Cake balls “Best in Show” at library mini-fair cake baking contest
The Friends of the Secaucus Public Library had clear skies and great success on Saturday at the 15th Annual Friends of the Library Mini-Fair/Used Book Sale. Judging for the annual cake baking contest was done by past president of the Friends of the Library, Josephine DeGennaro, Lida Kovarik and Dr. Robert Berckes. Friends’ president Zinnia Miller thanked the judges for their time and applauded all those who participated in the baking contest.
After tasting and discussion, the trio chose Jessica Kosky’s “dark chocolate sea-salted caramel cake balls” as the Best in Show overall winner. Winners in the other categories are Doug DePice, whose red raspberry cheesecake pie won the Best Pie category, and Glenda Grandioso, whose strawberry cheesecake was the best in the cheesecake category. Gloria Keeler’s coconut flake cake was deemed Best Cake, while Catherine Diaz’ carrot, pear, apple cupcakes with cream cheese frosting won in the cookie/bar/cupcake category. Carol Ann Scheiner’s nut cups won in the miscellaneous category.
At the mini-fair’s conclusion, Miller picked the winning tickets for the Fair Share Raffle. The first prize winner was Christa Mancini, who won $1,229.75; second prize of $737.85 went to Alyse Willams and the winner of the third prize of $491.90 was Dorothy Gracey.
“The Mini-Fair/Used Book Sale was a huge success, which would not have been possible without so many spirited residents that volunteered their time and efforts,” Miller said.
Local businesses to serve up special dishes for Restaurant Night
The Mayor and Town Council present Secaucus Restaurant Night on Oct. 11 at 6 p.m. on Front Street between Minnie Place and Golden Avenue. People can dine under the stars and sample local restaurant signature dishes with a complimentary glass of wine and free entertainment. Tickets can be purchased for $5.00 at Town Hall or at the Recreation Center the day of the event. For more information, call: (201) 330-2083.
Festival of Lights celebration returns to Buchmuller Park
The Indian Caucus of Secaucus and the Town of Secaucus host the third annual Diwali Mela: The Festival of Lights on Oct. 14 at Buchmuller Park starting at 12:00 p.m. The free event includes entertainment, kids’ activities, door prizes, Indian cuisine, gifts and more.
For vendor information or to perform, email: ics@indiancaucus.org or call: (201) 472-0085.
Local student commended in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship program
Principal Dr. Robert “Bob” Berckes of Secaucus High School announced last week that Aarushi Kumar has been named a commended student in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. A letter of commendation from the school and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program, will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior. About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2013 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, commended students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
Volunteers needed for Son-Rise Team in Secaucus
Volunteers are needed to dedicate six hours a week to be a part of Lucas’ Son-Rise Team in Secaucus, a home-based, child-centered, parent-directed program for individuals with special needs. Lucas is 4-years-old and has autism. He enjoys jumping, counting, doing puzzles, and being tickled. His mother seeks to expand the team with more fun, energetic, and lively people who can commit to a minimum of six months. For more information, call: (201) 702-1208 or email: SecSR.Miracle@gmail.com.
Secaucus Public Library plans October movies
Free movies for Secaucus’ adult residents are shown at the Secaucus Public Library on most Tuesdays, beginning at 1 p.m. The movies are shown on a large screen television in the second floor Panasonic Room. Light refreshments are served. The movies for October are: Oct. 2, “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” a PG-13 comedy starring Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez and Elizabeth Banks, 110 minutes; Oct. 9 no movie; Oct. 16, “Let Me In,” an R-rated horror film starring Chloe Grace Moretz, Kodi-Smit-McPhee, Richard Jenkins and Elias Koteas, 116 minutes; October 23, “People Like Us,” a PG-13 rated drama starring Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks, 113 minutes, and October 30, “The Raven,” a R-rated thriller starring John Cusack and Kevin McNally, 111 minutes.
Reporter holiday deadlines
The Hudson Reporter offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 8 for Columbus Day. Thus, deadlines for that week’s Bayonne Community News (Oct. 10) and Midweek Reporter (Oct. 11) have moved up.
Display advertisements for those issues are due by 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 5. Classified ads are due by noon on Friday, Oct. 5. Editorial items are also due by noon on Friday.
If you have questions, please call the Reporter at (201) 798-7800.
Hartz Mountain Industries ranks in top 20 commercial solar power users
A recent report by the Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) and the Vote Solar Initiative (Vote Solar), lists Hartz Mountain Industries among the top 20 commercial solar power users in the U.S. alongside businesses like WalMart Stores, Kohl’s and IKEA.
Hartz ranked 19th in the report based on the five solar systems for which Hartz is the direct user of the electricity generated.
Hartz’s solar portfolio now stands at a total of 17.5 MW, annually generating enough electricity to power 2,400 New Jersey homes.
“Solar power represents both a means to be kinder to the earth by reducing pollution and is a significant factor in reducing our operational expenses,” said Emanuel Stern, president and chief operating officer for Hartz Mountain Industries. “It is a key component to our sustainability efforts that benefits both Hartz Mountain Industries and our tenants who have taken advantage of our solar power program.”
Riverside Pediatric Group announces free prenatal classes
Riverside Pediatric Group announced last week that it will offer free prenatal classes for mothers delivering at hospitals in the Northern New Jersey Metro area. The free, day-long child-birthing class includes a presentation on what to expect during the birthing process, how to best prepare, breathing and relaxation techniques and information on Cesarean deliveries.
The latter part of the birthing class day includes breast feeding instruction by a certified lactation consultant, newborn care information by a board-certified pediatrician and a question and answer session. This educational day prepares single or couple parents-to-be on what to expect from the time labor begins until the first visit with the pediatrician.
The class includes free lunch and refreshments. Only those who sign-up in advance – with a limited number of spots available – will be permitted to attend. Please contact Patient Care Coordinator Miriam Baker, J.D., M.P.P., at: mbaker@riversidepeds.com to register.
Upcoming classes will take place at Crown Plaza Hotel, 2 Harmon Plaza, Secaucus, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For a list of scheduled dates, please visit www.RiversidePeds.com.
Nights under the stars with NJMC
The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission’s William D. McDowell Observatory is open to the public for free stargazing through its research-grade telescope on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. in September and October, weather permitting and excluding holidays. No registration required. “Let’s Talk Astronomy” learning sessions are held on Tuesday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with registration and fee required. The observatory is located in DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst. Visitors must be able to climb 25 steps. For information on the observatory and the “Let’s Talk Astronomy” programs, as well as details on what can be seen in the weeks ahead, visit www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec or call: (201) 460-8300.
First-Sunday-of-the-Month nature walk with the NJMC and BCAS
Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus is a great place to see raptors and waterfowl – and those amazing ancient cedar stumps. NJMC and BCAS will meet on Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. at the trail’s entrance, just off Park Plaza Drive. Visitors can also meet up at the visitors’ parking lot at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst at 9:30 a.m. and carpool. The walk is run by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society. Check meadowblog.net for last-minute updates and weather advisories. Participants will have to sign a standard liability release that is good for NJMC/BCAS events throughout the year. To rsvp, contact Don Torino of the BCAS at greatauk4@aol.com or (201) 230-4983.