Holiday Hudson Reporter advertising deadlines
Because of the holidays the next two weeks, the Hudson Reporter newspapers will have special advertising and editorial deadlines.
For the Wednesday, Dec. 22 edition of the Bayonne Community News and the Thursday, Dec. 23 Midweek Reporter, the editorial deadline is Monday, Dec. 20 at 9 a.m. and the classified deadline is noon. The Midweek’s display ad deadline is Monday, Dec. 20, at noon.
For the Sunday, Dec. 26 editions of the Reporter newspapers, the display ad and classified deadline is noon on Tuesday, Dec. 21.
The office will be closed on Thursday, Dec. 23, and Friday, Dec. 24. It will reopen Monday, Dec. 27.
For the Wednesday, Dec. 29 edition of the Bayonne Community News and the Thursday, Dec. 30 edition of the Midweek Reporter, the classified and display advertising deadline and editorial deadline is noon on Monday, Dec. 27.
For the Sunday, Jan. 2 editions of the Reporter newspapers, the editorial deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 28 at 9 a.m., and the advertising and classified deadline is noon.
That week the office will be closed on Dec. 30 and Dec. 31.It will reopen on Monday, Jan. 3.
If you have questions about these deadlines or any other issue, please call (201) 798-7800. Also check www.hudsonreporter.com.
Sires supports president’s tax compromise
Rep. Albio Sires says he will support President Barack Obama’s middle class tax relief package.
“While not perfect, this compromise represents the most realistic path forward to ensuring that middle class Americans do not see an increase in their taxes come Jan. 1,” he said.
Sires said that in addition to the tax relief that it will provide to the 96 percent of New Jerseyans making under $250,000, this proposal also represents the best opportunity in the foreseeable future for assisting the millions of laid off workers through a 13-month extension of unemployment benefits.
“Given that the holiday season is upon us, this relief could not come at a better time,” he said. “The two percent payroll tax cut will also be a vital component of our economic recovery over the next year by placing money back in the pockets of workers to infuse money into the economy.”
This package also extends important tax credits for American families, including the Child Care Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, as well as the American Opportunity Tax Credit to help make college more affordable.
NB captain aids UC Police, nabs alleged bank robber
Quick cooperation between several police departments helped Union City police nab Victor Vazquez, 62, of West New York, after he allegedly fumbled a robbery at a Union City bank and then allegedly robbed a bank in Guttenberg.
According to Union City Police Chief Charles Everett, Vazquez entered TD Bank at 4312 Bergenline Ave. just after 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 15 and allegedly handed the teller a note demanding cash.
“He never actually got any money,” explained Everett, who said that after the teller refused to give Vazquez funds, Vazquez fled in a vehicle.
Union City police broadcast a description of the vehicle and of Vazquez over the statewide police radio.
Soon afterward, Vazquez entered the GSL Savings Bank, located at 6823 Bergenline Ave., and allegedly demanded funds, again with a note, said Guttenberg Capt. Joel Magenheimer.
Magenheimer said Vazquez allegedly received $1,400 from the bank before fleeing around 2:55 p.m.
An off-duty West New York police officer witnessed a vehicle matching the description at 51st Street and Kennedy Boulevard, Everett said. North Bergen Police were dispatched and followed Vazquez with the town’s surveillance camera system, he said.
North Bergen Police Patrol Commander Capt. Robert Hovan conducted a motor vehicle stop and apprehended Vazquez, who was delivered to the custody of Union City police.
Everett said that Vazquez allegedly robbed two other banks recently in Hackensack and Fairview.
Police said that Vazquez did not have any weapons on him.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case and police said Vazquez will likely face federal prosecution.
Police: allegedly phony contractor caught with handcuffs
After a female North Bergen resident called police Dec. 15, claiming that a contractor took $10,000 from her but never rendered any services, police arrested Rafael Perez, 38, of Union City, for theft by deception and for using bad checks.
According to Commander of the Detective Bureau Lt. Frank Cannella, Perez has handed out his business cards for general construction across town, including at North Bergen’s Home Depot and Loew’s stores, but that he allegedly has no license to perform such work.
The female resident contacted police after she had given Perez $10,000, but according to her, he never performed any work on her home. She says Perez offered her a $2,500 refund check, but police say the checks were for a closed checking account.
Police received notification that he would be in the area and set up surveillance around Wednesday. Perez was arrested around 11 a.m.
“While he was being arrested, a search [allegedly] revealed a badge and handcuffs as well, and additional charges will be filed,” said Cannella.
Cannella said that anyone who may have been victimized by Perez should call the North Bergen Detective Bureau at (201) 392-2092.
UC urges shop owners to stop selling machetes
In response to recent area machete attacks, Union City Mayor Brian Stack and Police Chief Charles Everett sent out a letter last Friday urging shop owners to stop selling machetes “that may be used in acts of violence or in a threatening manner.” Use of machetes, the letter said, does not serve a practical purpose in urban Union City and poses a threat to the public safety of the community.
“We would never suggest to a local store how to conduct their business unless it was for purposes of public safety…as you may know, there have been a few incidents that have involved…aggression with machetes,” the letter stated.
The letter added, “We thank you for your consideration in our appeal and hope that you understand our desire to curb violence in our neighborhoods.”
WNY school district to benefit from $11.5 Million Math-Science Partnership Grant
The Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education (CIESE) at Stevens Institute of Technology has been awarded a highly competitive, five-year, $11.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation whose goal is to enhance teaching and learning of physical and earth science in grades 3-8 in 12 diverse districts across New Jersey.
The West New York school district will be a participating member of the PISA 2 program, which will employ contemporary societal challenges, such as climate change and energy consumption, as vehicles to engage and motivate teachers and their students in science and engineering learning, and to foster 21st century skills such as creativity, innovation, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.
Doric apartment building welcomes donations
In the lobby of the Doric Apartments, 100 Manhattan Ave., Union City, there are two collection boxes set up. One is a food collection box for the homeless and the other is a box for the Adopt-a-Solider program, which provides staples for soldiers in the Middle East. All donations are welcome.
‘Three Kings Day’ to be celebrated in the new year
The National Association of Cuban-American Women is announcing the Toys Distribution Event for the children of Union City, in celebration of the Hispanic tradition of “Three Kings Day.”
The show and distribution of toys will take place Jan. 9 at the Park Theater, 630 32nd St., from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. To obtain tickets for the show, please call (201) 864-4879 or (201) 271-9308. One ticket per child. Adults do not need tickets. However, only one adult per family will be permitted.
NJMC offers third-Tuesday-of-the-month nature walk
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a nature walk and talk Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst, which will begin with a 90-minute walk near the Meadowlands Environment Center, and follow with a talk about the Sun by Laura Venner, a NASA solar system ambassador and Meadowlands Environment Center educator, at 11:30 a.m. Check meadowblog.net for last-minute weather updates. You will have to sign a standard liability release for this event. To rsvp, contact Don Torino at greatauk4@aol.com or (201) 636-4022.
New education pavilion to be named in honor of NJMC executive director
The Meadowlands Conservation Trust announced at its Monday, Dec. 13 meeting that it will name a new education pavilion in honor of MCT Trustee and New Jersey Meadowlands Commission Executive Director Robert Ceberio. The Robert Ceberio Environmental Education Pavilion will be part of the NJMC River Barge Park and Marina in Carlstadt, which is scheduled to open late next summer.
Ceberio is retiring from the NJMC on Dec. 31 after a nearly 30-year career at the Commission, including the past eight years as executive director.