July 30 2014 august 15th 2014 rvo

Mayors Fulop, Baraka and Torres on Shared Services Initiative

By Ricardo Kaulessar Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Paterson Mayor Joey Torres held a joint press conference Monday afternoon in Jersey CIty to launch a cross city partnership to share services such as police sharing information amongst departments for tracking criminals moving through those towns to employment training and prisoner reentry.

The press conference took place at the Hub Plaza on Martin Luther King Drive, about a mile away YO

N N E’ S

from the shooting death of Jersey City Police Officer Melvin Santiago at a Walgreens pharmacy on July 13, and only blocks away from the site of a memorial Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Pat(taken down by the city) for Law- erson Mayor Joey Torres and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at the rence Campbell, July 28th,press conference.

Santiago’s killer.

Fulop said that instances where the Paterthis partnership formed out son police have made arof the three mayors recrests, significant arrests for ognizing that they “share people that the Jersey City similar challenges on the police were looking crime front.”

Con’t on page 4 “There have been

B

G S IN HA L .

DU ST LL E E A H T F E G CH ALLEN SC ON TIL A C N A O T ZZ D U I UE E P NE D - TH TPO E C T, S TI LIC PO NO NF E N E CO B A

BEST

Bayonne Chamber of Commerce

Summer Event LIBERTY HOUSE RESTAURANT LIBERTY STATE PARK-JERSEY CITY, NJ

AUGUST 7, 2014 6:30pm–9:30pm

JOIN US FOR A GREAT TIME TO CATCH UP WITH OLD FRIENDS AND MEET NEW ONES. BRING PLENTY OF YOUR BUSINESS CARDS !

OPEN BAR–DJ–HORS D’OEUVRES REGISTRATION FEE: $75 PER PERSON R.S.V.P. BY JULY 28 Liberty House offers both indoor and outdoor bar areas and terrace seating with unbeatable NYC views, along with custom-built dual fire-pits and cabanas, making this the perfect destination for a night out.

Tickets are selling fast, so reserve today! For More Information Email: info@ bayonnechamber.org Page 2- July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Real to Reel with Minna Zielonka-Packer

Hoboken Filmmaker’s New Work, THE LILLIPUT Based on People from her Family’s Homeland

By Sally Deering Filmmaker Minna Zielonka-Packer, an American Fulbright Scholar to Poland, made her first film in 2002, BACK TO GOMBIN, a valentine to Gombin, Poland, her father’s birthplace and home to her ancestors. Her new film, THE LILLIPUT shines a light on people from her parents’ scrapbook.

Zielonka-Packer’s film THE LILLIPUT tells the Holocaust survival story of Abraham Kerber, a Jewish dwarf from Gombin, who hid from the Nazis in garbage cans at a Polish

Filmmaker Minna Zielonka-Packer in her Hoboken backyard

railway station used for the deportation of Jews during World War II. A love story, it stars Mark Povinelli as Kerber and Kamilla Baar as Esther Lonskey, the woman he loves. Although the Cont’d on page 5

Page 3 -July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Mayors Fulop, Baraka and Torres on Shared Services Initiative Cont’d from page 2 for on significant crimes, and there’s significant examples of people making bad decisions here in Jersey City and going over the Wittpenn Bridge or the Pulaski Skyway and going to Newark,” Fulop said.

“And there’s examples of people from Newark doing horrible things in Newark and coming towards Jersey City.”

Fulop then spoke about the importance of the new partnership.

“This is a significant day because it represents a significant partnership and a way of doing things going forward that we think will be meaningful and set an example in local, state and hopefully, federal politics, and government in how to work together moving forward,” Fulop said.

Baraka weighed in on working with his fellow mayors.

“It is a breath of fresh air to be able to work with Mayor Fulop and Mayor Torres around issues plaguing our cities collectively... it is a great opportunity for us to work together around issues of public safety, issues of foreclosure that are hitting our communities very hard,” Baraka said.

Torres said the partnership was vital in many ways to the respective towns they represent, especially when combatting crime.

“The recent tragic death of Genesis Rincon in Paterson and Officer Melvin Santiago in Jersey City broke our hearts but must

never break our spirit. We owe it to our communities to act, doing nothing is an option,” Torres said.

Rincon was a 12-year old girl who was shot dead on July 5 while riding a scooter near her home.

Three men were arrested and charged with her murder.

Torres said the first part of the shared partnership initiative that has gotten underway has been the sharing of intelligence between the Paterson Cease Fire Task Force and Newark Police Cease Fire unit.

Fulop said after the press conference that in the next four to eight weeks the three towns will be working on tangible goals such as drafting joint purchasing agreements from vendors to make bulk purchases from them such as road salt.

The partnership will include a roundtable discussion about shared services hosted by the three mayors in September at the Rutgers University campus in Newark.

Nearby residents sitting the plaza witnessed the conference. Among them was 45-year-old John Cee, who hoped the mayors’ new partnership will not just address primarily crime but also jobs.

“Hopefully, the major thing that I think besides the crime issue is jobs,” said Cee, who is currently between jobs. “Without jobs, you are at the bottom of the barrel. You should provide more job opportunities, open more factories.”

Page 4 - July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

6th Borough Market Opens Sunday, August 10th Have you been to the 6th Borough Market? A family-friendly outdoor market featuring vintage, crafts, food and children

activities.

Promoting community & local artisans, 6th Borough happen one special Sunday each month in

historic downtown Jersey City.

The Market brings together amazing makers and collectors, chefs and entertainers to create a gathering where you can taste, discover, enjoy, and - most importantly - spend time with friends, family, and neighbors.

6th Borough market is open behind JC City Hall (Montgomery St. at Marin Blvd.) Sunday, August 10, September 14, and October 19 from 11am - 5 pm. www.6thboroughmarket. com Facebook. com/6thboroughmarket @6thBMarket

Ricardo Kaulessar

Real to Reel with Minna Zielonka-Packer

Hoboken Filmmaker’s New Work, THE LILLIPUT Based on People from her Family’s Homeland Cont’d from page 3

Publicity still from Minna Zielonka-Packer’s new film THE LILLIPUT starring Mark Povinelli

story takes different twists and turns from reality, the 6-minute preview Zielonka-Parker has filmed, so far, gives a vivid peek into a heartbreaking love story during a terrible time in history.

Presently, the filmmaker is showing the “Sneak Peek” to potential investors and hopes to secure funding to finish the film. She already has several backers.

Zielonka-Packer was inspired to make THE LILLIPUT from photographs of Abraham Kerber she saw at home when she was a little girl. Kerber was a friend of Zielonka-Packer’s parents Sonia and Michael. On THE LILLIPUT website, Zielonka-Packer writes: “I want people to know what happened in Poland, not very long ago (as regards to historical time), and to understand that mutual understanding among peoples today is of paramount importance. We are all human and together we must live side by side in mutual respect and harmony, as our maker intended.”

Zielonka-Packer took time out of her busy

schedule to talk about what made her become a filmmaker and her new film, THE LILLIPUT:

A 1920s photo of Abraham Kerber, the subject of Zielonka-Packer’s new film, THE LILLIPUT

RVO: Can you share with our readers where you grew up?

MZP: I grew up in the Bronx in the 1960s when the ethnicity was Italian, Jewish, Irish and a little bit Puerto Rican. I went to Public School No.33; I still have a couple of friends from that time. I didn’t have grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, I had my mother and my father and the Gombin Society. In 1920 a lot of these societies began in the U.S. to link the towns to the immigrants they came from. The Gombin Society became my family. When I made (the documentary) BACK TO GOMBIN, I did it about the stories and the people of the ancestors of the Gombins who I grew up with. My father was part of it, but I made it a story of the town.

RVO: Is that how you got into filmmaking?

MZP: It was my first major film project. Before that I had made shorts, acted in films.

Cont’d on page 15

Page 5 -July30th-August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

GOT ZEPPOLES?

Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City presents La Festa Italiana: Music, Dancing and (of course) lots of Great Italian Food Cont’d from Cover “Since coming to Holy Rosary, I do thoroughly enjoy this five-night feast,” Rev. Zaslona says. “La Festa gives me an opportunity to gather with people of the community and have fun enjoying each other’s company. It is a joy for me to see that as a church, we can serve the people of Jersey City, encouraging them to mingle and become a stronger and more integrated community.”

SATURDAY NIGHT LAUGHS WITH UNCLE FLOYD La Festa Italiana promises to be extra-special when on Saturday night,

stand-up comedian “Uncle Floyd” takes to the stage to perform his special brand of comedy. Uncle Floyd, who had a cable comedy show in the 1980s and 1990s, and who performs regularly in Atlantic City, is of Italian dissent and says he has a fondness for La Festa Italiana because he used to go to the feast with his grandmother when he was a boy.

“I love Holy Rosary’s La Festa Italiana,” Uncle Floyd says. “I look forward to it. It has charm, the church is beautiful and I’m looking forward to a zeppole, a torrone, and the rice balls. The aroma of

Page 6-July 30th-August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

The Cameos and Uncle Floyd perform on Saturday, August 16th the food pulls you in. La entertainment schedule: Festa Italiana is good for WED, AUG. 13: the neighborhood and the THE B STREET BAND church, and it’s a big part THURS, AUG. 14: of Jersey City history.”

EVERYBODY’S Uncle Floyd shares the EVERYTHING stage Saturday night with FRI, AUG 15: The Cameos, a popular old- TOTAL SOUL ies band and regulars at La SAT, AUG. 16: Festa Italiana. Here’s the THE CAMEOS; UNCLE FLOYD

SUN, AUG. 17: JERSEY SOUND TOTAL SOUL performs a mix of different types of music – Motown, R&B, Soul, Classics, today’s pop from stars like Rhianna, and even some Sinatra. The band has a big sound with 11 players. Manager Jeff Dieterle, who plays trombone and has played with Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey, says the band looks forward to La Festa Italiana because it’s a dancing crowd that really gets into the different types of music the band plays.

“It’s a lot of fun for everybody; there’s a lot of interaction between the Cont’d on next page

GOT ZEPPOLES?

Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City presents La Festa Italiana: Music, Dancing and (of course) lots of Great Italian Food Cont’d from page 6 band and the crowd,” Jeff Dieterle says. “The singers will jump down into the crowd and there’s a lot of dancing going on.”

This year’s entertainment, sponsored by BGT Enterprises in Jersey City, features music for all generations.

“As prominent local developers, we strive to support and serve the community we work in,” Ben G. Torrei, Managing Partner of BGT Enterprises, says. “We are honored to sponsor the entertainment for the 111th annual La Festa Italiana and we hope everyone enjoys it.”

La Festa Italiana has other sponsors, too: Banner Sponsors are Silverman Properties, and Ben LoPiccolo Development Group; Site Sponsor is IntrocasoAngelo Funeral Home; and the “Super 50/50” Sponsor is Tony Ferrara & Associates. This year’s vendors will include Gia’s Gelato and Pastry Cafe, Delenio restaurant, and the bar & restaurant White Star. Other stars of La Festa Italiana are Holy Rosary’s “Famous Wine & Peaches,” the home-made lemon liqueur Limoncello, Hourly 50/50s, the popular Money Wheel, and Caffe Italiano where church members serve home-made pastries.

GOT ZEPPOLES AND RICE BALLS? The two food stars of the feast – the hot zeppoles and the rice balls – are traditional treats that are so popular, people line up to place their orders. And because the zeppoles and rice balls are cooked fresh, the wait is worth it.

The rice balls are a tradition carried on by Holy Rosary parishioners Katy Sista and Betty Scudese, who took it over for Mary Costanza who started the tradition and has since passed away. According to Sista, Mary would buy all the ingredients, make the rice balls, sell them at La Festa Italiana and give

Katy Sista, Betty Scudese and family members make the Rice Balls at La Festa Italiana

all the proceeds to Holy Rosary.

“She started by boiling a pot of rice, one pot,” Sista says. “Back then there was so much other food the church was cooking, this was a little appetizer. She would make them at the stand and deep-fry them right there as you ordered

them. Through the years they became very popular.

We had a place under the rectory where we cooked them. Now we have rice cookers. We had a Chinese pastor, the Reverend Monsignor Joseph Chiang. He taught us how to use the rice cooker.”

What started as one person with a pot of rice has turned into a family affair. Sista says she and Scudese and their family members are paying tribute to Mary who started the tradition, but the main reason they do it is for Holy Rosary. Sista grew up in the parish and, she says she’s proud of the church and wants to do what she can to play her part.

“We’re small, we’re not a big church, but when Cont’d on page 8

Page 7- July 30th-August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

GOT ZEPPOLES? Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City presents La Festa Italiana:

“Pericles” tours Hudson County

Music, Dancing and (of course) lots of Great Italian Food

Cont’d from Page 7 you walk in you feel at home,” Sista says.

That homey feeling extends to those glory days back at high school and on Friday, Aug. 15th, the Holy Rosary School Alumni Reunion Night brings together classmates throughout the years who will mix and mingle in the Holy Rosary Parish Center. Former students of Ferris High School are invited to meet up at the All-Year Ferris High School Reunion Night on Saturday, Aug 16th, also in the Holy Rosary Parish Center.

Another highlight of La Festa Italiana is the “Super

50/50” drawing to be held on Sunday, Aug. 17th at 11 pm. Last year’s winner took home more than $12,000.

HOLY ROSARY CHURCH, A JEWEL IN JERSEY CITY’S CROWN Religious traditions are another important highlight of La Festa Italiana with Feast Day Masses offered on Aug. 15th and 16th to honor the veneration of Maria SS. Dell’Assunta and San Rocco; and a daily Novena celebrated from Aug. 6th - 14th. On Aug. 15th, the Assumption Feast Day Mass will be celebrated with the Most Reverend Bernard A. Hebda,

Page 8-July 30th-August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Coadjutor Archbishop of Newark; an and the Most Reverend Thomas A. Donato, Auxiliary Bishop of Newark, On Aug. 16th, the St. Rocco Feast Day Mass will be celebrated.

Both Masses are at 11 am, and followed by traditional street processions.

“Traditions and customs define us as a community,” Rev. Zaslona says. “As a country we have traditions and customs that are recognized and embraced by those who come here; the same with our traditions as a church. People like to become part of established traditions, therefore, it is important to cultivate and

Holy Rosary Church site of the La Festa Italiana

cherish these traditions for generations to come.”

If you go: Wed, Aug 13 – Sun, Aug. 17, 5-11 pm La Festa Italiana At Holy Rosary Church 344 Sixth Street (Between Brunswick & Monmouth Streets) Jersey City 201-795-0120 www.lafestaitalianajc.com

The final installment in their 23rd season of traveling Shakespeare in the parks program Thursday, August 7th, @7pm Hamilton Park, Jersey City, NJ 8th Street & Jersey Avenue (Rain location under the park’s gazebo) Friday, August 8th @ 7pm Van Vorst Park, Jersey City, NJ Montgomery Street & Jersey Avenue (Rain location under the park’s gazebo) Monday, August 11th @ 7pm Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken, NJ 410 Frank Sinatra Drive (No rain location) Saturday, August 16th @7pm Historic Jersey City and Harismus Cemetery, Jersey City, NJ 435 Newark Avenue Call 973-449-7443 for other date.

Summertime Home Improvements e Don’t Have to be In You e m o H All Work and No Play

(BPT) - If this year’s summer vacation plans involve more hardware than beachwear, don’t fret. Just apply triedand-true trip-planning principles to your “staycation” renovation plans and you can ensure both your time and money are well spent.

Set a budget You would rarely take a vacation without setting a limit on the amount of money you can spend. That budget affects your destination and hotel choices, length of stay and more.

The same principle goes for your home improvement vacation. Set a budget for tools, supplies and new purchases as you decide whether you’re investing in big renovations, like installing new cabinets, or small touches, like a new area rug. Be sure to consider

small, added perks as you’re building your budget. For instance, you likely won’t want to cook in the midst of a kitchen remodel, so don’t forget to include money in your budget for restaurant meals or take-out.

Splurge a little Every vacation needs a guilt-free splurge item. If your time off will be spent working on your home, you’ll thank yourself later for selecting a high quality paint. Choose a premium paint, like Accolade

Interior Paint + Primer from Pratt & Lambert. Not only will your home look beautiful, but because higher quality paint goes on smoother and often in fewer coats, you’ll save yourself time and avoid frustration during the application process. Plus, a superior paint will last longer, look new for years and be easier to maintain, so you can sit back and relax when your next vacation rolls around.

Plan ahead You would never begin preparing for a trip the day you leave. In order to make the best use of your time, the same level of planning should be considered when using time off for home improvement projects.

You’ll want to determine the projects you’d like to complete several weeks before your staycation begins. Start by creating a prioritized list so you focus time on the tasks that matter most to you, whether that is painting the kitchen, installing a new vanity in the bathroom or reorganizing the garage.

Be sure to select paint

colors ahead of time. Pick up color chips at your local hardware store or paint retailer or bring home tinted samples to try out and come to a color conclusion before your time off begins.

Even though there is much to be done on a home improvement holiday, there are ways to be sure you enjoy that time.

Page 9- July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Page10- July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

'RQ W PLVV RXW

Hear your family clearly with the all new Siemens PureÂŽ Siemens PureÂŽ is the discreet and versatile hearing aid that lets you hear everything the way nature intended.

Pure delivers every word with crystal clear sound using Siemens new micon™ technology.

Siemens Pure

• Tiny in size, packed with Siemens new micon ™ technology – delivers sound that is crystal clear and natural; without that tunnel effect • Learns and remembers your hearing preferences – automatically • Filters out unwanted noise to deliver optimum sound quality • Rechargeable – no more fussing with tiny batteries

Siemens Pure in the ear.

• Enjoy wireless accessories that let you hear your audio devices, cell phone, even your TV, through your hearing aids

Come JoinBe UsWise! for a Special Technology Event Come Join Us for a 6SHFLDO

"QSJM OE • BN UP QN Technology 'HPRQVWUDWLRQ

1- - - Make Your Appointment Today

%URDGZD\ %D\RQQH 1-

This reservation entitles you and a loved one to: • Free hearing screening • Free personal demonstration of Siemens new micon™ technology • Free cleaning for current hearing aid wearers

:DVKLQJWRQ 6W +RERNHQ 1- 5XEHQ ' +HQULTXH]

%RDUG &HUWLILHG +HDULQJ

,QVWUXPHQW 6SHFLDOLVW $XGLRSURVWKRORJLVW 6XSHUYLVLQJ /LF 0* www.wisehearing.com

H

*Visit www.usa.siemens.com/hearing/clinicalproof

Page 11-July 30th -August 15th ,2014 River View Observer

Page12-July 30th-August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

DECLARE INDEPENDENCE FROM PAYDAY LENDERS. Loans up to $1,000

// Terms up to 12 months

As we celebrate 238 years of American freedom this summer, let’s stand up to payday lenders by declaring independence from high interest loan rates.

Talk to us about a PayCheck Advance Loan. It’s the smarter way to borrow.

Discover a new type of financial freedom at Liberty Savings.

FIVE CORNERS 666 Newark Avenue Jersey City, NJ 07306

GREENVILLE 1590 John F. Kennedy Blvd.

Jersey City, NJ 07305

NORTH HUDSON 108 48th Street Union City, NJ 07087

TELEPHONE: (201) 659-3900 | VISIT US ONLINE AT: www.LSFCU.org

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY.

Page 13 July 30th-August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Page 14-July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Real to Reel with Minna Zielonka-Packer Cont’d from page 5 I went to the High School of Performing Arts on 46th Street in New York City. I always had art and drama as my passions. At the high school I switched to the direction of art, and I was going to attend Parsons School of Design and then my father had a heart attack. My boyfriend at the time was going to Nova

Scotia. I moved there, lived in Halifax, and studied fine art. I got a BFA and met my future husband Wayne there. In 2007, I was named a Fulbright Scholar, and lived in Lodz, Poland for a year, where I was affiliated with the Lodz Film School.

That’s where Roman Polanski went.

It was an amazing school.

RVO: Can you talk about

the project you’re working on now, THE LILLIPUT? MZP: There was a friend of my father’s, his name was Abraham Kerbert and he was a photographer, an intellectual, a Jew and a dwarf. During the war, he went into hiding, lived in garbage cans in Poland, and he survived.

I remember there was a family photo with him in the picture and I was always fascinated by the photo. He died in 1978 in Israel; he was 66. For me, he stood as a metaphor for

A publicity image for THE LILLIPUT starring Mark Povinelli as Abraham Kerber, and Kamilla Baar as Esther Lonskey, the woman he loves.

survival.

RVO: Is the film finished?

MZP: I thought I was going to get this project done

in two years. I’m working it, finding a way to get it finished. It’s like being pregnant and waiting to give birth for seven years.

Mark, my lead actor, wants to make this film; how many times does a dwarf actor get to play a hero and a Holocaust survivor.

RVO: Do you have a creative philosophy? What drives you?

MZP: My father survived the Holocaust because he kept going. The ones who survived like my father picked themselves up and just kept going. That is key.

I have had some pretty deep dips. I lived through the death of two parents. I just keep going, stay focused and have faith.

For more info on THE LILLIPUT, go to: www.thelilliputmovie.com To view THE LILLIPUT sneak peek full screen: http://player.vimeo.com/ video/91234297

www.bellasorrellas.com

BACK TO GOMBIN is distributed by The National Center for Jewish Film. For more info: www.jewishfilm.org/ Catalogue/films/gombin. htm Photo of Minna ZielonkaPacker in backyard by Sally Deering Page 15-July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Dining Out in Hudson County Your Table is Waiting -Restaurants, Bistro’s, Cafe’s all in Hudson County GP’S Hamilton Park The following list features some Hudson County restaurants- we will add more restaurants each time we run this list.

Jersey City

Amelia’s Bistro

187 Warren Street 201-332-2200 Lunch/Dinner American/Continental

Azcur

495 Washington Blvd.

201-222-0090 Cuban/Latin Lunch / Dinner Closed Mondays

236 Pavonia Avenue 201-240-4961 Breakfast /Dinner Italian

Grand Banks Cafe

75 Montgomery Street 201-521-1800 Lunch/Dinner Chinese /Sushi

Komegashi Too

99 Town Square Place 201-533-8888 Lunch/Dinner Japanese/Sushi

Laico’s Restaurant 67 Terhune Avenue 201-434-4115 Lunch/Diner Italian

Puccini’s Restaurant 1064 Westside Avenue 201-432-4111 Lunch/Dinner Italian

Bayonne

Carmela’s

737 Broadway 201-339-0033 Lunch/Dinner Gourmet Food

DaNoi Restaurant

Andrew’s Cafe

Big Apple

414 Broadway 201-858-1075 Lunch/Dinner Italian/American

Skylark on the Hudson Buon Appetito 25 River Drive So. 201-533-8989 Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner American/Diner

906 Broadway 201-436-0083 Lunch/Dinner Italian

578 Avenue C 201-243-6855 Lunch/Diner Italian 1105 Ave C. 201-437-5578 Lunch/ Diner Italian

Otakio

125 Lefante Way 201-339-3399 Lunch/Dinner Sushi, Japanese, Imperial Chinese

Boca Grande

564 Washington Blvd.

201-626-6646 Lunch/ Dinner Mexican/Latin

Blue Moon Mexican Cafe 117 Montgomery St. 201-763-6050 Lunch/Dinner Mexican

Brownstone Diner

426 Jersey Avenue 201-433-0471 Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Diner/Breakfast

Fire & Oak

479 Washington Blvd.

(Inside Westin Hotel) 201-610-9610 Lunch/ Dinner New American

Page 16-July 30th-August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

FRIDAY NIGHT -DJ

restaurant Views

Beauty Queen Deluxe

Dressed in Peach Formica and Silver Chrome, Miss America Diner Reigns in Jersey City

By Sally Deering If you live or work in Hudson, chances are you know your diners and have your favorites.

It’s not just a Jersey thing.

People from all walks of life love the classic diners of the 1940s with their Formica tabletops and leatherette booths; strong java and juicy burgers, and creamy rice pudding dusted with cinnamon.

If you’re a fan of any of these things and you like a waitress who can clear a table like a magician making a rabbit disappear, then stop by the Miss America Diner on West Side Avenue in Jersey City, right down the street from New Jersey City University.

There’s no place like the Miss America Diner and nobody knows that better than its newest owner Tony Margetis who bought the

silver-chromed beauty in March of this year.

“The Miss America Diner is a landmark,” Margetis says. “I bought it because I knew it was famous. Every day, somebody is out in the parking lot taking pictures.”

The former owner of the Colonette on Rt. 440 in Jersey City, Margetis has been in the restaurant business since he was a teenager working as a dish

washer. He’d been going to the Miss America Diner for years and after work, would walk over, grab a coffee and talk with the owner. When the owner mentioned he was moving to Pennsylvania and would be opening a restaurant there, Margetis made an offer, and the diner became his.

“I have done seven or eight restaurants in this area, one in Florida, too,

and nothing happened as smoothly as this,” Margetis says. “I love Jersey City, I went to high school here.

When he said yes, it was the greatest thing that happened to me.”

The menu is everything you would expect from a diner, breakfasts of Pancakes, French toast, Belgian Waffles, Eggs, Omelets, Bagels, Muffins, Wraps – and in all sorts of combinations, too, ($3.75$8.75).

“We sell a lot of breakfasts,” Margetis says. “You

can order our pancakes, our eggs, all day long.

That’s the purpose of a diner, and everything is cooked to order.”

The menu is huge; here are some highlights: There are Triple-Decker Clubs like the Turkey, Roast Beef & Swiss, Grilled Chicken Breast & Melted Swiss, Chicken Salad & Bacon, Tuna Salad & Hard Boiled Egg and the Miss America Club with Ham, Turkey, Roast Beef, Swiss & Russian Dressing ($6.95Cont’d on page 18

Page 17-July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

restaurant Views

Beauty Queen Deluxe

Cont’d from page 17

-$8.50).

Super Sandwiches include London Broil, French Dip, Fried Flounder and the Virginia Beach, which is Virginia Ham and Turkey with Melted Swiss on a Hard Roll ($7.25-$8.75). Grilled Chicken Sandwiches include Grilled Chicken BBQ, Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu and Grilled Chicken Philly Style with Mushrooms, and Grilled Onions & Peppers topped with Melted Mozzarella ($6.50-$6.75).

Steaks and Chops are also on the menu and include Boneless Rib Eye, Broiled Pork Chops, and Sautéed Liver with Onions ($8.95$16.95). Roasts feature Roast Turkey, Sirloin of Beef, Virginia Ham, and Meatloaf ($8.95-$10.50). There are Italian Specialties, too, like the Shrimp Parmigiana, Baked Stuffed Shells Parmigiana, and Cheese Ravioli Parmigiana ($8.95-$13.95).

Lunch specials include different daily choices and on a recent Tuesday, the menu featured Meatloaf, Loin of Pork, and Roast beef sandwiches, Stuffed Shells and a Meatball Parmigiana sandwich ($6.95$8.95).

Augie R. posted this positive review on Yelp.com: “The reason to go here is the ambiance--a classic 1940’s style diner kept in very good condition Formica floor, vintage swivel seats, old-style classic luncheon counter, and old-school booths--what’s not to like?”

Another post on Yelp, this time by Sherein B: “…The food was great. Happy

Page 18-July 16th -July 30th, 2014 River View Observer

customer. The place is retro with its old school true 1940’s diner feel.... really old school.

I think it adds to the atmosphere (I like).

This is my new go to place (my little secret for now).

Some things are freshly made on the premises....including potato salad and slaw....and the most amazing cheese cake ever!!!! Yes ever! And they make it there. That is big coming from a huge cheesecake fan. Can’t wait to go back....

maybe tonight!!!”

Margetis likes knowing there are good reviews on the Internet, but he’s not surprised.

Margetis feels confident about the food he serves at the Miss America Diner because he has very high standards. He says:

“If you want to have a successful restaurant, buy quality ingredients. I’m very particular. I’m going to buy the best with my money. My family eats here and I value my family. They’re going to eat the best and that’s what I give my customers.”

If you go: Miss America Diner 322 West Side Ave Jersey City, NJ 07305 (201) 333-5468 Mon-Fri, 6:30 am to 8:30 pm; Sat and Sun, 6:30 am-3:30 pm

Page19-July30th-August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Page 20-July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Jersey City’s Mayor Fulop & City Officials Welcome St. Bridget’s Senior Residence at Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; $10 Million Project Bringing 46 Units of Affordable Senior Housing to Downtown Jersey City JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop and city officials recently attended the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for St. Bridget’s Senior Residence, a $10 million project

that will provide 46 affordable housing units for senior citizens in downtown Jersey City.

St. Bridget’s Senior Residence, at 372 Montgomery Street, which has

previously served as a rectory, convent and school, has undergone a $10.6 million dollar renovation, will now provide seniors, age 55 and above, with a 46-unit affordable housing campus. The campus, which includes two threestory buildings, and one five-story building, also features five units set aside for those with disabilities, and nine units set aside for seniors, ages 62 and older in poor health condition.

In addition, all residents will have access to social services.

“This is a great example of how we are bringing affordable housing throughout all of Jersey City, in this case in the downtown area, to provide residents with quality, affordable housing in all neighborhoods,” said Mayor Fulop.

“As we work to develop areas of Jersey City that had previously been overlooked, we are also committed to expanding affordable housing options for our residents.”

Despite a total rehabilitation to the housing complex, the grounds remains true to its form while

keeping with the Secretary of the Interior’s standards for the treatment of historic properties, as well as the N.J. State Historic Office for Preservation, and the National Park Service.

St. Bridget’s Senior Residence was developed

by RCG Development Group, LLC. and the Alpert Group, LLC., and constructed by Lindemon, Winckelmann, Dupree Martin & Associates, and F.A.S.T. Construction, Inc., in partnership with the City of Jersey City, Enterprise Community Investment, Inc., TD Bank, and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.

For more information regarding St. Bridget’s Senior Residence, please contact Christopher Garlin at cgarlin@rcg-companies.com.

The River View Observer Since 1998 201-349-4336 for rates & Info

Page 21- July 30th-August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Page 22-July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer

Page 23-July 30th -August 15th, 2014 River View Observer