Library exhibit commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day
The Secaucus Public Library is observing Holocaust Remembrance Day on Monday, April 28 with a special reception to view and discuss the April art display, which is a tribute to Anne Frank and all those who suffered because of the Holocaust. Visitors can meet renowned artist and art teacher Doug DePice and talk with him about the artworks that he created for this installation and how they were inspired.
The reception will take place from 6 to 9 p.m.in the Panasonic Room on the second floor of the library. Excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary will be read by high school students. Refreshments will be served. The Secaucus Public Library is at 1379 Paterson Plank Road.
Arbor Day Foundation names Secaucus ‘Tree City USA’
Secaucus was named a 2013 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.
Secaucus achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
“Everyone benefits when elected officials, volunteers and committed citizens in communities like Secaucus make smart investments in urban forests,” said John Rosenow, founder and chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees bring shade to our homes and beauty to our neighborhoods, along with numerous economic, social and environmental benefits.”
Cleaner air, improved storm water management, energy savings and increased property values and commercial activity are among the benefits enjoyed by Tree City USA communities.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a million member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.
EPA honors Hackensack Riverkeeper as exceptional environmental leader
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored Hackensack Riverkeeper and three other individuals and organizations from across New Jersey with Environmental Quality Awards for their achievements in protecting public health and the environment. EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck presented the awards at a ceremony on April 23 at the EPA offices in Manhattan.
Hackensack Riverkeeper was honored for running eco-programs all year that have proven highly successful in attracting thousands of people to the Hackensack River. During 2013, the Hackensack Riverkeeper’s eco-programs provided nearly 7,000 people with a mixture of environmental education and recreational opportunities on the river and empowered them to become active participants in preservation through widely-attended volunteer river cleanup events. The eco-cruise program, which invites visitors to tour the Passaic and Hackensack Rivers and Newark Bay, alone attracted 3,470 people this past year.
“We celebrate the exemplary work of people who work tirelessly to protect the environment and give their time and energy to create a cleaner and healthier future for us all,” said Enck of the awards. “Their extraordinary contributions serve as an inspiration to all who strive for a more sustainable environmental future.”
The EPA presents Environmental Quality Awards annually during Earth Week to individuals, businesses, government agencies, environmental and community-based organizations and members of the media in EPA Region 2, which covers New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and eight federally-recognized Indian Nations. The awards recognize significant contributions to improving the environment and public health in the previous calendar year.
Also honored were the Ironbound Community Corporation, Jessica Franzini of the New Jersey Tree Foundation, and Captain Alex Modjeski of the American Littoral Society. For information about the Environmental Quality Awards in EPA Region 2, visit http://www.epa.gov/region02/eqa/.
High Tech fundraiser for Make-A-Wish Foundation to honor local resident
The High Tech High School “Spring Fling” fundraiser reached out to the community, raffling prizes donated by Applebee’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Chipotle, Café Archetypus, and many other local vendors. High Tech is the countywide public high school based in North Bergen, which draws from all of the towns in the county.
Students and staff took part in carnival games and table tennis tournaments, indulged in homemade food and desserts, and listened to a live DJ. Some even won goldfish as prizes.
“The Make-A-Wish Foundation is very dear to our academy,” said Jamie Velazquez, history teacher at the Academy of Architectural and Contemporary Themes (AACT) and facilitator of the Spring Fling Fundraiser. “Our first fundraiser was held two years ago and honored one of our AACT students who participated in the Make-A-Wish program during his battle with childhood leukemia.”
AACT seniors and juniors, led by Guttenberg resident Dunia Fernandez, Ayushi Khanchandani of Secaucus, and West New York resident Jalisa Valladares, helped make the Spring Fling a success. AACT plans other fundraisers soon to reach its donation goal of $3,000 to grant a child’s wish.
This year, AACT will honor North Bergen resident Caitlyn Orbe, a freshman in High Tech, diagnosed with cancer at the age of nine. To learn more about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit http://nj.wish.org/about-us.
Hudson Chamber of Commerce welcomes Federal Reserve Bank economist
The economic recovery continues, but where is our regional economy headed and what does it mean for your business? The Hudson County Chamber of Commerce will host an informative business networking event on Wednesday, April 30 and welcome the New York Federal Reserve Bank for a regional economic outlook. Richard Peach, a senior vice president within the Macroeconomic and Monetary Studies function at the N.Y. Fed, is the guest speaker.
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York is one of 12 regional Reserve Banks that make up the Federal Reserve System. The N.Y. Fed serves a regional territory that includes the 12 northern counties in New Jersey. Mr. Peach will provide an outlook for our regional economy. This is also an opportunity to learn about Fed monetary policy and how it impacts local economies and businesses.
The special business networking event will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the campus of host sponsor the University of Phoenix at 100 Town Square Place in Jersey City. Provident Bank is also sponsoring the event. Appetizers and beverages will be served. Admission is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers, prior to the event. For reservations call (201) 386-0699 x 27 or visit the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce website at www.hudsonchamber.org.