Tag:

community engagement

400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program 400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program
400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program More than 400 employees will lose their jobs as REI closes its Experiences program, ending the adventure travel and outdoor education programs that have been part of the retailer’s identity for 40 years. REI announced the shutdown of its Experiences division in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The decision will result in 438 layoffs for 180 full-time employees and 248 part-time guides as the company shifts focus to its core business. The retail chain cited ongoing financial challenges as the reason for ending the program. Experiences included adventure travel, day to…
Immigrant Couple Turns Struggles To Success: Celebrating 30 Years Of Jyoti In Wayne Immigrant Couple Turns Struggles To Success: Celebrating 30 Years Of Jyoti In Wayne
Immigrant Couple Turns Struggles To Success: Celebrating 30 Years Of Jyoti In Wayne Thirty years ago, Asha and Satish Guglani took a leap of faith on Route 46. They had little money, a dream, and a register sitting on a table because there wasn’t enough to buy a counter. Today, Jyoti, their Indian restaurant, stands as a cherished cornerstone of Wayne—a testament to decades of hard work, family dedication, and loyal customers. Jyoti, named after the Guglanis’ eldest daughter and symbolizing a “spiritual light,” opened its doors on Dec. 24, 1994. Asha was nervous but determined when Satish suggested opening a second restaurant just for her to run. Satish had already found s…
'Here's The Real Issue:' 42K Unsettled NJ Residents Join Online Hunt For Answers Behind Drones 'Here's The Real Issue:' 42K Unsettled NJ Residents Join Online Hunt For Answers Behind Drones
'Here's The Real Issue:' 42K Unsettled NJ Residents Join Online Hunt For Answers Behind Drones A Facebook group focused on unraveling the mystery of drones flying over New Jersey has exploded in popularity, growing to more than 42,000 members in just one week. Titled "New Jersey Mystery Drones - Let’s Solve It," the group allows members to share everything from their personal theories, videos, and news articles to their frustrations and discoveries. Despite pressure from politicians and no explanation from government officials, some residents are threatening to shoot the drones down (note, the FAA says shooting down any aircraft is illegal), while others have resigned themselves to t…
NJ Dad Spends Months Setting Up Next-Level Halloween Display NJ Dad Spends Months Setting Up Next-Level Halloween Display
NJ Dad Spends Months Setting Up Next-Level Halloween Display Halloween 2016 was a disappointing one for the Maltin family. The family had just moved into their beautiful new home at 294 West End Ave., in Ridgewood, and barely had any trick-or-treaters. In an effort to "drum up some spirit," the family's patriarch Peter Maltin decided to get creative. He started by sitting on the porch and scaring people. Then, over the years, he added decorations.  "That was the genesis to try to get more people here," the dad of three tells Daily Voice from his front yard as he sets up for this year's festivities. Each year, Maltin' Halloween display got a …
Celebs Keep Coming Into This New Jersey Coffee Shop Celebs Keep Coming Into This New Jersey Coffee Shop
Celebs Keep Coming Into This New Jersey Coffee Shop It feels like Summer. Rachel Bilson, known for her role as Summer on "The O.C.," is the latest Hollywood star to have stopped by one Cape May coffee shop that's regularly frequented by celebrities. Coffee Tyme owner Jesse Lambert recognized Bilson right away when she saw her walking by the Washington Street store on Saturday, June 22. "I knew she had come to our shop before, I've heard employees talking about her being there," said Lambert, 34. "I just said, 'Hey Rachel.' And she turned around. That's when I got a little tongue tied and told her, 'That's my cup.'" Ultimately, Lambert…
'RHONJ' Stars Expected To Be At Grand Opening Of New NJ Hoagie Shop 'RHONJ' Stars Expected To Be At Grand Opening Of New NJ Hoagie Shop
'Rhonj' Stars Expected To Be At Grand Opening Of New NJ Hoagie Shop A new hoagie restaurant is welcoming some star studded guest stars to its big North Jersey grand opening. PrimoHoagies is opening a new franchise in Wayne on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 1168 Hamburg Turnpike.  The grand opening is set for 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9:45 a.m. Teresa Giudice and Danielle Cabral, stars on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" will be on hand to celebrate and hopefully eat some hoagies. The franchise is run by Felix Galinsky and Anthony Falange, who own several other franchises throughout North Jersey, with a fifth location coming to Linden at the end of …
New North Jersey Eatery Combines Coffee + Korean Fried Chicken New North Jersey Eatery Combines Coffee + Korean Fried Chicken
New North Jersey Eatery Combines Coffee + Korean Fried Chicken Tasting Notes Café thinks it has discovered a perfect combination. The new restaurant in Bergen County serves up both award winning coffee and Korean fried chicken. Located at 544 Livingston St. in Northwood, Tasting Notes celebrated its grand opening on Friday, June 2. Christina Lee, who runs Tasting Notes with her fiancée Ujae, initially was planning to just open a café.  But the spot she picked was previously home to Marinade, which was known for its Korean fried chicken. Not wanting to upset customers disappointed by its closure, Lee decided to pivot and serve Korean fried chicken with …
Van-Flipping Couple Wants You To Come Say Hi — Find Them In Their Jersey City Driveway Van-Flipping Couple Wants You To Come Say Hi — Find Them In Their Jersey City Driveway
Van-Flipping Couple Wants You To Come Say Hi — Find Them In Their Jersey City Driveway Passerbys often do a double-take outside of Sophie Colle and Daveed Turek's Jersey City driveway. The husband and wife duo run Soda Deco, and convert and renovate vans to allow people live in them full time.  The lovebirds and business partners do all their work right there in the driveway of their Fairmount Avenue home: Colle does the designs while Turek does the building.  Soda Deco, a combination of their names, began during the pandemic when they found themselves needing something to do.  Daveed Turek and Sophie Colle run Soda Deco, which convert vans into living spaces.Sophie Col…
Luxury Dining Hall Unveiled At William Paterson University Luxury Dining Hall Unveiled At William Paterson University
Luxury Dining Hall Unveiled At William Paterson University Students at William Paterson University in Wayne will be feasting like kings this year. The dining hall was entirely renovated and reimagined, with a menu sure to please a wide variety of tastes. Complete with 10 themed stations — mini-restaurants of their own —  and made-to-order meals from around the globe, the university's new dining hall is officially next-level. The modern facility features an inviting, colorful interior with a wall of windows, USB charging ports, and a selection of seating options including restaurant-style booths and high-top tables designed to support…
Hoboken Residents Want Community Center With Pool, Survey Says Hoboken Residents Want Community Center With Pool, Survey Says
Hoboken Residents Want Community Center With Pool, Survey Says Hoboken's people have spoken, and they want a municipal complex, according to newly-released survey results. A survey of more than 1,000 city residents found the vast majority support a new municipal complex that offers the most public services. The City of Hoboken released the results of the Hoboken Municipal Complex Design Alternatives Questionnaire on Tuesday, May 3. Of four choices, 92 percent of residents chose the fourth design which includes a civic center, pool, recreation center, and field house. "The survey results speak for themselves," Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla said in a …
Bergen Prosecutor: New Task Force Will Help Build Trust Between Local Police, Citizens Bergen Prosecutor: New Task Force Will Help Build Trust Between Local Police, Citizens
Bergen Prosecutor: New Task Force Will Help Build Trust Between Local Police, Citizens Using one of the most effective tools in crimefighting – the task force -- Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella is vowing to foster better communication between local police and the citizens they protect. "We must think differently about policing and how we can best serve our communities," the prosecutor's Chief of Detectives Robert Anzilotti said. Already in place was the BCPO’s Community Affairs Unit, which Anzilotti said has: coordinated presentations for schools and communities groups on topics ranging from the dangers of opioids to Internet safety; fostered relationships with clergy…
'He Made Us Better': Bloomingdale Mourns Loss Of Mayor Jon Dunleavy 'He Made Us Better': Bloomingdale Mourns Loss Of Mayor Jon Dunleavy
'He Made Us Better': Bloomingdale Mourns Loss Of Mayor Jon Dunleavy Patient. Funny. Devoted to his residents. This is how Bloomingdale Mayor Jon Dunleavy was being remembered Sunday morning, the day after his death was announced by the borough on Facebook. It was not clear how Dunleavy died. He and his wife, Janet, celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on Nov. 3. Dunleavy is also survived by his four children, Katie, Ryan, Emily and Sean. Dunleavy has served as Bloomingdale's mayor since 2011, and previously served as a councilman, ROSE Fund Chairman, Recreation President and Bloomingdale Youth Organization President, Certified Rutgers S…
Missing Saddle Brook Golden Retriever Found Missing Saddle Brook Golden Retriever Found
Missing Saddle Brook Golden Retriever Found FOUND! A pregnant Golden Retriever who went missing from a Saddle Brook backyard was found stuck under a car nearby. "With the help of neighbors and many other concerned citizens, Miss Molly was found underneath a car just homes away from hers," Saddle Brook Police Chief Robert Kugler said Sunday. "Apparently she hid under the car and was stuck.  "Her owner had to wiggle her out of the tight spot she was in and is now home safe," the chief said. "Thanks to everyone who helped in the matter -- and especially those who shared our story and were so concerned about Miss Molly." Good Golly…
WATCH: Dancing Hackensack Crossing Guard Pulls Out All The Stops WATCH: Dancing Hackensack Crossing Guard Pulls Out All The Stops
Watch: Dancing Hackensack Crossing Guard Pulls Out All The Stops It's difficult not to smile watching Hackensack crossing guard Sharon Skinner at her post. She swings her hips and waves her stop sign at the corner of Byrne and Passaic streets every day. Skinner, in her third year on the job, is affectionately known to locals as "The Dancing Crossing Guard." "I want everyone to wake up in the morning and just be happy," said Skinner, 55, dancing and waving to drivers Tuesday afternoon. "Some people ride by just to see me. It makes their day." Skinner has always been a positive force and full of energy, her cousin David Johns said. "She's hap…
Paramus PD's Top Motor Officer Uses Bike To Break Down Barriers Paramus PD's Top Motor Officer Uses Bike To Break Down Barriers
Paramus PD's Top Motor Officer Uses Bike To Break Down Barriers Community impact is what initially attracted Paramus Police Sgt. Brian Linden to law enforcement. Being a motorcycle officer is what he says allowed him to do the job even better. "People are much more comfortable having conversations with motor officers," said Linden, who joined the Paramus PD in 2000.  "Maybe it's because they have motorcycling in common or it just gives them something to talk about, but people love to chat with us.  "It's always great because it reminds people that we are human too." Tyler, 3, gets a ride from Linden at National Night Out 2016. The Paramus PD's mo…
Fair Lawn Girls Couldn't Believe When Police Officers Showed Up One-By-One At Lemonade Stand Fair Lawn Girls Couldn't Believe When Police Officers Showed Up One-By-One At Lemonade Stand
Fair Lawn Girls Couldn't Believe When Police Officers Showed Up One-By-One At Lemonade Stand The skies were turning gray and friends Yocheved and Ahuva were just about ready to accept their lemonade stand wouldn't be getting any customers when a Fair Lawn police officer pulled up. The 7- and 8-year-old did their best to contain their excitement as Officer Tiller Uriarte came over and handed them a dollar for the the 5-cent cup of pink lemonade Sunday afternoon. The girls jumped for joy -- their day had been made. It was about to get even better. As soon as Uriarte got in his patrol car, he sent a message through the police computer system to other on-duty officers telling them t…
NO HARM: Man In SUV Who Tried Talking To Girls Wasn't Up To No Good, Glen Rock Police Find NO HARM: Man In SUV Who Tried Talking To Girls Wasn't Up To No Good, Glen Rock Police Find
NO HARM: Man In SUV Who Tried Talking To Girls Wasn't Up To No Good, Glen Rock Police Find UPDATE: An elderly driver who pulled up to two young Glen Rock girls and said something they couldn't understand wasn't up to no good, police said. After interviewing adult witnesses, Detective Lucas Doney identified and found the SUV driver, Police Chief Dean Ackermann said. "While this incident was understandably concerning to all of us, our investigation has confirmed that no criminal act was committed," the chief said. Doney "has spoken to the families of the two young girls involved and the case has been closed, the chief added. The girls told police they were walking on Rutland Road…
Glen Rock PD: SUV Driver Who Tried Talking To Girls Was Harmless Glen Rock PD: SUV Driver Who Tried Talking To Girls Was Harmless
Glen Rock PD: SUV Driver Who Tried Talking To Girls Was Harmless UPDATE: An elderly driver who pulled up to two young Glen Rock girls and said something they couldn't understand wasn't up to no good, police said. After interviewing adult witnesses, Detective Lucas Doney identified and found the SUV driver, Police Chief Dean Ackermann said. "While this incident was understandably concerning to all of us, our investigation has confirmed that no criminal act was committed," the chief said. Doney "has spoken to the families of the two young girls involved and the case has been closed, the chief added. The girls told police they were walking on Rutland Road…
Glen Rock Honors Police Motorcycle Unit's Founder, Retired Sergeant Turned Crossing Guard Glen Rock Honors Police Motorcycle Unit's Founder, Retired Sergeant Turned Crossing Guard
Glen Rock Honors Police Motorcycle Unit's Founder, Retired Sergeant Turned Crossing Guard Glen Rock Police Officer Adam Pyatak has made a lasting mark in the borough as the “driving” force behind the department’s motorcycle unit. In return, the borough’s governing body recently honored him, along with a retired sergeant who's become a beloved crossing guard. A Glen Rock native, Pyatak joined the borough’s auxiliary police as a volunteer in 1993, and in 1996 was promoted to sergeant. He became a full-fledged borough officer in 1999 and was assigned to the patrol division, of which he’s now the senior officer. Pyatak literally built the Motor Unit’s first ride, completely refurb…