New North Hudson Regional Fire chief to be sworn in Monday
North Hudson Regional Fire Deputy Chief Frank Montaigne will be sworn in as the new chief of the department on Monday, March 26, at 10 a.m. at 11 Port Imperial Blvd. in West New York, North Hudson Regional Fire Director Jeff Welz said Wednesday.
Montaigne was first on the civil service list in line for chief after former Chief Brion McEldowney retired a year ago, Welz added. Montaigne has been serving as provisional chief ever since.
“Frank scored the highest among four other candidates, and received one of the highest scores in the state,” Welz said.
Seven firefighters will be promoted to the rank of captain on Monday as well, Welz added.
Union City to hold annual Easter egg hunt
Mayor Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners announce that Union City will hold its annual Easter egg hunt for children ages 10 and younger on Saturday, April 7 at 12 p.m. at the Jose Marti Freshman Academy Athletic Field located on Summit Avenue and 19th Street.
All children must be accompanied by a parent. The event will feature an egg hunt, face painting, rides and activities, and entertainment.
WNY Cuban Lions Club to hold annual health fair
The West New York Cuban Lions Club will hold their annual free health fair in partnership with the Palisades Medical Center on Sunday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will be held in the new community room located at 515 54th St. The health fair entrance is at the back of the building at 514 52nd St.
Medical professionals will provide free general medical advice as well as free tests and screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, dental health, vision, depression, and more.
Participants will also receive free t-shirts, samples, gifts, and refreshments. All are welcome to attend.
For more information, call Manny Reyes at (201) 424-1201.
NHCAC unveils new rapid HIV testing
A new public health program aimed at increasing testing for HIV was unveiled March 6 by North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC), in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). The program is free of charge to all patients on a voluntary basis at NHCAC’s nine health centers.
The new Rapid HIV testing program’s objectives are to increase HIV testing of all patients in health care settings, including pregnant women, foster earlier detection of HIV infection, identify and counsel people with unrecognized HIV infection and link them to clinical and prevention services, and further reduce perinatal transmission of HIV infection.
The new program utilizes a fingerstick test that provides results within 15 to 20 minutes. The program’s goal is to test as many patients as possible, including pregnant women.
For more information call the NHCAC at (201) 210-0100.
Men removed from crashed vehicle in UC by firefighters; driver charged with D.U.I.
Firefighters had to remove two men from a Subaru that had crashed into a tree at 2:19 a.m. Sunday on the corner of Summit Avenue and 18th Street, Union City Police Chief Brian Barrett confirmed Tuesday.
Twenty-nine-year-old Santos Hernandez Gonzalez of Union City allegedly drove himself and a male passenger though the intersection and struck another vehicle, which crashed into a parked car on the opposite side of the street.
The driver of that car received no serious injury, Barrett confirmed.
Firefighters had to remove the roof of the Subaru to get the men out, Barrett said. “It’s a standard practice now,” he added. “It’s safer so they can get the back board into the seat, which reduces the chance of worsening neck or back injury.”
The report stated that the two men received significant facial wounds as a result of the accident. They were not wearing seat belts, Barrett reported.
“Not wearing seat belts causes more significant and serious injuries in car accidents,” Barrett said, “especially on a side-impact like this one.”
Gonzalez and his passenger were transported to Jersey City Medical Center and released after receiving treatment.
Gonzalez was charged with driving under the influence and not wearing a seat belt.
“I can’t say it enough – seat belts save lives,” Barrett added. “That’s what they’re for.”
UC Civic Association offers free income tax service
The Brian P. Stack Civic Association will offer free income tax service to residents in need of help on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 17 is the last day to file state and federal income taxes.
Those interested may contact the association located at 1202 Summit Ave. or call (201) 863-8583 to make an appointment.
Segunda Quimbamba to hold dance and drum workshops
The Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs will offer Puerto Rican dancing and drumming classes to adults and children over eight years of age at the Cobra Fencing Club located at 629 Grove St. in Jersey City. Classes will be held Sunday afternoons through June 4. Dance classes will run from 2 to 3 p.m., and drum classes will run from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.
Open registration will he held through April 15. Email nhernandez89@gmail.com or call Segunda Quimbamba Folkloric Center at (201) 420-6332 for more information. The venue is partially wheelchair accessible and students with special requests or accommodation needs should contact Nanette Hernandez at the above number or email.