30 residents apply for Zoning Board seats
The City Council will make at least two Zoning Board appointments at their meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
The two seats currently belong to Jim Perry and Jose Ponjuan and will be available Jan. 1, 2010, according to Zoning Board President Dominic Lisa. Another alternate seat currently belonging to Michael Novak may be appointed as well. Novak is among those who have applied for one of the permanent seats.
Over 30 residents have applied for the seats, including former city Business Administrator Richard England, former Zoning Board Chairman John Branciforte, former mayoral candidate Patricia Waiters, and Keith Furman, who is one of Mayor Dawn Zimmer’s allies.
Candidates will have a chance to address the council at a meeting on Wednesday.
Swine flu vaccine available
The Hoboken Health Department in conjunction with Hoboken University Medical Center is offering free H1N1 Swine Flu virus immunizations for certain priority groups.
The vaccine is available on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Assumption Hall at HUMC, Third and Clinton streets.
Officials said the supply is limited and only available to certain priority groups on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The priority groups include household caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age; healthcare and emergency medical services personnel; all people from 6 months to 24 years of age; and persons aged 25 through 64 years of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
Officials request that vaccine-seekers do not come to the clinic if they are sick.
Street closure with no parking will be in effect on Third Street between Clinton Street and Willow Avenue from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the east side of Clinton Street between Third and Fourth streets from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information, visit the city website at www.hobokennj.org or call (201) 420-2375.
City to look for new director
Mayor Dawn Zimmer has notified John Pope, director of Environmental Services, that the city will re-advertise for his position and that he may be replaced by the end of January.
A city source said Zimmer didn’t get a very good response to the last call for resumes for the position, possibly because she was not yet elected mayor yet and possibly because most cities refer to the “Department as Public Works” rather than environmental services. The city will use the term “public works” when they advertise this time around.
If no highly qualified candidate applies, Pope may remain the director, the source said.
Chanukah celebration
Chabad of Hoboken is sponsoring the annual Family Chanukah Celebration at City Hall, 94 Washington St.
The children’s segment begins at 4 p.m. on City Hall’s third floor and includes “The Miracle of Chanukah” with the Small Wonder Puppet Theater, arts and crafts, color-a-cookie, a raffle, music, and more.
The lighting of the Menorah with honored politicians, including Gov. Jon Corzine, takes place outside of City Hall at 5 p.m.
The event is free and all are welcome. Latkes, donuts, chocolate gelt, and other snacks will be provided.
For more information, or to receive a Menorah kit or other holiday needs, please call (201) 386-5222 or visit www.JewishHoboken.com.
Holiday fun at the Museum
On Tuesday, Dec. 15, the Museum will welcome a group of Christmas carolers from the St. Dominic Academy Women’s Choir from 7 to 9 p.m. Rain date is Wednesday, Dec. 16.
The group will set off on a winding path from the Museum’s entrance to spread holiday cheer throughout the neighborhood, from Hudson St. to Willow Ave., between 11th and 14th streets, stopping to sing a carol or two along the way. Anyone who knows the traditional carols is invited to join in the singing. The event is free, but the choir appreciates offers of cookies and hot beverages along the way.
The choir has performed at Carnegie Hall, and has recorded a CD of Christmas music, which will be available for sale in the Museum for $15.
From Wednesday, Dec. 16 to Friday, Dec. 18, Hoboken-based The Theater Company presents a reading of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” at the Museum.
Formerly known as the DeBaun Players, The Theater Company promises a dramatic interpretation to bring the world of Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and 19th century England to life for young and old alike. This family-friendly version was written and directed by Clara Barton Green.
Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening at the Museum.
Tickets cost $15, including refreshments; just $10 for students and seniors. Tickets will be available for purchase in advance at the Hoboken Historical Museum or at the door.
For all these events, call (201) 656-2240 for more information.