Local boxing belt designer honored twice
Ninety-two year old craftsman Ardash Sahaghian has enjoyed the limelight this past month. As the originator of the modern boxing belt, Sahaghian’s work elevated not only the culture of boxing, but also the cities where these iconic symbols were created — Weehawken and Union City.
On May 23, Union City Mayor Brian Stack issued a proclamation honoring Ardash and his wife, Nazeli Sahaghian. The proclamation was presented at the Armenian Flag Raising ceremony at International Park, days shy of Armenian Independence Day. Overseen by Union City Commissioners Lucio Fernandez and Tilo Rivas, as well as prominent local members of the Armenian clergy, the flag raising was a special ceremony for the family.
“Our Armenian heritage is an integral part of our identity, and my grandparents are very proud of their cultural roots,” commented Edward S. Majian, their grandson and President of SARTONK. The proclamation reads, in part, “Ardash Sahaghian’s successes serve as an inspiration to the Armenian people … Ardash was recruited to modernize the classic championship boxing belts. He used his artistry to create three-dimensional sculptural pieces that ultimately became industry icons.”
Three weeks after that historic day, on June 14, Sahaghian was honored at the Union City Annual Artists Awards. Organized by the administration, this red carpet gala celebrated the artists who have enriched Union City — whether through photography, music, dance, painting, writing, or design.
Palisades Medical Center’s Casino Night takes place Aug. 21
On August 21, 2014, The Waterside Restaurant in North Bergen will be transformed into a Las Vegas-style casino during Palisades Medical Center’s 8th Annual Casino Night. The event will begin with dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. Gambling will take place from 7 to 10:30 p.m., followed by the drawing of a Super 50-50 and other raffle prizes.
Casino Night admission is $100 per person and includes a buffet dinner, beer, wine, soda, and casino chips for guests to try their luck at blackjack, poker, craps, roulette and more. Additional casino chips may be purchased throughout the evening, and guests redeem chips at the end of the event for raffle prize tickets.
All Casino Night proceeds will support technology and equipment upgrades in PMC’s Maternity Center to provide high-quality care for mothers and babies.
Casino Night is planned and organized by the Palisades Medical Center’s Auxiliary, a team of dedicated volunteers that works throughout the year to support the Palisades Medical Center Foundation.
For tickets or for more information, contact Denise Whitley at (201) 854-5011 or visit www.palisadesmedicalfoundation.org.
Bird walk and butterflies slide show on July 6
Enjoy summer on this free two-hour guided nature walk in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. Participants will walk around parts of the park, looking for shore birds, raptors and other choice birds. The walk starts at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 6 outside the Meadowlands Environment Center.
Later that afternoon, join a 30-minute talk and slide show about butterflies, and then go looking for butterflies around DeKorte Park. Participants will meet in the Meadowlands Environment Center at 1 p.m.
Both events are 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, call (201) 230-4983.
Pontoon boat rides for seniors on July 7
Experience the Hackensack River like never before. One-hour pontoon boat cruises for seniors will depart from River Barge Park in Carlsdadt at 5:30 and again at 6:30 p.m. on July 7. Meadowlands Environmental Center (MEC) guides will discuss the natural and cultural history of the river and the region and point out breathtaking flora and fauna along the way. Dr. Angela Cristini, director of the MEC, will discuss the ecology of the river while you wait to depart. Remember to bring your camera and your sneakers. Rain date is July 15. Note: The boats cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Advance registration and payment of $7.00 per person required. To register call (201) 777-2431.
Marine Mammals in New Jersey – seniors program on July 10
Join staff from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) and learn about the lives of marine mammals and sea turtles, and the problems facing these creatures and their environment. MMSC staff will discuss the role the Brigantine-based organization plays to help overcome these problems and what you can do to help these sea dwellers that call New Jersey home. This free event takes place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 10 at the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission Science Center, 3 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. Registration is recommended and appreciated. To register call (201) 777-2431.