NB Police participating in statewide Labor Day DWI crackdown
Law enforcement officials from North Bergen will be cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the 2014 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign. From now through Sept. 1, local and state law enforcement officials will be conducting sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.
In 2013 alcohol-impaired fatalities accounted for 22 percent of New Jersey’s motor vehicle fatalities. The campaign is a concentrated national effort to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high-visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs. Launched nationally in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year.
As part of the initiative, the Division of Highway Traffic Safety provides grants to local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to run the two-week campaign. North Bergen received a $5,000 grant to assist in enforcing the crackdown.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the ”Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” 2014 crackdown offer the following advice:
• If you plan to drink, designate a driver – someone who will not drink alcohol – before going out.
• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity is held.
• Report impaired drivers to law enforcement. In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 on their cell phones to report a drunk driver.
• Always buckle-up, every ride. It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.
• If you’re intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.
The Infernos play Guttenberg’s Summer Concert series on Aug. 28
Mayor Gerald Drasheff and the Town Council invite all local residents to attend the fourth Guttenberg Summer Concert on Thursday, Aug. 28. The Infernos will be appearing on Boulevard East between 70th and 71st St. Preliminary entertainment begins at 6 p.m., with the band playing at 7 p.m. This free concert promises to be a memorable event.
There will be no parking on Boulevard East from noon until 10 p.m. Residents of the Galaxy will be able to access the parking garage area from both the Boulevard and Ferry Road.
One-day car show to be held at Edgewater Commons on Sept. 14
A call has been made for collectible and notable cars for the 11th Annual Ford Assembly Plant Car Show to be held at the Edgewater Commons shopping center on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The show, commemorating the Edgewater Ford Assembly Plant that built millions of cars and trucks from 1930 until 1954 when operations were moved to Mahwah, is held at the Commons, close to the former Ford plant site.
“The show is open to all makes of cars and light trucks, with the criteria being that these are collectible, interesting and possibly notable and unique vehicles,” said spokesman Douglas Hall. “The show is open to really old cars – no car is too old for this show – and anything in between; muscle cars, hot rods, stock, or modified.” Customized cars and military vehicles are also welcome. Trophies are scheduled to be awarded in about 30 categories.
The show is located in the parking lot behind McDonald’s, one of the show sponsors. The event is sponsored by the Edgewater Cultural and Historical Committee. For more information on fees and categories, email dehallmr@bergennews.com, visit EdgewaterHistory.blogspot.com, or write Friends of the Edgewater Cultural & Historical Committee, D.E. Hall, PO Box 284, Edgewater, NJ 07020.
NoHu Int’l Short Film Festival seeking entries for 2014
Submissions are being accepted in all categories for the seventh annual NoHu International Short Film Festival to be held from Oct. 14 to 18 in Union City. The five day festival will include four evenings of screenings of the finalists of the short film competing category and a red carpet awards ceremony on the fifth day. Films should be no longer than fifteen minutes in length. No pornography please.
Those interested may submit their film in DVD format along with a cover letter, synopsis, film credits, awards if any, and contact information to Commissioner Lucio P. Fernandez, Department of Public Affairs, 3715 Palisade Ave., Union City, NJ 07087, Attn: Film Entry. Please include in the cover letter that the entry is being submitted by the property owner or licensee, and giving the City of Union City the right to publicly screen the film as part of the NoHu International Film Festival. DVDs will not be returned.
Entry deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 1. No exceptions. No application form is required and there is no fee. Foreign language films are accepted. This is a juried festival. Please include if this is a world premiere, USA premiere, New Jersey premiere, or Union City premiere. Finalists will be notified via e-mail. Please write contact name, email, and genre on the DVD cover.
Free classes in English and more offered in Guttenberg
The Franciscan Community Development Center is holding free English classes beginning in the fall. Classes include English conversation and ESL I and II, as well as citizenship, computer and Internet. New courses include driver’s education and social media.
Registration takes place from Sept. 3 to 18, with classes on weekday evenings from Sept. 22 to Dec. 11. Register at the Franciscan Community Development Center, 7007 Polk St., Guttenberg. Please have proof of residency and ID when registering. For information call (201) 941-2410.
Sixth annual backpack program upcoming
Backpacks will be available to students in need at the Back-to-School Backpack Program from the Franciscan Community Development Center. Backpacks will be given out while supplies last on Sept. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Robert Fulton School Annex, 7111 Polk St. Bring your student ID or old report card.
2014 back-to-school drive is underway
The North Bergen Emergency Relief Program is hosting a back-to-school drive for families in need throughout the township. They are collecting items from now until Aug. 29, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The items will be distributed on Tuesday, Sept. 2 at the North Bergen Recreation Center located at 6300 Meadowview Ave. For a list of drop off locations and the items that are needed, visit the town website at www.northbergen.org.
Artists, crafters, and vendors wanted for Union City festival
The City of Union City, Mayor Brian Stack, and the Board of Commissioners are seeking artists, crafters, and vendors to participate in the annual Union City Arts & Crafts and Music Festival to be held at Ellsworth Park, New York Ave. and 23rd St. on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The daylong festival will include various performances and activities for children. Artists and crafters interested in participating may reserve a space or obtain information from the Union City Department of Public Affairs, 3715 Palisade Ave., 3rd Floor or by calling (201) 348-5746. The spaces are 10 x 10 feet and participation is free.