Volume 15, No. 12December 19th - January 10th 2011FREE PUBLICATION

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T he gifts are wrapped; Egg Nog’s in the fridge; and Santa’s plumping up his reindeer for their long midnight ride. Christmas is around the corner which means it’s time to think about New Year’s Eve on Sat., Dec. 31st when revelers ring in 2012 with their own big bang theory. And what better way to bang in the New Year than to watch the Times Square Ball Drop, the Waterford Crystal Ball that’s 12 feet in diameter, weighs 11,875 pounds and slides down the pole atop the One Times Square building one minute before midnight . A New York City tradition since 1904, the Times Square Ball Drop attracts one million people who withstand freezing temperatures to see it drop in-person and another billion who watch it on their TVs, computers, iPhones and iPads. Dropping things to ring in the New Year isn’t just a New York City tradition; cities throughout the

con’t pg. 2

Some U.S. Cities Choose Kooky Kitsch to Slide Down the Pole on New Year’s Eve

U.S. have created their own “drop” ceremony with a personal touch that represents their city’s accomplishments and, at times, its sense of humor. Last year, MTV planned to drop “Jersey Shore’s” Snooki in a plastic ball next to the one in Times Square, but city officials sent them back to Jersey and Snooki ended up dropping in Seaside Heights. If you think that’s kooky, read on to see what other U.S. cities will be sliding down poles to ring in 2012.

By Sally Deering

New YorkNiagara Falls: A 10-foot Gibson Guitar is dropped from a 120-foot scaffolding at the Hard Rock Cafe.

Florida Key West: A large ruby slipper carrying a local celebrity is lowered from the second-story balcony of the Bourbon Street Pub; and Sloppy Joe’s Bar drops a 6-foot Queen Conch Shell.

River View Observer – Page 2

on the cover . . .By Sally Deering

Miami: The Big Orange Drop, a 35-foot orange is dropped 400 feet. Panama City: An illuminated, 800-pound beach ball descends from a tower 12 stories high at midnight. Earlier in the evening, there’s a “family ball drop”, with 7,000 beach balls.

OKLAHOMABartlesville: An olive.

TENNESSEEMemphis: A guitar.Nashville: An 80-foot Guitar Drop at Nashville’s Hard Rock Café.

WISCONSINPlymouth: An 80-pound cheese wedge, the newest Wisconsin cheese.

VIRGINIAFredericksburg: An illuminated pear.

ALABAMAMobile: A 600-lb electric Moon Pie is raised at midnight. Before midnight, Chattanooga Bakery Inc., the maker of the Moon Pie marshmallow sandwich, serves up an edible 55-lb. chocolate Moon Pie, nearly four feet in diameter.

PENNSYLVANIABeavertown: A beaver. Bethlehem: Home of Marshmallow PEEPS, a 100-pound yellow fiberglass illuminated Peep. Blain: A cow made of wood, dropped from a silo. Carlisle: An Indy car. Cleona: A pretzel (the pretzel is raised, not lowered). Dillsburg: Two pickles. Duncannon: A sled. Elizabethtown: A giant M&MFalmouth: A stuffed goat.Halifax: A Hemlock tree.Harrisburg: A strawberry.Hershey: A Hershey Kiss replica (raised, not lowered).

Hummelstown: A lollipop.Ickesburg: A French fry.Lebanon: A 100-pound slab of Lebanon BolognaLewistown: A bag of Hartley’s potato chips.Lisburn: A pair of yellow pants or “britches”, a tribute to the Yellow Breeches Creek.Mechanicsburg: A wrench.Newville: A big spring.Palmyra: “The Giant Shoe”.Pittsburg: A replica of the planet Earth made from recycled materials (raised, not lowered).Port Royal: A Sprint car.Pottsville: A bottle of Yuengling beer (raised, not

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lowered).Red Lion: A wooden cigar held by a lion (raised, not lowered).Strasburg: Ping Pong balls.Shamokin: A chunk of coal that turns into a diamond.

NORTH CAROLINABrasstown: “The Possum Drop”, a Plexiglas pyramid containing a live opossum is lowered from the roof of a convenience store and turned loose at the end of the celebration. Eastover: A 3-foot tall, thirty-pound wooden flea.

con’t pg. 3

Page 3 – River View Observer

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Havre de Grace: A wooden duck.

OHIOElmore: A sausage.Marion: A ball of popcorn.Port Clinton: A walleye fish named Captain Wylie Walleye.Cincinnati: A flying pig is “flown” confirming there is at least one time “when pigs fly”.

con’t from pg. 2Mount Olive: The New Year’s Eve Pickle is lowered down the Mt. Olive Pickle Company’s flagpole. Raleigh: A 900-pound copper and steel acorn.

GEORGIAAtlanta: The Capital city of the “peach state” has a “Peach Drop” where a peach descends a 138-foot tower of lights. Cornelia: The “Little Red Apple Drop” honors the region’s apple growers. Duluth: A disco ball called the Soaring Spirit Ball is raised. Gainesville : The “Chuck the Chicken Drop”. Proceeds go to the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia. Macon: The Cherry Blossom Capital of the World has the “Cherry Blossom Ball Drop.” The ball, made of metal blossoms with pink lights,

is 6-feet in diameter and descends a 30-foot tower. Tallapoosa: An opossum, on odd years.Winder: A “Jug Drop”.

MAINEEastport: A Sardine, a nod to the area’s historic past in the herring fishing and canning industry.

MARYLANDEaston: A crab.

Atlanta, GA “Peach Drop”

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THIRD ANNUAL HUDSON COUNTY HOMELESS MEMORIAL Wednesday December 1, 2011, 1pm At CHURCH of the CARNATION, 68 STORMS AVE., JC, NJ On Homeless Memorial Day, which is Wednesday, December 21st, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, a coalition led by the Jersey City Episcopal Community Development Corporation, alongside the Church of the Incarnation, will hold an inter-faith HOMELESS MEMORIAL SERVICE, to remember the victims and as-sist the survivors. It will take place at The Church of the Incarnation, 68 Storms Avenue, in Jersey City, starting at 1pm, and will include remembrances of homeless neighbors, friends & loved ones who have passed away from causes related to homelessness and raise awareness that people are still living and dying on the street. The public is invited to attend and share remembranc-es, or just pay their respects. In addition, assistance would be appreciated in any of the following ways:Forward names of deceased Homeless individuals.Gather contributions of warm THERMALS, SOCKS, COATS, HATS, GLOVES, SCARVES, SOCKS to be distributed to Homeless guests at the reception after the service.Bake & bring cookies for the reception & the bagged mealsHelp make sandwiches and put together bagged meals on Wednesday morning Decem-ber 21, 9am though 1pmHelp serve refreshments and distribute gifts at the recep-tion Invite Homeless Neighbors and Friends to attend.Spread the word about the Memorial via social mediaAnyone who would like to participate, a little or a lot, please contact Joanne at reception@jcecdc.org, or call 201-209-9301.

The River View ObserverServing Hudson County

Since 1998www.

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Hudson Then...Again By Maureen Wlodarczyk

Writing this column has led to people sharing their Hudson County connections with me, a happy side effect for someone who never tires of a trip in the “way-back machine.” A close friend of 20 years surprised me with the story of her grandfather, an early 1900s child vaudevillian from Bayonne. Research in newspaper archives yielded a number of articles about that young fellow, Gus Suckow, who performed both as a solo act and with his brother Harry. While searching for articles about young Suckow, I spotted a story about another pair of siblings and child vaudevil-lians of the time, young Fred Astaire and his sister Adele, who were among the perform-ers on the bill at the Hudson Theatre in Union Hill (later renamed Union City) during Christmas week, 1909. Fred and Adele Astaire, who had made their debut per-formance in Keyport in 1905 when Fred was only six years old, were billed as “popular fa-vorites” and “clever entertain-ers” in the Hudson Theatre’s

advertising which also boasted that the theater offered “vaude-ville on par with New York.”Built at an estimated cost of

gratis for various local orga-nizations and events. From that he developed a loyal local following. In 1905, he debuted at the Park Theatre at Bergen Point, Bayonne, to enthusiastic

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Gus Suckow 1900sLocal Child Vaudevillian

Hudson, politicians and other notables turned out along with a throng of local residents that filled every seat, spilled over into the aisles and reportedly well-exceeded the building’s stated capacity of 1,400 people. After the opening show, the Mayor and his reti-nue celebrated at a champagne supper at George Vix’s café. Over the years, the Hudson Theatre would host “high class” vaudeville acts, bur-lesque follies, acrobats, come-dians, plays and even a hypno-tist named Pauline who invited the Physicians’ Club of North Hudson to attend a “scientific demonstration of the influence of hypnotism on blood pres-sure.” The Hudson eventually came under the umbrella of the Keith theatrical organization, undergoing a renovation and relaunch as part of that fran-chise. No need for me to recount what happened to Fred Astaire who entertained theatre and movie-goers for decades after that 1909 engagement at the Hudson Theatre. But what about that local favorite,Bayonne’s Gus Suckow?

of $125,000, the Hudson opened in September 1905 and was hailed as the first modern theater in the North Hudson section. The builder was a lo-cal businessman, Frederick Klein of Jersey City. A principal in an insurance firm by trade, Klein got into the theater business when he acquired the Bon Ton The-atre in a foreclosure only to discover its value as an invest-ment property.On opening night at the

Gus Suckow

Born in 1892, his family lived on Avenue “E” and his father was a successful businessman known around Bayonne as “Wait-A-Minute” Suckow.Young Suckow’s repertoire included singing, acting in sketches, comedy andimpersonations, includinghis specialty, an impersonation of George M. Cohan. His earli-est performances were done

Park Theater, Bergen Pointe Bayonne in its heyday

audience response according to a local newspaper. The theatre manager, Mr. Schiller, invited Suckow back for subsequent engagements that were attended by local groups including the Bayonne Democratic Club and the Jersey City Elks, who sent the young performer a congratula-tory floral arrangement in the form of a horseshoe measur-ing six feet high. At the end of Suckow’s engagement in the summer of 1906, the Park Theatre’s manager presented him with a gold watch. My friend, Suckow’s granddaughter, told me

Cont’d on page 6

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Hudson Then ...Again Cont’d from page 5

she had a 1905 photo of him decked out with top hat. I had to see it. Being an avid gene-alogist, I instinctively turned the photo over to see if anyone had recorded the name of the dapper young fellow. It was blank. Handing her a pencil, I suggested that she write down her grandfather’s name, year of birth and the names of his children, one of whom is her mother, now in her 80s. Know-ing me and my obsession with preserving family history, she dutifully complied. While his theatrical career did not rival that of Fred Astaire, family members say that the style and charisma Suckow displayed as a young entertainer remained with him throughout his life.

Visit us on the web @ www.

Riverviewobserver.net River View Observer

Est. 1998

Maureen Wlodarczyk is a fourth-generation-born Jersey City girl and the author of two books about life in Jersey City in the 1800s and early 1900s: Past-For-ward: A Three-Decade and Three-Thousand-Mile Jour-ney Home and Young & Wick-ed: The Death of a Wayward Girl and has just announced that the third book in her Jersey City trilogy, Canary in a Cage, will be available as an ebook series beginning in January, 2012. Find out more at: www.canaryinacage.

The Readers’ Circle book group meets at the 3rd Thursday of the month at 7:00pm in All Saints, 701 Washington

Street Hoboken. All book lovers are welcome. Free Coffee and cake.

January 19th- NEVER LET GOKazuo Ishiguro

More info? Write: readerscircle123@aol.com

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Hudson County Community College Foundation’s 14th Annual ‘Holiday Extravaganza’ a Success

December 1st event one of the most successful in the Foundation’s history$200,000. proceeds to be utilized for scholarships to deserving

students, faculty-development programs, and the physical expansion of the College.

Pictured from left: HCCC Vice President for Development Joseph Sansone; HCCC President Dr. Glen Gabert; Tony Rico, Director of Human Resources of Goya Foods and HCCC Foun-dation Board Member; HCCC Board of Trustees Chair William J. Netchert, Esq.; HCCC Foundation Board of Directors Chair Philip Johnston; David Kinkela, Vice President of Information Technology for Goya Foods and Joseph Perez, Senior Vice President of Goya Foods.

HCCC Foundation Chair-man Philip Johnston (left), President of Johnston Com-munications Voice & Data, presents to Vice President for Development Joseph Sansone a $10,000 donation for the newly established West Hudson scholarships.

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Jersey City Free Public Library Offering More Library Hours in 2012 and Amnesty, from January 9th to the 14th In 2012 the Jersey City Free Public Library boost will be offering more hours open and amnesty for the week of January 9 to January 14. Starting on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, the Main Library, located at 472 Jersey Avenue in Jersey City, will return to its previous Regular hours, opening from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, including the New Jersey Room, and the Lending and Reference departments. As usual, Fridays and Saturdays, the Main Library will be open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Vincenzo Domenico Bonetti II Children’s Room will return to its Regular hours of two late nights – Tues-days and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. – with being open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. all other days. The Jersey City Library Literacy Program opens at 10 a.m., Monday through Saturday, and will be open until 8 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and until 5 p.m., Fridays and Satur-days. Patrons of Lafayette, Marion and West Bergen – the three storefront branch libraries – will enjoy the return to their branch’s five-day schedule, Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The smaller branches’ hours were reduced to three days per week, due to stringent budget cuts, the full year in 2011. All larger branch libraries – Cunningham, Five Corners, Greenville, Heights and Miller – will all be open every Saturday, each month, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is in sharp contrast to the changes that occurred in 2011, when short staffing and shorter hours precipitated rotating Saturdays.To find out about the Amnesty program please call Jersey City Main Library 201-547-4500

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There’s No Place Like Jersey City for the Holidays!

Discover all the delightful and affordable surprises and necessities from all around the world … all around town!

Make Your List, Then Shop and Save in Jersey City! Find list-topping gifts at America’s best retailers, and unique presents for everyone at hundreds of culturally diverse shops and boutiques in every neighborhood!

Pay Just 3.5% Sales Tax (half the normal tax!) at Jersey City Urban Enterprise Zone stores and businesses and you can shop Sundays in Jersey City!

Celebrate and Enjoy the Festivities! Plan fuss-free gatherings with family, friends and coworkers at Jersey City’s elegant restaurants, famed diners and ethnic cafés and delis!

Make Memories … Enjoy all that Jersey City Has to Offer, from the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island to Liberty Science Center with America’s largest IMAX domed theater, Liberty State Park … and don’t forget the fabulous light displays, pageants and special entertainment throughout the City!

Treat Yourself to a Stay-cation — and make accommodations for your out-of-town guests — at one of our world-class hotels.

Visit www.DestinationJerseyCity.com for the latest news and events.

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Pet ViewsAdoptions from

The Hudson ounty Animal League

To Adopt Any of the Animals

Featured Here... Please call 201-200-1008

Santa Visits 3rd Annual Miracle on 34th Street

Charity Event in Bayonne

On Saturday December 17th Santa arrived to take photos with participants of the 3rd Annual Charity event to help make Christmas a little bright-er for Bayonne’s less fortunate families.Along with Santa in attendance was Vincent A. Virga Presi-dent of Partnership Financial Services, organizer of the event (back row 2nd from left) Bayonne Council Woman at Large Debbie Czerwrienski (standing right of Santa and Bayonne 3rd Ward Council-man Ray Greeves standing

right of Councilwoman Czerwienski) and family and friends. The public was asked to donate non-perishable food items and new/ unused toys in return for taking a photo with Santa. This years event was well received by the public.Photo by Steveamack.com

Samara The first thing you notice about Samara is how outgo-ing and beautiful she is. She’ll reach out of the cat carrier or crate to make contact with people or other cats. She loves to be held and her loud purring lets you know it. She is a little beauty queen with fine tabby markings, dainty white mit-tens, and a spotted tummy that loves to be rubbed. Then you notice she has only one eye and you know she has a sad past. Samara was born of a

Phyllis A love, to meet her you’d never know she was a special needs cat. She’ll climb into your lap and just loves to be petted and to snuggle. But Phyllis has had trouble find-ing a real home because of her delicate tummy, which means she has to eat special food and has periodic bouts of diarrhea. She needs somebody who will understand and love her when she’s not feeling her best --

feral mother in an alley in Jersey City with no people to care for her, and she got a bad infection in one eye while she was still a tiny baby. By the time she was rescued at 5 weeks old, she was already blind in that eye and it had to be removed. Samara also had a bad case of diarrhea that would have killed her if left untreat-ed. She was the only kitten in her litter to survive -- Samara is Polish for “survivor.” Sa-mara got off the streets just in time. She is “special needs” ...

Seasons Greetings The River View Observer

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NJAA BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO MORE THAN 1,000 NJ CHILDREN On Mon., Dec. 12th, the New Jersey Apartment Associ-ation’s Charitable Fund hosted more than 1,000 children at their 14th Annual Holiday Party in Secaucus that included dancing, treats, face painting, a visit from Santa and a gift for each child thanks to donations from more than 650 association members. For more information about NJAA events and activities, go to www.njaa.com.

Pictured right: Jean Maddalon, executive director for the NJAA helping a child pick out the perfect gift.

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Silver • Coins • Diamonds • PlatinumEstate Jewelry • Watches • Broken Jewelry

HOUSE CALLS WELCOME

CASHCASH

KENNEDY DANCERS “HOLIDAY DANCE CONCERT” ON TELEVISION

Jersey City, NJ- December 19, 2011- Kennedy Dancers are proud to present “Holi-day Dance Concert” on public arts access television in New Jersey and (New York Verizon and Comcast) reaching more than 4 mil-lion homes in 22 other states in the U.S. reaching another 11 million viewers.The Kennedy Dancers a non-profit professional dance company based in Jersey City, New Jersey

videotaped their hour-long dance concert at Concordia Learning Center-Theater, at St. Joseph’s School for the Blind. Performing are the pro-fessional dancers, Daniels Horan, Julianna Kenworthy, Juan Espenosa, Aaron At-kins, Miguel Villalos, Sarah Gordon and Kristin Van Deventer. Also, appearing in a special Nutcracker excerpt in Prima Ballerina Lina, Julie Kent. Ms. Kent is a

is a guest from Paris Bal-let. The choreographer and artistic Director for the program is Diane Drag-one, now at the helm of the Kennedy Dancers for 35th years. Dragone adds a mul-ticultural flavor to “Holiday Dance Concert” including an Arabian “God rest ye Merry” Christmas, Carib-bean “Silent Night” and a South African dance to “Akiwowow.” The Kennedy Dancers Inner City Youth Jr. Dance Co and students

from their school will also perform. The Kennnedy Dancers received a General Operat-ing support Grant from NJ State Council onthe Arts for 2011, 2012, 2013. The Kennedy Dancers are one of only 10 dance companies to receive this grant and a certificate of excellence from the New Jersey Council on the Arts. “Holiday Dance Concert” concerts will be aired on Verizon channels (check your listings) On Friday December 23, 2011 at 9pm

Sunday December 25 at 9 pm also at 11:00pm. “Holiday Dance Concert” was directed and produced by Tom Horan, Half Moon Video Production, and The Kennedy Dancers Television Productions, in association with the New Jersey Coun-cil on the Arts/Dept of State a partner of the National Endowment of the Arts.For More information con-tact: Diane Dragone 201-659-2190 Kennedydancers@aol.com

River View ObserverSupports the Arts

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Simple Ways to Personalize Your Holiday Decor

(ARA) If you’re crav-ing something different this year, personalizing your holiday decor can be a great way to put a fresh face on the season. Wall murals are a time-honored design trick for completely changing the look of a room. Imagine an idyllic, snow-covered land-scape as a backdrop for this year’s Christmas tree. Or perhaps you would like to

party with a New York City scene in your dining room. Since you might not want those scenes gracing your walls year-round, removable murals could be a great way to per-sonalize your holiday decor - temporarily. A new product, SmartStick by MuralsYourWay.com, makes it easy to customize your holiday decor. The removable mural can be repositioned anywhere in the home and can be reused hundreds of times without losing its adhering qualities. The website offers holiday designs to appeal to virtually every taste, and the material is so versatile you could even put it on a window or smooth exterior wall and use it year after year. -

Wondeful idea for a great Holiday look

for your home

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restaurant VIEWSGerman Beer House serves Frothy Brews and Fine German Dishes

Pilsener Haus & Biergarten Reconstructs Industrial Warehouse into Hoboken Hotspot Eatery

By Sally Deering

Uptown Hoboken, especially 14th Street, has been booming in recent years with new restaurants, bars and bistros and a popular CVS and Rite Aid. Even the Malibu Diner got a facelift. On the west side of 14th Street around the 14th Street Viaduct, the neigh-borhood is also growing and changing. Clearview Cine-mas shows first-run flicks on 14th and Grand Street and a

Drafts include Radeberger Pilsner, Arcobrau Zwickl-bier, Blanche De Bruxelles, Brouczech Dark, Hofbrau Dunkel, Franziskaner Dunkel-Weisse, Franziskan-er Hefe-Weisse, Kostritzer, Palm, Paulaner Salvator and Stiegl.American Craft Bottled Beers feature Tommy-knocker Maple Nut Brown Ale, Ithaca Apricot Wheat, Flying Fish Extra Pale Ale, Dogfish Head 60 Min, and Victory Golden Monkey. Imported Bottles include Duchesse De Bourgogne, Green’s Discovery, La Chouffe, Rochefort 8, Saison Dupont and St. Ber-nardus Tripel. Viennese chef, Thomas Ferlesch, offers beer garden

Cont’d on page 21

block north, a new hotspot eatery opened in August, the Pilsner Haus & Biergarten, serving au-thentic Austro-Hungarian cuisine in a beautifully reconstructed red-bricked warehouse with a huge din-ing room filled with long wooden tables andfilled with long wooden tables and benches, a grill station and a long, beautiful bar tiled in white Subway tile. The atmosphere is post modern cool – open, relaxed and warm – and the clientele is a mix of families, couples and groups out for a few frothy beers and some delicious German cuisine. The Beer Menu offers 20 Draft Beers, more than 20 American Craft Bottled Beers, and 29 Imported Bottled Beers.

Photo by Melissa Horn

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restaurant VIEWSCont’d from page 20 Pilsener Hausdining for every palate, from huge Bavarian pretzels to schnitzels, strudels, goulash, and even vegetarian dishes. At the Grill & Rotisserie, customers can step up and per-sonally order fine sausages, bratwursts, chops or burgers. There’s the P.H. Frankfurters; Smoked Polish Kielbasa; Bratwurst; Jalapeno & Cheddar Frankfurters; The Haus Sausage; Weisswurst; Kassler Pork Chop; Sterling Beef Burger; Portobello & Gruyere Sandwich and Oktoberfest Style Rotisserie Chicken. Appetizers and Salads include Fresh Fishers Island Oys-ters; Vegetarian Black Bean Soup; a Bavarian Soft Pret-zel, 12-ounce soft and chewy pretzel served with liptauer cheese and house-made mustard; Steamed Bier Mussels in a smoky, piquant vegetable & weissbier broth; Wood Plank Steak Tartare; Gebackene Champignons, crisped mush-rooms with house-made tartar sauce; Charcuterie & Cheese Platter; Chicken Liver Terrine; Haus, Endive and Beet Salads. Entrees feature Wiener Schnitzel; Pork cheeks; Biers-tube Meatloaf; Chicken Paprikash; Wild Mushroom Gratin with Truffle Oil; Sauerbraten; Cod Filet Schnitzel; Hungar-ian Beef Goulash and Kasespatzle, homemade spatzle with cheese, caramelized onions and bacon served with cucumber salad. For starters, my friend and I ordered the Soft Pretzel, which served warm and crusty with delicious dipping sauces. The Mussels were absolutely divine – the broth was so delicious, brightly seasoned and fantastic.The Sauerbraten was tangy and tender, the Meatloaf hearty and the Wiener Schnitzel, a tender pork cutlet served with parsley potatoes, cucumber salad and lingonberries with delish.We also tried the Portobello & Gruyere Sandwich which was cheesy and the Portobello smoky and very tasty.

The Haus Sausage, a chicken and garlic sausage was spicy, yet light, and crunchy on the outside. My friend said, “Everything was fresh, tangy and deli-cious. I especially liked the Mussels, Haus Sausage and Meatloaf.” The restaurant has also gotten mostly great reviews on Yelp.com, like this one posted by Sean of Hoboken: “Since it opened, I have been here about six times. Each time I had a wonderful experience, and the last one was probably my best. The bar has a great selection of draft beer, and every time I go there, I’m looking forward to trying something new. They have communal seating, and I like the fact there aren’t TVs all over the walls. They play good music and they get a great, friendly crowd each time I’m there. The grill has the best bratwurst and other sausages... The employees are all top notch. I’ve been a seasoned drinker in Hoboken, and even after this bar being open for a few months now it astounds me how nice and helpful the wait staff and employees are.”Our waitperson was Britney Batt of Weehawken, a makeup and hairstylist by day.

(ww.britneybbeatuy.com) and she was fantastic. Friendly and upbeat, Batt really knew the menu and made great suggestions. She helped us feel totally at home and her enthusiasm for the restaurant was as clear as the smile she gave us whenever she approached our table. “I love working here,” Batt says. “ It’s a great place.” Batt’s right. We left Pilsener Haus & Biergarten full and satisfied and plan-ning our return – for the food, the great service and hip atmosphere. They serve brunch, too!!

Pilsener Haus & Biergarten

1422 Grand StreetHoboken, NJ 201-683-5465

www.pilsenerhaus.comHours:

Mon-Thurs.5 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Fri. 4 p.m. - 3 a.m.; Sat. 12 p.m. - 3 a.m.; Sun. 12 p.m. - 2 a.m.

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The Story of Jenny – Riverview Columnist offers Readers Serialized ebook

Riverview Observer columnist Maureen Wlodarczyk recently published a new ebook, “Canary in a Cage, “ a new historical novel based on the true story of a girl named Jenny born in the early 1850s and descended of a line of Quaker and German farmer ancestors who were very early settlers in Monmouth County where she was born. Ten years later, during the Civil War, Jenny’s family suddenly moves to Jersey City and the farmer’s daughter begins the transition to city girl. Her father dies soon after and her mother takes to alcohol and other vices as the family struggles. Jenny and her sister escape by marrying young, Jenny to a divorced Jersey City policeman in 1871 and her sister to an older wid-ower with children. Jenny’s “refuge” marriage is anything but ideal and then, one morning in the late 1870s, when Jenny is 25, she wakes up to find her husband dead in bed beside her – murdered. Did she do it? If convicted, she faces the hangman’s noose. “Rather than publishing the story as a traditional book, I will be offering it as a serialized ebook,” Wlodarczyk says. “This will allow me to release it monthly, several chapters at a time over four months, delivered directly to subscribers via email along with the back-story of my investigative and genealogical research. It will also allow readers to ask me questions, offer theories about the crime and give me their feedback as the story unfolds through an on-line reader forum.”Read an excerpt now and buy the ebook for $4.99 via Paypal at www.canaryinacage.com

The Art of Lynda

D’AmicoFeaturing nine oil paintings of local pigeons

as part of a group exhibition.’Now – Jan. 14, 2012

MH Art & Framing Gallery • 9 West 20th Street, NY, NY 10011 212-242-1252 • www.mhartandframe.com

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New Jersey Actor “Sam Platizky” is back with his New Film “Red Scare”By Evelyn Bonilla He’s back! Yes, that’s right New Jersey actor, writer and filmmaker Sam Platizky, is back on the big screen in a new feature length film entitled, “Red Scare.” Why, just the name of his new film, will have many heading for cover! So, moviegoers beware! Many of you might remember Platizky from his last film, entitled, “Blaming George Romero”, a film that tells the story of four horror film fanatic friends, unhappy with their lives, that think that there’s been a zombie apocalypse and jump at the chance to try to survive. The film, “Blam-ing George Romero” was inspired by the works of George Romero a film direc-tor and screenwriter, best known for his gruesome horror films. Although, it may seem that Platizky’s new film, “Red Scare” might be just another zombie movie, truth be told that this one is filled with great dialogue and comedic persona. “Red Scare is bound to attract zombie lovers everywhere! Platizky’s “Red Scare” takes place during the 1950’s in the midst of the cold war. The story line is based on a Soviet plot which brings the living dead to

the shores of America! Only the brave patriotic hero, Rex Steel can stop the evil soviet menace alongside a teen rebel, a reporter, and a frightened teenage girl. Platizky wrote, produced and acted in his film ‘Red Scare”, his character Rex Steel is a tough but very funny American soldier who battles and evil soviet menace. In his script Platizky brings to life “Red Scare” in Mel Brooks style. He explains, “Mel Brooks has to be one of the funniest filmmakers of all time. When I wrote “Red Scare”, I wanted to bring back the zombie aspect but with a sense of humor.” When viewing the theatrical trailer one can sense exactly what Platizky is trying to bring to the big screen. Filmed in black and white it is a compilation of old-time slapstick with dawn of the dead zombies. It seems that with this film Platizky has managed to bring to life interesting elements such as “horror and humor.” The film stars Sam Pla-tizky as Rex Steel, Christina Garced (Veronica Valen-court), Megan Bussiere (Sasha Smith), Robert Lise (Vlad Sinisterski), Dan Gregory (Tony Antonio Ap-pleucio), Loarina Gonzalez (Becky Sue Sorano), Aaron Visco (Pieter), Mitchell Var-gas( Miles McShaunnessey), Isaac Platizky (“Happy” Charlie Steel) Christopher Lucas and a whole list of additional talented actors! Di-rected by William Dautrick, “Red Scare” is sure to have you running and laughing!” “Red Scare” will hold its screening on Thursday, January 12th at 7:00 pm at Frank Theaters (191 Lefante Way, Bayonne, NJ). Tick-ets are $20 each and can be acquired by going to RedS-careMovie@gmail.com Also, a portion of tickets sales will be donated to the Simpson-Baber Foundation for the autistic.

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cont’d from page 25- Red ScarePlatizky would like to give a very heartfelt thanks to his parents, Joey Mosca (sound and music mixing), Tony Pineiro (lighting), Loarina Gonzalez (make-up), his brother Isaac Platizky and Sean Feur (Director of Photography). Interested in learning more about the film “Red Scare”, sign on to their IMDB page at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2034092/ or visit their Facebook page-Red Scare. For tickets email RedScareMovie@gmail.com

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Month of December 2011 by J. Banta Lewis

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)Just in time to coincide with the Holidays, Christmas cheer, and the end of 2011, you will reconstruct your hopes and wishes, in accordance with the 11th house. Great changes are in store for you in 2012. You will succeed with a positive attitude and faith in the future Go forward with confidence as the stars will aid you in this time of transformation.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)12th house energies with Jupiter in your sign indicate wistful reminiscence of days gone by. This time, however, the ghosts of Christmas past will bring joy instead of fear. Finally, you are able to accept the part your sometimes stubborn nature may have played in hurtful issues. Going forward, you are transformed and vow to avoid similar energy traps. A new enlightened and peaceful Bull is the result. Happiness returns!

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)You will be filled with love and optimism this holiday season as Gemini is placed on the ascendant in your solar chart. You will shine like the brightest Christmas light at parties and events. People will stare and make adoring comments as you walk in the room. This is the beginning of a great period as you are finally noticed for your charm and beauty. Enjoy as your energy has returned.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)The Holiday season takes you by surprise as you may be tempted to shop till you drop. Remember to purchase gifts with your head not over it, as energy in the 2nd house of finance advises caution. Look for those bargains and you will have a happy beginning to 2012. No matter what your income, it is wise in this economy to think before you buy.

LEO (July 23 - Aug. 22)This month will be filled with social gatherings and astral advice suggests you take all opportunities to make amends with any family member who has been estranged. A wall of ice will melt if you just try to forgive. No great apologies will be exchanged only a rekindling of love. The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in the Lion’s heart.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 - Sept.22)Mars in the 4th house as we enter December indicates caution with your temper as quarrels may be on the horizon. The holidays put pressure on many of us to have everything perfect and it becomes easy to overreact without thinking. Hold back your critical nature and you will be able to enjoy the festivities without tension. Happy Holiday’s!!

LIBRA (Sept. 22 - Oct. 22)A 5th house Saturn may have you tempted to gamble and possibly lose big. This lack of reserve may not be played out in a casino but with a love interest or business project. Caution is the theme of December as your usual balanced judgment may be skewed. There will be time in the future to romp and play but now stay safe and secure and don’t push your luck.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)All and all, the holiday season usually indicates a celebration of the past year and a decision to make the next year even better. 6th house issues are in the forefront and there is a tendency for you to feel overworked and underappreciated. The astral advice suggests you take time to relax and avoid the near occasions of stress. Happiness and calm return in the New Year.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)The freedom loving Archer may meet their love match in the month of December. Your solar return and activity to the 7th house of partnerships may find you involved with love and considering settling down. You attract someone who does not restrict your freedom but understands and enjoys it with you. Those already attached Archers renew or otherwise rekindle their relationships. Ain’t love grand!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19)8th house issues may find you involved in projects to change where you live or revamping an existing place. Profits will begin in December but will continue into the New Year. The focus of 2012 is transforming your surroundings and thereby changing your life path. Some books about feng shui or interior design would make the perfect Christmas gift for yourself. Live, love, decorate.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 - Feb 18)Bosses and co-workers seem to be out of sorts with the season. Are you the only one who smiles in the workplace? It just may be your duty to help create a holiday atmosphere for your friends and family. Doing a few good deeds gives others joy. The blessings of the season are abundantly bestowed and returned to your door. Happy Holidays!

PISCES (Feb. 19 - March 20)In the past you seemed attached to a person for all the wrong reasons. Insecurity is never a good basis for a relationship. What starts in fear will end in folly. You are a wonderful child of the universe and this holiday season the astral advice suggests you remember that simple fact. Don’t allow anyone to take advantage of your kind nature. Wishing you happy season as you deserve the best.

STARGAZINE

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