Munoz withdraws from commissioner race
Former Freeholder Jose Munoz says he won’t run for the Board of Commissioners in the May elections.
“At this time, following much activity in my personal life, I have chosen not to run for commissioner of West New York,” he said in a statement. “It was a difficult decision for me to make. My days and nights were consumed with the thought of disappointing my friends and those who have supported me. This was coupled with an inner feeling of not finishing what we as concerned residents of West New York started in an effort to make West New York a better place to live for our children, friends, and neighbors. My vision has not changed and my desire is and will continue to be for the greater good, but right now, I must consider the needs of my family.”
He said he has been watching from the sidelines with keen interest the events within the political landscape in West New York and has noticed a significant change.
“I have noticed declared candidates that came forward early in the campaign and those that have recently become candidates now having common ground – all are qualified to move West New York forward towards a brighter future,” he said. “As residents, we have fought hard over the years to be heard and to receive the recognition we rightfully deserve. I believe we have succeeded in this quest. Just look at the caliber of candidates running for commissioner. Each candidate brings with them a sense of purpose. A purpose that is supported by being “qualified” to represent the residents of a community I love – West New York.”
He said he wanted to thank those that have made his dreams a reality.
“Rest assured, I will continue to be involved if only as an armchair politician watching attentively from the sidelines until God willing my family circumstances change,” he said.
Registration now open for free performing arts classes for children
The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. is currently holding registrations for its theatre training program for children ages 8 and up Mondays through Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave., Union City.
Unlimited free classes are available in ballet, hip hop, salsa, tap/rhythm, singing, and acting.
To register, kids must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. No special clothing or equipment needed. Registration fee is $30 per student. All of the instructors are professional performers. Open to all residents of Hudson County. For information, log on to www.GraceTheatre.com.
Lincoln Association of Jersey City marks 150th anniversary celebration year
The Lincoln Association of Jersey City is the oldest continuously-operating association in the United States honoring President Abraham Lincoln. It was formed shortly after Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, and since then has held a banquet in Jersey City every year on his birthday, Feb. 12. Over the decades many figures of national importance have addressed the association, including people from the military and political worlds, historians, educators and civil rights leaders.
The association celebrated its 150th anniversary of its founding recently on Thursday, Feb. 12. The festivities included an address by association Vice President Edward Meehan, a wreath laying at the statue of Lincoln at the entrance to Lincoln Park at Kennedy Boulevard and Belmont Avenue, and its annual dinner at the Casino-in-the-Park, Lincoln Park, featuring speaker Todd Brewster, author of the newly published book “Lincoln’s Gamble” about the struggle to create the Emancipation Proclamation. There followed a musical presentation of popular songs of the Civil War by soprano Andria Helm.
On this special anniversary year, the Lincoln Association had on display at the banquet the “Bloody Flag” lent by kind permission of the Pike County Historical Society in Milford, Pa. This flag hung in Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C., the night Lincoln was assassinated. It was used to cradle his head and is stained with his blood.
Cross-Chamber Mixer 2015 kick-off event hosted by the all-new Women in Business Council
You can join the Women in Business Council in welcoming the Hoboken and Hudson County Chambers of Commerce for an informative, interactive, networking cross-chamber mixer and meet current and future members of both groups. The event is Thursday, Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Kolo Klub (the upstairs section of Pilsener Haus Biergarten), 1422 Grand St., Hoboken.
The presidents of both chambers will share their objectives and direction for 2015. You’ll have a chance to win the door prize, get space to display promotional materials at the Member Showcase Table, and get an opportunity to contribute to the door prize. Members tickets are $25, future members tickets $35, which includes one drink plus food for the evening. If you join the council at the door, your event fee is waived. Members are automatically entered for the door prize drawing, and if you join that evening you will also be entered. Please email suzpascale@gmail.com or melorr77@aol.com for door prize donations.
For registration information, call (201) 222-1100 or visit hcc@hobokenchamber.com.
Route 3 eastbound closed this weekend for emergency bridge repairs
All lanes on Route 3 eastbound will be closed from the Meadowlands/Route 120 in East Rutherford to Meadowlands Parkway in Secaucus from 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 to 10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 to complete emergency bridge repairs. Emergency vehicles will have access to cross the bridge if necessary during the closure.
Construction will not affect Route 3 westbound traffic.
Crews will install steel plates to strengthen the lower structural member in three locations. A scheduled inspection of the bridge identified flaws in the lower structural member and further investigation found cracks in the steel.
Alternate routes can be found on the Secaucus town website at secaucusnj.org.