Highways seeking backpacks, other items, donations for kids
Highways, a program of The Windmill Alliance Inc., is seeking donations from groups or the public for its Backpacks for Bayonne Kids 2014 program. Monetary contributions will be accepted. Or, any of these items can be donated: backpacks, Marble composition books, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, or glue sticks. Donations should be brought to Highways, 184 Hobart Ave. (corner of Linnet Street) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Rev. Rose Cohen Hassan at rchassan@ windmillalliance.org or (201) 471-2634. Windmill is sponsored by Trinity Parish in Bergen Point.
Project in Bayonne approved for incentives by EDA
At the state’s Economic Development Authority meeting on June 10, the board approved a 10-year, $11.25 million Grow New Jersey award for AP&G Co., a Brooklyn-based pest management solution manufacturer and distributer, according to spokesman Andrew George. The company is seeking to relocate to a 171,000-squarefoot facility on Lexington Avenue in Bayonne, bringing 150 jobs along with it. The EDA estimates the project, which the company is considering versus staying in New York, would yield a net benefit to the state of $27.6 million over 20 years.
Sens. Sweeney and Kyrillos to introduce legislation capping sick leave payouts
State Sen. President Steve Sweeney and Sen. Joseph Kyrillos said they would be sponsoring legislation which will cap unused sick leave payouts for all public employees at $15,000. A similar measure passed the Legislature in 2010, but was vetoed. The senators were planning to introduce the legislation on Friday. “We continue to see hundreds of thousands of dollars in payouts to employees simply because they were fortunate enough not to get sick,” said one senator. “It’s a policy that is grossly unfair to the taxpayers of New Jersey and one the state cannot sustain given our current budgetary issues. Capping sick leave payouts is a smart, commonsense measure that will provide fairness to taxpayers in New Jersey.” “Since legislation was last attempted in 2010, the problem has only gotten worse, meaning we can no longer sit idly by and wait for the issue to solve itself,” said the other senator. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature and the governor to pass this law and start bringing some sanity to the whole process.”
Volunteers needed at New Jersey Blood Services
New Jersey Blood Services, which supplies blood products and services to 60 hospitals throughout the state, is in need of volunteers at blood drives. “The blood service volunteer is an integral member of the collection team, whose task it is to assist donors with registration, escorting, and canteen duties, and to watch for post-donation reactions,” said R. Jan Zepka, manager of community relations. Volunteers should have the ability to relate to the public, be able to perform different jobs as needed, and have the willingness to follow rules. For additional information, contact Zepka at (732) 616-8741 or rzepka@nybloodcenter.org.
Website up for BHS Class of ‘79 35th anniversary reunion
It’s out there. The website for the Bayonne High School Class of 1979’s 35-year reunion is up and ready for your viewing and ticket purchase. Go to http://www.bayonnehsclassof79.com/ to browse around or sign the guest book for the Friday, Nov. 28 event at The Chandelier, 1075 Broadway., from 7 p.m. to midnight. The cost is $110, and includes food, music, and dancing. To RSVP, send your check to: Sue Ohman, 47 Highwood Dr., Dumont, NJ 07628. Mark on the memo line, “Reunion Ticket.” If you would like a receipt, include a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Tickets can also be paid for with a credit card on site. PayPal payments are accepted as well. Email BayonneClassof79@verizon.net for information.
Meadowlands center offering free Moth Night
The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission will sponsor its third annual Moth Night, a program for all ages, on Monday, July 21 from 8:30 to 11 p.m. Learn all about moths, the cousins of butterflies, at the free event in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. “Representatives from National Moth Week will present a short talk on moths and why they are so spectacular, yet misunderstood,” said spokesman Brian Aberback. “Then we’ll check out industrial-strength mercury vapor lamps and white sheets to identify and admire the various species.” “We’ll also try ‘sugaring,’ to attract moths as well,” Aberback said. The goal of the event is to raise awareness of these insects and to celebrate biodiversity. The family-friendly Moth Night is sponsored by the NJMC and the Bergen County Audubon Society. To RSVP, contact Don Torino of the BCAS at (201) 230-4983. Check meadowblog.net for weather updates. The rain date is Tuesday, July 22.