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LOCAL NEWS CLIPS - NOVEMBER 2008
Answer Guy: How do you say: "Buena"? 11/30/08 Q: My husband and I moved to New Jersey from North Carolina a few years ago. I assumed that Buena was pronounced "bwayna," but we learned that people here pronounce it "byoona." Why is that? Meg Eagle, Millville Answer Guy: The word "Buena" traveled a long, hard road from the battlefields of the Southwest to rural southern New Jersey. The term "Buena Vista" - Spanish for "good view" - first appeared in the region in 1848, when George B. Cake opened the Buena Vista Hotel. The name was a reference to the Battle of Buena (That's "bwayna") Vista, part of the Mexican-American War of 1846-48. The name stuck. Buena Vista Township was incorporated in 1867, freeing itself from Hamilton Township, one of the original large land masses that made up Atlantic County when it formed in 1837. According to Mayor Chuck Chiarello, who wrote the township history on its Web site and addressed the pronunciation issue in a 2003 article in The Press of Atlantic City, Italian farmers who came to settle in the township may have begun tinkering with the name, using their word "bona." The two pronunciations eventually may have combined and evolved into "byoona." "At least that's the story, but really, it's one of the great mysteries," Chiarello said in 2003. "Anything like that is not going to be written down," says Gail Benson, of the township historical society. Benson agreed the pronunciation likely is a derivative of the farmers' dialect. Either way, the word was so nice the county used it twice: Buena Borough broke off from the township in 1949, taking the land but keeping the name.
Source: Buena Vista Township Web site and Historical Society, Buena Borough Web site, Press archives
Corzine proposes to allow local governments to defer some pension payments 11/21/08 ATLANTIC CITY - Gov. Jon S. Corzine proposed Thursday to allow local governments to defer about half of their pension payments for three years to help municipalities avoid steep property-tax increases in the sagging economy. The state's towns, counties and school districts would be able to hold onto about $540 million of the $1 billion pension contributions they are scheduled to make in April. But in exchange, he suggested that few towns would be allowed to raise their budgets more than the state-capped 4 percent next year. The grim afternoon speech at the New Jersey State League of Muni-cipalities conference here drew scarce applause as Corzine went through state cuts, expressed concern that these could translate to higher local taxes and said steep property-tax increases during a recession are "unacceptable." "If there is any economic lesson in history, it's that raising taxes in a recession must be an absolute last resort," Corzine said to more than 1,000 local officials. "We need to stimulate the economy. That's my objective. I hope it's yours, too." Corzine said legislation would allow municipalities, counties, schools and local authorities to postpone 50 percent of their pension obligations for three years. They also could set the funds aside for eventual repayment. "As much as I prefer another course, I propose this deferral simply as a practical bridge over today's economic circumstances while reflecting the state's obviously reduced fiscal capacity for direct aid." But talking to reporters afterward, Corzine took pains to distinguish this deferral from the "pension holiday" that allowed state and local governments to avoid fully funding the state pension system between 1997 and 2003. He said that proposed legislation would require full funding of the pension system by 2012. Corzine repeated that tax increases in a down economy were unhelpful, saying that 84 percent of New Jersey municipalities had raised spending more than the mandated 4 percent maximum in the current year, while 31 percent had increases of 10 percent or more. Corzine's speech came as the state Treasury announced that the state pension was worth $61.9 billion Oct. 31, having declined $15.8 billion since July 1, mostly through stock losses. Estimates earlier this year pegged the state's unfunded pension liability in excess of $28 billion. It also comes as the state has announced that a $1.2 billion gap in the current budget as a result of the worsening economy may grow to $5 billion in the coming year. In his speech, Corzine said the state was preparing for similar problems for the next 18-24 months. As a result, he expected to have the packet of economic stimulus bills he called for last month signed by the end of the year, while looking for other cuts. He said the state will spend no more than $31.7 billion this year and may drop below $30 billion next year. He called for reducing personnel costs, while saying "I can only hope that the state will not be forced into a last minute position of layoffs." Republicans quickly criticized the plan. Sen. Tom Kean, Jr., R-Union, Morris, Somerset, Essex, said it would result in a higher burden on local taxpayers in the future. Kean said, "This is just not good fiscal policy." Sen. Kevin O'Toole R-Bergen, Essex, Passaic, similarly said that property taxes would skyrocket - conveniently after next year's gubernatorial election. Corzine discounted the criticism, saying the plan was needed and any action taken between now and November 2009 would be seen in an electoral light. Local officials said they would consider their options Thursday after hearing of the proposal. "I guess this leaves us an option on the table," Buena Vista Mayor Chuck Chiarello said, but he said the state had to do something. "What goes around comes around; what they don't give us, we have to come back and get from the taxpayer." Hamilton Township Mayor Charles Pritchard said he was leaving the conference discouraged, but said, "I think the economic status of the state has managed to unite local officials in both parties in mutual distaste over for what the state has done over the past few years." Woodbine Mayor William Pikolycky said, "Any relief is good relief," saying it seemed to him Corzine had a clear understanding of municipal budget pressures. In his town, the payments would amount to about $30,000, while a one-cent property tax increase would equal about $18,000. But Vineland's chief financial officer Roxanne Tosto said she had mixed thoughts about the plan. She said the city would owe $3.7 million and city-owned utilities would owe $1.1 million on pension payments, while being able to raise $203,000 with a one-cent increase. "We're still going to owe the money," Tosto said. "It's not like we're going to get permanent relief." Stafford Township Mayor Carl Block said deferring pension obligations would make 2009 budgeting easier, but he said he hoped the eventual paybacks would not be too onerous. Even that, he said, would be determined by the state, which controls the program costs.
A Snapshot of Italy ~ Villa Filomena in Buena Vista Township brings Europe home 11/20/08 Gino Fazzolari is the kind of owner you hope to meet every time you walk into an Italian restaurant. With a thick, southern-Italian accent and passion for his restaurant and food, he's the kind of owner who not only visits every table and chats with every customer, but he loves every minute of it. Whether recommending the Veal Paisano, pouring a glass of Chianti or just making a family laugh with corny jokes, Fazzolari makes dining at Villa Filomena in Buena Vista Township an experience. "I enjoy talking to people," Fazzolari says. "My customers are like my good friends. They know me, and I know them. We talk. They feel like family in here; they aren't treated like strangers." Fazzolari, like his menu, is authentic Italian. Growing up in Gioiosa Ionica Reggio de Calabre, Fazzolari learned to cook Italian specialties from his mother. He worked in a restaurant at 14 years old, starting out as a dishwasher and learning the ropes as his career progressed. He eventually came to the United States in 1985, working in restaurants before opening an Italian eatery in Glassboro, which he owned for 19 years before selling it. "I was in the house for six months, and I was going crazy," Fazzolari says with a laugh. "I needed another place. I was driving around and saw a 'for sale' sign on this place in Buena. I thought that area really needed a very nice restaurant." He was right. After a year of massive renovations, Villa Filomena opened approximately 18 months ago with a classy dcor and menu that resembled the one he offered in Glassboro. The Villa Filomena experience begins as you walk into the restaurant, which is a modern version of a classic, upscale Italian trattoria with dark woods, brick archways and red drapes. The 120-seat dining room is separate from a 60-seat room that is used for overflow and private parties. There's also a semi-private room with a long table for 10 placed next to Fazzolari's prized, temperature-control wine cabinet. Once chef Domenico Forfaro's food starts coming out of the kitchen, you'll really feel like you're in Italy. "I knew him from when he had a little restaurant in Runnemede," Fazzolari says. "When I was opening this place, I knew he would be a great fit." Popular appetizers include classic mussels in a red sauce; tender calamari; and Grigliata Di Verdure - grilled zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, tomato, endive and carrots. But Forfaro always has specials, too, including grilled long hot peppers stuffed with sausage and bread crumbs, which are as equally delicious as they are potent. If you can't find anything on Villa Filomena's massive menu, then you should probably never eat out. The meats, chicken, veal and seafood section boasts more than 40 entrees, not counting another 25 or so pasta and risotto selections. Fazzolari is proud of the sauted chicken Florentino, topped with mushrooms, onions, spinach, mozzarella cheese and marinara; the veal Oscar with crab meat; the Salmone Alla Griglia with spinach and butter; and the seared scallops. Of course, Forfaro prepares chicken, veal and seafood in traditional styles, including parmigiana, scampi, marsala, pizzaiola, saltimbocca, Sorrentino, Francese and cacciatore, among others. Like most Italian restaurants, the pasta stands out, including the lobster ravioli with jumbo lump crab meat and asparagus in a rose sauce; Penne 4 Formaggi with gorgonzola, mozzarella, provolone and parmigiana cheeses in a cream sauce; and Cannelloni Casarecci - meat-filled pasta with meat sauce baked with provolone cheese. Recent pasta specials included Sacchetti - cheese-stuffed pasta pouches served with marinara, as well as cheese-stuffed rigatoni with portabella mushrooms. "A lot of the recipes are Domenico's, but a lot of them are mine and family recipes from my mother," says Fazzolari, who recommends the rigatoni and meat sauce. "But one thing about this menu is that a lot of the dishes are like nothing you see in other restaurants. They are all done my way."
Villa Filomena WHERE: 821 Harding Highway, Buena Vista WHEN: Restaurant and lounge open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays;, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Pizzeria open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesdays to Thursdays;, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and noon to 10 p.m. Sundays. Both closed on Mondays. HOW MUCH: In restaurant for dinner, appetizers range from $5.95 to $11.95; soups and salads $3.95 to $11.95; risotto and pastas $10.95 to $22.95; meats and fish $14.95 to $34.95. Lunch prices less. In pizzeria, appetizers range from $6.95 to $8.95; salads $3.95 to $9.95; sandwiches $5.95 to $8.95; pizzas $7.95 to $23.95; stromboli, calzones and Panzerotti $6.95 to $16.95. SERVICES: Liquor license. Major credit cards accepted. Disabled access through front doors of both restaurant and pizzeria. Takeout available. No smoking. Party room available. Catering available. MORE INFO: Call 856-697-7107 or 856-697-7207. BETWEEN YOU AND ME: Villa Filomena will offer two holiday packages worth checking out. For Christmas Eve, a feast of the seven fishes will be offered for $75 and includes bacon-wrapped sea scallops, lobster ravioli, clams, mussels, calamari, shrimp, flounder, dessert, a glass of wine and more. For New Year's Eve, a party package for $59.95 includes a classic buffet of Italian specialties, open bar, live music and dancing.
Humor a great tool, comedian tells NJ League of Municipalities crowd 11/19/08
ATLANTIC CITY - So a mayor, a clerk and a municipal zoning official walk into a room ... And if lawmakers want the public to pay attention to what happens next at the meeting, a panel of humorists at the New Jersey League of Municipalities Conference on Tuesday said, it helps to lighten up a little. Keeping a sense of humor allows one to be creative, it reduces stress and aids teamwork, said Joey Novick, a standup comedian and former Flemington borough councilman. "One of the benefits, one of the things I advise you strongly to do in keeping your sense of humor is remember what got you elected," Novick told about 110 officials at the Atlantic City Convention Center. "Remember that which motivated you to come into office. It wasn't the money; it certainly wasn't the amount of time. It certainly was the passion for the work and helping people. Keeping your sense of humor is ultimately, ultimately important." He recounted his run for office, including when his opponent attacked him with a mailer that read, "Tell standup comedian Joey Novick to sit down!" Novick said he countered by recycling a Will Rogers line: "When I tell a joke, people laugh. When he tells a joke, it becomes law." He won that election as a Democrat in a heavily Republican community and held office for 12 years. The panel discussion was run by Buena Vista Township Mayor Chuck Chiarello and included editorial cartoonist Jimmy Margulies, of the Record of Bergen County, who showed some of his political cartoons, and comedian Scott Blakeman, who told jokes for about a half-hour. Political consultant Joshua Henne recounted how campaigns he worked on used humor to undermine the opposition and attract media attention to a campaign message. When Gov. Jon S. Corzine took on Republican Douglas Forrester for the governor's seat in 2005, they video recorded Forrester saying he ate hot dogs only with sauerkraut and mustard. But at a fair shortly afterward, they recorded him ordering one with relish and no mustard. Clearly, Henne said, the man was flip-flopping. It was nonsense, he said, but it attracted attention to the campaign's other claims of inconsistency. Similarly, he told the officials that humor helps get people elected because it shapes your image in the voters' minds, adding it was most effective among important undecided voters. But Henne pointed to U.S. Sen. John Kerry and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for whom easily mocked characteristics helped scuttle their higher Washington ambitions. President-elect Barack Obama offered opponents comparatively little to mock, Henne said, something that helped him avoid being negatively defined. But for the public officials tasked with dealing with the public and mind-numbing topics such as municipal bond refinancing, he had a simple suggestion. The best advice, he said: "Just be personable. Be normal."
Navy Lt. Jessica Gandy / A stellar role model 11/17/08 The headlines nationwide have been about a new face taking charge at the White House: Barack Obama, the son of a single mother and an African father he barely knew, is about to become president. It has gotten considerably less attention that U.S. Navy Lt. Jessica Gandy's next work assignment will also put her at the White House. Gandy - who grew up in Millville and Buena Vista Township and speaks seven languages, including Arabic and Korean - is a Navy press officer stationed in Afghanistan. She is returning to the states to take a high-level position assisting the chief of naval operations at the Pentagon. She will also serve as a military "social aide" at the White House, which involves giving tours tours of America's most famous residence to foreign leaders. Given her history, we have no doubts that Gandy, 27, will do her job well enough to impress any visiting dignitaries she meets. Still, there likely will be a lot that those visitors won't find out about this bright young lieutenant that's worth noting for her neighbors back home - especially younger ones. Gandy was raised by her grandmother, Marion McDowell, of Buena Vista Township, after Jessica's mother left her and her brother when Jessica was 13. And Gandy traces much of her respect for education to McDowell, 73 - who decided at age 35 that it was time to go to college and get a degree. Gandy herself is 1999 graduate of Millville High School - in a town that knew about hard times long before the current financial crisis. She went from there to the University of New Mexico on an ROTC scholarship before she entered the Navy. She eagerly volunteered last year to go to Afghanistan. And she has stayed very busy there, in part with a program she started that involves Western military personnel gathering donated supplies to help young and sick people in that poor country. By one colleague's count, her aid effort has collected $1.2 million worth of supplies and helped more than 8,000 people. Gandy is a product of a changing world, one in which women serve at all levels in the military - and one in which the military plays a humanitarian role, as well as a combative one. She is another young idealist, raised largely by her grandmother, surmounting the odds to take on what promises to be an exciting time in the White House. And Lt. Jessica Gandy from Millville High can also be a role model to inspire younger people - and make everyone in her country proud of what Americans can make of themselves and do for their world.
Local woman to be Obama aide 11/17/08 Lt. Jessica Gandy who was born in Buena Vista has been chosen from among all branches of the country's armed forces for the elite assignment of welcoming foreign diplomats as they arrive at the White House. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
BUENA VISTA: Santa Express begins this weekend 11/08/07 The Cape May Seashore Lines Richland Village Santa Express Train will begin running this Saturday, November 22 and will continue every Saturday through December 20. The Train will run on the following Sundays in December 7, 14 and 21. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
NJ makes grants to help create jobs 11/15/08 Buena Vista Township's main road in Collings Lakes recently received $150,000 for repairs. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
Old Glory gets new home at VFW 11/10/08 A new flagpole was installed at the Emilio Marandino Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #158. For complete details go to: www.thedailyjournal.com
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Address: Buena Vista Township
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