Tap house, brick oven pizza, spicy Sichuan gourmet, a new East Brunswick eatery and more headline the top restaurants in New Jersey this month

Welcome to NJ.com's monthly feature, "Where to eat now in N.J.," highlighting the most exciting restaurants of the moment, including places new to the scene and ones that have been here a while but are still firing on all burners. If you'd like to recommend a restaurant to be considered for a spot on a future "Where to eat now in N.J." list, let us know in the comments section below, or e-mail: bodkinwrites@gmail.com.

BRIELLE ALE HOUSE: This sister restaurant of the Asbury Ale House and the Shore House in Point Pleasant is an excellent addition to the southern Monmouth County dining scene. The restaurant has a fun sports bar vibe (complete with sports games and a plethora of TVs), but don't even think about sleeping on the food. The guys behind the Ale House have made their food as big and bold as the fun they've created. The wings ($12) are a must. The mozzarella triangles ($9) are massive and bursting with flavor. As for entrees, you can go with the juicy Rise & Shine burger ($12), two burger patties covered in bacon and a messy fried egg. This is a big meal, so come hungry. The best meal on the menu is the Drunken Chicken ($19), an impeccably breaded chicken cutlet smothered in an extremely creamy vodka sauce and copious amounts of cheese. Every bite is rich and sumptuous. 601 Union Ave., Brielle. 732-722-8825.

Like spicy food? Check out the triple pepper chicken from Chengdu 23 in Wayne.Courtesy Chengdu 23

CHENGDU 23: Chengdu 23's award-winning kitchen serves classic Sichuan daily. The team of owner/culinary director Kevin Lin and chef Yong Yi Jiang (winner of international Chinese culinary competitions) present Sichuan the way it is supposed to be served -- "ma la" style, which is all about spicy, tongue-numbing dishes. There are crispy scallops with hot and spicy Sichuan peppers ($19), spicy volcano chicken ($15) and stir-fried shredded beef with hot chili sauce ($17). 6 Willowbrook Blvd., Wayne. 973-812-2800.

THE BOILING HOUSE: The Boiling House in Cherry Hill serves up crawfish ($10 per pound), Dungeness crab, king crab legs, lobster, and snow crab legs (all market price), and if you're in a raw bar kind of mood, there are clams and oysters by the dozen. After selecting your shellfish, you pick the seasoning you'd like (garlic butter, Old Bay, lemon pepper, etc.) and how spicy you'd like it, ranging from mild to extra hot. They also serve wings ($10), noodle dishes ($7-$16), salads ($5) and fish tacos ($10). 1990 Marlton Pike East, #10, Cherry Hill. 856-751-2800.

MARITIME PARC: Acclaimed executive chef/owner Chris Siversen's modern take on the classic coastal fish house has become a staple in the revitalized Jersey City culinary scene, and the restaurant, located in Liberty Landing Marina, has breathtaking views of the New York City skyline. Maritime Parc's autumn dinner menu is a hybrid of hearty autumnal dishes mixed with the bounties of the sea. You can dine on littleneck clams for $2.50 a pop or go all out with the grand platter for $98. Starters here include pan roasted mussels with chorizo ($14), braised rabbit ($15), and pan-seared squid with bok choy ($14). Entrees range from pancetta-wrapped halibut ($25) to pepper-crusted venison sirloin with spaetzle ($26) to a 21-day aged dry steak ($45). There's brunch on weekends and a beer, burger and oyster special on Thursdays for $20. 84 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City. 201-413-0050.

THE BARROW HOUSE: This restaurant, bar and "parlor" looks as if it was ripped out of the pages of history. The rustic wood decor, combined with throwback cocktails such as the Prairie Home Companion and The Federalist, give it an old- timey vibe. The menu is anything but antiquated -- a blend of classic comfort food and modern New American cuisine. This culinary theme is apparent on appetizers such as the apple chutney quesadilla ($11), the grilled octopus ($15), and the crispy pig tails ($12). On the entree side of things, short rib pappardelle ($19), bacon-wrapped meatloaf ($17), and grilled pork chop with kale succotash ($18) highlight the fine line of comfort and creativity that is walked at The Barrow House. 1296 Van Houten Ave., Clifton. 862-336-7070.

CORNERSTONE KITCHEN & TAP: Jackson just isn't Great Adventure. This sprawling town has a nice little culinary scene happening, and its hub is the Jackson Crossing shopping center, which features the new Cornerstone Kitchen & Tap (area residents will know this location from previous eateries The Stadium and 21 South). The bar at Cornerstone is all about craft beers with everything from Ohio's Elliot Ness to New Jersey's Kane on tap. The dinner menu is varied mix of delicacies -- crab deviled eggs ($7), pork ramen noodles ($17), tomato-braised monkfish ($21), and pulled pork tacos ($10). 21 South Hope Chapel Road, Jackson. 732-994-5286.

TENDERHILL: The farm-to-table movement is strong at Tenderhill in Whitehouse Station. The menu at Tenderhill is currently a playful mixture of American, Asian and Italian influences. You can get pork buns ($8.50), spicy salmon buns ($9), Korean BBQ kobe burgers ($18) or ramen ($13) if you're into Asian fare. If you're feeling in the mood for Italian, there is a cast-iron pan pizza ($13), branzino ($32) and gnocchi ($18). For those down for a burger, the chef will hook you up with a 7-ounce Kobe beef burger with an egg on top ($18). The menu here does change with the season so check Tenderhill's social media for updates and specials. 405 U.S. Highway 22 East, Whitehouse Station. 908-823-0234.

The brisket sliders with loaded fries at Bar Louie in East Brunswick.Bill Bodkin | For NJ Advance Media

BAR LOUIE: Bar Louie is mixture of upscale and casual -- you can easily put on some nice threads and take a date here, or you can drop in for a burger after a movie or shopping. The appetizer options are pretty diverse and the Bavarian pretzel sticks make for a great option, especially with its three dipping options:  cinnamon butter, queso and fresh honey mustard. Bar Louie also serves a bruschetta appetizer in a massive martini glass that has to be seen to be believed. The sliders may be on the appetizer list but can easily be a meal. The beef brisket sliders are loaded with flavor -- and a lot of brisket. The burgers here are absolutely no joke. The "Fried Louie" is king here, a rich combination of perfectly cooked beef, juicy fried egg, and applewood-smoked bacon. End your meal with the chocolate cake, a 5-plus layer explosion of soft gooey chocolate goodness. 755 State Highway 18, Room 405A, East Brunswick. 732-353-2650.

REVOLUTION: Revolution is a "social brew house" that takes the vibe and cuisine of classic German beer halls and gives it a modern American twist. Like any good beer hall, there is a slew of suds to be had -- 40 beers on tap and 56 types of bottled beer. On the menu, the "first draught" includes items such as potato pancakes with house smoked salmon ($13), farmhouse bier mussels ($15), loaded pierogies ($9), and Belgian meatballs ($9). Revolution has a full "wurst" menu ($13-$20), and "haus specialties" include the Chatham cod and chowder feast ($18), braised short rib risotto ($15), and the thin-crust Revolution Wurst pizza ($10) -- that's pizza with wurst, Muenster and garlic spinach on it. For dessert there is a seven-layer German chocolate cake ($9) and bread pudding with  whiskey sauce ($8). 9 South St., Morristown. 973-455-0033. 

NUOVO CUCINA NAPOLETANA: With the chill of winter in the air, sometimes all you need is a little bit of red sauce, melted cheese and pasta to warm your bones and brighten your spirits. Nuovo Cucina Napoletana is a place for pizza and Italian comfort food. Chef/owners Joseph Catalano and Chris Delisio have created brick-oven delights such as the classic Margherita ($12), the nuovo (arugula and prosciutto, $14), quattro stagioni (ham, mushrooms and artichokes, $14), and biancaneve (speck, spinach and pecorino, $14). If you're not in the mood for pizza, there are plenty of other Italian classics for you to choose from. 633 Franklin Ave., Nutley. 973-798-2426.

Bill Bodkin can be reached at bodkinwrites@gmail.com. Find NJ.com/Entertainment on Facebook.

Responders faced at least a dozen aerosol pesticide canisters in an apartment.

IRVINGTON -- Three firefighters and a town housing authority employee were hospitalized after they were exposed to approximately a dozen aerosol bug spray canisters at a Union Avenue building, officials said Tuesday.

The firefighters were all treated and released after the call Monday afternoon, according to Irvington Fire Chief Antonio Gary.

Crews responded to an alarm at the Camptown Gardens housing complex on Union Avenue, where they found an odd odor and discovered 12 to 14 bug spray canisters in a sixth-floor apartment, officials said. They experienced breathing-related symptoms, but there were no serious injuries reported.

Firefighters also checked other floors in the building for any injuries, tested the air and vented the area, according to Gary.

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Fire crews from Orange, East Orange, South Orange and Maplewood assisted at the scene, the chief added.

According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the so-called "bug bomb" pesticide sprays can be flammable and may cause illness.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Officers John Clarizio, Marco Zarfino, Jesse McKeough, and Giovanni Casillo, are charged with simple assault.

NORTH ARLINGTON - Four Belleville police officers have been suspended without pay following their arrests in connection with a bar fight, according to Police Chief Mark Minichini.

Officers John Clarizio, 32, Marco Zarfino, 24, Jesse McKeough, 28, and Giovanni Casillo, 39, are all charged with simple assault in connection with a large fight several weeks ago in North Arlington. The officers will face administrative charges after their cases are adjudicated in court, Minichini said Tuesday.

Clarizio, who investigators claim lied to a Lyndhurst police officer, was also charged with hindering apprehension.

"When I first heard of this (fight), I suspended three of the officers," Minichini said. "When the prosecutor's statement came out on Monday, Casillo was suspended immediately."

4 cops arrested after bar fight

The chief would not say whether the officers voluntarily came forward to report the altercation as per department policy.

"If an officer is assaulted or involved in an assault, they are obligated to report it," Minichini said. "I'm not saying that happened or didn't happen here. That will all be part of the administrative investigation by our Professional Standards Bureau."

Clarizio, a Nutley resident, is a six-year veteran of the police department. Zarfino, who lives in Belleville, has been with the department for two years. McKeough, also of Belleville, is a four-year member of the department. Casillo, who lives in Wayne, has been with the department for seven years.

A fifth man, Vasilios Theofanidis, 39, identified as a pool technician, has also been charged with simple assault.

Officials would not name the bar where the fight took place.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The store has already launched several initiatives in the community, including a grants program and a hiring call.

NEWARK -- Construction on Newark's Whole Foods is almost done. The shell has been completed. The walls are being painted, and soon, shelving and refrigeration units will be installed.

Representatives of the high-end supermarket chain say the new location in Newark - which is part of a the rehabilitation of the long-empty former Hahne and Company flagship department store on Broad Street - say the Whole Foods will be open in the late winter of 2017.

In preparation for the opening of the highly-anticipated store in a city that was once named a "food desert," a Whole Foods spokesman says the company is already working to become a part of the Newark community.

"This store stemmed from the idea that good, nutritious food is for everybody," Whole Foods spokesman Michael Sinatra said in a phone interview.

Celeb chef planning new concept in Newark

Combatting what he called "misconceptions" about the chain's intentions, Sinatra said it is not opening only to serve professionals who commute to the city to work at nearby headquarters like Audible and Prudential Financial.

"This is about healthy food access for the people who live (in Newark)," Sinatra said. "We want them to feel that, certainly, the store is there for them."

Whole Foods is putting its money where its mouth is, launching several initiatives in the city even before it opens its doors, including a grants program to support local nonprofits, a search for local vendors to help stock the shelves, and a hiring drive to fill about 110 jobs.

City officials have lauded the "community partnerships" Whole Foods is in the midst of making as another sign of the revitalization of Newark.

"We are excited about all of the partnerships and opportunities that have been created with the redevelopment of the Hahne's building," said deputy mayor and director of Housing & Economic Development Baye Adofo-Wilson.

"The collaboration between developers, retailers and our anchor educational institutions is remarkable."

In addition to the 30,000 square foot supermarket, the Hahne's building will include a Rutgers arts collaborative, City National Bank's headquarters, a new restaurant concept from celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, 160 apartments, and about 25,000 square feet of additional office and retail space.

Many of Whole Foods' initiatives, Sinatra said, are geared toward extending the energy from the Hahne's project outward. Last month, it launched a community grants program through its Whole Cities Foundation, which will award dozens of grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, to Newark community organizations. Its Whole Planet Foundation partnered with Grameen America to offer loans to Newark entrepreneurs looking to develop new businesses in the city.

In the store itself, Whole Foods is in the midst of considering products from local vendors - a process Sinatra said will go on continuously after the store opens. And, it's hiring.

According to Sinatra, some of the 110 jobs in the store will be filled by current Whole Foods employees who live in and around Newark, but work in nearby stores in West Orange and Montclair. The positions in those stores will then be back-filled, he said.

Company-wide, about 70 percent of Whole Foods' jobs are full-time, Sinatra said. He said he expects about the same full- to part-time ratio to exist in Newark.

"There are a lot of leadership and growth opportunities," for employees, Sinatra said.

At a groundbreaking for the development last year, Central Ward Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield-Jenkins lauded the employment opportunities as one of the reasons " this project is truly going to be transformative."

The formula, Sinatra said, works for the retailer, too. The model in Newark, which will offer some lower prices than other Whole Foods locations and will focus more on making community contributions, will be based on those already employed by Whole Foods stores in Detroit and New Orleans. Those stores, Sinatra said, "have seen a tremendous amount of success."

Skeptics have had "moments of doubt," about the development, he said, "thinking this was going to somehow be less of a Whole Foods. ... We are doing all of the same things here, we have all the same quality standards."

Now, a few months before it opens its doors, "I think people are really excited," Sinatra said.

Stevenson will be represented by the team of J. Prince, Josh Dubin and Andre Ward. Watch video

Shakur Stevenson, the Newark teenager whose silver medal at the Rio Olympics this summer was the best finish for an American boxer in 12 years, has signed on with a management team.

Stevenson will be represented by the team of J. Prince, Josh Dubin and Andre Ward. The latter, of course, is the undefeated boxer that Stevenson grew up idolizing when he was learning the sport in his grandfather's gym.

"It is an honor and a privilege to represent this young man. Andre, Josh and I know we have the next superstar in the sport," Prince said in a statement first obtained by NJ Advance Media. "Shakur is not only a gifted fighter, but someone that has the ability to be an icon. Our first goal is to sign him with the right promoter. Then, we will be with him every step of the journey toward greatness."

Stevenson won silver in bantamweight division in Rio after entering the Olympics with a perfect 23-0 international record. He is the first American male to win junior and youth world titles, as well as a Youth Olympic Games gold medal.

The oldest of nine siblings, Stevenson learned the sport under the guidance of his grandfather Wali Moses in Newark. The city held a victory celebration and parade for Stevenson when he returned home from Rio, where he narrowly lost in the gold medal bout to Cuban fighter Robeisy Ramirez. 

13 things to know about Shakur Stevenson

"I want to give a big thank you to my grandfather - big time - for getting me where I want to be as far as boxing and becoming the boxer I am today," Stevenson said in the statement. 

"I know I have a great team behind me with J. Prince as the head of it, working with Josh Dubin and Andre Ward. I know that these guys can get me where I want to be and I feel very comfortable with them behind me. I'm so focused and I promise to put 110 percent into making sure we become great as a team and I plan on becoming one of the best boxers on the planet - which is my main goal.

"Now it's on me to prove to the world that I can be just as great as the legends before me and trust me, I'm up to the task!"

Stevenson had said he planned to have his first professional fight in early 2017, but the details are still not set.

Steve Politi may be reached at spoliti@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevePoliti. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Maher landed his big interview with President Obama this past fall

Last month, Bill Maher's long-awaited interview with President Barack Obama addressed atheism, Hillary Clinton, how Americans get their news from Facebook, marijuana reform and the rise of Donald Trump.

Then Nov. 8 happened. 

"This election gave us permission to smoke weed ... and a reason we need to," Maher said, referring to the legalization of recreational marijuana in several states at the top of the season finale of "Real Time with Bill Maher," currently on hiatus until Jan. 20.

But that hasn't stopped Maher from offering his signature brand of politi-humor. 

"Its been almost a month, will I ever get used to Trump?" Maher, 60, tweeted on Saturday. "F*** no. Its like watching a toddler playing with a gun - you're always nervous."

Now fans waiting for the HBO show's return can guarantee they'll see even more of the comedian this summer.

Maher, who grew up in River Vale, returns to NJPAC at 7:30 p.m. on June 25.

Tickets for "An Evening with Bill Maher" go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9; $49.50 to $129.50 at njpac.org, 1-888-466-5722 or the box office at 1 Center Street in Newark. 

The city held its annual tree lighting Monday.

NEWARK -- City families officially rang in the holiday season Monday evening at Newark's 31st Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at city hall.

About 39,600 lights decorated the city's 30-foot tall spruce tree. According to city officials, the lights are powered by solar panels that collect energy during the day and illuminate the tree at night.

This year's celebration included performances from Newark-bred opera counter-tenor Derek Lee Ragin and the Newark Boys Chorus, as well as a special appearance by Santa Claus.

The city's Military Park is hosting another tree lighting ceremony Tuesday night from 4 to 7 p.m. that is set to include music and dance performances, free carousel rides and holiday crafts, and a toy drive.

Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Four Belleville police officers have been charged with simple assault in connection with a fight at a North Arlington bar.

NORTH ARLINGTON - A 26-year-old man allegedly beaten up by an off-duty police officer at a crowded bar two months ago has described a chaotic scene during which he suffered blunt force trauma to his head and internal bleeding.

"Someone got pushed into me. When I went down to the floor I got repeatedly hit - it was mainly shots to the head," said John Koski, 26, of Lyndhurst.

Koski said he was taken by North Arlington Volunteer Emergency Squad to a local hospital where he was treated for more than three hours.

According to a court summons, Jesse J. McKeough, 28, struck Koski repeatedly with his fist. McKeough, a patrol officer with the Belleville Police Department, is charged with simple assault. McKeough, a police officer for four years, has been suspended without pay.

Three other Belleville police officers are also suspended without pay in connection with the incident: John Clarizio, 32, Marco Zarfino, 24, and Giovanni Casillo, 39.

The four officers were arrested Monday in connection with the fight, which occurred Oct. 21 at Pourhouse 17 on Ridge Road.

4 cops suspended after bar fight

Clarizio is charged with simple assault for punching a bar patron with a closed fist, according to a court summons. The officer is also charged with hindering apprehension for falsely telling a Lyndhurst police officer his name was "Anthony Michael Fasano," the summons states.

Zarfino is charged with simple assault. A court summons states he punched a person in the bar.

Casillo is charged with simple assault for allegedly punching bar patron Vasilios Theofanidis, 39, according to a summons.

Theofanidis, described by authorities as a pool technician, is charged with simple assault for allegedly pushing a person in the bar, a summons states.

A woman who answered the phone at Pourhouse 17 on Tuesday said the owner was not available to comment.

In addition to being treated for a head injury, Koski says his eyeglasses were smashed in brawl.

"I got my glasses knocked off my face," he said.

Koski said he does not know what started the fight, which prosecutors said began inside the bar and continued on the sidewalk outside after security had removed the people involved.

"I was sitting at the high-top (table) with my sweatshirt on with my hood on my head," Koski said. "The next thing I know, I'm in a fetal position on the ground getting pounded."

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Rutgers University's president declared the school a "safe haven" for unauthorized immigrants, but refused to declare it a "sanctuary campus." Watch video

NEW BRUNSWICK -- Shouting "shut it down," about two dozen protesters forced an early end to the Rutgers Board of Governors meeting Tuesday with demands that the college be declared a "sanctuary campus" for unauthorized immigrants.

Rutgers President Robert Barchi opened the meeting in Winants Hall in New Brunswick by saying the university would be a "safe haven" for immigrant students living in the country illegally.

But Barchi stopped short of declaring Rutgers a "sanctuary campus," a term other universities have used.

"We have a large undocumented student population here that we support and we encourage," Barchi said. "We are a safe haven for our immigrant students."

Profs call for Rutgers 'sanctuary' designation

Student protesters said Barchi did not go far enough. They asked him to declare Rutgers a "sanctuary" and promise to block federal immigration agents from campus.

"Send a message of support to your students who desperately need it . . . I need to know my university will stand with me when I'm out on the street," said Thais Marques, 22, a Rutgers-Newark political science student who said she is an unauthorized immigrant from Brazil.

Marques and more than 20 students walked up to the board and sat between the tables, chanting "Shame!" and "Do the right thing!"

The Rutgers board attempted to continue the meeting, reading reports and taking votes despite being shouted down by the protesters sitting at their feet.

After a few minutes, the board voted to transfer all of the items on the agenda to the consent agenda. That allowed the board to to quickly pass all of the items on the long agenda with a single vote and no discussion. Then, the board voted to end the meeting and Barchi and the other board members quickly left the room.

The protesters remained in Winants Hall after the meeting, continuing their protest until they conceded to a request by the fire marshal to leave the building.

Across the country, students and faculty members have been pressuring universities to declare themselves "sanctuary campuses" where university officials would refuse to cooperate with federal officials who might want to deport students living in the country illegally.

The leaders of some schools, including Columbia University and Wesleyan University, have declared their campuses "sanctuaries" for immigrant students. But other university presidents, including Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber, have said the term "sanctuary campus" has no basis in law and it is meaningless for schools to declare themselves exempt from immigration laws.

During the presidential campaign, Trump spoke often about wanting to deport unauthorized immigrants. He has also indicated he might reverse President Barack Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, a 2012 federal order granting a temporary waiver for unauthorized immigrants brought to the country as children.

In a letter to the Rutgers faculty union sent Tuesday morning, Barchi said he was reluctant to call Rutgers a "sanctuary" for immigrants.

"In today's political environment, the term 'sanctuary' has become encumbered by vague and shifting definitions," Barchi wrote.

But Barchi said unauthorized immigrants should consider the university a "safe haven."

"In order to clarify our position, let me make clear that Rutgers does not and will not share undocumented student records without a warrant, subpoena or court order," Barchi wrote.

Though he did not use the term "sanctuary," the head of Rutgers' faculty union praised Barchi for declaring Rutgers a "safe haven" for immigrants.

"I think this is a tremendously bold step," said said David Hughes, a professor and president of Rutgers' faculty union.

Jesse J. McKeough, 28, was photographed in uniform sleeping at Stop & Shop. Watch video

NORTH ARLINGTON - One of four Belleville police officers charged with assault in connection with a bar fight was suspended from the force three years ago for sleeping in his patrol car, Police Chief Mark Minichini confirmed Tuesday.

Jesse J. McKeough, 28, was photographed in uniform sleeping between 5 and 6 a.m. on Sept. 9, 2013 while working a second job at a Stop & Shop on Franklin Street in Belleville. The photo was posted to Facebook and used in a YouTube video titled "Cop caught sleeping in his squad car!"

"I can confirm that information is correct. It's the same officer," Minichini said, declining to comment further on the incident.

Former Police Chief Joseph Rotunda told The Star-Ledger in 2013 that McKeough was suspended for falling asleep in his uniform.

McKeough, a four-year member of the Belleville Police Department, was arrested Monday along with three other police officers and a Lyndhurst man in connection with an Oct. 21 brawl at the Pourhouse 17 pub on Ridge Road in North Arlington.

The officers are all charged with simple assault and have been suspended without pay pending criminal and administrative charges, Minichini said.

Minichini said he was unsure how long McKeough had been suspended for the Stop & Shop incident.

Former Belleville resident Anthony Telinski was riding his bike when he spotted the sleeping officer and snapped a picture. He posted the photo to Facebook groups and YouTube, where it got the attention of another police officer.

Telinksi later said he was harassed by Belleville police officers after the incident was publicized and that they repeatedly referred to him as "the photographer."

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Portion of the shooting was captured on video, police seize heroin after tip

BLOOMFIELD -- The lounge where six people were shot has been temporarily shut down after inspectors found various code violations, officials said Tuesday.

Bloomfield police, working with colleagues from Newark, were making progress in the "very active investigation" into the gunfire late Friday at Sports in the City Lounge on First Avenue, according to township Police Director Samuel DeMaio.

The six people wounded in the gunfire -- residents of Newark, East Orange and Roselle -- were all treated for non life-threatening injuries, he said.

DeMaio said investigators believe the shooting was targeted at someone attending an event at the lounge, but declined to comment in detail on a motive for the attack. Ballistics evidence showed three guns were used in the shooting, which occurred as 30 to 40 people were inside the business located near the Newark-Bloomfield line. 

A tipster reported someone was seen putting a gun in a vehicle at the shooting scene, according to DeMaio, who said police obtained a search warrant for the car. That search netted 12 bricks of heroin packaged for distribution and .357 handgun that was not used in the shooting.

Gunmen shoot up Bloomfield bar, police say

Officials also conducted an inspection at the business, where they found fire and health code violations, DeMaio added. The business was ordered closed ahead of a court hearing.

Before the shooting there was no extensive history of police calls at the business, which allows patrons to bring their own alcohol, but does not serve the drinks, according to the police director.

DeMaio said no one has been able to provide detectives with a description of the shooters or any suspect vehicles. Police initially reported there were five shooting victims, but later learned another person was grazed in the arm.

A portion of the shooting was captured in a video shared on the Facebook page of Toni Byrd, a Brooklyn-based comedian who was performing at Sports in the City. (Warning: this unedited video contains profanity)

"I was headlining comedy show tonight in Bloomfield NJ. And bullets started flying..I mean they shot the spot up," Byrd said in a Facebook post. "I'm so grateful because a few bullets pass by me. I was able to get on the floor and make it in the back room."

In a statement on Facebook, Sports in the City responded to "negative views" about the establishment and news coverage of the shooting.

"We welcomed everyone with a smile, great food, & a good time. Our hearts are very apologetic to those harmed," the statement added. "Ask those who came there for a good laugh, a bite to eat, or to watch their teams play. Everyone was treated as family once entering the business."

Crime Stoppers has offered a $5,000 reward for any information about the shooting that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information can call 973-680-4090.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Police search for second suspect after weekend carjacking

NEWARK -- Police arrested a 32-year-old Newark man and were seeking a second suspect involved in a gunpoint carjacking in the city's South Ward, authorities said Tuesday.

Omar Wright was charged with carjacking and conspiracy after he was taken into custody without incident by the city police Fugitive Apprehension Team Monday, according to Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose.

Wright was one of two assailants who stole a 31-year-old man's car at gunpoint around 9 p.m. Sunday near Clinton Avenue and South 10th Street, Ambrose said in a statement. The motorist had just parked his car when he was confronted.

Detectives identified Wright as one of the suspects, according to Ambrose. A second person remained at large.

Ambrose urged anyone with information contact the city's 24-hour Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867). Authorities said all calls are kept confidential and could lead to a reward.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The longtime Newark and New Jersey advocate suffered a heart attack over the weekend. Watch video

MANASQUAN -- When Al Koeppe was given a leadership award from Rutgers-Newark in 2013 - one of many accolades he accrued for his work around the Garden State - he reflected on his professional experiences as president of what was then New Jersey Bell, and of PSE&G.

From the blue collar workers at those companies, Koeppe said in an interview with his alma mater Rutgers-Newark, he learned "a culture of interdependency...(and) a sense of community."

"When I became an executive...I felt a heavy obligation to those men and women," he said. "It was very easy for me to invest what time I had outside of the work environment in community activities."

Koeppe, who had a reputation across New Jersey and in Newark specifically for his professional, economic, and community-based work, died Tuesday after suffering a heart attack over the weekend, his family confirmed. He was 70 years old.

His resume is extensive and impressive. But family members say his personal pursuits were what they hold dearest.

"He was just an absolute role model for how to be a dad," Koeppe's son, Adam, said Tuesday. "He was so great to his grandkids. He was totally devoted to them."

"He was the best dad and grandfather that anyone could have," his daughter, Allison added.

Koeppe leaves behind his wife, Anne, two children, daughter-in-law Kristine, son-in-law Brad, five grandchildren - Shane, Jake, Skylar, Andrew, and Jack - and an entire city of people who are mourning the loss.

"Newark has lost one of our all time great civic leaders and I have lost a dear friend and treasured advisor," city Mayor Ras Baraka said in a statement to NJ Advance Media.

"Al Koeppe was a giant in the business community and a true public servant. He co-chaired my Transition Team and led more than 200 Newarkers to produce an extraordinary blueprint for our new administration that continues to guide us today. As Mayor, I have relied on Al for wise advice on a wide range of critical city issues from municipal finances to development plans, to job creation and more."

Koeppe grew up modestly in Jersey City, the son of a longshoreman. He was the first in his family to attend college, at Rutgers-Newark, and received a law degree from Seton Hall.

He began working with New Jersey Bell in 1969. After becoming a trial attorney during AT&T's Department of Justice antitrust case, he was elected president and CEO of New Jersey Bell in 1993.

He moved to PSE&G in 1995, became president and Chief Operating Officer in 2000, and retired in 2003.

Throughout his career and after, he held countless positions in government and nonprofit groups.

He has been Chairman of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority since 2003. In a statement Tuesday, Gov. Chris Christie, who appointed Koeppe to the position, said the state had "lost a giant."

"His work at PSEG, his tireless commitment to the city of Newark and his dedication to growing jobs and bolstering the economy all over our state were unrivaled over the last four decades," Christie said.

Koeppe also served as a director of Horizon Blue Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey, chair of the New Jersey Higher Education Commission and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, and as a trustee for the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and St. Benedict's Prep School in Newark - among others. He also helped found the Newark Alliance in 1999, a nonprofit dedicated to improving economic conditions and education in the city.

"He was just a great guy, and an inspiring guy, I'd say," said Rev. Edwin Leahy, a longtime friend of Koeppe's and headmaster of St. Benedict's Prep.

"On his way to work everyday, he would stop at a different (PSE&G) garage, and just have coffee with the guys. ... That sort of gives you an idea of the kind of guy he was."

Friends and business associates praised Koeppe Tuesday and shared stories that showed off what they called a "goofy" and "hilarious" personality.

At PSE&G, he served as a mentor to both Ralph LaRossa, the utility's current president and chief operating officer, and Ralph Izzo, its chairman, president and CEO.

"I think the state lost a true advocate today," LaRossa said. "He never lost sight of where he came from, or what was important to him."

In between stories about the former executive, Izzo added, "even the mere mention of Al's name brings a smile to my face."

A viewing will be held at the Colonial Funeral Home in Brick on Friday, Dec. 9, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Church of St. Denis in Manasquan, where Koeppe lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the RWJ Barnabas Health Foundation and to St. Benedict's Prep in Newark.

Geraldo Ramirez was charged last week following an investigation into his cellmate's Nov. 6 death at Northern State Prison.

NEWARK -- A 50-year-old inmate at Northern State Prison pleaded not guilty Tuesday in state Superior Court to a murder charge filed in connection with the beating death of his cellmate.

Gary Holliday. (NJ Department of Corrections)
 

Geraldo Ramirez was charged last week by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office following an investigation into the death of Gary Holliday.

Holliday, 71, was found unresponsive in the cell on Nov. 6 and later pronounced dead. Holliday's official cause of death was listed as blunt-force trauma.

Ramirez, wearing a prison jumpsuit and eyeglasses, remained stoic during his first appearance before Judge Ronald D. Wigler as attorneys waived a formal reading of the charges against him. 

Records show Ramirez is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence for a robbery conviction in Cumberland County.

Man beat cellmate to death, authorities say

Authorities said Ramirez was in the cell when Holliday's body was found.

Wigler said the charges against Ramirez will be referred to a grand jury for consideration.

Staff reporter Jess Mazzola contributed prior reporting.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Authorities say the man was on supervised release for a previous bank robbery conviction at the time of the crimes.

NEWARK -- FBI agents on Tuesday charged 39-year-old city man with robbing five North Jersey banks in just over a month this fall.

Harrison police say this man robbed Kearny Bank of $1,500 on Oct. 21. Charging documents filed Tuesday in federal court identify him as Jermaine Mason, of Newark. (Harrison police photo)

Prosecutors say that at the time of the crimes, Jermaine Mason was on supervised release from a prior federal conviction after he robbed several banks in 2006 and 2007.

Mason, also known as "Asim Harris," was charged by complaint in the U.S. District Court in Newark with five counts of bank robbery, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The banks Mason is accused of robbing include:

• Kearny Bank, Harrison on Oct. 21

• PNC Bank, Jersey City on Nov. 3

• Popular Community Bank, Newark on Nov. 17

• Provident Bank, Jersey City on Nov. 18

• Provident Bank, Kearny on Nov. 29

Authorities say that in all of the robberies, Mason demanded cash from the tellers either verbally or by passing notes, which warned the tellers he wasn't "going to play with you."

Feds: Man robbed same bank twice in 1 year

Mason was arrested on Nov. 30 by the Jersey City Police Department, the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Prosecutors say Mason has yet to make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The startups are the inaugural accelerator class of Newark Venture Partners, a civic-minded investment fund that encourages tech companies to locate and grow in the city

NEWARK -- When nine tech startups gather at the Prudential Center Wednesday, more than 400 venture capitalists and angel investors will be closely watching the demonstrations for the next potential star. 

That kind of opportunity is crucial for startups. And a malfunction could be equally disastrous.

Tom Wisniewski

"We know that happens," said Tom Wisniewski, a managing partner at Newark Venture Partners. "If you're going to do a demonstration in front of people, you should make sure it's going to work, or you shouldn't do it at all."

That's just one of the lessons imparted to the startups by Newark Venture Partners, which was launched in July 2015 and chaired by Donald Katz, the founder of Audible.com, the Amazon subsidiary headquartered in Newark that produces audio books.

Newark Venture Partners provided seed money to the nine firms and is sponsoring the Wednesday morning expo. The nine company's are part of the Inaugural Newark Venture Partners Accelerator Class.

The nine startups are:

Alphachannel -- an online marketplace that lets marketers find and contact creative studios and production companies.

Barkly -- a service that matches pet owners with nearby dog walkers who have undergone training and background checks, available with as little as 60 minutes notice.

Bowtie -- a "plug-and-play" chatbot for businesses on any messaging platform, allowing employees to order food, book appointments or make purchases from small to medium-sized businesses using text messages, Facebook Messenger or voice-enabled channels.

Dream Forward -- a service selling 401(k) plans with technology designed to help employees overcome excuses why they can't save for retirement.

KiDCASE -- a protective case for the Apple iPad said to be the only one with built-in parental controls.

NativeTap.io -- a service that helps coders fix bugs faster.

Navinata Health -- a tool to educate physicians on innovative lifesaving & life-extending therapies.

Sales Huddle -- a suite of 5-minute employee training games that companies can customize to their brand.

UpChannel -- an app that connects smartphone makers to their customers, to build ongoing relationships and glean insight.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka attended a July 2015 launch ceremony for Newark Venture Partners, whose mission is in line with Baraka's "Newark 3.0" campaign to remake his city into a technology mecca.

Audible.com founder and Newark Venture Partners Chairman Donald Katz, with Mayor Ras Baraka, left, and other officials at the 2015 launch of the civic-minded venture capital fundDan Ivers | NJ Advance Media 

The startups were given a place to work downstairs from Audible's headquarters at One Washington Park, in a 25,000-square-foot space provided rent-free by Rutgers Business School.

They were also given $100,000 and a three-month training and mentoring program.

The nine inaugural startups were chosen from among hundreds of applicants by a team that included Wisniewski and another managing partner, Dan Borok.

Both are veteran tech investors with personal ties to Newark. Wisniewski's great, great grandfather was from Newark, as were Borok's father and grandfather.

Dan Borok

Borok said the startups can take advantage of mentoring and business opportunities with large Newark-based companies like PSE&G and Prudential.

"We think Newark is a great place for them to build their business," Borok said. "There's an airport here, it's a transportation hub. They also have access to the public companies that are here."

Newark Venture Partners has a dual function, with separate funds for each: a $25 million accelerator fund to provide the kind of initial support that the nine inaugural firms are receiving; and a venture capital fund, still being raised, for profit-making investments in those start-ups deemed to be attractive enough.

"We are a for-profit venture capital fund," Wisniewski said. "But we have a second mandate, which is creating jobs, and more broadly, it's about changing perceptions in Newark."

Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SteveStrunsky. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

The robbery occurred in May 2014

MORRISTOWN -- An admitted heroin dealer has pleaded guilty to using a handgun to rob a Morristown Medical Center parking garage attendant in May 2014, the Daily Record reported.

Tyhan Lighty, 45, admitted to armed robbery and stealing $6,350 from a woman working at the parking garage, the newspaper reported. Lighty, who previously admitted to using and selling heroin, faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years, according to the report.

Tyhan Lighty, was indicted in October 2015 on robbery and weapons charges in the May 18, 2014 incident.

He fled the scene after the robbery, prompting an extensive, multi-agency investigation, authorities have said.

Lighty was charged with the robbery about a year later and was arrested in June 2015 by officers with the East Orange Police Department. 

Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

It's the final rankings for the 2016 season.

See which players, coaches, and teams were honored by NJ.com

BOYS SOCCER SEASON IN REVIEW, 2016

• Mason Toye of Seton Hall Prep is the NJ.com Player of the Year

• Christian Brothers Academy is the NJ.com Team of the Year

• Evan Baumgarten of Ramapo is the NJ.com Coach of the Year

ALL-STATE TEAMS

• All-State first, second and third teams

• All-Group 4

• All-Group 3

• All-Group 2

• All-Group 1

• All-Non-Public

MUST WATCH: NJ.com's Top 25 plays of 2016

FINAL RANKINGS

• The NJ.com Top 50

• Group and conference rankings

CONFERENCE REVIEWS

• Sebastian Varela of Ramapo is the Big North Conference Player of the Year

• Matt Horner of Bordentown is the Burlington County Scholastic League Player of the Year

• Jack Sarkos of Mainland is the Cape-Atlantic League Player of the Year

• Sean Murphy of Haddon Township is the Colonial Conference Player of the Year

• Sam Serxner of Princeton is the Colonial Valley Conference Player of the Year

• Matt Mischler of Monroe is the Greater Middlesex Conference Player of the Year

• Paul Kondatowicz of St. Peter's Prep is the Hudson County Interscholastic Athletic League Player of the Year

• Deydiry Chamba of Harrison is the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Player of the Year

• Steven Hadley of Delbarton is the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Player of the Year

• Elliot Cumba of Cherry Hill West is the Olympic Conference Player of the Year

• P.J. Ringel of Marlboro is the Shore Conference Player of the Year

• Steven Bednarsky of Gill St. Bernard's is the Skyland Conference Player of the Year

• Walter Hernandez of Newark East Side is the Super Essex Conference Player of the Year

• Sinan Tuzcu of Glassboro is the Tri-County Conference Player of the Year

• John Murphy of Scotch Plains-Fanwood is the Union County Conference Player of the Year

Brian Deakyne may be reached at bdeakyne@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrianDeakyne. Richard Greco may be reached at rgreco@njadvancemedia.com.  Follow him on Twitter @RichardGrecoHS . Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Paterson schools executive director of facilities allegedly said he did not care about federal regulations regarding mold and asbestos removal, a lawsuit claims.

Brenda ZemoPaterson School District 

PATERSON -- A former environmental officer is suing Paterson Schools, claiming the district mishandled numerous environmental issues like mold and asbestos removal in violation of federal regulations.

Brenda Zemo, an Environmental Occupational Health and Safety Officer since 2008, claims she was subjected to a hostile workplace after she raised concerns about the alleged mishandling of the material by the Facilities Department and its Executive Director Steve Morlino, according to the lawsuit.

She claims she was let go by the department after she filed the complaint.  

The only female employee at the department, Zemo's role was to ensure the district provided a safe and healthy work environment for about 23,000 students and 5,400 staff.

During several instances, Zemo claims Morlino disregarded her advice to hire outside contractors licensed in abatement and improperly undertook actions at the school in violation of federal safety regulations.

These allegedly include:

• Having unlicensed school staff remove asbestos tiles inside a classroom at School 12
• Improperly storing asbestos material at the school facilities site on 200 Sheridan Avenue as opposed to a proper landfill
• Having untrained staff remove mold at various schools including P.S. 25, P.S. 24, P.S. 10, P.S. 4, P.S. 30 and the Boris Kroll Mill Building.
• Improper installation of an HVAC system at 5 Colt Street, which housed the HARP and YES academies, leading staff members to complain about feeling ill due to a mildew odor at the building.
• Construction debris and dust being left at the 5 Colt Street site in violation of Indoor Air Quality Standards.

During the 2014-2015 school year, Zemo was tasked with testing lead levels in water at district schools. Her information was handed off to Morlino, who then presented it to district supervisors, chiefs and principals, the lawsuit states.

When it was determined in February that principals and superintendents did not pass on the information to parents in 2015, Morlino allegedly tried to blame Zemo for the oversight.

Superintendent Donnie Evans sent a letter to parents in April, apologizing for not notifying them about the lead issue.

Morlino was the director of facilities at Newark Schools from 1999 to 2014, during which time the district allegedly failed to change water filters leading to elevated levels of lead in drinking water.

After Zemo filed a hostile workplace complaint with the district, she was reassigned to the school business department in May. They later deemed her report "unfounded" and on June 3 Evans told Zemo that her contract would not be renewed for the following school year.

Zemo is suing the district for an order or reinstatement or compensatory pay and an order from the district banning Morlino and other employees from retaliating against her.

A lawyer of Zemo did not return a request to comment. Morlino and Terry Corallo, district spokeswoman, did not return emails seeking comment. 

Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.