Police have charged 12 women they say work at 11 area massage parlors with prostitution offenses, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal said Friday in a release.
The arrests followed a week-long undercover investigation and were made at massage parlors in seven municipalities on three separate days, Grewal said. He said that each person arrested worked as a masseuse and is accused of engaging in sex with customers.
Nine of the women are from Queens, N.Y., one is from Maryland and two are from Little Ferry, the acting prosecutor said. The arrests were made at four massage parlors in Edgewater, two in Fairview and one apiece in Wyckoff, Tenafly, River Edge, Little Ferry and South Hackensack.
The two women who reside in Little Ferry are Shunyu Pio Piao, 48, who worked at a spa in Little Ferry, and Mihwa Jang, 41, who worked at one of the Edgewater massage parlors targeted in the investigation, Grewal said, and the Maryland woman, Yougin Cho, 36, was arrested at a spa in South Hackensack.
JANUARY 18, 2016 LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2016, 1:21 AM
BY DEENA YELLIN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Swim clubs around North Jersey are treading water against a wave of declining membership by reaching out to new members and retooling their programming to appeal to a broader demographic.
Club managers say they’re trying to counter the national trend of waning interest, which they attribute to changing demographics, alternative recreational venues and working parents who lack the time to sit by a pool all summer.
“There’s no question we’re seeing a decline,” said Lauren Syre, manager of the Harrington Park Swim Club, whose membership has dropped over the past decade from 350 families and a long waiting list to 280 families and no waiting list. To attract new members, Harrington Park has added a snack bar and more activities, such as family barbecue night and movie night.
Like other swim clubs, it also has opened membership to a wider audience, including out-of-towners and those who want to come on a part-time basis.
The Stonybrook Swim Club in Hillsdale, Brookside Racquet & Swim Club in Allendale and the Teaneck, River Edge, Alpine, Palisades and Leonia swim clubs and Woodside Swim and Tennis Club in Edison also have implemented promotional ventures such as yoga, adult-only lap lanes, paddle boarding, live band shows, campout parties, ice cream socials and lower membership fees.
Quote of the Day: “I was asked to step down by the state Republicans and I did it because I am a team player. But, I did not want to do that, I wanted to fight. I stepped down and I thought it would just be over, but it is not over.” – Anthony Cappola
Anthony Cappola: ‘I Deserve to Be on this Ballot’
The last two weeks have been turbulent for Anthony Cappola. He was one of LD38’s Republican candidates, he was forced to step down from his position on the River Edge Council, made to drop out of the assembly race and told he would be replaced on the ballot with Fernando Alonso. Then, on Wednesday, he learned that the Bergen County Republican Organization dropped their petition to remove him from the ballot due to financial constraints. Now, he is trying to resuscitate his candidacy in a district that had initially been considered one of the most competitive in the state. Alyana Alfaro, PolitickerNJ Read more
Ridgewood NJ, Unlike past years this years Freeholder contest is all about meeting and getting to know Bergen county. Candidate John Mitchell has been making the rounds non stop from months listen to what people in the county are concerned about .
It was a “Win-Win” at the Ridgewood train station this morning…
…It was a “win” that I was able to help a commuter understand the intricacies of the unfair school funding formula and how it impacts his ever rising property taxes. And it was also a “win” that I had a chance to meet hundreds of residents in this beautiful town.
“I’m always nervous when speaking to a large group of women and particularly beautiful women”…
…was my quote at the Republican Women’s Annual Candidates Showcase. In all seriousness though, the Bergen County Republican Women are the BCRO’s heart and soul and I very much appreciate their tireless hard work and support!
What is a Freeholder?…
…That was the operative question of the morning at the Oradell train station. When I explained that the The Board of Chosen Freeholders acts as the legislature for Bergen County and controls what county government can spend, things became a bit clearer…and certainly the commuters were happy to hear that my running mates and I have specific plans on how to reel in the ever burdensome property taxes hoisted on the backs of our hard working citizens.
…The Oradell train station also accommodates surrounding towns including the great town of New Milford. I was joined by New Milford Council Candidate Matt Seymour along with Oradell Council President Donna Alonso. Our tag teaming of commuters from the various towns was very productive indeed
“The Junior Statesmen of America”…
…were NJ Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi’s and my audience at Dwight Morrow High School. The subject today was how state and county government works followed by a rapid fire Q&A covering everything from the presidential election, Planned Parenthood, to how we entered politics. They kept us on our toes but is was very enjoyable for all.
“I love Bergen County but I know when I retire I will no longer be able to afford to live here.”…
…This has been a common sentiment as I campaign across the county, and River Edge was no exception. For that very reason my running mates and I have made it our top priority to tackle this problem, with property tax reduction at the top of the list.
“Paramus is a great place to live but please help us keep it that way!’…
…That was what I heard from the hard working commuters/voters at the Paramus Park & Ride this morning. Business attraction, business retention and the elimination of unnecessary business regulations summarizes the conversations I had. Will do!
North Jersey GOP candidate drops out of state race after book called ‘offensive garbage’
OCTOBER 1, 2015, 6:34 PM LAST UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015, 7:47 AM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN AND DUSTIN RACIOPPI
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD
A Republican Assembly candidate, running in a competitive North Jersey district home to the most expensive legislative elections in the state, ended his campaign Thursday after a news report described his self-published book and its rampant racial and sexual slurs.
The candidate, Anthony Cappola, is also a councilman in River Edge and owner of a company that provides DJs for parties.
In 2003, Cappola self-published “Outrageous,” a book his running mate called “offensive garbage” on Thursday after its contents were made widely public.
The web site Politico New Jersey first reported details of the book Thursday along with Cappola’s statement that he was quitting the race.
“I’m sorry if I offended anyone and deeply regret what was written. I am not the same person I was 12 years ago, but I take responsibility for what I wrote and have chosen to bow out of the race,” Cappola said in a prepared statement released by his campaign manager.
The book is listed as out of print on Amazon and a check with local libraries found no copies available. The Record obtained a copy from sources who did so on the condition they not be identified.
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AUGUST 6, 2015, 6:51 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015, 6:57 PM
BY ALLISON PRIES
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
PARAMUS – An alert resident may have put an end Thursday to a series of overnight break-ins throughout North Jersey that included incidents in Ridgewood and Allendale.
James M. Rainsford, 47, is also being looked at in connection with similar crimes in North Haledon, Little Falls and elsewhere.
A River Edge resident called Paramus police at 8:41 a.m. to say he saw a person who he believed he recognized from media releases that was wanted for burglaries.
Related: Little Falls police seek man accused of burglarizing township houses
Rainsford was arrested a short time later while walking by a wooded area near Howland Avenue and Spring Valley Road in Paramus by Paramus Police Officers Mark Pinajian, Justin Sicari and Jack Cacamis on active burglary warrants from Allendale and Paterson.
Rainsford was found to be carrying a crack pipe and two small flashlights when he was arrested, according to a press release from Paramus Police.
He was interviewed by detectives from several local agencies and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office at Paramus Police Headquarters.
Allendale Police have charged Rainsford for a July 17 incident in which he allegedly was caught on video opening an unlocked door at a Franklin Turnpike home, while residents slept. A home alarm system woke them and they dialed 911. Rainsford allegedly fled when the alarm sounded, Allendale Police Det. Michael Dillon said.
Allendale Police compared notes with Norwood and Closter Police who, Dillon said, were familiar with Rainsford because he used to live in the Northern Valley. And they also got help from police in Little Falls, North Haledon and Ridgewood who are investigating their own incidents that may involve Rainsford, Dillon said.
NEWTON, NJ – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) announced the winners of the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. This year’s top honor went to Norwood resident and Academy of the Holy Angels student Na Young Lee for her piece, “Crammed.” This year’s competition featured 95 student entries and was hosted at Sussex County Community College in Newton. Meagan Khoury and Sherry Fitzgerald, both of Sussex County Community College, judged the competition. The winners were announced at a ceremony on Saturday, May 16th.
“Congratulations to the winners and participants of the 2015 Congressional Art Competition,” said Garrett. “I am amazed at the quality of work produced by these students. Each student should be very proud of their efforts, and I want to thank their parents and teachers for encouraging and cultivating such exceptional talent.”
The Congressional Art Competition is an annual event held in congressional districts across the country. The first place winner from each congressional district will have his or her artwork displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol alongside winning artwork from other high school students across the country. The second, third, and fourth place winners will have their submissions displayed in Congressman Garrett’s Glen Rock, Newton, and Washington, D.C. offices. Click here for more information about the nation-wide contest.
Below is a complete list of this year’s winners and participants. Names without a corresponding link were unable to attend the May 16th ceremony.
2015 Congressional Art Competition Winners
1st Place
Student: Na Young Lee
Title: “Crammed”
School: Academy of the Holy Angels
Residence: Norwood
2nd Place
Student: Cindy Lee
Title: “Bakekujira the Ghost Whale”
School: Northern Valley Regional High School – Old Tappan
Residence: Norwood
3rd Place
Student: Haley Fletcher
Title: “Covetous”
School: Lakeland Regional High School
Residence: Ringwood
4th Place
Student: Yubin Lee
Title: “Bounded”
School: Bergen County Academies
Residence: Haworth
5th Place
Student: Alessandra Ferrari-Wong
Title: “Investigation”
School: Bergen County Academies
Residence: Westwood
6th Place
Student: Laura David
Title: “Looking Ahead”
School: Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Residence: Hamburg
7th Place
Student: Kara Kovach
Title: “Hot and Beardy”
School: Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Residence: Franklin
8th Place
Student: Anna Kristofick
Title: “True Colors”
School: Indian Hills High School
Residence: Wyckoff
Honorable Mentions
Student: Hannah Kim
Title: “Yin and Yang”
School: Northern Highlands Regional High School
Residence: Upper Saddle River
Student: Melanie Rosenblatt
Title: “Zoe”
School: Northern Highlands Regional High School
Residence: Upper Saddle River
Student: Julia Grace Shea
Title: “Indecisive”
School: Northern Highlands Regional High School
Residence: Ho-Ho-Kus
Student: Nico Tolinkski
Title: “Mutilation”
School: Northern Highlands Regional High School
Residence: Allendale
Student: Anna Allen
Title: “Emotion in Full Color”
School: Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Residence: Stockholm
Student: Nicole Spangenburg
Title: “Dead End”
School: Wallkill Valley Regional High School
Residence: Hamburg
All Participants
Student: Na Young Lee*
Title: “Crammed”
School: Academy of the Holy Angels
Residence: Norwood
Student: Lydia Chen
Title: “The Road”
School: Bergen County Academies
Residence: New Milford
Student: Haine Cho
Title: “Parent”
School: Bergen County Academies
Residence: Northvale
MAY 3, 2015, 10:59 PM LAST UPDATED: SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2015, 11:09 PM
BY CHRISTOPHER MAAG
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
More buses. More trains. Big improvements, like a new tunnel under the Hudson River, and small ones, like better Internet connections. Getting home in time to tuck the kids into bed.
That’s what commuters say a proposed 9 percent jump in NJ Transit fares should help fund.
Oh, and spare riders the middle seat on trains.
“I loathe the middle seat. Who doesn’t?” said Tara Allerton, 41, an advertising executive and frequent NJ Transit commuter who wants more double-decker trains between New York City and her home in Ridgewood “to spend more time at home with my family.”
But NJ Transit officials say that the money — and some service cuts — are needed to close the agency’s $60 million budget gap.
Most transit riders said they understand that NJ Transit is not considering any service improvements, a fact confirmed by Nancy Snyder, an NJ Transit spokeswoman. Instead the proposed fare increase — the first one since a 2010 fare increase of 25 percent — is intended only to pay for basic operating expenses. But that alone won’t be enough. Late-night service cuts will be felt on the Pascack Valley and Montclair-Boonton rail lines.
“It’s a fare hike to keep the lights on, but it’s worse than that because there are service cuts,” said Janna Cherwitz, New Jersey policy analyst for Tri-State Transportation Campaign, which advocates for better mass transit.
Commuters will get their say this month, in a series of 10 hearings and public information sessions held at sites throughout the state, including Secaucus, Hackensack and Paterson. And it’s likely NJ Transit officials could get an earful.
Officials already know the agency has a problem with the on-time performance of its buses, and they know how riders feel about it. Only 69 percent of NJ Transit’s buses left on time during the first three months of 2015, according to a report presented to the agency’s customer service committee late last month. The agency received 3,459 complaints in March, according to the report. The most common problems included delayed and canceled trips, missed connections and no-show buses.
Train riders fare much better. During the 12 months that ended in March, 94 percent of trains left on time, according to NJ Transit.
Meanwhile, ridership continues to grow, increasing by 2.3 percent over the last year to 271.3 million passenger trips, a record, according to the agency’s latest financial report.
That has only increased the cries for better service, it seems.
“If they’re going to ask for more money, they should give us more trains,” said Randy Pernicone, who commutes from River Edge to his job in Manhattan as a finance executive for Anthem Insurance. “It’s frustrating.”
Michael McDaid of Ho-Ho-Kus echoed that sentiment.
“I would like to see more trains in the evenings and weekends,” said the 42-year-old, who rides the train to his job in Hoboken. “I guess they’re not really talking about that. But still, it would be nice.”
Rep. Scott Garrett with the 2015 United States Service Academy nominees from New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District , including Christopher Lee , Ridgewood High School
(Please see list below for individual photos of nominees)
Apr 28, 2015
PARAMUS, NJ – Rep. Scott Garrett (NJ-05) is proud to announce the nomination of 36 Fifth District students to United States service academies, including the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point and the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs. This year’s nominees were honored by the Congressman at a reception at Bergen County Community College in Paramus on Wednesday, April 8, 2015.
“It’s an honor to nominate this group of talented, intelligent, and dedicated young men and women from New Jersey’s Fifth District to our country’s prestigious service academies,” said Garrett. “One of the United States’ oldest and proudest traditions, our service academies have been training future leaders for a life of service since the late 1700’s. I wish everyone all the best as they move through the final steps of the application process, and I’m proud of their achievements.”
Applications to the Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Merchant Marine Academy require a nomination by a Congressman or a Senator, however, the Congressional nomination does not guarantee acceptance. To assist with the nomination process, Congressman Garrett established an esteemed committee of military and civic leaders that interviewed potential nominees, reviewed their applications and made recommendations to the Congressman. Click here for more information about Congressman Garrett’s nomination process.
Below is a complete list of the nominees by academy and links to individual photos of the nominees with Rep. Garrett. Names without a corresponding link were unable to attend the April 8th reception.
**Please note: some candidates were nominated to more than one academy.
United States Military Academy at West Point
Olivia Beattie – River Vale, Pascack Valley High School
Shayne Harrell – Hamburg, Bergen Catholic High School
Christopher Lee – Ridgewood, Ridgewood High School
John Lorenz – Glen Rock, Glen Rock High School
Michael McPherson – Dumont, Bergen Catholic High School
Brady Miller – Glen Rock, Glen Rock High School
Danielle Peck – West Milford, West Milford High School
Haley Ann Steele – West Milford, West Milford High School
Edward Yoon – River Edge, River Dell Regional High School
Gregory Zabrodskiy – Ramsey, Green Meadow Waldorf School
Voters Want Aggressive Government Reform, Not Tinkering Around the Edges
By Charles S. Clark
April 24, 2015
Eroding confidence in government has shrunk the ranks of reinventing government “tinkerers,” providing an opening for a more-aggressive reform platform for the 2016 election, says a new polling analysis released Friday in a Brookings Institution paper.
Government reform themes likely to emerge during the election boil down to whether the next president should “cut federal programs to reduce the power of government, or maintain existing programs to deal with important problems,” wrote Paul C. Light, professor of public service at New York University. A second key question is whether to “winnow the federal agenda to a smaller set of priorities, or accept the current priorities and focus on reducing federal inefficiency.”
In a new analysis of demographic and ideological groupings, Light observed that “Americans are saying there is something wrong with how government works, though they may not know why, and the drivers are largely negative.” The current political campaigns against government now focus on incompetence, not sloth or the size of government as in the past.
Bergen County burglary task force caps 6-month investigation with five arrests
MARCH 18, 2015, 5:25 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2015, 8:48 AM
BY STEFANIE DAZIO
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
A Bergen County task force has solved more than 40 burglaries in Bergen and Monmouth counties after a six-month investigation, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities said three different groups of suspects are responsible for the crimes. Five men were arrested in February and officials recovered hundreds of suspected stolen proceeds, including guns, jewelry, electronics, collectables, antique coins, cellphones and a safe.
“This is one of the largest recoveries of stolen proceeds in recent years,” Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said in a news release.
So far, the men have been linked to 42 residential burglaries, including ones in Allendale, Englewood, Franklin Lakes, Fairfield, Fair Lawn, Hillsdale, Mahwah, Nutley, Oakland, Oceanport, Old Tappan, Parsippany, Pearl River, N.Y., Ridgewood, River Edge, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Tinton Falls, Totowa, Verona, Waldwick, Washington Township and Woodcliff Lake.
More charges are anticipated as detectives try to find the owners of the recovered items, the release said.
GOP hopefuls line up for key Bergen freeholder elections
FEBRUARY 11, 2015 LAST UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2015, 1:21 AM
BY JOHN C. ENSSLIN
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
Four Republicans have declared an interest in running for three seats on the Bergen County Freeholder Board — and potential majority control of the board — this year.
Former Freeholder John Mitchell of Cliffside Park and Ramsey Councilman Ken Tyburczy are unopposed for Republican party line endorsements in the June primaries for the two three-year terms up for election.
They will take aim at seats now held by Democrats Tracy Zur of Franklin Lakes and Steve Tanelli of North Arlington, who are running for reelection.
Also, Dierdre Paul of Englewood and Daisy Ortiz-Berger of River Edge are vying for the party line in hopes of serving out the one year left in the term of James Tedesco, a Democrat, who left the board to become county executive.
Democrats currently hold a 5-2 majority on the board.
MICHAEL SHETLER HONORED WITH 4TH NJAR® CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD®
February 1, 2015
2014 NJAR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award®
Michael Shetler, a top-producing agent with Keller Williams Village Square Realty in Ridgewood, NJ, was honored with the Silver level 2014 NJAR® Circle of Excellence Award®, presented by the New Jersey Association of REALTORS® for his sales achievements.
This is the 4th time Michael has received the award, having been a recipient in 2009, 2011 and 2013.
In 2014, he earned the Silver Level award, which has requirements of generating at least $6.5 million in sales volume and closing a minimum of 20 units during the calendar year.
Michael Shetler, Real Estate Agent, Keller Williams Realty
The NJAR® Circle of Excellence Sales Award® recognizes those members who have demonstrated excellence in the field of salesmanship.
“I am honored to receive this award and thank my buyers andsellers in 2014,” said Shetler. “I also thank my clients from previous years who referred them to me. The true indicator of success in this business is to have happy clients.”
SEARCH HOMES IN ALLENDALE
SEARCH HOMES IN GLEN ROCK
SEARCH HOMES IN RIDGEWOOD
SEARCH HOMES IN UPPER SADDLE RIVER
Mr. Shetler has been with Keller Williams in Ridgewood (Keller Williams Village Square Realty) since it opened its doors in 2012. He covers the Bergen County area including Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Ho-Ho-Kus, Allendale, Fair Lawn, Wyckoff, Paramus, Saddle, River, Upper Saddle River, Ramsey, Mahwah, Oakland, Woodcliff Lake, Montvale, Park Ridge, Hillsdale, Westwood, Oradell and River Edge. Michael specializes in relocation services, first time home buyers, luxury homes and top notch selling services.
To learn more about how Michael Shetler can help you with your home buying or selling needs or if you are a real estate professional interested in joining his team, contact Michael at 201-421-0506 or michael@BuyingInBergen.com. Information is also available at https://BuyingInBergen.com.
…Following the horrendous fire in Edgewater last night, donations of food andclothing were sent in immediately. The needs now are for pet supplies, health & beauty supplies and restaurant gift certificates.
Pet supplies, such as dog & cat food and kitty litter can be delivered to the Bergen County Protect & Rescue location at 302 2nd St (near Walker St) in Cliffside Park, NJ.
Health & beauty supplies can be delivered to the Edgewater Community Center at 1167 River Road, Edgewater, NJ.
Restaurant gift certificates (not necessarily upscale places; fast food places are fine) can also be delivered to the Edgewater Community Center or mailed to my fellow Rotarian, Brigitte Neumann at P.O. Box 215, Edgewater, NJ 07020.
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