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State Assembly reps to combat lead poisoning
Democratic state Assembly members Caridad Rodriguez (D-West New York) and Ruben J. Ramos Jr. (D-Hoboken) have teamed up with Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Englewood) to sponsor legislation that would require retailers who sell paint or other paint removal items to display posters that warn against the dangers of lead poisoning if paint is not properly removed.
“Lead exposure can be harmful to individuals of all ages, but is especially damaging to children, fetuses and women of childbearing age,” Rodriguez said in a press release. “The effects of lead poisoning may occur gradually and imperceptibly, showing no obvious symptoms, but we know it can lead to learning disabilities, growth impairment, permanent hearing and visual impairment, and other damage to the brain and nervous system.”
The bill was approved 69-10-1 by the Assembly in June and has now been referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.
“Lead paint was banned from residential use in 1978, but we continue to face a significant health hazard from improperly managed lead-based paint, especially in many of our urban areas with older buildings,” Ramos said.
Spaghetti dinner block party is Sept. 2
Hoboken’s Cultural Affairs office invites members of the public to a spaghetti dinner on Sept. 2 on the Frank Sinatra Drive walkway, between First and Second streets, beginning at 5 p.m.
The event will feature four kinds of pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad, bread, and dessert.
Tickets can be purchased at City Hall in the Cultural Affairs Office, 94 Washington St., Hoboken. Checks should be made payable to the city of Hoboken.
If tickets are purchased before Aug. 26, the price is $15 for adults, $8 for children 12 and under, and $150 for a table of 10. After Aug. 26, the price rises to $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under, and $200 for a table of 10.
If purchasing by mail, send check, and include a piece of paper with your name, address, phone number and how many tickets you want to purchase.
For more information, contact the Cultural Affairs Office at (201) 420-2207.
‘Movies under the Stars’ adds more films
On Wednesday, Aug. 18, “Movies Under the Stars” will offer a double feature in Pier A Park. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” will be shown at 8:15 p.m. and “Up in the Air,” which was originally rained out, will be shown at 9:30 p.m.
All screenings are free and open to the public.
And “O n the Waterfront,” the Oscar-winning film about corruption and crime on the docks of New Jersey, will be shown at Pier A Park on Friday, Aug. 20 beginning at 8:15 p.m. The rain date is Sunday Aug. 22 at 8:15 p.m.
The screening is presented by Alamo Drafthouse and Levi’s 2010 Rolling Roadshow. The event is part of a nationwide tour which pairs films with famous locations. “On the Waterfront,” released in 1954, was shot on the Hoboken docks in the same location where the movie will be shown.
Mayor Dawn Zimmer, the city of Hoboken, and Director of Human Services Leo Pellegrini will provide free VIP seating to seniors for a Senior Night Out, which will include free transportation and refreshments. The seating is reserved, so interested individuals should call the Department of Human Services at (201) 420-2012.
VFW recruits vets from Hoboken
Weehawken’s VFW Post 1923 has been trying to recruit younger vets, including those from Hoboken. Commander Chuck Barone said Hoboken has been without a formal post of its own for approximately 20 years.
Among other activities, the group is conducting “Operation Welcome Home” to honor and provide financial assistance to vets returning home from foreign countries. Last week, they presented a $500 check to Weehawken resident Chris Jodice, an Air Force staff sergeant who just returned from Iraq.
They will continue “Operation Welcome Home” for all VFW members with honorable discharge from both Weehawken and Hoboken.
Although returning veterans receive financial assistance on a federal level through the GI Bill, many states also give a stipend to their vets when they return home to help get them back on their feet – but New Jersey does not.
The group once boasted around 125 members, but today, only 38 remain. Barone said they are actively trying to recruit young vets like Jodice to give them a place to feel comfortable as they acclimate back into society at home.
Although they’re without an official post right now, they meet at the Weehawken Nutrition Center on the last Saturday of every month, and any new vets are welcome to drop by.
‘Reading dogs’ continue at Hoboken library
Only a few spaces are left to visit with Sofie and Sheffield, the library’s amazing Reading Dogs. They return to the Hoboken Library on Wednesday, Aug. 18. Hoboken children practice emergent reading skills by reading out loud to these delightful therapy dogs. Remaining “poochy appointments” are at 3:40 p.m. Call (201) 420-2348 for registration.