Dear Editor:
I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came together in various ways to make the Hoboken Family & Friends Thanksgiving community dinner a great success. The buffet dinner, which was served to Hoboken Housing Authority residents as well as seniors from a few other residences throughout the community, took place Nov. 25 at the Multi-Service Center at 124 Grand Street, with food available for about 250 people.
Thanks to Housing Authority Executive Director Carmelo Garcia and Save the Youth Academy Director Luis Acevedo for all their help putting the event together, and to the many volunteers who helped organize, serve food and entertain residents, including Councilman Michael Lenz; Recreation Department assistant superintendent Eddie Miller and his daughter, Jenny; city employee Paul Drexel; kids from the Save the Youth Academy; and staff and volunteers from the Multi-Service Center, among others.
Many thanks to those who generously donated to fund the event, including Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, Councilmen Ravi Bhalla, Peter Cunningham and Michael Lenz, Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano, Perry Belfiore, Joe Branco, Keith Furman, Dominic Lisa, John Pope, Frank Raia and the Police Benevolent Association and Police Athletic League. Thanks also to Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Environmental Services Director John Pope and Health and Human Services Director Leo Pellegrini for helping coordinate the use of the Multi-Service Center and to Environmental Services staffer Victor Colon for leading the cleanup afterward.
Thanks also to Hashway’s Deli & Catering of North Bergen, which provided outstanding food and service at a very reasonable price.
The community dinner came together quickly and efficiently, and that could not have happened without a wide-ranging team effort of reliable, caring people who came together and pitched in for the good of the community. The residents who attended enjoyed themselves thoroughly, and creating a positive community experience is what the holidays are all about. Thanks again to all.
Sincerely,
Jake Stuiver
Hoboken Housing Authority Board of Commissioners