Four-alarm fire leaves WNY home gutted; residents seeking housing
A four-alarm early morning fire on Monday left a two-story home at 5012 Hudson Ave. in West New York destroyed, and a neighboring residence with water damage.
Police Chief Michael Indri said that because of the Fire Department’s immediate notification and quick response, the four evacuated families and their pets were unharmed, and no firefighters sustained any injuries.
“It was unfortunate incident, but it wasn’t a tragedy – we’re pleased with that,” Indri said.
After the fire was put out, officials boarded up the home, which Indri called “a total loss.”
The town and Red Cross will work together to put the displaced families up at neighboring hotels and help them with transportation to and from work and school until they can find more permanent living situations.
Indri continued that, after a few days, if the displaced families still don’t have anywhere to go, the town will take over and try to accommodate them further.
PERC to hold annual holiday fundraiser
The Palisades Emergency Residence Corp. (PERC) will hold its annual holiday fundraising party at Antonia’s By the Park, 9011 Palisade Ave. in North Bergen, on Tuesday, Dec. 6 between 6 and 9 p.m.
In addition to Italian hors d’oeuvres created by Chef Antonia Vene and a beer tasting provided by New Jersey Beer Company, “Through My Eyes: Views of Homelessness and Home” – a photography exhibit created by former and current PERC guests – will have its premiere.
Tickets cost $50. Call (201) 348-8150 or email events@percshelter.org for more information.
Union City elementary school to host holiday concert
Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, located on Hauxhurst Avenue in Weehawken, will host a special holiday concert on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. The concert will feature the performances of renowned pianist and composer Kennedy Ng and local students.
Woodrow Wilson is an Arts Integrated Blue Ribbon School within the Union City school district. For more information, call (201) 348-2701.
Union City Performing Arts Center to hold Christmas concert
Mayor Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners will hold “The Union City Christmas Concert” at Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Blvd., on Friday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.
The performance will feature multi-Grammy-award-winning tenor Mariano Vidal and pianist Alex Brown.
Admission is free. Free parking is available at the 23rd Street parking deck between Summit Avenue and Kerrigan Avenue. Visit www.unioncityPAC.com for more information.
Police Benevolent Association to hold toy drive
“Cops for Tots,” run by the Weehawken Police Benevolent Association, will hold its fifth annual toy drive through Dec. 16 to benefit Hudson County agencies such as the Department of Youth and Family Services, and the Palisades Medical Center and Hoboken University Medical Center.
The PBA requests the donation of new, unwrapped toys for male or female children, newborn to 15 years of age. The Weehawken Police Department at 400 Park Ave. and the Weehawken Volunteer First Aid Squad at 201 Highwood Ave. are accepting the donations.
For more information, call the Weehawken Police Department at (201) 863-7800 or the First Aid Squad at (201) 863-6611.
Citizenship classes at Secaucus library
At the start of 2012, the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center will offer civics classes to local library patrons to help them prepare for the Citizenship Test. The spots are first open to residents, but non-residents will be admitted if there is space.
A series of seven classes will begin Jan. 21. The classes will be held at the library on Saturday mornings, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Those interested in attending may contact Louise Rittberg at louiserittberg@yahoo.com to register and provide their name, address, phone number and email address, if available, or can apply in person. For more information, both Director Jenifer May and Rittberg can also be reached at the library by calling (201) 330-2083.