Bayonne High takes sixth in county in academics and performing arts rating
Bayonne High didn’t fare as well as five other educational institutions on a state list of Performing Public High Schools for academics and the arts, according to a magazine assessment released on Aug. 20.
McNair High School in Jersey City finished first in Hudson County, and in the top third in the state, with a 375 rating from Inside Jersey magazine. Other Hudson high schools finishing ahead of Bayonne were High Tech in North Bergen, 345; Weehawken, 319; County Prep in Jersey City, 309, and Secaucus, 302. Inside Jersey gave Bayonne High a score of 288.
The magazine’s ranking took into account each school’s combined Scholastic Aptitude Test score, composite High School Proficiency Assessment, and a combined arts participation score.
Mayor Davis takes Ice Bucket Challenge
Mayor James Davis got doused with a bucket of ice water to show he’s not only a good sport, but a supporter of the ALS Association’s Ice Bucket Challenge.
The Ice Bucket Challenge is a recent phenomenon, fueled by social media, through which friends, family members, and associates are challenged to either donate to the ALS Association or allow others to throw a bucket of ice water on them. Many donate anyway.
Davis received his water treatment on Aug. 19 in front of City Hall at the hands of City Clerk Robert Sloan. The mayor had been challenged by Joshua, his 7-year-old son, and Jeff Meyer, a city spokesman. Hearing he had been challenged by at least 12 others on social media sites, the mayor decided to accept his fate.
“I figured I better get it done,” said Davis, who will also make a donation.
The mayor in turn challenged Bayonne Board of Education President William Lawson and Bayonne Teachers Association head Alan D’Angelo. The union and board are in negotiations on a new contract for teachers.
The ALS Association reported on Aug. 19 that it received $22.9 million in donations from July 29 to that day, much of it attributable to the Ice Bucket Challenge. The group raised $1.9 million during the same period last year.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, eventually leading to death. Yankee Hall of Famer Gehrig died from the disease.
Davis said he participated because he knew people who had had the disease.
Grace and Trinity churches sponsoring new semester of ESL class
A fall English as a second language class, offered through Grace Lutheran Church and Trinity Parish, and in collaboration with Highways, a part of the Windmill Alliance, will be held on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 16 to Nov. 25.
Classes and the Sept. 16 registration (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.) will be at Grace Lutheran Church, 836 Ave. C, the corner of 37th Street. Registration will include an assessment of registrants’ language level.
The registration fee for the ESL Classes is $20; $10 will be returned to those who finish the semester.
An ESL textbook will be distributed at the first class.
Light refreshments will be offered on class nights. Free childcare will be provided.
For more information, call (201) 339-3685 or email pastor.gracebayonne@gmail.com.
Elks Lodge holding benefit barbecue on Sunday
Bayonne Elks Lodge 434 is holding a barbecue to raise money for the New Jersey State Elks Army of Hope on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 3 p.m at lodge headquarters, 364 Broadway.
The cost is a $10 donation for food, and beverages cost extra.
“Come have a good time and relax with a great bunch of people and get your eat on,” said spokeswoman Lisa DiLorenzo of the Elks Lodge. “Then stick around and welcome home our members completing their 300-mile motorcycle run to Mystic, Connecticut, and back. Come support us.”
Park Players holding auditions for ‘Annie Warbucks’
The Park Players and The Church of the Good Shepherd are hosting auditions for the musical “Annie Warbucks” on Sept. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. at the church, 1576 Palisade Ave.
Fort Lee.
“Annie Warbucks picks up right where ‘Annie’ leaves off, when Child Welfare Commissioner Harriet Doyle arrives on the scene to inform Daddy Warbucks he must marry in 60 days so that the newly adopted Annie can have a proper mother,” said spokesman John Fiorenza. “And so the adventure begins with a whirlwind search and plot twist to find a fitting bride for Daddy Warbucks and mom for Annie.”
All roles are open, except Annie, Daddy Warbucks, Drake, and Commissioner Doyle. An accompanist will be provided.
For more information, call (201) 736-0878 or (551) 206- 9772 or visit www.parkplayers.com.
No-fee adoptions announced for cats one year and older
Companion Animal Trust is waiving its adoption fees for all adult cats aged one year or older during August. All cats are spayed, neutered, and vaccinated. The standard application process applies.
To see available cats, go to companionanimaltrust.com or adoptapet.com. Private appointments can also be accommodated.
For more information, call (201) 884 9649 or email cat@companionanimaltrust.com.