Holiday Hudson Reporter editorial and advertising deadlines
Because of the holidays the next two weeks, the Hudson Reporter newspapers will have special advertising and editorial deadlines.
For the Sunday, Dec. 27 newspapers, the display ad and classified deadline is 12 noon on Tuesday, Dec. 22.
The office will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, and Friday, Dec. 25.
For the Thursday, Dec. 31 edition of the Midweek Reporter, the classified and display advertising deadline is 12 noon on Monday, Dec. 28.
For the Sunday, Jan. 3 editions of the Reporter newspapers, the editorial deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 9 a.m., and the advertising deadline is 12 noon that same Tuesday.
The office will be closed Thursday, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 1. It will reopen on Monday, Jan. 4.
If you have questions about these deadlines or any other issue, please call (201) 798-7800. Also check www.hudsonreporter.com.
Hospital needs labor concessions
The Hoboken Municipal Hospital Board met last week to discuss the future of Hoboken University Medical Center.
Hospital CEO Spiros Hatiras told the board that the hospital has asked two labor unions for a 10 percent salary rollback, which Hatiras is recommending over layoffs.
He said the non-union employees have already agreed to the same reduction, which will result in a $2.2 million savings.
The hospital needs roughly $1 million per month in funding or additional revenue for the next year to remain open.
Meanwhile, the hospital is awaiting word from the state on $10.7 million requested from a hospital stabilization fund.
According to Joan Quigley, HUMC director of external affairs, some state officials report that no funding will be awarded until Governor-Elect Chris Christie takes office.
Conversely, Hatiras reported at the meeting that HUMC may hear from the state before the end of the year.
Christie has asked Gov. Jon Corzine to freeze all discretionary funds until he takes office, and Christie considers unawarded grant monies discretionary.
By law, the stabilization funds must be distributed, according to Quigley, who is also a state Assemblywoman, but insiders report Christie may declare a state of emergency which would allow him to hold back the funding.
Hatiras told the board that November was a better month than October for the hospital, but said he “wouldn’t call it a trend.”
Correction
Two weeks ago, the Reporter referred to Planning Board Vice Chairman Hank Forrest as a former Planning Board member. Forrest is currently an active member of the board whose term expires Dec. 31, 2009.
Holiday Crafts Fair
City Hall is hosting the second weekend of the annual Holiday Crafts Fair on Saturday, Dec. 19 and Sunday, Dec. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 94 Washington St.
The wares include handknit scarves, hats and mittens, handmade yarns, felted bags and scarves, jewelry made from typewriter keys, hand blown glass beads, gemstones, recycled materials and pottery, stained glass, mosaics, photography, paintings, wood cutting boards and lamps, holiday ornaments, and more.
For more information about the event or the crafters participating, call (201) 420-2207 or visit www.hobokennj.org.
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; health care 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.
Promoting youth development at Urban League
The Urban League of Hudson County CEO Program is recruiting for an innovative new program that works with youth between the ages of 14 and 18. The program is free of charge and hours are Monday through Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. with a few weekend activities. The youth program focuses on career and life choices, civic engagement, job skills training, health and safety, financial literacy, cultural engagement, self-discipline, responsibility and recreational trips.
For more information about joining, contact La-Trenda Ross, Program Coordinator at (201)451-8888 x 219 or email lross@ulohc.org.