Residents respond to poll about safety on WNY streets
As part of last week’s article “Taking back the streets” about a recent rally for public safety in West New York, we asked readers if they think the town needs to make a greater effort to ensure public safety.
Though answers fluctuated throughout the week, the final results of the unofficial poll showed a majority response; check it out at www.hudsonreporter.com and look for the story under “West New York News.”
Polls will continue to be added to Reporter articles covering hot topics, so be sure to check out our website every week to give your vote and voice your opinions!
Receivership granted for neglected buildings in UC
After months of Union City vying for custodial receivership of Imam Feisal Rauf’s property on Central Avenue, Superior Court Judge Olivieri, in a teleconference Nov. 9 with Union City’s attorney and Rauf’s attorney, has granted receivership with “restrictions” to custodial receiver Raymond Bulin, according to Union City spokesman Mark Albiez.
Rauf is the Muslim cleric at the center of the controversy over the proposal to build an Islamic cultural center and mosque near the former World Trade Center site.
The teleconference was the next step after Olivieri received the city’s final inspection report Oct. 22 based upon a final inspection by the city Oct. 21 that revealed fire, building, and health code violations remained at 2206 Central Ave. In the report, the city again called for receivership on the basis of continued failure to remedy violations by the specified deadlines.
Bulin has not been granted full management of the building, but has been tasked with abating the remaining violations, such as uncapped sewer lines and bedbug infestation. A $7,000 check, money from October rent payments held in escrow from Rauf’s attorney, will pay for the repairs.
Residents invited to take part in “world’s largest Christmas project”
Iglesia Bautista Betania in Union City is will serve as a collection point for Operation Christmas Child during “National Collection Week” from Nov. 15 through Nov. 22.
Operation Christmas Child, which is being called the world’s largest Christmas project, sends shoe box gifts to children in countries suffering from natural disaster, war, terrorism, disease, famine, and poverty.
The program uses tracking technology that allows donors to “follow your box” to the destination country where it will be hand-delivered to a child in need.
Donations can be brought to Iglesia Bautista Betania, 911 22nd St. in Union City on the following days and times: Nov. 15 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 16 and 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Nov. 18 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Nov. 19, 20, and 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Last year, Iglesia Bautista Betania collected 1,020 boxes for the worldwide Operation Christmas Child effort. This year, volunteers hope to collect more than 1,100 gift-filled shoe boxes from families, kids, churches, schools, and civic organizations throughout the area.
Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child, a project of international relief and Christian evangelism organization Samaritan’s Purse, has delivered more than 77 million gift-filled shoe boxes to needy children in some 130 countries.
Volunteers are needed to prepare, pack, and process the gift boxes. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call 1 (800) 353-5949 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org.
Local talent showcase to be held in UC
On Nov. 27, “Reflecting the Current,” a showcase of local talent will be held at Mexico Lindo Lounge, 3603 Park Ave. in Union City. The event will feature an art exhibition and live painting by Ark, performances by Jim Brown, Santana, Infinite Mind, Nikki Graffiti & E, Internal Quest, Anadelia, Caridad Rivera, and many more. There will also be free giveaways and a raffle. All ages are welcome to the show, hosted by Physical Graffiti and DJ Statement, which will include an open mic session.
First food pantry a success, help needed for Nov. 20
Dvine Konektion Community Development Corporation has announced that over 250 households were served during their inaugural food pantry distribution, held on Oct. 2. According to representatives from Dvine Konektion, almost half of those families are currently unemployed. Another 35 percent were employed either full-time or part-time but did not have an income sufficient to make ends meet.
Representatives said that the event was a success thanks to the help of volunteers and various donors including Applebee’s of North Bergen, Costco, El Unico Restaurant, Evelio Photo, Extra Supermarket, Heaven’s Helpers, Home Depot of North Bergen and Secaucus, Kohl’s of Secaucus, La Fe, Little Darlings Daycare, Lowe’s of North Bergen, Mave Rave, Panera of Denville, Precision RF, Sam’s Club of Secaucus, Shoprite of Union City, Target of North Bergen, and Wegmen’s Grocery Store.
Dvine Konektion, located in West New York, serves the towns of Guttenberg, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken, and West New York.
In addition to giving out free bags of groceries, they also partner with other local non-profits, state agencies, and businesses to provide services to those in need.
The next food pantry distribution will be on Nov. 20, during which non-perishable groceries will be given away and several organizations will provide services on site free of charge.
Over 500 people are expected to be in attendance at the next event and Dvine Konektion is still in need of some critical items including: pancake mix, cereal, oatmeal, tuna fish, canned ham and sausages, boxed or bagged rice, spaghetti, macaroni, and frozen turkeys.
Anyone wishing to give a donation of items or financial donation can contact Dvine Konektion at (201) 617-4484. Donations are tax deductible and are accepted Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Other hours are available upon request. Dvine Konektion is also currently accepting donations of gently-used clothes, shoes, and baby items.
Applications being accepted for Hispanic Business Council Scholarship
The Hispanic Business Council Scholarship Foundation of NJ, Inc. (HBCSF) announced that applications are now being accepted for the annual scholarship and book stipend awards for current college and college-bound Hispanic students for the 2011-2012 school year.
Open to all New Jersey residents of Hispanic heritage, the current application can be accessed through www.hbcsf.org. Applications and all required information must be postmarked by Feb. 28, 2011. Scholarships of up to $4,000 each will be disbursed directly to the college or university of the student’s choice. In addition to tuition scholarships, HBCSF also awards $1,000 book stipends.
In order to be eligible, a student must remain enrolled full-time at an accredited college, university, community college, or trade school in the United States and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Scholarship recipients will be required to complete 80 hours of community service between June 2011 and June 2012.
Interviews and the final award selection will be completed by the end of March, and the scholarships will be presented at the Foundation’s 20th Annual Scholarship Gala on May 12, 2011.
The HBCSF is a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization with a mission to advance the educational aspirations of Hispanic students so that they may become professionals, leaders, and valued citizens of the community.
Since 1993, HBCSF has awarded $286,000 to 104 students. Information about the scholarship, previous scholarship recipients, and the organization’s gala can be accessed at www.hbcsf.org or requested by e-mail to info@hbcsf.org.