on the website www.hob-art.org and from the Diretor France Garrido, 201-319-1504 or director@hob-art.org.
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Joe Gilmore Spiritual Intimacy In the Home
Tom Egan Escape Velocity
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restaurant VIEWS La Reggia Restaurant, Banquets & Lounge Fine Italian Dining at “The Little Italy of Secaucus”
By Sally Deering
W
hen you step inside La Reggia restaurant in Secaucus your senses are seized by the distinct aromas of fine Italian cheeses and a warm and inviting atmosphere where tables are dressed in white linens and the wait staff is dressed in long white aprons – an homage to fine European restaurants where food and service are of the highest caliber. Once you are seated at one of those beautifully dressed
tables in the warm glow of La Reggia’s inviting dining room, you can understand why it’s affectionately called “The Little Italy of Secaucus.” La Reggia serves ItalianAmerican cuisine prepared with only the freshest vegetables, seafood and meats that go straight from the marketplace to the chef’s kitchen and then to your plate. Co-owners Chef Enzo Carputo and Alfonso Corbosiero set the standards high at La Reggia and ever
The Beautiful Dining Room at La Reggia Restaurant continue to be met. since it opened its doors in Chef Enzo creates 1998, those standards exquisite Italian dishes that surprise, impress and ultimately satisfy beyond expectation. In his own words, “I want to educate the people, I want them to know what real Italian Food is,” he says. Born in Naples, Italy, Enzo Carputo came to the U.S. in 1980 and settled down in New Jersey. He learned to cook at a young age and his talent led to a career as Executive Chef for several fine restaurants where his dishes earned Five-Star ratings. At La Reggia, Chef Enzo will sometimes step away from the stove to visit with the guests in his dining room. The menu at La Reggia offers a vast array of choices. Appetizers feature Caprese with Prosciutto di Parma, Fresh Mozzarella & Tomato; Wild Boar Sausage with Polenta & Fontina Cheese; Fried Calamari with Sweet, Hot or Ginger Sauce; Antipasto Italiano with imported Meats & Cheeses;
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and Asparagus wrapped in Prosciutto, Parmiggiano Crust & Cream Champagne Sauce. Salads include Arugola with Baby Beets & Goat Cheese, Sherry Vinaigrette; Grilled Asparagus with Mixed Greens Shaved Pecorino Fresco, Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil; La Reggia Salad, Field Greens with Mozzarella, Roasted Peppers, Portobello Mushroom, Sundried Tomatoes, Artichoke Hearts & Balsamic Vinaigrette; and Poached Pear Salad, Mixed Greens, Candied Walnuts & Gorgonzola Cheese in a Balsamic Vinaigrette. Pasta dishes include Veal Cannelloni, Homemade Crepe Stuffed with Braised Veal & Spinach, Besciamella Sauce & Fresh Tomato; Penne Arrabbiata, Pancetta, Shallots, Italian Hot Peppers & Plum Tomato; Rigatoni Bolognese, Classic Meat Sauce; Linguine Alle Vongole, Classic White or Red Clam Sauce; Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo; and Linguine Nero with Calamari, Clams, Mussels, Arugola & Light Tomato Sauce. Entrees feature Veal A Piacere, Francese, Picatta, Marsala or Parmigiano; Grilled Veal Paillard with Escarole & Wild Mushroom Saute; Pork Tenderloin with Sun Dried Cherries, Port Wine Sauce served with Risotto; Pork Chop Valdostano stuffed with Prosciutto & Fontina Cheese in a Porcini Mushroom Sauce; 20 oz. Cont’d on page 21
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La Reggia Restaurant
Black Angus Rib Eye Steak Arrabbiata sauté with Italian Hot Peppers, Shitake Mushrooms, Madeira Sauce; Poached Salmon with Julienne Vegetables, Tomato/ Thyme Beurre Blanc; and, Herb Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with Orange Scented Tomato Broth served with Ginger Risotto. There are daily Chef’s Specials, too, like the Gamberi con Orance e Finocchio, Shrimp with Orange & Fennel appetizer; and Risotto alla Pescatore, Shrimp, Scallop, Calamari, Clams, and Mussels entree. For dessert, you might want to try the Warm Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. Mondays through Fridays La Reggia serves an extensive lunch buffet and whether you want to eat light or hearty, there’s something for everyone. It features Antipasto Italiano; Soup, Pizza, Frittata, Garlic Bread, Grilled Vegetables, Salad, Six Hot Chafing Dishes brimming with Meatballs, Chicken and other hearty fare; a Pasta station, Fresh Fruit, and
La Reggia Hours: Open 7 days a week Breakfast: Mon-Sun, 7 am-10:30 am Lunch: Mon-Fri, 11:30 am-3 pm Dinner: Mon-Thurs, 4 pm-10 pm Fri, 4 pm-11 pm Sat, 1 pm-11 pm Sun, 3 pm-9 pm
The bar at La Reggia Restaurant Dessert Table. On a recent Monday, the Chicken Soup was soup of the day and it was divine – hearty pieces of chicken in a delicious, lightly seasoned broth. The salads and vegetables were fresh and flavorful and the balsamic vinaigrette dressed the salad with just the right zing. La Reggia is open seven days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it offers on-site catering for special events like weddings, baby and bridal showers, class reunions, Quinceanera or Sweet 16 parties, engagements,
christenings, anniversaries and birthdays. La Reggia also caters corporate functions and meetings. Whether you’re an out-of-towner staying at the Meadowlands Plaza Hotel in Secaucus or a Hudson resident looking for fine Italian dining, a trip to La Reggia is like a feast for the soul.
If you go: La Reggia Restaurant, Banquets & Lounge 40 Wood Ave Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 422-0200 www.lareggiaus.com
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