Construction firm fined on Bayonne leg of Spectra gas line
The U.S. Occupation Safety and Health Administration issued at $70,000 fine to Henkels & McCoy Inc. for work being done on a portion of the Bayonne gas line installation, claiming that workers digging an 11-foot trench were not properly protected against potential injury.
Spectra Energy, in reply to requests for comment, said, “Safety is our top priority. We abide by all federal, state and local regulations, as well as by our own rigorous standards for pipeline and workplace safety. We expect our contractors to meet these same stringent demands. We take this citation seriously. We have been in contact with the contractor who has assured us that they have given this situation a thorough review and have put in place corrective measures to ensure a safe workplace.”
Menendez reacts to autism survey
Following the release of a new survey showing one in 50 children in the United States have been identified as having an autism spectrum disorder, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) recently reaffirmed his commitment to helping children and their families who are living with the challenges of autism. These latest estimates were released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Survey of Children’s Health, and provide a different, parent-reported view on the prevalence of autism than previous government estimates and studies.
Nonetheless, Menendez says, “The need for a comprehensive federal response to combat autism remains clear.”
“These new numbers further corroborate what other studies have shown: there is a desperate need for us to redouble our efforts to help these children learn and develop into happy, productive adults,” said Menendez. “Whatever the level of severity, the rates of diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders are shockingly high in New Jersey. That’s why I will continue being a leader in the Senate to help ensure these children and their families have access to the tailored, specialized care they need. And I will continue fighting for funding to help continue research into new diagnostic methods and therapies for this complex disorder.”
He continued, “Seeing these numbers year after year also reminds us of the challenges these children will face as they grow up and become young adults, and the steps we must take to help families through the difficult decisions and limited options they face during that transitional period.”
Last year, the CDC released a study estimating that one out of every 88 children are diagnosed with autism based on estimates from expert clinical reviews of medical and educational records in 14 states. That same study showed shockingly higher numbers in New Jersey with one out every 49 children being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
Menendez is the Senate’s leading advocate for children with autism, and was the author of the Combating Autism Reauthorization Act, which extended federal efforts into research, screenings, therapies and public education on autism. He is also the author of legislation to address the challenges of young adults and their families as they “age out of the system.”
BMC holds ‘Pint for Pint’ blood drive
Bayonne Medical Center will partner with Baskin Robbins Ice Cream to hold a blood drive in front of the hospital at 29th Street and Avenue E on April 23 from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donate blood and get a coupon for a pint of Baskin Robbins ice cream. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dana Doyle at (201) 858-9217.
Bayonne Medical Center, American Cancer Society join forces
Hearing the words “you have cancer” is indisputably one of the toughest challenges to face in life. Finding the best immediate treatment becomes a patient’s first priority, Bayonne Medical Center and the American Cancer Society makes this difficult situation easier for cancer patients and their families in Hudson County.
The two organizations recently entered into an agreement, the only agreement of its kind in Hudson County. The collaborative agreement distinguishes Bayonne Medical Center and the American Cancer Society as proactive partners in the goal of establishing comprehensive cancer care in Hudson County. The purpose of this collaborative is to ensure both entities are committed to improving the quality of cancer care, increasing community awareness of the importance of cancer prevention and early detection, and providing supportive services and information to cancer patients and their caregivers.
“Through this agreement, we are proud to make the commitment to high quality care for our oncology patients. It is our expectation that this collaborative relationship with Bayonne Medical Center has the American College of Surgeons’ Committee on Cancer Accreditation and will lead to better results and outcomes for patients,” said Dr. Mark Spektor, president and CEO of Bayonne Medical Center.
“A cancer treatment can be most successful when we are able to address everything that is going on with a patient,” said Arielle Dance, community mission manager at the American Cancer Society. “Together, the society and Bayonne Medical Center will work to make a cancer journey a little easier, ensuring Hudson County residents get the medical care they need. Both organizations are committed to fighting cancer.”
In Hudson County, 47 individuals are diagnosed with cancer each week, and 18 will die from cancer each week. This partnership is about helping local residents in all aspects of the cancer journey.
MFL Foundation plans casino night for April 13
The Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention (MFL Foundation) will host the organization’s fifth annual Casino Night on April 13 beginning at 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center, 39 East 22nd Street.
In addition to a great array of gourmet food and beverage, the rewarding evening will raise funds to support the foundation’s efforts to provide cancer screenings for the area’s underserved community. Included in the evening’s entertainment will be table games, raffles, bingo, and a 50/50 cash raffle.
Also available will be Jewelry by Peter, a display of designer necklaces, rings, bracelets, and more, with 10 percent of each purchase donated to the foundation.
The MFL Foundation is focused on increasing awareness and funding cancer screenings to the area’s underserved community who may otherwise be denied treatment. The mission is to make cancer prevention programs available to the community by granting access to test and/or screenings necessary for the prevention and early detection of various forms of cancer in men and women.
“Casino Night is not only an evening of great fun, but over the past four years has grown into one of our major fundraising events,” commented LoRe. “It is through the generosity of the people enjoying themselves at Casino Night that allows us to continue to serve the needs of our community and help prevent suffering among our neighbors.”
Tickets to the event are $100 per person and include $50 in play money. Tickets may be obtained by contacting the MFL Foundation office at 605 Broadway by calling (201) 437-9100, or by emailing at carol@mflfoundation.com. Abundant free parking is available.