BREAKING NEWS: Driver Kills Deer on Fletcher Avenue

From this morning's Record:

A motorist struck and killed a deer in Fort Lee this morning, police said. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. at Fletcher Avenue near Lemoine Avenue, police said.

It's amazing there are any deer left in this area, especially so close to the major roadways.

A Political Refugee's Story: Russian Lawyer Flees Moscow for New Jersey

Fort Lee is home to a growing population of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, which leads me to wonder--what are some of the conditions that led our neighbors to come to the U.S.? Here's an article from the recent edition of U.S. News and World Report that sheds some light on the political conditions that recent emigres have left behind:

From the July 28 edition of U.S. News & World Report:

MOSCOW—Just over a year ago, Boris Kuznetsov moved to the United States, dream destination for would-be migrants all over the world. Now living in a two-room apartment in Fort Lee, N.J., the 64-year-old ex-Muscovite has a view of the Hudson River, and he is adapting to his new life by taking English and driving lessons. Read the full story.

UPCOMING EVENTS: Outdoor Film/Music Series

The Fort Lee Film Commission presents 2008 Movies & Music Under the Stars

Series runs now through the end of August. All programs start at 7 p.m. with live music, and films start at sunset. Location: Fort Lee Community Center outdoor stage / green at 1355 Inwood Terrace. Rain location: inside Community Center. Admission is free - please bring blanket and or beach chairs. For further information, please call the Fort Lee Film Commission office at (201) 592-3663 or visit http://www.fortleefilm.org

UPCOMING EVENT: Blood Drive on August 1

Fort Lee Emergency Services is sponsoring a blood drive for Friday Aug. 1, from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. at The Fort Lee Community Center, 1355 Inwood Terrace. Appointments are preferred. For further information call 201-585-1294 or email fortleeambulance@gmail.com

BREAKING NEWS: Local Storeowner Killed in Leonia Blaze

The Parisenne Bakery has become a major stopping point for food and socializing on Main Street, but it is the scene of another kind of activity today, as regulars stopped to mourn the sudden death of Hirokazu Sano last night in a fire at his home. The bakery is housed in the same corner building as the VFW Post (right on the corner of Center Avenue) where the newly established Veterans' Square is located.

The owner of a Fort Lee pastry shop was killed this morning in a fast-moving fire that quickly engulfed his Leonia home. Witnesses said the flames were 40 feet high.

Hirokazu Sano, 48, apparently was alone when the blaze broke out shortly before 4:30 a.m.

“There were flames 40 feet high,” said next-door neighbor David Ash, 64, who watched from outside his Highwood Avenue home on the otherwise quiet dead-end street. “I never saw such high flames from a house fire.”

The full article is in today's Record, the photo gallery really shows the level of devastation that ripped through that house.

A Real Treat--TASTeatery Cafe

This cool little dining spot opened up on Anderson Avenue, and serves all natural sodas, fresh baked items, sandwiches, and now has a burger menu. The coffee is smooth, the ingredients are organic, and the atmosphere is definitely hip. There is even a kids menu, serving up veggies on the side!

You can check out the whole menu on their myspace site. (Can an eatery really be a 33 year old male? And how do you pronounce the name, anyway?)

Fort Lee Resident Named United Rentals New Chief

From the Stanford Advocate, July 22, 2008

After a $4 billion merger with the parent company of Chrysler failed last year, United Rentals Inc. of Greenwich has elected Jenne Britell, 66, of Fort Lee, N.J., as chairwoman of its board.

A United Rentals director since 2006, she takes a post that Bradley Jacobs had held until he resigned Aug. 31.

Jacobs co-founded United Rentals in 1997. The company had sales of $3.73 billion last year and is the largest U.S. construction equipment rental company.

Britell will continue in her role as chairman and chief executive officer of Structured Ventures Inc., which advises U.S. and foreign companies on financial services and product strategy.

She was a senior executive at GE Capital of Stamford from 1996 to 2000. Britell has a bachelor's and master's degree from Harvard University and a master's and a doctorate from Columbia University.