Amazing Asia Exhibit is Dedicated to Louis LaSalle

PuttingEssexCountyFirst

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. dedicated the Louis LaSalle Amazing Asia Exhibit at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. This exhibit is dedicated to Louis LaSalle, the longtime President of the Essex County Parks Foundation, in recognition of his longtime advocacy for Turtle Back Zoo and the Essex County Parks System. The Amazing Asia Exhibit provides modern accommodations for Red Pandas, Clouded Leopards, Slow Loris, Knobbed Hornbill and Vietnamese Pond Turtles.

“Lou LaSalle was first pressed into service with the Essex County Parks Foundation when it was founded 27 years ago and has served as the chairman since its inception. Lou epitomizes community service in the numerous roles he has with the Parks Foundation, RWJBarnabas, area chambers of commerce and other local organizations,” DiVincenzo said. “He is deserving of this honor because of his commitment to help us revitalize Turtle Back Zoo and support the Essex County Parks System,” he added.

“I want to thank the County Executive and everyone else who spoke today for the very kind words. This is a meaningful and tremendous honor to me,” LaSalle said at his dedication. He mentioned that he first met DiVincenzo almost 40 years ago when they both served on an advisory committee for the Essex County Parks Commission (now the Parks Department). “I want to thank you, Joe, for your exemplary leadership and giving me the opportunity to serve the people of Essex,” LaSalle added.

“Lou is as dedicated to the community today as he has been for the past 35 years,” RWJBarnabas Health Chief Operating Officer Barry Ostrowsky said. “When we look at this tremendous investment to create this new exhibit, it is consistent with what Lou has been about his entire life and that is giving back to the community,” he added.

“We are all really proud of the Amazing Asia Exhibit because it highlights the importance of biodiversity not only within the environment but also connects with cultures. We hope this will inspire environmental awareness among our visitors and help us highlight our mission of promoting education, conservation and understanding,” Essex County Turtle Back Zoo Director Jillian Fazio said.

The exhibit is designed to meet the animals’ needs to climb and run, with the height of the exhibit playing an important role in its success. The outdoor section of the exhibit is 20 feet in height while the indoor section is 12 feet in height. The animal area will feature a waterfall, pool, fresh water drinking area that is separate from the pool, climbing structures and a grassy area.

Skopos Hospitality Group Announces Restaurant Week

Surviving the winter blues is much easier when you have delicious, curated three course restaurant menus to look forward to… especially at great prices. Skopos Hospitality Restaurant Group announces their first ever restaurant week, running through February 12. North Jersey residents can experience curated prix-fixe menus consisting of their favorite menu items and some new menu items as well.

Guests will also be dining for a cause. Skopos Hospitality will be donating a percentage of all Restaurant Week sales to New Jersey ProStart National Restaurant Educational Foundation, a two year industry-backed culinary arts and restaurant management program for high school students. The program reaches approximately 165,000 students in the United States. Reservations are highly recommended.

Website links for each Restaurant Week Menu are as follows:

Cowan’s Public in Nutley: cowanspublic.com/restaurant-week

The Barrow House in Clifton: thebarrowhouse.com/restaurant-week

The Vanguard in Harrison: thevanguardharrison.com/skopos-restaurant-week

Gus’ Last Word in Wood-Ridge: guslastword.com/restaurantweek

Franklin Social in Jersey City: franklinsocial.com/restaurantweek

The Parkside Social in Verona: theparksidesocial.com/restaurant-week

Pancake Breakfast

The Verona Rescue Squad is hosting an all you can eat pancake breakfast. Stop by and enjoy pancakes, eggs, bacon, coffee, tea, and more. Tickets are $10 per person, kids under 5 eat free.

The Verona Rescue Squad is a volunteer non-profit organization, providing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to the Township of Verona. We are supported by voluntary donations from the residents and businesses of Verona as well as from the people we serve. Care is provided by trained Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). We respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our services are provided free of charge.