Wednesday, 13 May 2020
www.TheObserver.com
Vol. CXXXIII, No. 1
MORE ON THE INSIDE NAPD launches online reporting of minor crimes See Page 8
BELLEVILLE • BLOOMFIELD • EAST NEWARK • HARRISON • KEARNY • LYNDHURST • NORTH ARLINGTON • NUTLEY
STATE V. HIGHER ED? What’s happening when students whose learning takes place hands-on can’t get licensed with schools closed?
By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com
I Most of the time, when we think of higher education, we envision classroom lectures and theory. But with all schools forced into distance learning, what happens to the students being prepared in environments, such as depicted above, where hands-on learning isn’t just the norm, it’s required for licensing? At Eastwick College, Nutley, let’s just say it’s been a challenge.
n the weeks leading up to now, we’ve seen on TV and even on the pages of this newspaper how so many people have been grateful for the people on the front lines battling COVID-19. Whether it’s in clapping for healthcare workers, car caravans to show appreciation to those who work at Alaris or groups sending lunches to first responders, it’s been wonderful to see people coming together
for those who are risking their lives, every single day, because of this pandemic. But we got to thinking. What about the people who work behind the scenes in healthcare settings, mostly in hospitals. Many of the people who work in positions not occupied by doctors and nurses still have to be well trained at places like Nutley’s Eastwick College. We keep hearing about See EASTWICK, Page 17
Man whose son took own life discusses suicide during a pandemic By Kevin Canessa kc@theobserver.com
G
erald “Jerry” Appelstein has experienced a life of highs and lows. He’s had a successful career in the oil business. He’s a noted arts philanthropist. And several years ago, he lost his son, Jason, to suicide. Appelstein, a member of the Foundation Board at Montclair State
University, is on a mission now — to bring greater awareness to the world about this epidemic that has cost so many wonderful human beings their lives. And, recently, he sat down with Lisa Feorenzo, The Observer’s co-owner, and journalist Kevin Canessa, on a Zoom call (which you may view in its entirety at www.theobserver.com) to discuss suicide — and then to relate it to a COVID-19 world.
Why he’s doing this Appelstein had planned to do a tribute to his son, Jason, before the pandemic hit. It would have benefitted the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with ballet and the performing arts. Without the benefit, instead he went on the Donna Drake Show, which airs on TV-10/55 Saturday mornings at 6:30 a.m. As the show began, the host, Drake,
introduced Appelstein as the father of a child who “committed suicide.” While it shocked him — he’d never been introduced that way before — he was taken aback by it all and was also enamored by Drake’s compassion. And it led him to think of something President Bill Clinton once said when he met the late former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela. “And he said, ‘You don’t judge a man See SUICIDE, Page 15
IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR Hudson, Bergen & Essex Counties Hudson County Testing Center: Hudson Regional Hospital, Secaucus. By appointment only. Pre-screening required. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Call (201) 388-1097 or (646) 862-1161. Essex County Testing Center: Weequahic Park, Newark. By appointment only. Pre-screening required. Call (973) 324-9950 to schedule appointments or for hours/days of operation. Bergen County Testing Center: Bergen Community College, Lots B & C, Paramus. Must be NJ resident & symptomatic. 500 tests per day. Asymptomatic patients will not be tested. More information may be found at www.theobserver.com.