Dear Editor:
I’d like to congratulate and commend all who were involved in National Night Out in Hoboken. Having participated in National Night Out for the last two years, this to me was the largest and most successful event. The day began with fingerprinting at the Hoboken Business Center (HBC) sponsored by Gregory Dell’Aquila, president of Small Business for Education Foundation (SBE) and the Hoboken Business Center. Along with his staff they treated children from throughout the neighborhood to face painting and refreshments.
I would like to especially thank Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari and the Sheriff’s Department for their presence. In attendance was Assemblyman Ruben Ramos Jr. with his family and McGruff the crime dog sponsored by Freeholder Anthony Romano. A big surprise to all the children was Colin the K-9 dog from the Sheriff’s Department.
In the evening, the Hoboken Community Police Unit under the coordination of Sergeant Melissa Gigante created a huge festival and stage show in conjunction with the Hoboken Housing Authority and Executive Director Carmelo Garcia. The residents and children were treated to a BBQ, inflatable rides and miniature golf. As the Councilman of the 4th Ward, I especially appreciated all of the law enforcement agencies who were in attendance; NJ State Police, NJ Transit Police, Hudson County Sheriffs Department, Port Authority Police and the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corp. This is the whole purpose of National Night Out, to make our community a safer place to live and play. A special thank you also goes to Police Chief Anthony Falco, who has a pulse on the neighborhoods throughout the Mile Square City.
Finally, in the uptown wards, Councilwoman Beth Mason hosted an event where many residents enjoyed food, face painting and balloon sculptures.
In closing, I wish more of our elected officials would have participated in this valuable midsummer evening bringing our city together.
Tim Occhipinti
4th Ward Councilman