Weehawken resident participates in successful mission to Haiti
From Aug. 11 through 15, Weehawken resident Matt Minucci travelled to Les Cayes, Haiti as part of a six-person team flying in two airplanes to carry over 300 lbs. of medical supplies (courtesy of AmeriCares in Stamford, Conn.) for delivery to a hospital in dire need of supplies.
Les Cayes, though not directly affected by the quake, has had to absorb over 100,000 refugees from Port-au-Prince.
The medical professionals on Minucci’s team have been assisting the hospital and working to identify the hospitals’ needs as well as acting on a consulting level to strengthen and improve the hospital operations.
Their mission also included a pivotal meeting with local government officials, including the senator for that part of southern Haiti and the Director of Commerce, which Minucci said will pave the way for growing and facilitating future missions in Les Cayes.
Minucci said that although the earthquake devastation is not visible in Les Cayes, sights of an ailing nation in poverty and dire need are everywhere. But hope abounds.
“Aside from all of the poverty and quake devastation, what I saw was a place with tremendous potential,” said Minucci. “The natural beauty of the island, lush green mountains, dramatic coastline, and turquoise waters I’m certain will someday host many travelers and a bustling tourism industry. The people seem to be very faithful and tremendously resilient. But they need help, support, and direction in order to rebuild their country.”
For more information or to make a donation, contact Archangel Airborne at info@archangelairborne.org, (914) 799-5273, or visit www.archangelairborne.org.
Meadowlands celebrates Festival of Birding
On Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission will celebrate the 7th Annual Festival of Birding with walks, eco-cruises, and workshops geared toward birders and nature lovers of all experience levels.
The event is being organized by Hackensack Riverkeeper and the New Jersey Audubon Society, and is sponsored by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission. For information or to register visit hackensackriverkeeper.org/BirdFest10.htm or call (201) 968-0808.
Volunteers sought to help foster care children
Hudson County CASA is currently recruiting volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) works through trained community volunteers to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to children, while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.
CASA and its volunteers speak for children in court, serve as fact finders for the judges, and safeguard the interests of the children while they are in the foster care system.
Information sessions regarding the program and the role of its volunteers will be held on Sept. 7 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Room 901 of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave. in Jersey City.
Hudson County has over 750 children in foster care; most have been removed from their homes for abuse or neglect. For further information, please call (201) 795-9855, e-mail mveenhof@hudsoncountycasa.org, or visit our website at www.hudsoncountycasa.org.
Weehawken offers tennis lessons for adults and kids
The Weehawken Recreation Department will be offering Adult Tennis Lessons on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. starting Sept. 8 through Oct. 18, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. starting Sept. 7 through Oct. 14 at the Weehawken Waterfront Complex. The total cost for the adult classes is $120.
Lessons for children will begin on Sept. 13, also at the Weehawken Waterfront Complex. Lessons are one hour long and will be held twice a week from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Classes for children ages 7 to 9 will be held on Mondays and Tuesdays. Classes for children ages 9 to 12 will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The total cost for the children’s classes is $40.
Class size for both adult and children’s classes is limited to eight each, and is for Weehawken residents only. Proof of residency is required. For more information or to sign up, call (201) 319-6061 or email weehawkentennis@gmail.com.