North Bergen blamed for ‘syrup’ smell in Manhattan
A strange, sweet smell that wafted over parts of New York City, Brooklyn, and Staten Island in 2005 and again recently was determined last week to not be a terroristic threat, but most likely the product of a fragrance factory in North Bergen, according to the New York Times. New York City Mayor Bloomberg said in a press conference that the risk was taken seriously because of “this day and age.”
Reports said that the source was likely fenugreek seeds, an herb that the factory uses to produce fragrances.
The first occurrence happened in Oct. 2005. At the time, some said it might have come from the swamps in the Meadowlands.
Man killed by double hit-and-run was UC resident
According to North Bergen Police, a 30-year-old male was crossing the street early Saturday morning around 51st and Kennedy Boulevard when he was struck by a vehicle in the southbound lane.
Family members identified the individual on Feb. 5 at the Regional Medical Examiners Office as Jose Claro Luna of Union City.
Traffic Patrol Officer Frank Mena said Luna was about 75 to 80 feet from the intersection when he crossed the street and sustained serious injuries. Witnesses said that the vehicle that struck Luna was a two-door silver vehicle, which continued heading south. After being hit, the victim was thrown toward the yellow median of the road.
When another vehicle heading in the southbound lane slowed down to see what was obstructing the road, the driver allegedly saw a two-tone minivan hit the victim again, said Mena.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
Mena said that the driver who witnessed the second hit and run called the police at 2:21 a.m.
Police said that investigation for the vehicles that struck Luna is ongoing.
Traffic Patrol Commander Lt. James Somers said that police were hoping witnesses would come forward and that anyone with information should call (201) 392-2135 or 2141.
Reporter deadlines for Presidents’ Day, Feb. 16
A week from this coming Monday, the Hudson Reporter office will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, for Presidents’ Day. Therefore, some of the editorial, sales, and classified deadlines will change.
For the Wednesday, Feb. 18 issue of the Bayonne Community News and the Thursday, Feb. 19 issue of the Current, the advertising deadline is this coming Friday, Feb. 13, at noon.
For the Sunday, Feb. 22 issues, the deadlines remain the same.
If you have questions, call (201) 798-7800.
Women celebrate centennial birthdays
Two residents of the Fritz Reuter Altenheim Continuous Care Retirement Community celebrated their centennial birthdays last month.
Emma Grammar, who was born in Germany and was a homemaker, celebrated her 100th birthday last month.
Anna Detjen, who was born in Germany on Jan. 25, 1906, and is also an Honorary President of the Fritz Reuter club, the Frauen Verein, celebrated her 103rd birthday.
Networking event at Frank’s Waterside
On Feb. 10, Social Ventures Group (SVG) will hold a local business networking event at Frank’s Waterside Restaurant and Catering at 7800 River Road in North Bergen.
SVG caters to small business, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the tri-state area. Carmen Bernal-Tribolet founded SVG becaue she saw a need to stimulate business in her community with social networking events.
The guest list will include law firms, beauty salons and spas, catering businesses, and many others. The event is open to anyone who wants to network their business, products or themselves. Guests must have a business card with them and dress business casual. Tickets are $35 in advance at $40 at the door. Admission includes a three-hour buffet and beer, wine and soda.
A local band will play later in the evening. Tickets may be purchased in advance at svglounge.com.