According to independent reliable sources, the property known as the Sullivan property on Westfield Avenue at the intersection of Chestnut Street is in the final stages to be sold for $6.3 million. Capodagli Property Company (CPC) is the reported buyer of the property and there are plans to develop a 350 residential rental unit complex with retail space on the ground floor of the former car dealership.

CPC is the parent company of the “Meridia At Roselle Park” development, a six-story 213 residential unit complex further west on Westfield Avenue at the former Domani’s restaurant location which was approved last year by the municipal governing body and Municipal Land Use Board (MLUB).

It is not known if both developments will proceed or if CPC will choose to develop Sullivan before it develops “Meridia At Roselle Park” (link). Even though the project was approved and demolition has been completed, there has been an easement issue in relation to the a water pipe from American Waterway in between the two proposed buildings that make up the development at the former Domani’s site. This issue has the potential of delaying construction or increasing its cost by up to $250,000.

The 4½ acre Sullivan property – a combination of two lots – has been vacant since the Sullivan dealership closed in 2009. In 2011, the property was purchased by NJ Redevelopers, LLC for $1.5 million. Sal Garcia, a principal of NJ Developers as well as the owner of MAS Development Group, demolished most of the property in 2013. In 2015, NJ Developers had a preliminary application heard in front of the MLUB to have only retail stores with an AutoZone and three other unnamed business at the 10 West Westfield Avenue location. It was denied in June of 2015.

At the end of last year, mayor and council approved a study to have the properties designated as An Area In Need Of Redevelopment with a possible option of using eminent domain to acquire the property unless Mr. Garcia sold it.

According to statements made on the dais and in public by government officials, Mr. Garcia was in litigation with his partner regarding the Sullivan property. That partner has been named as Kenneth Esdale.

As of Friday morning, the final legal papers have not been signed and the sale has not been finalized.

Second Ward Councilman Joseph Petrosky named Costa’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria – which is located right outside the borders of the second ward on Chestnut Street – as the borough’s February Business of the Month.

At the February 16th Mayor & Council meeting, Councilman Petrosky congratulated the family-owned and -operated eatery that has been serving homemade Italian cuisine and pizza for over half a century.

Co-owner Nicola Cristofaro, who was present for the award, thanked mayor and council, saying, “I really appreciate [this] and I hope we are here the next 50 years. I’m not going to be here but I hope my family is going to be here for 100 years. Thank you, everybody.”

“I’d also like to thank Nikola,” stated Mayor Carl Hokanson, who has held almost all of his meet & greets at Nicola’s establishment, “The town relies on a lot of volunteerism and there’s a lot of times that Nicola will come forward and help with the different events that we have down at the Casano Center, different events at the schools, the Girl Scouts, any event that usually goes on in the borough. Nicola has got a heart that’s probably bigger than the pizza that he sells. I am thankful for that and I know the organizations are. I know that Rupen is very thankful for what he does to help us with the events throughout the year and I look forward to many years of working with you. Thank you.”

Costa’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria [link] is located at 120 Chestnut Street. Free parking is available across the street at the municipal parking lot that has entrances on Chestnut Street and Williams Street. In addition to their sit-down restaurant and pizzeria, Costa’s offers catering services and and banquet hall rentals for events. Their phone number is (908) 241-1131.

UPDATE (03/15/2017 @0525H): Event postponed until March 22nd

The Roselle Park Business Chamber (RPBC) will be holding the next meeting of their Business Breakfast Series on Wednesday, March 15th, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Sunrise Diner.

Members of the business community, as well as residents, can meet to discuss issues important to commercial growth and sustainability in Roselle Park. Spotlight speakers to be announced for the event.

Pre-registration discounts, $8 for members and $10 for non-members, are available before March 13th. After then, members’ tickets will be $10 and non-members, as well as guests, will be charged $12.

RSVP is required for the event. Anyone needing more information can call (908) 259-5758 or (908) 590-1653 or visit RPBC’s website (link).

Sunrise Diner is located at 61 West Westfield Avenue.

The Roselle Park Business Chamber (RPBC) will be holding the next meeting of their Business Breakfast Series on Wednesday, March 22nd, from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Sunrise Diner. This event was postponed from its original March 15th date due to snow.

Members of the business community, as well as residents, can meet to discuss issues important to commercial growth and sustainability in Roselle Park. Spotlight speakers to be announced for the event.

Pre-registration discounts, $8 for members and $10 for non-members, are available before March 13th. After then, members’ tickets will be $10 and non-members, as well as guests, will be charged $12.

RSVP is required for the event. Anyone needing more information can call (908) 259-5758 or (908) 590-1653 or visit RPBC’s website (link).

Sunrise Diner is located at 61 West Westfield Avenue.

March’s Business of the Month is Joe & Jodi’s Barber Shop located in the center of town.

In 1958, Joe Bellomo opened Joe’s Barber Shop in Roselle Park. For over half a century, Joe has had a wide range of residents sit in chairs to prepare for a job interview, get ready for a date or a wedding, prepare for the first day of school, look their best for a party, or just plain feel good about themselves.

Joe knows that a haircut is more than just scissors, a comb, and a cape.

His client list includes young and old from police officers to teachers to athletes to mayors to council representatives to Parkers to newcomers – just to name a few. He has also given back to the community by donating to as well as sponsoring sports teams, non-profit organizations, schools, and events.

In 1991, his daughter Jodi Bellomo joined in the family business and now, for over 25 years, Joe & Jodi have been grooming residents and living up to what singer (and former barber himself) Anthony Hamilton has said, “Being a barber is about taking care of the people.”

“I want to thank the town in honor of my father who can’t be here tonight,” said Jodi, who was in attendance to receive the proclamation, “The two of us [have] worked in this community. We love this community. We’re invested in this community. My kids went to school in this community . . . This is the best place to own a business, to live in, and we’re just grateful for the support so I want to thank everybody for this.”

Mayor Carl Hokanson spoke about his friend, “Joe, I know you’re out there and I appreciate it. To be truthful . . . there [are] only two people who have cut my hair and that was Joe the barber – and now Jodi – and the United States Marine Corps.”

Jodi also thanked the residents of Roselle Park for coming to their aid when a car crashed into the barbershop on November 26th of last year. Those very clients – as well as others – came back to clean up broken glass, nail boards, paint, and help out.

“That’s the beauty of Roselle Park,” said Jodi, “We’ve had two fires, a catastrophe with a car going through . . . I really just wanted to thank the community because, without the love and support that we got, we [wouldn’t have] got through it. I want to thank you for this.”

Joe & Jodi’s Barber Shop is located at 210 Chestnut Street. Their phone number is (908) 241-3773.

A Roselle Park staple – Mimi’s Pizza & Real Homemade Italian Ices – was recognized as April’s Business of the Month.

Having opened up in 1976 on the corner of West Clay and Faitoute Avenue, they have been selling pizza on the Clay Avenue side and Italian ices on the Faitoute Avenue side. Year-round Mimi’s offers thin-crust, thick-crust, and gluten-free pizza as well as calzones, pepperoni bread, sausage bread, and even pizza dough. When the weather gets hot, visitors can choose from a rainbow array of Italian ices, parfaits, and ice cream.

Fourth Ward Councilman Michael Connelly presented the award on behalf of the governing body, “[They’re] down the street from me, I’ve been going there for years. It’s been a local meeting spot during the summer for as long as I can remember since I’ve been living in Roselle Park.”

Mimi’s was the winner of this year’s Best Pizza Around Contest, hosted by the Roselle Park Knights of Columbus Msgr. Loreti Council #3240, beating out seven other pizzerias.

Paul Minitelli was in attendance and accepted the certificate. He said, “It’s [been] a family business for 40 years now. It’s really good to be recognized.”

Mimi’s Pizza is located at 357 West Clay Avenue. Their phone number is (908) 245-9696. More information can be found on their Facebook page (link).

Click photograph below to enlarge:

Tommy’s JOINT Delicatessen & Catering was honored as Roselle Park’s Business Of The Month at the May 18th Mayor & Council meeting.

The formal occasion had the honoree, executive chef and owner Thomas A. Melillo, in a dress shirt and pants. Tommy – as he is known by almost everyone – was unrecognizable to those who come in and order food from his restaurant on the corner of West Webster and Willow Avenue. Even Mayor Carl Hokanson and Councilman Thomas ‘Thos’ Shipley said they did not recognize Tommy without his hat and chef’s coat.

But Tommy’s food is unforgettable to those who take a taste of one of his homemade soups, breakfast offerings, sandwiches, subs, salads, lunches, meals, platters, or daily specials. They are more than food, they are works of edible art.

The son of Anthony and Mary Lou Melillo, Tommy and his sister Toni Ann were born and raised in Union Township. After graduating from Union High School, Tommy attended Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. He then graduated with honors from the Culinary Arts Institute. After working for two decades in the food and beverage industry, Tommy decided to start his own business – Tommy’s JOINT.

Opening its doors on May 10, 2014, Tommy’s JOINT just celebrated its three-year anniversary a little over a week ago.

Tommy has not only fed and more-than-satisfied those who have walked through his door but he has also donated to various events and groups in town. With the support of his patrons as well as that of his girlfriend Beth Rosa Oliveira, Tommy continues his journey; bringing those who are fortunate enough to taste his delicious creations along for the ride.

When receiving his certificate for Business of the Month, Mr. Melillo said, “I want to say thank you to everybody here in Roselle Park. It’s not easy all the time to do what we do but we’re happy to be here . . . Hopefully, we’ll be here for another 30 years. Thanks again and come on down to Tommy’s JOINT.”

Tommy’s JOINT is located at 314 West Webster Avenue at the corner of Willow Avenue. Tommy has his kitchen open from 6 a.m. till 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. till 2 p.m. on Saturdays. He is closed Sundays. In addition to offering sit down service, Tommy’s JOINT delivers and caters. The phone number is (908) 241-8665. More information can be found on the eatery’s Facebook page (link) or by stopping by; but once you get a taste of Tommy’s JOINT, you will understand when people say ‘his food speaks for itself’.

Too Many Stars will be holding its annual Open House on Sunday, June 11th, from 1 p.m. till 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

Visitors can see how prints are made as well as see a gallery of past and featured work from the local entrepreneurship.

The custom screen printing shop started in 2009 by owner Cristian Iraheta. Too Many Stars imprints t-shirts, woven shirts, knit shirts, polo shirts, caps, jackets, bags, uniforms, and more. Projects range from individuals to schools to organizations to businesses.

Too Many Stars is located at 122 East Westfield Avenue. Their phone number is (908) 445-8852.

The American Dream. Ask people about what it means to pursue it and undoubtedly one of the answers you will hear is to own your own business. To be your be your own boss.

In the Land of Opportunity, such an achievement – in many ways – is the embodiment of freedom. Prosperity and success through hard work and determination. It does not have to be a multi-million dollar corporation, just something that one can all his or her own.

For Damir Becoviç, the owner of Vito’s Barber Shop on the corner of Chestnut Street and Warren Avenue, his pursuit of the American Dream was recognized by Roselle Park’s governing body at the June 15th Mayor & Council meeting when Vito’s Barber Shop was recognized as Business of the Month for June 2017.

Originally opening its doors over half a century ago in 1963 by Vito Saggese, the barber shop was – and still is – a staple of Roselle Park’s downtown.

Damir himself came to America in January of 2006 from Montenegro, Albania. Once settling in Roselle Park he was hired as a barber to help Ennis and his brother, who had taken over for Vito a few years prior. Once the opportunity presented itself, Damir bought the barber shop and now, as a small-business owner, he provides a quality service for those who walk through his doors.

At the June 15th meeting, Damir gladly accepted his Business of the Month Award, thanking everyone for the recognition and support.

Vito’s Barber Shop is located at 132 Chestnut Street on the corner of Warren Avenue and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. with its late night being Thursday till 7 p.m.

Dowling’s Irish Pub & Restaurant was recognized as Roselle Park’s Business of the Month at the July 20th Mayor & Council meeting. In attendance was Marc Dowling who accepted the award on behalf of himself and co-owner Russ Olden. The restaurant, located on the corner of Chestnut Street and Williams Street has quickly become a staple in the downtown with its food and family-friendly atmosphere.

Before presenting Dowling’s with the certificate, Mayor Carl Hokanson read from the proclamation, stating, “Since opening their doors in 2015, Dowling’s has been a proven asset to the borough as a whole. This award is presented for their investment in the borough of Roselle Park business community and for the generosity and support they have shown to the borough government and many other community organizations.”

Dowling’s – almost monthly – takes part in a Dine To Donate fundraiser for various projects and organizations year round. As an example, after the ceremony, Marc presented the mayor with $471 that were collected for a Dine To Donate event to raise funds for next year’s fireworks.

“We’ve been here for almost two years now,” said Marc Dowling when accepting the award, “[Time] really flies. I’d like to thank everyone in Roselle Park. Me and Russ have worked very, very hard and it’s been really fun. We’ve met a lot of great people, a lot of personalities. [It’s] just a lot of fun. We really appreciate it. Thank you guys very much.”

Dowling’s is located at 117 Chestnut Street and is open 7 days a week. More information on daily schedules, specials, and events can be found on its Facebook page (link) and website (link). The phone number is (908) 241-6300.

For close to three and a half decades, since 1983, Ramon ‘Ray’ Adoni, has been providing automotive repair and maintenance along with gas at the corner of Westfield Avenue and Union Road. This month at the August 17th Mayor & Council meeting, the governing body recognized Big A Service Center as Business of the Month.

“Since opening his doors 34 years ago,” said First Ward Councilman Eugene Meola during his presentation of the Certificate of Recognition, “Ray… and his employees at Big A Service Center have been providing vehicle owners with skilled repair and maintenance work. The friendliness, thoroughness, and professionalism [of] Ray and his crew at Big A’s have gained them a well-gained reputation that will last in the borough for years to come. I personally know many people who go to this station and they recommend it. I’m along with them.”

Ray, who was present for the ceremony, spoke to those in attendance, “It’s 34 years in town. We know a lot of people. It’s great. I’ll stay here a few more years longer. Thank you.”

Located at 139 East Westfield Avenue, Big A offers early-bird and night-owl drop-box service and provide free service reminders. Their hours are 8 a.m. till 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. Their phone number is (908) 241-8585. More information can be found on their website (link).

October’s business of the month was awarded to Sun Tavern. Last year the popular Roselle Park staple was recognized for its quarter of a century in town (link).

Third Ward Councilman William Fahoury presented the certificate alongside Mayor Carl Hokanson. Councilman Fahoury read the certificate, stating, “This award is being presented to Sun Tavern. In 2011, Kristie and Andrew McCrone have continued the operation of the Sun Tavern in Roselle Park. Kristie’s dad, Ken Duda, was the founder of Sun Tavern which has been a part of Roselle Park since 1991. His best advice was always to keep the beer cold, the food hot & tasty, and the atmosphere warm and friendly. Andrew and Kristie have continued to keep the family-friendly atmosphere [for] which the Sun Tavern is known for, making the Sun Tavern a proud landmark of the Roselle Park community.”

After receiving the award, Andrew expressed his gratitude, “Without the great community of Roselle Park, there would be no Sun Tavern. So the thank you has to go out to the town, the council, and most of all, the community so thank you very much. Hope we’re here for another 27 years.”

“127 years,” chimed in Councilman Fahoury.

Sun Tavern is located at 600 West Westfield Avenue and more information can be found by visiting their website (link) or Facebook page (link) or by calling (908) 241-0190.

Crystalz Barber Shop on West Westfield Avenue was recognized as the November 2017 Business Of The Month at the November 16th Mayor & Council meeting.

Having opened its doors ten years ago in the borough, owner and barber Leo Jaramillo has provided a haircut and a shave for anyone – young or old – coming through his doors. Crystalz (pronounced kris-TALZ) is in the center of town right off of Chestnut Street.

Leo, a former Marine, used to drive along Route 28 (Westfield Avenue) and was drawn to the median.

“The flags always caught my attention,” Leo said when reached by phone about what drew him to Roselle Park. A former Marine, he wanted to be a part of that hometown feel. He already owned a barbershop in Elizabeth and was passing through when he saw a sign for available space and decided to set up shop in the borough. He stated, “It just happened. It was perfect timing.”

After returning home from the Marine Corps, Leo went to school and started cutting hair. He remarked, “Every town, every city, has somewhere [everyone] can come together. Every time I go to the barbershop myself I feel that presence [in] the community, the need for a place like that.”

Fourth Ward Councilman Michael Connelly – along with Mayor Carl Hokanson – presented Leo with the Certificate of Recognition. The councilman stated, “I’ve been going there for quite a few years. He does a good job with my hair, what’s little left of it. You have to get an appointment. If you don’t, you can always play a game of pool or darts or dominoes or whatever the case may be. There’s always something to do there.”

At the November municipal meeting, Leo was touched by the award and stated, “I want to thank everybody. It’s been a long journey but it’s well worth it. Our business is here to give back to the community. It feels nice to be recognized for a business that’s been thriving for over ten years. My doors are always open for anybody and everybody. So with that, I say thank you very much, Roselle Park.”

When asked about what owning a business is like and providing a service, Leo stated, “It’s great. I enjoy it very much. I always make sure I have a smile on my face and try to treat everyone with respect. It’s a great feeling.”

Leo donates his time and money to the community in various events. He commented, “I really do like Roselle Park a lot.”

Crystalz is open seven days a week. Monday through Saturday the barbershop is open from 9 a.m. till 7 p.m. (or later). It is open on Sundays for a few hours and appointments are always recommended. Crystalz is located at 13 West Westfield Avenue. Appointments and information can be obtained by calling (908) 259-1151.

Carmen Tailor was recognized as Roselle Park’s Business Of The Month for December 2017. Fifth Ward Councilman Thomas ‘Thos’ Shipley, along with Mayor Carl Hokanson, presented the award to owner Carmen Morales at the December 21st Mayor & Council meeting.

“Since opening their doors seven years ago in Roselle Park,” said Councilman Shipley during the award presentation, “Carmen Tailor has been providing quality design, alteration, and repair services for men’s and women’s clothing. This award is presented to owner Carmen Morales in recognition of her success and continued investment in [the] Roselle Park business community.”

Carmen Morales came to America in 2007 from Peru. Three years later, in 2010, she started Carmen Tailor. In 2015, she moved to her current location on the corner of West Westfield Avenue and Filbert Street.

“Thank you so much for everything,” Carmen said to those in attendance after receiving her certificate, “It was truly unexpected. I would like to thank everyone in the community. I will always be available and ready for whatever anyone may need when they walk into my store to make them look good.”

After the ceremony, she added,  “I am very grateful . . . to be recognized for my professionalism and endeavor. I promise to continue to help with my services to this beautiful city that has supported from the beginning. Many thanks to every one of my clients and my family for having been with me all the way. I dedicate this to the people I love.”

Along with tailoring and making alterations for all types of clothing – including leather – Carmen designs custom clothing for women and girls. Carmen Tailor also sells women’s clothing from Colombia.

Carmen Tailor is located at 39 West Westfield Avenue and is open from 10 a.m. till 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. She is available on Sundays by appointment only. Carmen can be reached by phone at (973) 437-7591.

A program dedicated to providing occupational therapy to children with special needs is set to start next year at Pump It Up.

Sensory Bounce Therapy, founded by Miriam Skydell, started in Paramus four years ago and has expanded to 15 locations from Connecticut to Florida. In addition to the program coming to Roselle Park, the only one in the Union County area, Sensory Bounce is set to open in Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles in the coming months.

Designed to help children with autism, ADHD, as well as children with motor and/or social difficulties that interfere with their ability to function in their environment, Sensory Bounce offers a fun, practical, and functional program that is a complement to ABA (applied behavior analysis) therapy.

The program incorporates a child’s love of play with skills usually learned in a group session environment to help children master sensory motor and social skills. Balance, timing, stamina, bilateral integration, core control coordination, and body in-space awareness are worked on using sensory equipment in combination with inflatables in a small 1:2 adult-to-child ratio personalized environment.

Sensory Bounce focuses heavily on social skills development. Using a natural play environment, children will be able to facilitate skills such as eye contact, language, impulse control, turn taking, sensory modulation, frustration tolerance, team building, and sportsmanship.

“Strengthening these foundation skills is integral to the development of good handwriting, reading, motor planning, sequencing and problem solving skills,” stated Director Skydell, “The small group size . . . allows us to guarantee safety and fun while addressing each child’s unique needs within the group setting.”

Sensory Bounce also runs a parent support group, often led by a social worker and takes place in a private room at the same time that children are at play. The support group is a way for parents to meet other parents, network, share common struggles, and gain support from each other.

Sessions are limited to ten (10) children and are held for an hour after school one night a week for six (6) weeks.

Additionally, Sensory Bounce offers winter and summer camps that include a minimum of one (1) hour bounce time plus hands-on sensory activities such as paint, bubbles, shaving cream, glue, and more. Sensory based snacks are made incorporating all of the five senses.

Anyone interested in registering or finding out more information can contact Sensory Bounce at (201) 794-7700 or by visiting their website (link), Facebook page (link), or Twitter page (link).

Mayor Carl Hokanson and Councilman-At-Large Joseph DeIorio presented Sanjay ‘Jay’ Shah with 2018’s first Business Of The Month Certificate for Rita’s Pharmacy at the January 18th Mayor & Council meeting. Mr. Shah took over the business in March of 2006 and is the pharmacist in charge.

“Rita’s Pharmacy is a staple in the community. For 50 years now or so its been in Roselle Park’s downtown area,” remarked Councilman DeIorio during the ceremony, “It not only services the needs of the community but it also points out that you can have a successful business run in Roselle Park for decades with the right people, the right motivation, with the right kind of spirit and willingness you can have a successful small busines sin Roselle Park.”

The councilman highlighted the many services and products that the pharmacy on the corner of Chestnut Street and Warren Avenue has to offer. In addition to filling out prescriptions, Rita’s Pharmacy deliver in and outside Roselle Park at no additional charge, provides vaccination services, fax services, Western Union money orders, and the lottery. It stocks greeting cards, candy, school supplies, gifts, medical equipment, and nutritional supplements.

Councilman DeIorio continued, “When you visit them, just don’t go get your medications. Walk up and down the aisle[s]. You can also find some small gifts [if] you’re thinking about a loved one or a relative or someone that’s not feeling so good. You can pick up a little gift or a various selection of items that are all at your disposal. They truly represent a good neighbor pharmacy.”

Mr. Shah spoke, “Thank you Mr. Mayor, thank you Joe, thank you to council for [honoring] Rita Pharmacy and trusting Rita Pharmacy. It is a local independent pharmacy and a neighborhood pharmacy and we appreciate the trust Roselle Park has put in us and we will make sure that we serve the community as a whole and for any of their pharmaceutical needs or anything over-the-counter. We have a large variety of . . . . cards and gifts and different services available. Thank you very much.”

Mayor Hokanson commented, “If I could just add a few [words]. He also takes all competitor’s coupons.  He will match any of these big chains that are out there. The greatest thing that I can say is they’re family because as you know it’s tough today. I have my mother-in-law living with me and she’s 99 and there’s alot of times with the different medicines and . . . my wife is on a first name basis [with them]. Every one of these gentlemen and the ladies that are in the back  there, they take the time to sit back and make sure that my mother-in-law is getting her proper medicine . . . That to me is one of the most important things about a business. They take the time to know their customers. You don’t walk into these big stores today and all they want is your cash or charge. They [Rita’s] don’t do that. They take the time and the energy to sit back and answer the questions that puts my wife and me at ease . . . so thank you.”

“One more thing, and I know the mayor will agree,” concluded Councilman DeIorio, “Sanjay and Rita’s Pharmacy [have] been a great contributor to many of our events, our Indian festival, our various townwide community events. So we thank you not only for servicing our customers and residents in Roselle Park but being a partner in Roselle Park’s events. Congratulations.”

Rita’s Pharmacy is located at 200 Chestnut Street with parking available in the lot behind the building on Warren Avenue. It is open seven days a week. Monday through Friday it is open from 9 a.m. till 8 p.m. On Saturday it is open from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. till 2 pm. on Sundays. Rita Pharmacy’s phone number is (908) 245-1396.

Salon One Twenty-Two was honored as the borough’s Business of the Month for February 2018.

At the February 15th Mayor & Council meeting, owner Jessica Afonso Carvalho accepted the certificate on behalf of the studio.

Mayor Carl Hokanson proclaimed, “She and her staff pride themselves on providing the utmost attention, courtesy, and professional service to their clients in a comfortable setting. Jessica credits the success of her business to the loyal clients and talented, well-trained team which she says has become like a family. The Borough of Roselle Park wishes to thank Jessica and her team for the continued investment and support of the local businesses in our community.”

Since May of 2010, the salon opened in Roselle Park and was originally called Exquisite Hari Design. In October of last year, it was re-named Salon One Twenty-Two when Jessica took sole ownership.

“I would like to thank Roselle Park for choosing Salon One Twenty Two for Business of the Month,” stated Jessica after the meeting, “I am grateful for our amazing team. Without them, the salon wouldn’t be what it is today. I love you ladies and am happy to say I have the best family ever. To our amazing clients, thank you for all the years and [for] being a great part of our Salon One Twenty Two family. Thank you for choosing our salon for making you look fabulous. Thank you so much, everyone, for all the amazing support throughout the years!”

Salon One Twenty-Two is open Tuesday through Saturday. Their hours are:

More information can be found on their Facebook page (link) and by calling (908) 259-5681. Salon One Twenty-Two is located at 122 East Westfield Avenue and they can be reached by calling (908) 259-5681.

Tia Jiana Dog Care was celebrated as Business of the Month for March 2018 by the governing body at the March 15th Mayor & Council meeting.

Owner and operator Janaina Hernandez was present to accept the certificate.

Having opened Tia Jiana Dog Care just three years ago on March 1, 2015, Janaina has offered pet grooming services as well as training courses, pet sitting, dog walking, vaccinations, and training courses for both dog and cat owners. On the company’s website, Janaina states, “We are dedicated professionals who understand that your dog, or cat, is not just a pet but an important and vibrant member of your family.”

After the ceremony this past Thursday, Janaina said, “I would like to thank the entire Roselle Park community for all support and trust on my journey to take care of my friends (pets) because this is my passion. and what I love to do, God Bless you all.”

Tia Jiana Dog Care is located at 208 Chestnut Street. More information can be found on the company’s Facebook page (link) and website (link) or by calling (732) 900-8521.

Second Ward Councilman Joseph Petrosky awarded the April Business Of The Month to KM Signs and Designs along with Operation Chillout.

KM Signs, located in the downtown area on Chestnut Street, has created signage for local businesses, corporations, organizations, and individuals. Owner Kevin Murphy has for over three decades provided signs, banners, metal logos, plaques, and a number of other large-format digital printing.

Mr. Murphy is a United States Army Veteran and is also involved in Operation Chillout, an organization that collects, prepares, and delivers backpacks filled with clothing, toiletries, survival gear and information about local resources to homeless veterans in the State of New Jersey free of charge. It also conducts ‘street sweeps’ in impoverished areas to identify homeless populations. It provides training, spiritual formation and ‘street retreats’ for volunteers interested in serving its many projects and certification for groups wanting to become member partners.

At the April 19th Mayor & Council meeting, Councilman Petrosky read the proclamation, “For over 30 thirty years, KM Signs has provided outstanding service to the Borough of Roselle Park and the entire New York/New Jersey metropolitan area. They are known to complete signage projects in a timely manner and even on a moment’s notice. In addition to the many responsibilities with his business, owner Kevin Murphy, a veteran of the United States military, is an advocate of all veterans. He is especially known for his work [with] Operation Chillout in their efforts to combat the crisis of veterans’ homelessness in New Jersy [and] throughout the country. The Borough of Roselle Park wishes to thank KM Signs for their continuing investment and support of the local business community.”

“Any business evolves and you have to take advantage of the times as [they’re] changing,” said Kevin after accepting the certificate, “Approximately ten years ago we, because it’s a family-owned business, started looking for suitable business partners and we have created such partnerships throughout the state . . . This partnership has allowed me personally over the last five years to spend more time in helping out our vets; namely the homeless vets. God’s been good to me and I will continue to give back as long as I am able to do so. Thank you again.”

KM Signs is located at 429 Chestnut Street. More information can be found by calling (908) 820-0793 or by visiting kmsignsprintingandgraphics.com.

More information on Operation Chillout is available at the organization’s website (link).

Do you know what it takes to make a movie? As quoted from numerous filmmakers who had their works shown at last year’s Roselle Park Short Film Festival, the answer is, “Just get a camera and shoot it!”

Submissions for this year’s film festival are now being accepted online. With the festival just a little over five months away, the time has come for “Lights! Camera! Action!” or, in this case, “Go! Shoot! Send It In!”

It could take one day to shoot it, one weekend to edit it, and about one minute to upload it as a submission for the Roselle Park Short Film Festival.

Films can last up to over 15 minutes but can be as short as under 60 seconds and can be a documentary, a traditional narrative, or experimental and can be live-action or animated. Got an idea? Get a camera, point it somewhere, finish it, and submit it to the Roselle Park Short Film Festival.

Last year’s festival showcased short films that were made with a full cast and crew of top-grade equipment to ones that were created on animation software to those shot with an iPhone and evena drone. The list of filmmakers ranged in age that spanned decades and hands-on experience that varied from first-time directors to seasoned professionals but they all had one thing in common – they finished their movie and sent it in.

Some filmmakers won awards that night, some continued to win at other festivals but all had their work shown on a big screen in front of an audience. Out of all things, having people – sometimes the filmmakers themselves for the very first time – seeing their creations on something other than a computer screen was an accomplishment in and of itself.

As part of the borough’s annual Roselle Park Arts Festival – a daylong outdoor festival of fine art in all its forms – the short film festival.

“Nowhere else can you walk in the middle of hometown ‘main street’ surrounded by professional artists, music and international foods of your choice while enjoying short film blocks taking place at two locations,” said festival representative Ryan Chatelain.

Categories at this year’s film festival are narrative shorts, documentary shorts, experimental shorts, animation, teenage filmmakers, children’s shorts, celebration of Latin America and celebration of India.

Special emphasis is placed on newcomers in the field of film and the teenage filmmaker looking for an arena in which to showcase his or her art.

The Roselle Park Shorts Film Festival was created from a desire of artists and volunteers from various professions looking to host a diversity of newcomers and professionals in the field of filmmaking so they may network and build their portfolio.

In short – pun intendned – just go for it. Shoot it and send it in.

To submit a short film, go to the Film Freeway website (link).

[Editor’s Note: I have assisted in previous Roselle Park Film Festival screenings.]