Salvadorian ‘Festival de la Pupusa’
The Salvadorian “Festival de la Pupusa” will be held on Sunday Sept. 4 in West New York from noon until 7 p.m. According to Mayra Dominguez, one of the organizers, the event will have several bands and music groups and food contests including “fastest pupusa eater” and best pupusa. A pupusa is a Salvadorian corn tortilla stuffed with several ingredients.
For more information, please call (201)747-2355.
Article: UC police chief earned thousands from side jobs each year
According to a recent NJ.com article that followed up on a News 12 investigative report, the police chief of Union City earns $248,000 for his full time job and additional money for off-duty work at the city’s pools and athletic field. The records obtained by the news organization state that the Board of Education paid Charles Everett $34,770 in 2009, $36,840 in 2010, and $17,520 in 2011 for security work at the athletic field and one city pool.
The original News 12 NJ report said that their “cameras caught him showing up late, leaving early and working out at the police gym” while he was being paid.
After the News 12 report, Union City Mayor Brian Stack requested an investigation. According to Stack’s spokesman, the mayor will decide on taking action, once the investigation is completed.
The NJ.com article followed up to show how much money Everett was earning from his extra jobs, but did not give proof as to whether he had done all the work.
That story also quoted Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio as looking into the matter. “We are doing our due diligence and have made some inquiries,” he said.
This was not the first investigative TV report in Union City. Earlier this year, a Fox 5 news segment exposed Stack’s ex-wife, Katia, who runs Union City’s day care program, as sometimes using a city car and city gas for her own purposes. The car was meant to be used for her day care job. After the report came out, Stack said he was “disgusted” by Katia’s actions. Katia Stack reimbursed the city for gas money.
Habitat for Humanity to hold sixth annual golf outing
H abitat for Humanity of Hudson County will hold their sixth annual golf outing and tournament on Thursday, Sept 8 at the Bamm Hollow Country Club at 215 Sunnyside Drive in Lincroft. Lunch will be served prior to 1 p.m.
The event is sponsored by the Kearny Federal Savings Bank. An awards dinner will follow the event. Sponsorships are available.
To register or for sponsorship information, call golf Co-Chairman Paul Swibinski at (201)-864-0600 or Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Santos Murillo at (201)-209-9002. Visit www.habitathudsoncounty.org for more information.
New Jersey Blood Services makes emergency appeal for blood donors
New Jersey Blood Services, a division of New York Blood Center, have lost over 2,000 units of blood due to shutdowns and power outages resulting from Hurricane Irene. The supply of several blood types, including O-negative, are below the typical three-to-five day inventory level.
“We need the help of our communities to replenish the blood supply,” said NYBC Vice President Rob Purvis.
To donate blood or for information on how to organize a blood drive, call toll-free 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybloodcenter.org.
National Alliance on Mental Illness offers programs
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is presenting a 12-week family-to-family education program to those who have family members that have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, borderline personality disorder, co-occurring brain and addictive disorder.
Course topics will include clinical treatment of the disorders and helpful coping mechanisms for the families.
Classes will be held every Wednesday in Union City for a 12-week period beginning Sept. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For more information and a class schedule, call Martha at 201-861-0614 or Mary at 201-766-2369. Registration is required. All materials are supplied.
Also, NAMI meets monthly in Hudson County and holds meetings in both Spanish and English. To find out more, contact Martha or Mary at the numbers above.
Hospice volunteer training course
Hudson Hospice Volunteers, Inc. seeks volunteers to serve in companionship for terminally ill patients, to provide support for patients and their families, and to run errands and conduct telephone reassurance. The Volunteer Training Program begins Sept. 20 and run until Nov. 8 on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. or Tuesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, contact Sister Carol: (201) 433-6225.