Friday, October 31, 2014

Events Highlights

31-Oct-2014

 Some Highlights of events from last week in Bogota. On Saturday 25-Oct the Bogota Public Library held their Haunted Library. There was a Halloween movie from Toy Story to begin the Afternoon. The the Students were able to play games, and make some fun things.  Then the Terror Tunnel was open for those brave enough to walk through it.  
For more information please about other Library events visit their web site at :   http://www.bogotapubliclibrary.org/





  On Sunday 26- Oct Bogota Volunteer Fire Dept Hose Co. #2 held their Annual Pancake breakfast to help with the operation of the Central Ave. Firehouse. 
  The Bogota Fire Department is an all volunteer organization serving the Borough since 1901. They also provide assistance in  rescue , and other emergency situation. The Bogota Fire Department is now currently recruiting new members to become volunteers. This is open to anyone Female or Male who are at least 18 years of age , and are residents of Bogota as well as Ridgefield Park, Teaneck ,and Hackensack.  Training, and equipment will be provided. There is also a Junior Firefighter program open to young Women, and Men who at at least 16 years of age. A Junior Firefighter will also receive training , and be a part of the support system to the Firefighters themselves. For more information about volunteering please to: bogotafire.org/  or call;
201-342-1736 ext. 2007. There is also a meeting the 1st Wed. of each month at the W. Broad St. Firehouse from 7:00-8:00p





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Happy Halloween

31-Oct-2014




    Wishing everyone a Sweet and 
 Happy Halloween 




From Bogota Blog NJ

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Curfew

30-Oct.-2014
   The Bogota Police dept. has issued a curfew for Thursday & Friday  30 &31 -Oct.  This is in reference to Bogota Borough Ordinance # 3-27. The  Juvenile Curfew  that will be in effect  from 10:00p to 6:30a  on Thursday and Friday.  Any Juvenile under the age of 18 may not be in any  public place unless accompanied by the Juvenile's Parent or Guardian. Any violation of this ordinance is subject to a $1,000.00 fine, or time doing community service. For more information please visit their web site at  www.bogotapolice.org or call  201-487-24





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Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Bogota Sports

29- Oct-2014
  Some results from games played by teams from Bogota.
 
  On Saturday 25-Oct The Bogota Junior Bucs played in Weehawken. The Pee-Wee team lost 0-31. The Junior Team had a shutout by the score of 18- 0. While the Senior team posted a 34 -6 victory. With that win the Senior team  moves into a tie for third place. The Junior team is also tied for third in their division. The next play at Ridgefield on Saturday 1- Nov. with the Pee-Wee team having a 6:00p Kick Off with the other games to follow.
 
  The Bogota Bucs Soccer team played their final game of the season in a make game at Bergen Tech. This game was originally played on 21- Ot was postponed due to Lighting conditions.  Bogota won the game by a score of 7-6. Nico Calabia score three Goals, Conor McDonnell had 2 Goals while Anthony Verdugo, and Aadil Glasswala had one Goal each. Bogota ends their inaugural Season with a record of 10-4-2 . going 2 &2 against Varsity teams.




 The  #5 Bogota Lady Bucs Volleyball Team lost their Quarterfinal Match to #4 Paramus 0-2 ( 14-24 : 19-24) They next play their final League Match on Thursday 30- Oct at Saddle River Day School.
 
Members of the Bogota Cross Country Squads that will run in the Bergen County Meet of Champions are: For the Lady Bucs Jillian O'Brien. For the Men's Squad there are seven runners competing they are Quin Geraghty, Michael Gioiosa, Chris Rivera, Andy Jaipersaud, Daniel Daurio, James Draney & Daniel Rivera. The meet will be held in the Darlington Park racecourse in Mahwah.


 

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Questions for Mayor & Council part 3

28-Oct-2014
 

     This is the third post in a series of question asked by Bogota Blog NJ to the two candidates for Mayor and all four candidates running for the two available seat for Bogota Borough Council. The order in which the answers appear for the first question is determined by how the answers were received by Bogota Blog NJ.  Because the Candidates from the Democratic  Party have supplied their answers as a group both parties answer will be group together.   After that the first question the  answers will  alternate between parties.  I hope this is a fair, informative, and useful series of posts to be held over the next few days. There will be two questions with answers per post per day.
  The Candidates for Council are Councilwoman Lisa Kohles, and her running mate Ingrid Brito for the Democratic Party.   The Republican Candidates are Daniele Fede and Thomas  Napolitano.The Candidates for Mayor are Republican Councilman Christopher Keleman.  The Democrats  Candidate is Mayor Tito Jackson.   The Election Day is Tuesday 4-Nov. polls will be open starting at 6:00a and close at 8:00p



Question #5
   What would one , or two ideas you would like to see implemented within the next five years , and how would they be beneficial to Bogota.

Christopher Keleman
   First of all, I would like to see successful building on the Riverfront.  That area is the start of much more to come.  We need retables desperately for tax purposes!  If this goes well we have done our jobs with great success and Bogota can be reborn.  Secondly, Education!  I want to see Bogota in the top 100 school districts in the state with two blue ribbon elementary schools with a  top producer parochial school as well (currently we are number 200).  If I can have a third, it would be to rebuild our municipal building, ambulance/rescue building, firehouses and of course, our DPW building with the top of the line equipment, trucks and the best parks in the county. 


Daniele Fede 

We need to plan for improvements to our buildings and grounds. They are in a state of disrepair and no apparent plan has been offered.  We need to decide whether to keep or sell certain structures in disrepair and whether to consolidate in one larger building. We also need to continue to work on our Tree management plan and Sustainable Jersey practices. These practices better our community and save energy and costs. Grants are also available for projects.

Thomas  Napolitano
As your Councilman for Borough of Bogota we will return to financial stability. This will require the Mayor and Council to work together to develop a budget without raising taxes to pay for unnecessary legal actions or irresponsibly borrowing any additional money. Our debt has doubled over the past 4 years and if we continue down this path we will never get out from under control of the State of New Jersey or the banks. The State has been forced to take over the Borough’s finances for the first time in our history. Let me show you what financial stability looks like:
-  A balanced budget
-  Smart development of our areas in need of redevelopment especially the Hess site
-  Critical revitalization of our downtown
-  Continued improvement of our Schools
-  Stabilize taxes and reduce the current debt
-  Create an atmosphere to attract businesses to our town
-  Work with State leaders to improve transportation, the environment and our reputation around the State of New Jersey
-  Stop all the negative press that embarrasses all of us and reduces property value
-  Support leaders that understand sound financial business practices

The second thing I would like to see is a reunited Bogota where we work together to achieve our goals. This will require our government leaders to work with community leaders to establish a plan that involves creative ideas. I am a leader that knows that has the proven ability to bring people together. I have worked on major transportation projects that range from $1 Million to $2 Billion and have seen what happens when people work together in partnership. Our team on the New Jersey Turnpike Widening project has included hundreds of people on 30 different projects, worth $2 Billion. We will be cutting the ribbon this month and the project is on schedule as well as under budget. Together the good people of Bogota can become the envy of Bergen County.
note: Mr. Napolitano answer to this question has been edited to fit the form of the post . The content is wholly his response and unchanged.

 Tito Jackson, Lisa Kohles,  Ingrid Brito 
Going back to Question #1, we would like to see the borough withdraw from the state mandated health benefits program and merge buying power with the school district.  This will give us the ability to leverage our buying power in the private marketplace and create short and long term savings for both the borough and our school district.  In our minds, this is a win-win.

Question #6
Why are you a member of your  political party and is there some ideas that the opposition party has that you can agree with.

 Tito Jackson, Lisa Kohles,  Ingrid Brito 
We're Democrats because we believe government can be part of the solution.  Our party, unlike the Republican Party, believes in creating societal safety nets for Americans, including charity care, welfare, Medicaid and other programs.  
  We believe in strong public schools, choice for women, and paying your fair share of taxes.

  That’s what it means to be a Democrat – and we’re more than proud of that title.

Christopher Keleman
I have been a member of the Republican Party since I was able to vote.  Family values were always practiced in my home while I was growing up in this Republican controlled community.  A small town like this should run with charm and grace and it should not matter what party you're affiliated with when your responsible for the safety of peoples lives and investments.  I agree that both parties should always work together by adding their own perspectives on future projects and that all members from both show respect to each other and act accordingly with dignity and manners.  In small town Bogota, I also agree with the Democratic Party that we put taxpayers first, obviously there's no other way. 

Daniele Fede
I believe in fiscal conservatism and free enterprise. I have worked well with two Democrat mayors who continue to appoint me as I am dedicated and qualified. I provide respect to their office and treat all community leaders with respect. I am transparent and a court appointed mediator so I know how to listen, exchange ideas and work with anyone. Environmental issues are usually championed by Democrats so I certainly agree on the democratic platform when it comes to environmental regulation and protection.

Thomas  Napolitano
 My mother, a Roosevelt/Kennedy Democrat, convinced me many years ago to vote for Reagan. At that time in history our country was enduring a low point. We were experiencing high unemployment, an economic recession, a hostage crisis and a decrease in patriotism. My mother convinced me that the election was not about political party but about stopping the downward trend. Political parties can divide people; we are at a crucial time in Bogota’s history that we must unite our people. Courage, strength of character and leadership come from within the candidate not a political party. Great leaders have come from both major political parties and very often from our community. My daughter and I were recently at a Bogota Football game and a wonderful, young lady turned to me on line at the snack stand. She said, “You’re Tom Napolitano.” When I replied “yes”, she responded, “My Dad said you are a great man and you will do great things for Bogota.” I was obviously moved and thanked her for her kind words. I happen to know that her Dad and I are not of the same political party but we are both from Bogota! I hope we can all agree that this election is about a United Bogota for all of us.


I hope this series of post have contained some ideas the residents of the Borough would also like to know from the candidates.
Election Day is Tuesday 4-Nov. polls will be open starting at 6:00a and close at 8:00p. It is urge that all citizens exercise their right to be apart of the governing process but voting for the candidate the will best serve the people of Bogota, and the State of New Jersey.


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Monday, October 27, 2014

VFW Flag Ceremony

27-Oct-2014
   On Saturday -25-Oct the Bogota VFW post 5561 held a Flag retirement ceremony in Olsen Park. Lead by post Commander Alex Hernandez the American flags that have been collected over the past 20 years were given the proper retirement.  According to the  United States Flag code“the flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.” Thus, when a flag is torn and tattered beyond repair, it’s time for it to be retired. Post  5561 have been  collecting worn & unusable U.S. Flags from the old mail box that is in front of the Bogota Public Library. This is the mailbox painted in Red, White, & Blue  by students from Bogota High School.  In attendance were Bogota Mayor Tito Jackson, Bergen County Executive  Kathleen Donovan along with members of other VFW post.  Volunteer Firefighter from Bogota Fire Dept. Engine Co. #1  were in charge of  the controlling the fire use to consume  the retired flags. 
   While the first of the flags were placed in the fire a prayer was said , and  slowing more flags were added. Before some of the flags were retired Commander Hernandez held a lesson in the proper way to fold the flag. When done correctly there should be 13 folds with a triangle  showing the blue field with the stars exposed. 
    Commander Hernandez will like to make this an annual event with the  public welcome to show their respect to the American flag, and to bring any American flag that has been used to the point of deserving retirement.  


Flags waiting to be retired.


 County Executive Kathleen Donovan meeting VFW members Al Herrmann,
Joe Krause & Post Commander Alex Hernandez.  

County Executive Kathleen Donovan  thanking
  Post Commander Alex Hernandez for his service to the community.
Earl Coppock offering a prayer to the retired flags

 VFW members Al Herrmann saluting the first Flags to be retired.


 Mayor Tito Jackson

Rona Gil-De-Leon reading a Letter from Mary Wagner about starting
ther Flag retirement program.

 learning how to fold the Flag


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Questions for Mayor & Council part 2

27- Oct- 2014

      This is the second post in a series of question asked by Bogota Blog NJ to the two candidates for Mayor and all four candidates running for the two available seat for Bogota Borough Council. The order in which the answers appear for the first question is determined by how the answers were received by Bogota Blog NJ.  Because the Candidates from the Democratic  Party have supplied their answers as a group both parties answer will be group together.   After that the first question the  answers will  alternate between parties.  I hope this is a fair, informative, and useful series of posts to be held over the next few days. There will be two questions with answers per post per day.
  The Candidates for Council are Councilwoman Lisa Kohles, and her running mate Ingrid Brito for the Democratic Party.   The Republican Candidates are Daniele Fede and Thomas  Napolitano.The Candidates for Mayor are Republican Councilman Christopher Keleman.  The Democrats  Candidate is Mayor Tito Jackson.   The Election Day is Tuesday 4-Nov. polls will be open starting at 6:00a and close at 8:00p

Question #3
The Borough is going through what could be called a minor building boom. In addition to the Hess Site site what other areas of the Borough could be  improved or redeveloped . Also what can the Borough do to attracted  more business to move to Bogota.

Christopher Keleman
Nobody realizes that we have more property for redeveloping.  There is a big chunk of property across the Golf Center that has access north up to the Hess Site and West Fort Lee Road.  This property at one time was the Goldberg Slipper Factory and there are a few acres of very valuable waterfront property available for a possible development.  Believe it or not, our little town of Bogota has what I call a "Gold Coast".  For years, no administration had taken any interest in this property since my dad was mayor in the mid eighties.  I would like to re-examine that property for future development which can bring in a large amount of retables.  Another problem we have in Bogota is the high rents that the businesses need to pay.  Have we ever offered these landlords anything in order to help offset the rents?  I am a business owner in town and it's not easy.  I have to be creative, offer a good product, showcase professionalism and offer the best service around.  I am accountable for my own success and my own failures, but success comes with delegation, enthusiasm, determination and respect.  That's my plan and role as mayor, but support is needed as well.  We have not had a chamber of commerce in years and I would like to introduce a chamber once again which I feel will enhance participation and success

Daniele Fede
The largest site for development is the Hess site but the entire water front area would result in a greater project. The slipper factory is currently privately owned but could be an area for redevelopment.  The commercial area along West Shore could also be improved. The master plan is about to be prepared and that is the crucial document to set the stage for redevelopment. We have no areas of open space so redevelopment would be our only option. As to attracting more business, the Chamber of Commerce should be reinvigorated and parking needs to be resolved. There is certainly not enough parking to support small businesses. Certainly niche and boutique businesses in districts ( like the antique row) is a good way to attract out of towners. We were famous for our beer supply store and many people  from out of town come to our  golf range and racquet club. Recreational locations seems to be the retail trend. We also need to set aesthetic standards as our retail windows are a bit over run by busy signs.

Thomas  Napolitano
I am currently a member of Bogota’s Planning/Zoning Board and as a Professional Engineer I am pleased to be providing my expertise to the Borough in a very meaningful way. The redevelopment of the Hess Site has the potential to be the most exciting thing that has happened to our town in decades. It will be important to have a Mayor and Council working closely with the Planning Board, the Borough’s Planner and the Developer to make use of our valuable riverfront property in a way that best benefits our taxpayers. I will not allow any “sweetheart deals” for the developer! We do have other properties in town that are in need of redevelopment such as moving further north up the river to the abandoned slipper factory and the abandoned building at the intersection of Queen Anne Road and Linwood Ave. These decaying buildings bring down the value of our properties and should be turned into facilities that bring life as well as revenue into our community. It will also be critical for Bogota to be recognized as a place where we work together to foster an environment for business to grow. Our Mayor and Council must stop publically fighting and creating negative press that has embarrassed us all. I pledge to conduct myself professionally and treat my fellow citizens with respect. I believe this is the perfect time to elect a Professional Engineer to the Council.

Tito Jackson, Lisa Kohles, Ingrid Brito

First, the Hess site is an ideal location for mixed-use redevelopment.  A combination of retail and multi-family housing will generate both tax revenue and create a new destination in town for residents to shop.  
   Second, one of the things we can do to make our town more business friendly is to make improvements to our downtown, especially the façade and appeal of Main St.  There are grant programs available that we can apply for, making it financially viable or businesses to improve their curb appeal.  
  The last thing we can do to make Bogota more appealing to new businesses is to continue to maintain a safe and clean community.  That, coupled with our strong demographics, will continue to make Bogota a top-tier locale for businesses.


Question #4
There have been a number of community groups starting up over the last several years: The Bogota Community Alliance, Beautiful Bogota to go with established organization.  PTO/PTA Local Girl & Boys Scout troops. What can the Borough do to help promote more citizen involvement.

Tito Jackson, Lisa Kohles, Ingrid Brito
Maintaining a strong democracy is directly linked to citizen activism and involvement.  We would like to see more citizen involvement in both our government and community.  One of the things we can do to promote citizen involvement is by making our municipal boards and commission appointments more accessible to the public. 
  We’re sure there are a number of residents who would like to serve on either the planning board, zoning board or environmental commission, just to name a few.  Additionally, we can also bring back  “Bogota Day”, giving residents a full understanding of the community-based organizations that are available for them to join and for them to make a real difference.


Christopher Keleman
As a parent who's 5 children attended Bogota Public Schools, it was an honor to be a part of every second of my children's educational and childhood by being a class parent, volunteer and coach.  Having a large family was a blessing.  It kept me involved, created friendships and gave me Bogota Pride.  It does not matter what group you belong to its just as important that you are a part of something in the town that you live in.  People of all ages have a need to feel important and involved in this small community.  When I become mayor, I want to reach out with our Borough Administrator, library commission, swim club trustees, police reserve, fire, rescue first aid and recreation department with the purpose to see how we can enhance more programs, increase memberships, introduce new clubs and reintroduce organizations that are rapidly diminishing.  I will also meet with our surrounding community mayors to see how they enhance citizen involvement.  People who get involved eventually become our next leaders in town.

Daniele Fede
Citizen involvement has always been a challenge, especially in the volunteer arena.  It is an important part to our sense of community. Outreach is the best way to gain involvement. The Bogota Blog NJ and Bogota Bulletin provide free outlets for groups. Perhaps an evening at the Rec Center where each group explains their mission may help grow ranks. There are so many residents that are not involved in our community. The church groups and high school community service requirements may be another way to create new outlets. We need proven leaders to chair and sustain these groups as it takes a lot of dedication to keep these organizations going.

Thomas  Napolitano
Community groups are such a vital part of any healthy borough and Bogota is an example of just that. I have personally been involved with community groups all my life.  It gives me great joy to walk around town and hear “Hi Coach Tom” from one of the children I coach. Families are the backbone of our community. I understand that my position as Councilman will be a privilege and a responsibility. As leaders in Bogota we must create an atmosphere of inclusiveness and respect. I have always gotten back much more from my volunteer efforts. These efforts have provided me with a sense of love for the people and the community I serve. Community groups must be recognized and supported with our time, energy and assistance to look for funding opportunities both public as well as private. I will continue to work closely with our community leaders as Councilman Napolitano to bring an increase in pride back to Bogota.

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Sunday, October 26, 2014

Question for Mayor & Council

26- Oct-2014

    This is the first post in a series of question asked by Bogota Blog NJ to the two candidates for Mayor and all four candidates running for the two available seat for Bogota Borough Council. The order in which the answers appear for the first question is determined by how the answers were received by Bogota Blog NJ.  Because the Candidates from the Democratic  Party have supplied their answers as a group both parties answer will be group together.   After that the first question the  answers will  alternate between parties.  I hope this is a fair, informative, and useful series of posts to be held over the next few days. There will be two questions with answers per post per day.
  The Candidates for Council are Councilwoman Lisa Kohles, and her running mate Ingrid Brito for the Democratic Party.   The Republican Candidates are Daniele Fede and Thomas  Napolitano.The Candidates for Mayor are Republican Councilman Christopher Keleman.  The Democrats  Candidate is Mayor Tito Jackson.   The Election Day is Tuesday 4-Nov. polls will be open starting at 6:00a and close at 8:00p



Question #1
- With a State mandate of zero tax increases for the next fiscal year what can be done to again have a zero tax increase without State guidelines.

Christopher Keleman
You never want to be controlled by the state.  The people who live in Bogota and the people they elect know for better what is needed here.  Fortunately however with the state controller helping we are currently keeping our finances stable.  We simply could not continue to spend the way the last few administrations were doing.  We are at a very crucial point right now and we have NEVER had the state take over our checkbook.  We need to show the state we can work together and make sure our professionals master next years budget and work extremely tight with our entire borough staff and council.  We can not spend money we do not have and the credit card is already at its max, so no increase in taxes for the next year means no unnecessary municipal spending and purchasing.

Daniele Fede
To keep taxes stable the Mayor and Council has to spend no more than the funds in the budget. There also needs to be a surplus which has been lacking for many years to cover unexpected expenses. The professional fees need to be reduced and managed in a better fashion. The hourly rates and yearly rates for most of the professionals were increased significantly over the prior years for no apparent reason.  More grant opportunities need to be explored and a professional grants writer had been a successful option in the past. The Mayor and council needs to follow the financial corrective action plan written by the auditor as many areas of protocol were not followed.

Thomas  Napolitano
The first and most important thing that can be done this November is to elect a Council in Bogota that can work together to create an atmosphere of cooperation and communication. We need leaders that can look at both sides of the ledger crafting a budget that is fiscally responsible and creating an environment that attracts business to Bogota thus increasing our revenue without raising taxes. We need to stop spending money on legal fees and fighting with each other causing government gridlock.  I pledge to work for “smart development” in Bogota, look for grant opportunities as well as shared services when it makes sense to do so. We need a council that can take an objective view of our needs, develop a balanced, realistic budget and stand strong to the many challenges that we will face while protecting the taxpayers money that we have been trusted to protect.

Tito Jackson, Lisa Kohles, Ingrid Brito

In order for us to have a zero percent tax increase budget for FY2015, the first thing we can do is reign-in spending.  Specifically, we need to appoint new legal and engineering professionals that aren’t going to ring-up the bills, perform unauthorized work and put us in a legally vulnerable position.  This would be at the top of our “to-do list.” 


The next thing we can do to save money is pull our public employees out of the state mandated health benefits plan and look to the private marketplace for a more affordable plan.  Each year, the state mandated health plan has double digit increases, far greater than other private sector plans.  For us, this would be even more financially beneficial if we were able to combine health insurance buying power with the school district.  This would put us one step closer to having a second year of zero percent tax increase.

Question #2


-  The Bogota Junior/Senior High School has shown a move up in the rankings of State High School. What would be the next step to keep improving the High School academically.

Tito Jackson, Lisa Kohles, Ingrid Brito

The progress at our high school is highly encouraging.  A lot of this credit should go to our outstanding teachers, who go above-and-beyond to mold our young men and women to be academic achievers.  

However, we can’t just have strong influences within the classroom.  We also need them on the school board.  Bringing new names, faces and voices to the school board would be a step in the right direction.  On that point, we support the election of James Moore, Consuelo Carpenter, Kathy Van Buren and Pat McHale.  


We believe these new voices will bring fresh ideas that will directly contribute to providing greater resources to our classroom, and further enhancing student performance.

Christopher Keleman

First of all, Award for Success!  Acknowledging our educational administration would be my second choice.  Our BHS Students need to know that what they did was awesome!  Of course we wouldn't get there without the teachers, however its the kids that did all the work.  We want them to continue to work hard while attempting a new goal set by their principals and superintendent and they should be rewarded for their success.  Also, as mayor, I would be more than thrilled to acknowledge these students at an assembly during the school day and congratulate all the parents by letter as well. In my administration, education will be extremely important and very supported. 

Daniele Fede

The academic improvement is a Board of Education issue, however the Mayor and Council could have a better working relationship with the Board of Education. It should explore regionalization. This was done decades ago when we shared a High School with Maywood. We also need to retain students who are attending parochial and private schools in search of a better alternative. I attended a regional High School and it was able to provide more options and services.

Thomas  Napolitano

I must first applaud the Bogota Superintendent, Faculty, PTO, Board of Education and of course our children for the academic improvement they have recently made. It will be my job as Councilman in Bogota to support, communicate and cooperate with the Bogota School system by developing strong relationships with the leaders of our education community. They must all be supplied with the resources necessary to give our children the first class education they deserve. The Mayor and Council should support and assists all efforts to secure grants for regular operating districts (RODs) (Chapter 26, subchapter 18 section 15). 
Education has always been important to me and my family. My mother left Cuba for the United States for a better life. My siblings and I were taught the value of a strong education and all five of us have advanced degrees. I hold Master’s Degree in Engineering and have attained a Professional Engineer’s License in various states. This has enabled me to attain a position of Senior VP for a well-respected transportation engineering firm. I am very proud to see that Bogota school spirit is flying high this fall and I pledge to assist in bringing Bogota’s Education System to the top of Bergen County’s list. This serves a dual purpose; giving our children every advantage to succeed in life and raising Bogota Pride, as well as, the property values for our taxpayers!

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Bogota Sports

26-Oct-2014
  The results of the games by teams from Bogota.
  The Bogota Boys Cross Country Squad won their third straight Varsity  "D" title at Darlington Park. Bogota place 5 runners in the top ten with Andy Jaipersaud finishing  first overall.  Bogota other top finishers were Daniel Daurio coming in third followed by Quinn Geraghty, and James Draney. Chris Rivera placed 10th.  The Lady Bucs Squad  finished 5th with Jillian O'Brien taking 10th place. Ryan White of Bogota finished 4th in the Junior Varsity race.
Photo courtesy of Pat Rochford 
               
  The Bogota Lady Bucs Volleyball team won their Second Round match in the Bergen County Tournament at Old Tappan. The # 5 rank Lady Bucs beat # 12 Ramapo by the score of 2-0 (25-16 : 25-14). Lisbeth Suarez had a team high of 12 Assists. Cathleen Macaroy lead with 12 service points & 8 Digs. Ms. Macaroy along with Kelliann Brown both had 4 Aces. Ms. Brown lead the team with 10 Kills, and 4 Blocks. Tiana Henry made her return from a shoulder injury to also record 4 Blocks.
 #5 Bogota has moved into the Quarterfinal round on Tuesday 28- Oct  and will play # 4 Paramus at Old Tappan with the Match scheduled to start at 5:00p 
  

  The Bogota Football Bucs were shut-out by St. Mary's of Rutherford  0-41 in a game played at Fiegel Field. They next play on Saturday 1- Nov. against Cresskill  in their last regular season Home game for the 2014 season. This will be the Senior Game and is schedule to have a 1:00p Kickoff.









  
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Saturday, October 25, 2014

Bogota Sports

25-Oct-2014
 
 On Friday 24-Oct two of Bogota Fall Sports team played their Senior Games. Even though this was Bogota first season they still had two members of the Senior  class Frank Guerra and Kevin Rock  were honoured before their final home game  with Bogota. The Bogota Bucs Soccer Team had a 5-1 victory against Morris County Tech Nico Calabia had 2 Goals with Conor McDonnell, Colin McDonnell, and Said Shuaibi  each getting one goal.
 Photo courtesy of Pauline McDonnell



  Also on Friday the Bogota Lady Bucs Volleyball Team honored there four Seniors before the Match.  Kim Rosario, Natalie Torres, Kelliann Brown, and Cathleen Macaroy all were presented with flowers as Coach Brad DiRupo talked about their achievements during their High School careers. Coach DiRupo also present flowers to the five Seniors from Midland Park. Reese Cirino, Brianna Lelinho, Rachel Farmer, Dana Miller, & Liz Potenzano.
   The game had become a try-out for a new Lady Buc line-up due to a series of injuries to the team. Ms. Rosario has already had to sit out the entire season because of a knee injury. Over the last week three other players suffered an injury. Casey Gillespie had a season ending  ACL surgery.  Tiana Henry has a shoulder strain, and Amanda Manzo has been diagnosed with concussion symptoms. Ms. Henry will be  day to day, while Ms. Manzo will be re evaluated later.  With a shake-up in the line -up Coach DiRupo needed to platoon the setter position, and  adjust the defense. With the changes Midland Park play an a aggressive game  to make the first set close. After surviving the that set the Lady Bucs found their form to win the second Set & the  Match  2-0 ( 25-23 :25-14)  Samantha Gioiosa & Kelliann Brown each recorded 10 Kills. Cathleen Macaroy had team highs with 4 Aces, 8 Service Points & 12 Digs while Lisbeth Suarez had 12 Assist as setter.
  The  #5 Lady Bucs next play on Saturday 25- Oct in the next round of the Bergen County Tournament against #12 Ramapo at Old Tappan, in the Old Gym with a schedule start time of 6:30p










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Thursday, October 23, 2014

1,000th Post

23-Oct.-2014
   On 17- March -2011, also a Thursday, a  first story was posted on a new web site calling itself "Bogota Blog NJ".  It was a several article about the upcoming Pasta Dinner for the Bogota Band Parents.  This brief bit of History will now serve as part of  the 1,000th post of "Bogota Blog NJ".   The goal is to tell the stories from the place I live in, that were not being  covered by the local paper.  I hope that the past 999 were informative, maybe entertaining, interesting, and most important real.  I have not tried to be too extravagant with my choice of words in telling the stories, but also I have tried not to be trivial about the subjects I have covered.  A kindergarteners first Halloween parade, winning , or losing a sporting event, or  political, & business news are equally important to the people who have lived through it. I continue to feel honoured that the people of Bogota have let me in to experience part of their lives with me, and to present them to the World at Large.  I hope The Blog has grown along with me in covering the part of New Jersey we live in.
   I  have, and will always, need to thank my Family in letting me  do what I need to do to cover  Bogota. We have gone from." So you're her Dad", or " I finally get to meet your Husband" to  ' Oh you're married to the guy who is always taking pictures".  Over the past year I have been able to spend more time with the Blog,  allowing me a greater opportunity to expand. The first paid advertiser  has signed-up with Bogota Blog NJ, and the e-store has been selling  photos that have appeared in stories online. There is still room to grow, and ideas that can hopefully come about, to improve the coverage of Bogota.
  I want to thank everyone who has helped the Blog grow  over the past three years. Asking to post about upcoming events, telling me a little more about what I am covering, and even letting me know when something was not correct. I would rather not do a story if I can not have the facts right. Any help is always appreciated from sending me photos of event I can not get to letting me know what else is part of a story.
  So for a 1,000th post I just want to thank the Citizens of Bogota, New Jersey for their continuing support.

 Stephen Mazzella
 Bogota Blog NJ




( To help  support Bogota Blog NJ with it's coverage of Local news & sports please contribute what you can by using the  donation button  at the top right of the page.)