A statue of legendary North Bergen boxer, James J. Braddock, will be unveiled on September 26th, 2018. The date marks the 100th year anniversary of the North Hudson county park.
“This has been one of my goals as I first ran for Freeholder,” says Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Vainieri. “The site is at the split on Riverview Drive North and South. An area of the park that needed a make over. Perfect location over looking NYC,”
The 10 foot art piece was designed and sculpted by Zenos Frudakis. “When people come to it, they’ll get to experience him larger than life — and in a sense, he was larger than life,” says Frudakis.
Remember when Ramy “Walked the Beat” to see who knows the name of the park?
When North Bergen residents, Jeannette Sanchez and mother Maria Sanchez experienced the heart breaking event of losing their loved one to suicide, they decided it would not go in vain.
“My brother died to suicide on March 12, 2012. Like many families out there we didn’t recognize the signs of depression and mental health issues,” says Jeannette Sanchez.
Two years ago, Maria and Jeannette teamed up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to host the first ‘NB Out of the Darkness’ community walk that drew over 225 people from the community and raised over $10,000.
The walk is held in memory of those who lost their lives to suicide. Funds come from groups of people or “teams” that walk in memory those impacted. The Sanchez family walks as “Team Carpe Diem” in honor of the late Jorge A. Sanchez.
“Community walks are proof that when people work together, they can make big changes in our world,” says Maria Sanchez, co-coordinator of the walk.
“When we were faced with the traumatic loss of my brother we were desperately looking for a group or people that could help up go through the process of grieving and explaining this complex situation to my youngest brother which was 10 years old at the time of [my brother’s] death. That’s when we noticed that what we were looking for wasn’t necessarily offered within our community,” says Jeanette Sanchez.
The Sanchez family hopes to encourage others to volunteer to host support group for those dealing with suicidal thoughts. Resources for bereaved families and friends to sit together, share stories, and seek guidance are said to be scarce.
“We hope that we can save a life by creating a space where people do not feel alone and can access the necessary resources if they are in need of help. We also think it’s important for families that have experienced these traumatic losses to see that they are not alone,” says Jeanette.
This year’s 3rd annual “North Bergen Out of the Darkness Walk” will be held on September 9th at James J. Braddock Park. Participants will meet at the Ascolese football field at 1:00 PM.
“It feels amazing to work side by side not only with each other but with our family and friends that help us pull off this event. This event would not be possible without the help of the town of North Bergen, sponsors, and the families that come out each year,” says mother and daughter.
On behalf of thousands of North Bergen residents, I am asking you to introduce a resolution to terminate this contract immediately. This contract supports ICE’s policy of detaining individuals who are seeking a pathway to a better life through political asylum. If an alien commits a crime then detention is necessary. However, this contract goes well beyond that reasonable approach to aide and abet in the separation of families.
Hudson County’s government should not support policies that tear children from the arms of their parents. The laws of the United States of America and International law support a pathway for individuals and families who are fleeing violence and corruption. As a child of immigrants, I understand firsthand the importance of keeping families intact as they are seeking the promise of America.
It is imperative that you answer the call of the people and sponsor a resolution to terminate this contract immediately.
On behalf of thousands of North Bergen residents, I am asking you to introduce a resolution to terminate this contract immediately. This contract supports ICE’s policy of detaining individuals who are seeking a pathway to a better life through political asylum. If an alien commits a crime then detention is necessary. However, this contract goes well beyond that reasonable approach to aide and abet in the separation of families.
Hudson County’s government should not support policies that tear children from the arms of their parents. The laws of the United States of America and International law support a pathway for individuals and families who are fleeing violence and corruption. As a child of immigrants, I understand firsthand the importance of keeping families intact as they are seeking the promise of America.
It is imperative that you answer the call of the people and sponsor a resolution to terminate this contract immediately.
On August 7th, 2018 Det. David Botwin & P.O. Gleny Henry were promoted to the rank of Sergeant at a ceremony in town hall in front of a room crowded with friends, family, residents, and fellow officers.
Mayor Nicholas Sacco presided over the promotions, joined by Public Safety Commissioner Allen Pascual and Finance and Revenue Commissioner Julio Marenco.
Police Chief Robert Dowd offering high praise for the new sergeants, calling them “two of our finest police officers.”
My name is Gregg Ascolese and let me start off by saying I am not a food critic or a writer. I was asked by James de los Santos, HudPost publisher, who is a friend and former football player on the team that I coach in the early 2000’s. James, or as I call him ‘MJ’, asked me to write a top five or 10 pizzerias in North Bergen list.
This I feel is a loaded question but I am honored.
My experience is based on a show I hosted on Facebook Live called Pizza Time. The show was about Pizza and Love, produced by Chris DePierro. It was also co-hosted with a slew of friends and relatives.
I would love to rip the Band-Aid off and drop 5 places but it goes much deeper than a rating.
I can just try from a year of shows what I gathered.
North Bergen is a strange demographic that’s always changing. The cliché term would be a melting pot. It gets even deeper than that. People from “the Berg” speak of cardboard ice teas, chicken calzones, shrimp sandwiches with swiss, lettuces, tomato, oil and vinegar on a hero role gutted, Rustico salads, spicy mussels, chicken and meatball parms, a number 2 in the oven, Sicilian square and round.
Let’s not forget about the beverages! Soda, cardboard containers held together with a clip, Coke, Diet Coke, some carry Nestle, and some carry Snapple. They had pizza boxes that had a discount cut out to get you a free 12th pie. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better…Some had little doll house tables keeping the box off the cheese.
People from big companies try to smash the Mom and Pops, and I wish I could tell you that they all stood the test of time, but they didn’t. Dominos had a thirty-minute delivery or half off. Pizzeria Uno had breadsticks. I never went to a Little Caesar’s maybe because “The Berg” didn’t have one.
We North Bergenites might have been misled for a second but that didn’t let us fall for the nonsense. We knew what frozen taste like and if we didn’t know, we know now. After the haze of processed cheese, and sausage that looked like rat-turds wore off. We went back to good people who make good food. Unfortunately, by then we lost a few. Sad, but some weathered the storm here in “the Berg” and some didn’t. Not saying they all fell for that reason but like people in “The Berg,” we all have flaws. That being said with every action comes a reaction.
Head towards Kennedy towards 86st Roma’s on opposite side. Our show Pizza Time revealed that it was the favorite of everyone in the Berg. The chicken calzone can’t be explained and I wouldn’t even try. Pizza and soups are great. They have a few different items you wouldn’t find anywhere else; strambone, spinach and cheese calzone. Still no parking but a great delivery place. Be prepared to wait at least 55 minutes but it’s worth it!
Now we’re rolling along to 79th and Bergenline is a Neopolitan Pizzeria Restaurant called Trattoria La Sorrentina ; I call it the freshness nightlife movement.
I can dazzle you and pretend I know what I’m talking about but we are from North Bergen and you will see right through it.
We can call it Napolitano, which has subsidiaries like margarita, margarita extra, marinara, coal burning, wood burning. Less carb more freshness. La Sorrentina is a great place but way better food then Pizza. Always packed which is good but I drive by. I would recommend a family gathering with mussels and wine. Everything is great but the crowd. Pizza is amazing for pick up and the owners are wonderful.
Then I drive down Bergenline towards Gandolfo’s. Wow! Bread pasta dishes, penne vodka, chicken and broccoli cavatelli, and special garlic bread!
I drive by and down 77th to Broadway make a right and look in on Aumm Aumm, parking sucks and the lights burn your eyes but if I ever wanted to eat outside this is your place. I don’t so it doesn’t matter to me. The Art Deco chairs are tight and sharp but the crowd is cool. Great food but sometimes the specials aren’t priced and you get buried for a piece of Salmon. The Antipasto is fresh and if you go around 5 o’clock they put out awesome apps for the patrons. The pizza has a lot to offer and the atmosphere is amazing. Owners and staff are the best and it’s a fun experience. You can double park which gives it a neighborhood feel.
I keep driving down Broadway towards Palermo’s but once again parking sucks. I like the food but it’s better to order delivery. They have a bar with no footrest which hurts but they have a side dining area but the young waitresses forget you are in there. Great New York pizza and Rustico salad. Soups are off the hook! Stracciatella in particular.
But I keep driving I make a left on 72st and head back up Boulevard East to Bulls Ferry Road. Head down towards the river to another Napolitano Pizzeria called Porto. Nice little-hidden spot on old River Road (they make 13-inch pizzas which helps you not overeat.) Again great owner and courteous staff when they can speak the language. It’s Italian but they have some Latin spicy foods. Easy to find parking and a very friendly place. Not a big menu but a quality menu. Perfect to chill and relax and forget you are in “the Berg” if you’re looking to hide.
When it’s still nice out and want to keep driving I turn around and drive River Road to about 60st street and head up to Bergenline Avenue towards our West New York cousins and go to Sal’s Pizzeria. Bar in the back and the chicken marsala over capellini is insane. Mostly find North Bergen people there and the West New York people are aces. Everything on the Menu is good. Lots of parking in the back but the numbers in the spots are worn away so you need to count down from ones you can see. Besides that, you won’t be disappointed.
So there it starts at 91st Angelos then drive to Kennedy Blvd 86st Roma’s then make a left on 79st to Losorentinos then stay on Bergenline to see Gandopho quick left down 78st then a right on Broadway and check out Aumm Aumm the go three blocks up and see Palermo’s then a left towards Blvd east down Bulls Ferry and a left on River Road towards Porto which is an old Fire House. Then if it’s still nice out go to Sal’s on 61st Bergenline.
But if it is a list that you insist on…in no particular order;
My name is Gregg Ascolese and let me start off by saying I am not a food critic or a writer. I was asked by James de los Santos, HudPost publisher, who is a friend and former football player on the team that I coach in the early 2000’s. James, or as I call him ‘MJ’, asked me to write a top five or 10 pizzerias in North Bergen list.
This I feel is a loaded question but I am honored.
My experience is based on a show I hosted on Facebook Live called Pizza Time. The show was about Pizza and Love, produced by Chris DePierro. It was also co-hosted with a slew of friends and relatives.
I would love to rip the Band-Aid off and drop 5 places but it goes much deeper than a rating.
I can just try from a year of shows what I gathered.
North Bergen is a strange demographic that’s always changing. The cliché term would be a melting pot. It gets even deeper than that. People from “the Berg” speak of cardboard ice teas, chicken calzones, shrimp sandwiches with swiss, lettuces, tomato, oil and vinegar on a hero role gutted, Rustico salads, spicy mussels, chicken and meatball parms, a number 2 in the oven, Sicilian square and round.
Let’s not forget about the beverages! Soda, cardboard containers held together with a clip, Coke, Diet Coke, some carry Nestle, and some carry Snapple. They had pizza boxes that had a discount cut out to get you a free 12th pie. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better…Some had little doll house tables keeping the box off the cheese.
People from big companies try to smash the Mom and Pops, and I wish I could tell you that they all stood the test of time, but they didn’t. Dominos had a thirty-minute delivery or half off. Pizzeria Uno had breadsticks. I never went to a Little Caesar’s maybe because “The Berg” didn’t have one.
We North Bergenites might have been misled for a second but that didn’t let us fall for the nonsense. We knew what frozen taste like and if we didn’t know, we know now. After the haze of processed cheese, and sausage that looked like rat-turds wore off. We went back to good people who make good food. Unfortunately, by then we lost a few. Sad, but some weathered the storm here in “the Berg” and some didn’t. Not saying they all fell for that reason but like people in “The Berg,” we all have flaws. That being said with every action comes a reaction.
Head towards Kennedy towards 86st Roma’s on opposite side. Our show Pizza Time revealed that it was the favorite of everyone in the Berg. The chicken calzone can’t be explained and I wouldn’t even try. Pizza and soups are great. They have a few different items you wouldn’t find anywhere else; strambone, spinach and cheese calzone. Still no parking but a great delivery place. Be prepared to wait at least 55 minutes but it’s worth it!
Now we’re rolling along to 79th and Bergenline is a Neopolitan Pizzeria Restaurant called Trattoria La Sorrentina ; I call it the freshness nightlife movement.
I can dazzle you and pretend I know what I’m talking about but we are from North Bergen and you will see right through it.
We can call it Napolitano, which has subsidiaries like margarita, margarita extra, marinara, coal burning, wood burning. Less carb more freshness. La Sorrentina is a great place but way better food then Pizza. Always packed which is good but I drive by. I would recommend a family gathering with mussels and wine. Everything is great but the crowd. Pizza is amazing for pick up and the owners are wonderful.
Then I drive down Bergenline towards Gandolfo’s. Wow! Bread pasta dishes, penne vodka, chicken and broccoli cavatelli, and special garlic bread!
I drive by and down 77th to Broadway make a right and look in on Aumm Aumm, parking sucks and the lights burn your eyes but if I ever wanted to eat outside this is your place. I don’t so it doesn’t matter to me. The Art Deco chairs are tight and sharp but the crowd is cool. Great food but sometimes the specials aren’t priced and you get buried for a piece of Salmon. The Antipasto is fresh and if you go around 5 o’clock they put out awesome apps for the patrons. The pizza has a lot to offer and the atmosphere is amazing. Owners and staff are the best and it’s a fun experience. You can double park which gives it a neighborhood feel.
I keep driving down Broadway towards Palermo’s but once again parking sucks. I like the food but it’s better to order delivery. They have a bar with no footrest which hurts but they have a side dining area but the young waitresses forget you are in there. Great New York pizza and Rustico salad. Soups are off the hook! Stracciatella in particular.
But I keep driving I make a left on 72st and head back up Boulevard East to Bulls Ferry Road. Head down towards the river to another Napolitano Pizzeria called Porto. Nice little-hidden spot on old River Road (they make 13-inch pizzas which helps you not overeat.) Again great owner and courteous staff when they can speak the language. It’s Italian but they have some Latin spicy foods. Easy to find parking and a very friendly place. Not a big menu but a quality menu. Perfect to chill and relax and forget you are in “the Berg” if you’re looking to hide.
When it’s still nice out and want to keep driving I turn around and drive River Road to about 60st street and head up to Bergenline Avenue towards our West New York cousins and go to Sal’s Pizzeria. Bar in the back and the chicken marsala over capellini is insane. Mostly find North Bergen people there and the West New York people are aces. Everything on the Menu is good. Lots of parking in the back but the numbers in the spots are worn away so you need to count down from ones you can see. Besides that, you won’t be disappointed.
So there it starts at 91st Angelos then drive to Kennedy Blvd 86st Roma’s then make a left on 79st to Losorentinos then stay on Bergenline to see Gandopho quick left down 78st then a right on Broadway and check out Aumm Aumm the go three blocks up and see Palermo’s then a left towards Blvd east down Bulls Ferry and a left on River Road towards Porto which is an old Fire House. Then if it’s still nice out go to Sal’s on 61st Bergenline.
But if it is a list that you insist on…in no particular order;
‘The Mansion on the Cliff’ sold for a whopping $1,200,000.00.
This 6-bedroom, 4400 square foot house sits high atop the Woodcliff section of North Bergen with unobstructed views of Manhattan. The price tag on this property makes it the most expensive family home in North Bergen.
“The sale of this property was a win for North Bergen. This puts us on the map with cities like Jersey City and Hoboken,” says Pharoah Lozano, the real estate agent who organized the sale. “North Bergen is better than most places in the county. We have the best schools, parks, DPW, and stable taxes. I think people are starting to notice.”
Lozano, who works under Keller Williams Realty, is a North Bergen High alumnus who played on the state champion Bruins football team of 1997.
On Saturday, June 23rd an armed man robbed a North Bergen bank, sources say.
The robbery occurred at the Valley National Bank on Kennedy Boulevard. No injuries were reported.
The suspect is still at large, and is described as, “a tall man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, a black ski mask, gray pants, and brightly colored shoes.”
The case has been referred to the FBI who is working with the North Bergen Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 973-792-3000.
Hudpost 