Walk to end Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer’s Association is inviting Jersey City and Hudson County area residents to participate in a scenic three-mile walk in Liberty State Park on Saturday, Sept. 22. The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at the main terminal.
Opening ceremonies will include a special memorial and honorary tribute to all those affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
This year’s walk, which is taking place a month earlier than in previous years, is expected to attract more than 2,000 participants. Walkers also will have the opportunity to learn more about the disease and its effect on members of the community.
It is estimated that there are currently more than 350,000 individuals and their care partners in New Jersey struggling to cope with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. Headquartered in Denville with regional offices in Oradell, Princeton and Red Bank, the Alzheimer’s Association offers education and training, support groups, respite care assistance, and a 24-hour, toll-free telephone Helpline. For more information about Alzheimer’s disease or the Alzheimer’s Association, please call 1.800-272-3900, or visit the Web site at www.alz.org/nj.
The walk will include an appearance from CBS 2 meteorologist John Elliot and music from singer/songwriter Loretta Hagen.
To register, visit www.alz.org/walk or call 201) 261-6009.
Legal Services of N.J. offers free or low cost divorce advice
While the U.S. Census recently reported that New Jersey has the lowest rate of divorce in the nation, experts say one reason is that the cost of a divorce in the Garden State is so relatively high. And for low-income people, as well as many other locals caught in broken marriages or failed civil unions that are beyond repair, the cost of a divorce is an especially daunting barrier.
Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ) has published a brand new version of its popular manual, “Divorce in New Jersey: A Self-Help Guide,” that instructs people – step by step – on how to do their own divorce, especially if the issues are not complicated.
The publication is free for qualified low-income people eligible for Legal Services assistance. All others can secure the print edition of the 275-page manual for $50; the digital edition is $25. Detailed information for ordering online, by mail or by phone is available at www.lsnj.org/divorce. Print editions can be ordered by calling (888) 529-8338. Low-income individuals who believe they qualify for a free copy should call Legal Services’ toll-free, statewide legal hotline at (888) 576-5529.
Child advocate volunteers wanted
Are you interested in helping children in the foster care system? If so, Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is currently recruiting volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA works through trained community volunteers to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.
CASA and its volunteers speak for children in court, serve as fact finders for the judges, and safeguard the interests of the children while they are in the foster care system.
Hudson County has nearly 700 children in foster care; most have been removed from their homes for abuse or neglect. For further information, call (201) 795-9855, email mgarcia@hudsoncountycasa.org or visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.
JCMC offers classes on prenatal childbirth, breastfeeding
Jersey City Medical Center will continue to hold prenatal child birth education and breastfeeding classes through the end of the year. The hospital will also begin tours of the maternity unit on the first Saturday of every month at 4 p.m. and each Saturday during the rest of month at 12 p.m. A breastfeeding support group is held monthly at 11 a.m.
Prenatal childbirth classes will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. in the hospital’s 4 East conference room every Wednesday in September.
The classes will feature a combination lecture and movie presentation with topics that include: Third Trimester Changes, Signs and Symptoms of Labor; Labor and Delivery “What to Expect;” Pain Management, Post Birth Healing, Infant Care and Breast Feeding Tips; and a tour of Labor and Delivery/Postpartum. Refreshments will be served, but it is recommended that attendees eat before coming to class. The fee for the course is $125 per couple. Registration forms and payments must be received two weeks prior to the first class date.
Prenatal breastfeeding classes will also be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the hospital’s 4 East conference room with a lecture and movie presentation. Summer classes are Aug. 22 and Sept. 20. Topics include How Breastfeeding Works; Latching On and Positioning; When To Feed Your Baby; How Much Is Enough; and Breast Care. The cost for this class is $25 per couple. Registration forms must be filled out prior to the class date.
To register for either class, please contact coordinator April Major at (201) 521-5900.