52-year-old woman arrested for alleged prostitution at Route 3 massage parlor
On Thursday, July 18, the Secaucus Police Department assisted the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in an investigation of a massage parlor on Route 3 in Secaucus. During the inquiry, a 52-year-old female was taken into custody and charged with a count of allegedly engaging in prostitution, according to a release distributed by town officials.
The spa was then ordered closed by personnel from the Secaucus Office of Inspections as alleged municipal code violations were discovered involving at least two other employees, the statement said. It went on to say that the spa will remain closed until the Secaucus Board of Health conducts a hearing regarding these alleged violations.
“ … We are fortunate to have the assistance of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office to engage in police action such as this to make both the town of Secaucus and Hudson County a safer place to live,” said Mayor Michael Gonnelli. “I am hopeful that the Prosecutor’s Office will continue these types of investigations in cooperation with our police department. … ”
The Magic Hat to be performed at library
The Secaucus Public Library’s Children’s Department has announced that Tempest Production, Inc., will present The Magic Hat, an interactive story time for children on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 10 a.m.
Tempest’s Storybook Theatre program brings professional actors from the Hudson County- based, not-for-profit theater company into libraries with the purpose of bringing familiar books and stories to life, according to Children’s Department Supervisor Ceil Mucciolo.
This program will focus on Mem Fox’s popular picture book, which tells the tale of people who are transformed into various animals by a wizard’s hat as it blows into and through their town.
“As the Tempest Production Players recreate this tale, the children become an integral part of the story by singing, dancing, whistling, and humming along with the characters,” Mucciolo said.
For more information, contact the Secaucus Public Library’s Children’s Department at (201) 330-2085 or email Melillo at SPLYouths@gmail.com. Register online through the library’s calendar located at secaucus.bccls.org.
Gently used school uniform donations sought
The town is seeking gently used Secaucus school uniforms as a continuance of the program started by the local Girl Scout troop.
“We are accepting pants, shirts, skorts and sweaters for all sizes for students all ages for the uniform recycling program,” said spokeswoman Judy Kennelly.
Uniforms should be clean and in good condition, and dropped off at the Secaucus Social Services Department, 101 Centre Ave., between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
For more information, call Lisa Snedeker, at (201) 617-5917.
Hot August Live next in Secaucus concert series
On Thursday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m., the sounds of “Hot August Live” will be heard at Buchmuller Park as part of the 2013 Secaucus Music & Movie Summer Series.
“Kyle is back! In his Neil Diamond Tribute,” said Deputy Mayor John Bueckner, who planned the series.
Along with the free concert, there will be a classic cars show.
In the event of rain, the performance will be held at the Arthur F. Couch Performing Arts Center, 11 Mill Ridge Rd.
The concert series is sponsored in part by The Hudson Reporter.
Temple holding Blood Drive on Sunday, Aug. 4
Participate in the Secaucus Community Blood Drive/Community Blood Services drive and help ensure that the transfusion needs of area patients are met. The drive will be held on Sunday, Aug. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Shree SwaminaRayan Temple, 200 Penhorn Ave., Secaucus. All blood types are needed.
There will be free PSA testing for males over 40 and sickle cell testing for all donors.
Those donating will be eligible to win two tickets to Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 2.
Any healthy individual, age 17 through 75 (16, with parental permission) and weighing at least 110 pounds can donate blood. Donors should eat a moderate meal before donating and must bring identification showing their signature. No Social Security number is required. All donors receive complimentary, non-fasting cholesterol and glucose screenings.
To schedule an appointment, call Community Blood Services at (201) 251-3703.
Meadowlands Commission offering canoe trip
The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission is sponsoring a three-hour guided canoe tour exploring the Hackensack River and its marshes on Saturday, Aug. 10 at 8:30 a.m.
Paddlers will learn the basics of salt marsh ecology and enjoy the natural and man-made scenery while rowing past wetlands and down creeks. The tour departs from Mill Creek Point Park in Secaucus.
The trip is $15 per person, and is for ages 10 and up. Pre-registration is required.
For more information, or to register, go to www.njmeadowlands.gov/environment/tours.html or call (201) 460-4640.
Vendor space going fast for library mini-fair/used book sale
Vendors planning to participate in the 16th annual Friends of the Secaucus Public Library Mini-Fair/Used Book Sale set for Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., are asked to reserve their space now. The rain date is Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friends’ President Zinnia Miller warns vendors that once the maximum number of spaces is reserved, registration will close. Forms are available at the library’s front desk or by contacting Library Director Jenifer May at (201) 330-2083 or may@bccls.org. In addition to vendors, those wishing to volunteer at the fair may also contact May.
“The mini-fair always draws huge crowds, especially the used book sale and the Trash & Treasure table,” Miller said. In addition, mini-fair chairman Frank Pinto noted that the number and variety of vendors is always an attraction for the event.
Vendors can secure table spaces up to 8 ft. long for just $25. Spaces over 8 feet cost $45. Vendors must provide their own tables and chairs. For those unable to provide tables, a small number of them, as well as tents, may be available for a rental fee of $10 each. Arrangements for a table, tent, or other special accommodation must be made in advance with May. Paid reservations must be received no later than Friday, Sept. 13.
Sen. Menendez calls for investigation following WNY jitney crash that killed baby
In the wake of the tragic death of 8-month-old Angela Paredes, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) called upon federal transportation authorities to investigate Sphinx Transportation as to whether drivers are being properly trained to safely transport passengers commuting to New York City through New Jersey communities.
“As a father, I can’t help but feel the tragedy of Angela Paredes’ death very personally – and my deepest sympathies and prayers are with her family, who can only be heartbroken at this painful time,” said Menendez.
“While the driver is facing criminal charges, I have my own questions about the company that employed him. My staff has been in touch with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to make sure they are assisting the state and local investigations.
“We have been assured that FMCSA will be making a visit to the company soon and review all of their operations including their procedures to screen and train drivers. The people who walk along Boulevard East, and all people in New Jersey, deserve answers, and I am confident that local, state, and federal authorities working together will find those answers and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”
Coupon book fundraiser
United Cerebral Palsy of Hudson County, Inc. is raising funds to support programs for the developmentally disabled by selling Entertainment Books.
The price is $25 for the Monmouth, Bergen, Essex, Morris and Middlesex counties books. Each edition includes hundreds of discount coupons.
For more information, or to order a book, call Peter LaBarbiera at (201) 662-8120.
Butterfly Day a hit at NJMC
Nearly 600 people, from kids to amateur photographers to seasoned enthusiasts, attended the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission’s Fourth Annual Butterfly Day on Sunday, July 28, in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst.
The day’s activities included butterfly walks, talks, and crafts, scavenger hunts, and a butterfly costume contest.
A pipevine swallowtail and a spicebush swallowtail were among the most uncommon of the 17 species spotted.