Jersey City, Hoboken Democratic committees change leadership
HOBOKEN AND JERSEY CITY – Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop successfully put together a coalition that wrestled control of the Democratic Committee in Jersey City from the hands of Mayor Jerramiah Healy on Monday.
In a vote that required the use of secret ballot via voting machines, Jeff Dublin – an ally of Fulop’s – was named the new chairman of the Jersey City Democratic committee. This term is for two years which means that Fulop and Dublin will continue to control the committee straight through the May 2013 municipal election when Fulop will run for mayor.
Control of the committee means that Healy, should he run, will be unable to use the Democratic fund or the committee to aid his election efforts.
And in Hoboken, Jamie Cryan was elected as the new chairman of the Hoboken Democratic Committee on Monday night in the annual reorganization meeting.
Cryan recently worked as the campaign manager for 4th Ward Councilman Tim Occhipinti in November 2010 and May.
Cryan received 36 votes from committee members, as the nominee from the “Real Democrats of Hoboken.” That is the group that is allied with the Hudson County Democratic Organization.
Phil Cohen, the nominee from the “Democrats for Honest Government” – the group allied with Mayor Dawn Zimmer – received 32 votes, according to a report on a local website.
Hoboken Councilman Ravi Bhalla, a Zimmer ally, was the chair of the committee prior to this meeting.
The changes in both Hoboken and Jersey City happened after primary elections on June 7 put new committee members into office, who chose a new leader.
Hoboken’s environmental services director leaves; interim is hired
HOBOKEN – The city of Hoboken has hired Tom Atkins as the interim Environmental Services Director after it was announced that Jennifer Maier would no longer serve in her position, effective this past Monday.
City spokesperson Juan Melli would not comment on if Maier resigned or if she was asked to leave, saying the city does not comment on personnel matters.
Maier has only worked for the city since February of 2010.
Atkins’ first day of work began Tuesday, Melli said.
He has previously served as the municipal manager of Scotch Plains from 1980 through 2008, and as borough administrator of Metuchen from 1975 to 1980, according to a release.
The release from the city also noted that a “full review of the Department of Environmental Services will be conducted to ensure efficient and cost-effective services are delivered to residents.”
Baby abandoned in Weehawken treated for fractures
WEEHAWKEN — News outlets reported over the weekend that a 1-month-old girl who was abandoned on Friday at Weehawken High School was being treated at a New York hospital for multiple fractures, including a skull fracture.
The baby was found on the steps minutes after she was abandoned. Investigators found the 37-year-old mother nearby and said she was in an unusual mental state.
The mother is a Weehawken resident. The identity of the father is unknown.
Watch www.hudsonreporter.com for more developments.
Artists’ Studio Tour applications ready
Applications for the 2011 Artists’ Studio Tour are now available from Pro Arts Jersey City. Artist applications are due by Wednesday, July 20.
The Jersey City Artists’ Studio Tour is a two-day walking tour of artists’ studios, group exhibitions, and art in public spaces. The two-day tour – co-sponsored by Pro Arts Jersey City, the Jersey City Division of Cultural Affairs, the Jersey City Reporter, and other local businesses – attracts more than 2,000 visitors every year and is the city’s main cultural event.
The tour features hundreds of artists at nearly 100 locations. All events are free and open to the public and there is truly something for everyone. The Studio Tour unites Jersey City’s artists, art groups, galleries and more to create an outstanding weekend for all to celebrate our talented and vibrant artistic community.
To download an application, visit www.proartsjerseycity.org.
Free nicotine replacement program for New Jersey residents
The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is offering free nicotine replacement gum and quit smoking patches while supplies last to New Jersey Resident 18 years of age or older. This free nicotine replacement therapy program was just recently expanded and extended. Enrollment into the program is required by calling 1-866-NJSTOPS.
Enrollees receive an eight week supply of nicotine replacement treatment and up to five free counseling sessions with a quit smoking coach. For more information contact Cathy Butler at cbutler@ snjpc.org or call 856-675-5289.
1-866-NJSTOPS is free NJ Quitline with multilingual and confidential service for smokers ready to quit smoking.
Second annual ‘Butterflies for Beginners’ program
On June 12, the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) and Bergen County Audubon Society (BCAS) will hold their second annual “Butterflies for Beginners” event.
The event, which is free and open to all, will begin with a 30-minute talk and slide show about butterflies, followed by a walk around DeKorte Park looking for butterflies.
The group will meet in the Meadowlands Environment Center in DeKorte Park at 1 p.m. Check meadowblog.net for last-minute updates and weather advisories. Participants will have to sign a standard liability release for this event. To RSVP, contact Don Torino of the BCAS at greatauk4@aol.com or (201) 636-4022.