Library lecture on memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease on Sept. 10
The North Bergen Public Library will host a lecture on the topics of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. The event, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, is made possible by the Hispanic Outreach Program and Holy Name Medical Center for Wellness Wednesdays. It will be held at the North Bergen Free Public Library, 8411 Bergenline Ave. For more information call (201) 869-4715 or visit www.nbpl.org.
Local artist Ray Arcadio exhibits new work in solo show
North Bergen artist Ray Arcadio will exhibit new work at his solo art exhibit “SHAPE UP” at Gia Gelato & Café located on 281 Newark Ave., Jersey City. An opening reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 5 from 7 to 10 p.m.
Arcadio’s collection of minimalist surreal portraits of superheroes and popular symbols will be exhibited from Sept. 5 through Dec. 3 as part of JC Fridays. His “In Shape” series is inspired by the happy face, primitive/tribal art, and corporate logos. The idea behind the series is to force a subject’s most identifiable characteristic into the template of a universal shape (circle, rectangle or triangle), giving them a childlike and comical effect while subtly commenting on consumerism, conformity, and self-image. They serve as visual puns about our constant need to “fit in” in or get “in shape,” physically and/or psychologically, within our society.
Performing at the reception will be New Jersey indie rock band Fiscal Cliff, playing original songs from their new album “Convalesce” as well as a few covers. Fiscal Cliff is made up of Manny Ray, Carlos Perez, Luis Garrido, and Mike Prussack.
Sister of Boston Marathon bombers charged with bomb threat
North Bergen resident Ailina Tsarnaeva, sister of the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing, has been arrested for allegedly making a bomb threat to a Harlem woman.
According to reports, Tsarnaeva allegedly made a call on Monday to her boyfriend’s ex, with whom he is embroiled in a bitter custody battle over their three children, stating “Leave us alone. I know people who can put a bomb on you.”
Tsarnaeva, 24, who previously lived in West New York, turned herself in on Thursday, Aug. 27 at Harlem’s 30th Precinct station house, where she was charged with aggravated harassment and later released, according to the New York Post.
Tsarnaeva is the sister of Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who are suspects in the April 2013 Boston bombing that killed three people and wounded more than 260. Tamerlan, 26, was killed in a shootout with police, while Dzokhar, 21, was arrested and is awaiting trial.
Tsarnaeva arrived in the U.S. in 2003 with Tamerlan and another sister, Bella, with whom she lives in North Bergen.
County Clerk’s Passport Office to Stay Open Late Every Wednesday in September
In celebration of Passport Awareness Month, the County Clerk’s Division of Passports will stay open until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays during the month of September. (Applicants must be present in the passport office no later than 6:45 p.m.to allow for processing time.)
This year’s Passport Awareness Month theme is “Customer Convenience.”
“September is back to school time, which can be an especially busy time for parents and students as summer vacation comes to an end,” said Hudson County Clerk Barbara A. Netchert. “We hope that by temporarily extending our passport hours on Wednesdays in September, the clerk’s office will be able to accommodate customers who are unable to apply for a passport during our routine operating hours due to their work, school, or fall activity schedule.”
The County Clerk’s Office is located at Hudson Plaza, 257 Cornelison Ave., 4th floor, in Jersey City. For more information about this event, passport applications, and fees, call (201) 369-3470 (option 4) or visit the County Clerk’s website at www.hudsoncountyclerk.org.
Veteran’s job fair coming to Hackensack
There will be a Veteran’s Job Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Eastwick College Hackensack, 250 Moore St., Hackensack. The event is sponsored by The North Hudson Community Action Corporation, which provides support services for veterans and their families.
For additional information call Olga Velez at (201) 758-5511 or email ovelez@nhcac.org.
Residents protest ‘toxic’ conditions at recycling facility
Dozens of protesters marched outside a recycling facility at 47th Street and Dell Avenue on Thursday evening, Aug. 21. Carrying signs that read “stop making this neighborhood sick,” they released a statement to the press criticizing Mayor Nicholas Sacco for “allowing Eagle Recycling to stay open.”
But the present facility is not Eagle Recycling. In fact, Eagle Recycling filed for bankruptcy and sold the property earlier this year after North Bergen levied a $100,000 fine for violations and revoked the company’s certificate of occupancy. According the town spokesperson Phil Swibinski, the town aggressively monitored and regulated Eagle Recycling, contributing to their bankruptcy.
The new owners of the facility, Lincoln Recycling, a Pennsylvania-based company serving the tri-state area, have made more than $2.5 million of improvements including resurfacing to reduce dust retention and upgrading safety standards, according to Swibinski.
There have been no problems noted with Lincoln Recycling, who retained some of Eagle’s employees but the owners and management are new.
Eagle was the subject of federal fines for safety violations, and pleaded guilty in 2011 to violations of the Clean Water Act at another site. The protestors charged that Eagle Recycling trucked “asbestos debris.”
Swibinski stated that while North Bergen did not have jurisdiction related to environmental issues, “The State Department of Environmental Protection monitored Eagle on a regular basis the whole time it was open and they never found any asbestos in any inspections.”
Enjoy Greek food, fun, and music on Sept. 6-7
Greek hospitality will be in full effect to celebrate the annual Jersey City Greek Festival at the Evangelismos Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church of Hudson County, 661 Montgomery St., Jersey City. Entertainment will be provided by “Pete the Greek” Chatzopoulos, co-owner of Teddy’s Place in Bayonne, who will act as the event’s DJ, spinning a mix of Greek and American music. Festivities on Saturday night, referred to as Taverna Night, will include an indoor bar and food stands, as well as The Saint Demetrious Greek Orthodox Youth Dancers from Perth Amboy, who will treat attendees to a display of authentic Greek dancing in native costumes between 8:30 and 10 p.m.
A variety of homemade Greek cuisine will be offered for a “taste of Greece,” including pastries, loukoumades, souvlaki sandwiches, and many Greek platters, in addition to ouzo and an assortment of Greek beers and wines. Sweets can also be purchased at the bakery and a gift shop in Elenion Community Center at the church. Food costs between $3 and $11. The church will offer a tent for outside dining.
The festival will take place from noon to midnight on Saturday, Sept 6 and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7. Admission is free. Free parking is available behind the church, with overflow parking at a Saint Peter’s University parking lot at the corner of Montgomery Street and Jordan Avenue. Proceeds will benefit the cultural and community programs of the church. For additional information contact (201) 436-3726 or evangelismostistheotokou@verizon.net
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., North Bergen. 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.
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.