Domestic violence discussion group starting at library
The Secaucus Public Library will host a local chapter of In Less Chaos, a meeting group centered on finding solutions to home violence. The new group will meet monthly at 7 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, starting on Monday, June 16.
According to Sabrina Osso, founder and president of Floor It, LLC, the In Less Chaos meetings use statistics, individual stories, discussions, and dramatic performance to create awareness of home violence issues and provide a safe space for attendees to talk about any experiences they may have had with home violence, even if it did not occur in their own household.
Meetings are open to all members of the community. Both men and women are strongly encouraged to attend.
The meeting will take place on the second floor of the Secaucus Public Library. Registration is suggested, but not mandatory. For more information, visit the Floor It website at www.flooritllc.com. To register, call the library at (201) 330-2083 or register online using the library’s events calendar at secaucuslibrary.org
Make a SPLASH! Volunteer to clean up
On Saturday, June 21, Hackensack Riverkeeper will hold their annual SPLASH event. The event, sponsored by Toyota, is conducted annually in support of the National Waterkeeper Alliance. It features a public clean-up held on the Hackensack River at Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus. The clean-up will be conducted via canoe and on foot.
Immediately following the cleanup will be the Hackensack Riverkeeper’s Informal Potluck BBQ. Hackensack Riverkeeper will provide the hamburgers, veggie burgers and hot dogs. Volunteers are asked to bring sides, drinks, anything that can be grilled (almost anything…) and whatever else may be found at a BBQ: corn on the cob, shish kebabs, vegetables, salad, chips, dessert, etc. Listen to free live music by Frantic while you enjoy your BBQ.
The clean-up will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at Laurel Hill County Park on New County Rd., with the BBQ to follow. Please RSVP for both the cleanup and the BBQ and let us know what you will be bringing. Contact outreach@hackensackriverkeeper.org or (201) 968-0808 with any questions and to RSVP.
Local Knights of Columbus council reaps awards at annual convention
Knights of Columbus Council 12769 Secaucus received a number of awards and recognition during the organization’s annual convention held May 16 in Wildwood, according to District Deputy Paul Pinkman.
At this year’s convention, the Secaucus Council received the first place awards for doing the most to help homeless shelters in the area, and for sending the most letters to support seminarians studying for the priesthood. They also received the State Membership Award for having the largest percentage increase in membership in 2013/14, and the Proclaim and Defend Our Faith Award.
According to local resident Pinkman, the Knights of Columbus is the largest Catholic men’s organization, two million strong with 65,000 men in New Jersey alone. The Secaucus Knights of Columbus has 220 members.
Anyone interested in joining can contact Neal McGarrity at (201) 223-7967 or by email at mcgarritye@aol.com.
Library to launch new round of computer classes and services
Computer classes are back at the Secaucus Public Library, starting with a basic computer skills workshop on Thursday, June 12 from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., repeating the class at the same time on Thursday, June 19. The classes will be held in the library’s second floor computer lab.
Technology Librarian Lisa Ferzola explained that the initial classes are at a beginner level for adults who have little or no experience using a computer. The workshops will focus on learning the major parts of the computer, knowing the difference between hardware and software, practicing mouse skills and navigating the computer’s desktop. Future workshops will focus on email, online researching, social media, e-books, and more over the course of the summer.
Unlike prior multi-week computer courses at the library, these programs will run as stand-alone 90-minute sessions. Ms. Ferzola will also be providing one-on-one computer help to library users as part of the new “Book a Librarian” service, according to Library Director Jenifer May. Residents can book an individualized, 30-minute training session to learn how to download e-books, access email, find information online, complete online forms, or improve their knowledge of their own mobile devices.
Registration for either the workshop or the individual computer help session is mandatory. Residents wishing to confirm a space in the June 12 or June 19 classes should sign up as soon as possible. To register for a basic computer skills workshop or to book a librarian, contact Lisa Ferzola at (201) 330-2083 x4005 or at lisa.ferzola@secaucus.bccls.org.
Third-Tuesday-of-the-Month Bird Walk is Tuesday
This free two-hour guided nature walk will take place at Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus on Tuesday, June 17. Participants will meet at the big parking lot by the Laurel Hill ball fields at 10 a.m. and look for common ravens, shorebirds, herons, nesting ospreys, and more. The walk is sponsored by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) and the Bergen County Audubon Society (BCAS). Check meadowblog.net for last-minute weather updates. 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 or call (201) 230-4983.
Summer Solstice Celebration – Seniors Program
Celebrate the longest day of the year – the summer solstice. On Thursday, June 19 at 7 p.m., join a discussion about why the solstice is so long, and enjoy sun tea, cookies, and a surprise craft or two. Bring your grandchildren. Pre-registration is required. Call (201) 777-2431 to register. This free event takes place at the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission Science Center, 3 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst.
Hudson County Patriotic Home Contest now taking submissions
The third annual Hudson County Patriotic Home Contest invites you to run the grand old flag up the pole, dust off the Statue of Liberty, get George and Abe on the porch, put some stars in your windows, and place the Liberty Bell on the lawn. It’s time to show off your pride in America.
Tweet three photos of your decorated home and address to JCHudsonmedia or e-mail them to jctalking2000@yahoo.com. Three grand prize winners will each receive $500 cash.
All photos must be received by June 27. Be creative. Last year more than 50 homes were entered in the contest.
Library offers mah-jongg classes for adults
Due to popular demand, the Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center will begin a second round of mah-jongg classes for adults ages 18 and older. The four-week program will take place at the library on Mondays at 1 p.m., starting on June 16.
Local resident Sandy Hicks will teach the fundamentals of the game over the course of several weeks. As part of the classes, attendees will also learn a little bit about the history, Chinese characters, and traditions behind the game.
The classes are geared towards beginners, but experienced players are also welcome to join and play. Current attendees should note that the classes are now taking place at the earlier time of 1 p.m. on Mondays. Registration is highly recommended, and can be done by calling the library at (201) 330-2083 x4011 or by signing up using the library’s online calendar of events at secaucuslibrary.org.