The Personal Injury Attorney Near Me Rutherford, NJ, You Can Trust

Members of the Rutherford community have come together to raise thousands of dollars for a lifelong borough resident who was left without shelter after losing his home in 2025.

John Yanick, 73, has lived in Rutherford his whole life. In June, after the death of his mother, a tax lien caused him to lose his fully paid-off home. Shortly after, residents began to notice Yanick taking shelter at a local park, just a couple of blocks from where he lived.

It was around that time that Erin Dillon, who has lived in Rutherford for most of her life, approached Yanick, learned his story and began to develop a friendship with him.

As the cold weather began to set in, Dillon and other community members knew it was crucial that they figure out some way to help. They started a GoFundMe campaign at the beginning of November and have since raised more than $14,000.

"There has been a lot of outreach, a lot of emotional reactions, and an outpouring of sympathy," said Susan Quatrone, a Rutherford resident and former borough councilwoman who organized the GoFundMe effort with Dillon. "Many neighbors wondered how they could assist, and local businesses have contributed to helping John get by."

She continued, "There was a feeling from many neighbors that whatever happened that led to an older, vulnerable, lifelong resident losing his house seemed unfair. It seems tragic that someone who had lived in that house since he was a child was no longer able to live in Rutherford."

As of Nov. 16, as detailed in an update on the fundraiser page, they were able to move Yanick into an affordable hotel.

"John didn't think anybody would give any money to help him, so it utterly shocked him that people donated money," Dillon said. "We were able to bring him to a hotel. He could sleep, be warm, and get into shelter right in time for the very coldest part of the winter."

In a written statement, Yanick said he is "really grateful" to those who have helped him out and is "looking for a brighter future."

Going forward, Quatrone and Dillon said, the goal is to find Yanick some type of long-term housing. They hope that sharing his story may lead to finding an affordable rental.

"There is no affordable housing. We do have him on a waiting list for affordable and supportive housing, but that is likely a two-year wait," Dillon said, adding that the waiting list for Section 8 housing is "not even open right now."

"We are constantly on the hunt for more permanent housing for him. He has limited income, and there are few options available and not a lot of rent support that he can access," she said.

Considering the bigger picture, Quatrone said she would like to see more protections put in place to prevent vulnerable individuals, like Yanick, from winding up in this situation.

"There are certain state laws that allow this type of thing to happen, unfortunately. It's shocking that you can lose a fully paid-off home because of tax debt that is a tiny sliver of what the home is worth and then need to have a community mobilization to provide a safety net for someone who is homeless," she said.

"Any senior could be vulnerable to a similar situation," Dillon added. "And I think we've noticed from going to social services that each individual person who tried to help, although well intentioned, is very limited in what they're able to do, so it makes it really hard to take care of a big-picture problem."

The Giants’ preferred choice for their next offensive line coach may have just become a free agent, but it’s apparently going to be a tough sell getting him to East Rutherford.

After being stripped of his run-game coordinator role in the middle of last season, Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland announced on social media Wednesday night that he will not remain a part of coach Nick Sirianni’s staff in 2026.

Here’s what Stoutland said:

“Philadelphia, I’ve decided my time coaching with the Eagles has come to an end. When I arrived here in 2013, I did not know what I was signing up for. I quickly learned what this city demands. But more importantly, what it gives back. The past 13 years have been the great privilege of my coaching career. I didn’t just work here, I became one of you. Stout out.”

The Eagles wanted Stoutland to remain on the coaching staff, but he was not going to regain the role of run-game coordinator that had been given to him in 2018 after the team won its first Super Bowl.

Stoutland turns 64 next week, but nowhere in his statement did he mention retirement. Anyone who watched him coach last season knows that he still has the energy required to handle the rigors of being an NFL coach.

It is believed, however, that he intends to remain with the Eagles in an alumni capacity for the 2026 season.

It is known that the Giants would be very much interested in hiring Stoutland if he decides to remain in coaching next season.

New Giants coach John Harbaugh is still in the midst of filling out his coaching staff after hiring Matt Nagy to be his offensive coordinator over the weekend and the two most important vacancies remaining are offensive line coach and quarterbacks coach.

Stoutland has long been considered one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL, helping the Eagles win two Super Bowls over the last 13 seasons. He has also mentored seven different players who have participated in a combined 25 Pro Bowls.

Juan Castillo, another former Eagles offensive line coach, is also under consideration for the job with the Giants, according to northjersey.com’s Art Stapleton. Castillo, 66, worked as the offensive line coach under Harbaugh in Baltimore and he worked with Nagy in Kansas City.

He was recently hired as Syracuse’s offensive line coach after spending the last three seasons at the college level. Castillo was the Eagles’ offensive line coach from 1998 through 2010. Castillo and Harbaugh were the only coaches retained by Andy Reid after he replaced Ray Rhodes as the Eagles’ head coach in 1999.

Columbia Bank recently opened its newest branch at 74 Park Avenue in Rutherford’s downtown.

The new location will further expand the bank’s presence in Bergen County, where it already has 15 branches. Founded in 1927 and based in Fair Lawn, Columbia Bank has about 65 locations and an asset base of about $10.8 billion.

“This new location allows us to serve even more customers throughout northern New Jersey with convenient, personalized financial solutions,” said Thomas J. Kemly, president and CEO of Columbia Bank. “We look forward to sharing our commitment to the community and fostering long-term growth for residents and local businesses.”

As part of Columbia’s commitment to community impact, the bank is hosting its “Banking for a Cause” program. For each new checking or savings account opened at the location, $10 will be donated to participating Rutherford-based charities/non-profits of the customer’s choice.

The donations will be tallied on March 31, 2026, and Columbia Bank will provide additional funds to the designated local organizations: $1,000 given to the organization that receives the most customer designations; $500 given to the organization receiving the second most; and $100 given to the remaining organizations.

Participating Rutherford organizations are: ASun Star; Community Options, Inc.; Meadowlands YMCA (Rutherford location); Rutherford Senior Manor; Rutherford Swim Association; Woman’s Club of Rutherford.

Great Bay Insurance Group, the leading provider of coastal homeowners insurance headquartered in Atlantic City, announced that Brian S. Schleider has been named executive vice president and chief financial officer.

In addition, Sharon Karlsson-Simons has been promoted to senior vice president of Business Development for Great Bay Underwriting Services, a wholly owned affiliate of the Group.

Schleider joined the Group in March 2020 as chief financial officer. He has over 35 years of industry experience in accounting, finance and capital management.

Schleider has an MBA from Saint Joseph’s University and a BS in accounting from Rider University. He is currently a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Karlsson-Simons joined Great Bay in March 2020 as director of marketing and brings over 35 years of industry experience in a career deeply rooted in the coastal insurance sector.

She is widely recognized for her ability to drive profitable expansion and for cultivating strong, long-lasting and robust agency relationships. She holds a degree in advertising and marketing communications from FIT.

Still looking for New Year’s Eve plans? As 2025 comes to a close, North Jersey communities offer a plethora of events from restaurant dinners, town celebrations and parties at North Jersey venues.

Ring in 2026 locally with some of these North Jersey celebrations.

Piñata night in Passaic

Passaic continues its tradition with its eighth annual New Year’s Eve piñata drop, and this year the city will introduce a patriotic twist.

In honor of America’s 250^th birthday, Passaic will dedicate this year’s piñata to "patriots of color," who fought for our freedom in the American Revolution and throughout the nation’s history.

Passaic Mayor Hector Lora said he wants to honor all people who participated in the founding of this country and highlight the diverse North Jersey community.

The city has tremendous ties to the birth of the United States. Passaic is designated as a “Victory Town,” which is an area where American and French troops passed through in their 700-mile march to Yorktown, Virginia and the Revolutionary War's decisive victory. Passaic is also where the American soldiers camped when Gen. George Washington ordered the burning of the Acquackanonk Bridge to slow down British troops.

Festivities start at 8 p.m. in front of 663 Main Ave. There, people can dance, eat at numerous restaurants and food trucks, and participate in giveaways with their community.

Disco Night in Rutherford venue

Who wants to dance the night away this New Year’s Eve?

The Williams Center in Rutherford will host a disco night party on Dec. 31. The event “Gimme Gimme New Years Eve 2026 extravaganza!” will start at 9 p.m. at 15 Sylvan St.

A variety of ticket options are available: A general admission ticket costs $64.57, including fees. A three-hour open bar general admission ticket costs $163.45, with fees. A ticket for a private VIP section with open bar is $214.95.

Williams Center, which hosts numerous musical events a year, also offers more exclusive packages for Dec. 31, including on-stage table with the DJ or a suite.

The event is only available for those 21 years or older.

M&M drop in Hackettstown

The third annual M&M ball drop in Hackettstown is set for New Year’s Eve. The festivities will take place at the town’s downtown area on Main Street starting at 8 p.m., and last until 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Local restaurants and food trucks will be open as everyone awaits the candy ball drop that will ring in 2026.

A live band, the high school cheerleading and youth competitive cheer squads, and 11-year-old Giana Pichardo with the national anthem are some of the performances scheduled before the celebration.

Numerous streets will be closed throughout the area starting at 5:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, according to the town website. Also check the website for areas where parking will be permitted.

Local North Jersey eateries open on New Year's Eve

Numerous North Jersey restaurants and bars will be hosting their own New Year’s Eve dinner and parties.

Some events will require tickets, but will provide a buffet and/or open bar. Other restaurants offer tickets for multiple-course meals. Some are offering live music and no tickets required.

Restaurants such as Blue Morel in Morristown, Lorena’s Restaurant in Maplewood and Faubourg in Montclair are options to eat in courses. Other restaurants, such as Shannon Rose in Clifton and Ramsey and The Roosevelt in East Rutherford will have live music. Check out info about other North Jersey restaurants hosting New Year's Eve events here.

First Night in Morristown

Another North Jersey New Year’s Eve tradition continues with the 34^th anniversary of First Night Morris in the downtown area of Morristown.

“The town becomes a stage,” as more than 80 performances will entertain across 20 different local venues. Acts include musical shows at the Mayo Performing Arts Center and stand-up comedy from Myq Kaplan and Matt Jenkins.

Activities for children will be offered at Morristown High School with a craft area and fun with LEGO. First Night also hosts its own film festival.

The event is hosted by the local nonprofit organization First Night® Morris County.

A ticket to all amenities, for people of all ages is $30. If a four-pack of tickets is bought, the price per tickets drops to $23.75.

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