‘Tunnel to nowhere’ poll results in
In a Hudson Reporter poll featured last week in connection with the story “Tunnel to nowhere,” we asked readers if they believed the loss of the Access to the Regions Core Tunnel would have a negative impact on economic growth in New Jersey. To find out the results, go to that story on our website, www.hudsonreporter.com.
Tarheel hits gas line, again
According to North Bergen Police Lt. Frank Cannella, Tarheel Enterprises Inc., the contractor currently working on the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Tonnelle Avenue road widening and sewerage improvement project, struck a gas line at around 3 a.m. at 5611 Tonnelle Ave., on Nov. 11.
Cannella said that it was ruptured when a construction worker struck it with a backhoe. He confirmed that this is the second time the construction company has broken a gas line. In the past, they have also struck water mains. The project was supposed to be completed last year.
Cannella said that it was not a dangerous situation, because the gas was able to vent, and PSE&G soon responded to the scene and placed a tap on the line to shut it off.
Tonnelle Avenue’s north and south lanes were both temporarily closed for two hours and traffic was once again opened around 5 a.m., Cannella said.
Stroke support group
Palisades Medical Center’s Rehabilitation Medicine Department conducts weekly Post-Rehabilitation Stroke Support Group to help local residents.
The group addresses the difficulties experienced by stroke or neurological/brain injury patients who have completed a course of treatment. The group is meant to allow participants to discuss their experiences and share tips in solving problems.
The group was created with the help of a $15,000 grant from the Seton Hall University Education and Research Partnership Program.
For more information on how you or a loved one can participate call (201) 854-5065 or (201) 854-5588.
Holiday events at local church
The Church of the Nazarene, located at 82nd Street in North Bergen, will be hosting several holiday events.
On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, it will open its doors and give away food as well as clothes for people who are in need from noon to 3 p.m.
The church is also requesting donations of gifts for children within the church and community. Gifts will also be donated to the local homeless shelters.
For more information, call (201) 220-3289.
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.