Commissioner Ferraro announces upcoming retirement at end of term
“Representing the people of North Bergen for the last 16 years has been a wonderful, enlightening and truly rewarding experience,” said longstanding North Bergen Commissioner Theresa Ferraro. “I take great pride in the growth of our police department during my tenure, especially its diversity, with more women officers than ever before and almost 60 percent being of Hispanic heritage, and its effectiveness with crime rates dropping and our neighborhoods safer than ever.”
The first woman elected as a township commissioner in 1999, Ferraro has presided over the North Bergen Police Department as public safety commissioner and has been a tireless advocate for senior citizens, supporting many important programs and initiatives. In addition, Ferraro is the chair of the North Bergen Housing Authority Board of Trustees, where she will continue to serve. She has been an active member of the North Bergen Democratic Committee for over 30 years and was awarded for her public service last year by Hudson County’s “Women of Character, Courage and Commitment” Awards. She was also named Hudson County Senior of the Year in 1995 and in 2001 the Theresa V. Ferraro Senior Citizen Building was named in her honor.
Ferraro was honored at the commissioners meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 11, receiving proclamations from the Township of North Bergen, the state senate, and the county freeholders. Ferraro’s son Anthony accepted on her behalf, as she was unable to attend due to health reasons. Many local residents and officials offered glowing tributes to Ferraro, including Police Chief Robert Dowd, Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, Board of Education President Julio Marenco, and Emergency Relief Coordinator Aimee Ficaraccio.
“Theresa Ferraro has been an inspiration to the residents of North Bergen and her dedication to our public safety department and senior citizens will never be forgotten,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco in a press release. “While she will be retiring from one role, we know that she will continue to be a leader in our community and on behalf of the township I would like to thank her for everything she has done for North Bergen.”
Commissioner Ferraro’s term expires after the upcoming May municipal election.
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
Health care van providing free eye exams on Feb. 12
Free eye exams are coming to North Bergen. The CarePoint Health Mobile Screening Van will be at the North Bergen Public Library, 8411 Bergenline Ave. on Thursday, Feb. 12 from 2 to 6 p.m.
The mobile screening van is designed to address the growing health care needs of patients and families in local communities. The state-of-the-art medical vehicle features a fully equipped exam room, wheelchair lift, and lavatory to accommodate screenings and spot medical services.
Providing communities with the best health care is often predicated on access. The CarePoint Health Mobile Screening Van seeks to remove access barriers to help people take control of their health and wellness.
English for Beginners course at the library starting Feb. 22
The North Bergen Free Public Library’s main branch is starting a new 10-week ‘English for Beginners’ course. Classes will be held on Sundays starting Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. and are offered as a community service for those who desire to learn English. The course will be taught by instructor Elke Bachik. To register visit the reference desk. There is a $20 registration fee, and classes are open to North Bergen and Guttenberg residents. Proof of residency is required. The library is located at 8411 Bergenline Ave. For more information call (201) 869-4715 or visit www.nbpl.org.
Volunteer cheerleading coaches needed
The North Bergen Youth Football and Cheerleaders Program is looking for volunteer cheerleading coaches. Applicants must be 18 years old or older. For more information contact Grace at (201) 295-2929.
Free health screenings upcoming in local communities
Free health screenings will take place at various locations in Hudson County over the coming months courtesy of Palisades Medical Center. The screenings will include information on blood pressure, heart rate, percentage of oxygen in the blood, peak flow/respiratory, Body Mass Index – BMI, certificates for mammography, prostate screening, HIV testing, and more.
The New Jersey Hospital Association (NJHA) recognized Palisades Medical Center’s Community Outreach Program with its Community Outreach Award for its unique and effective methods of reaching out to better serve the healthcare needs of area residents. For more information, call Joanne Riggs at (201) 854-5793. Free screenings will take place at the following times and locations:
– Feb. 15, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – St. Joseph of the Palisades Church, 6401 Palisade Ave., West New York.
– Mar. 1, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – St. Augustine Church, 3900 New York Ave., Union City
– Mar. 15, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 7615 Broadway, North Bergen
– Mar. 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Grove Reformed Church, 4615 Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen
Register for swim team conditioning for boys and girls
Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Commissioner Hugo Cabrera announce swim team conditioning for boys and girls ages 5 to 17, a program to improve competitive swimming skills including racing starts, flip turns, and stroke technique. Children must be able to swim and pass a swim test. This is not a learn-to-swim program.
Registration for the program will be held at the North Bergen Recreation Center, 6300 Meadowview Ave., on Thursday, Mar. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is also available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Feb. 11 through Mar. 20. Must bring proof of residence and $35 registration fee. Absolutely no refunds.
Practice Site: Union City Swim Pool, 507 West St., Union City, Tuesday evenings from Mar. 24 thru May 12. Times: Ages 5-9 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; Ages 10-17 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Free income tax preparation available for eligible residents
The township of North Bergen has hired a certified public accounting firm to provide free tax preparation services for senior citizens and disabled residents. North Bergen residents age 55 or over, or those in possession of proof of disability, with a yearly income below $55,000, are eligible for free income tax preparation assistance. Residents must bring identification, Social Security card, tax documents, and a 2013 tax return (first-time participants only).
Preparation is by appointment only. Call (201) 381-7014. Services are available until April 15 on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Lawlor Tower, 6121-6131 Grand Ave., and on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Public Library Kennedy Branch, 2123 Kennedy Blvd. Services are also available at the Public Library Main Branch, 8411 Bergenline Ave., on Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Register now for 2015 soccer season
Soccer registration for North Bergen and Guttenberg residents ages 6 to 16 will take place throughout January and February on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration will be held at the soccer trailer in Hudson County Park.
Registration is open to North Bergen and Guttenberg residents only. Be sure to bring your child’s birth certificate or passport only, two current photos for soccer ID and record, and valid proof of North Bergen/Guttenberg residency, i.e. a PSEG/Water/Cablevision/FIOs bill. There is a non-refundable $35 registration fee. Cash only; no personal checks. Late registration fee $50. Last year’s players must also register.
Free comedy at the library in March
Comedian Alonzo Bodden will give a free performance at the North Bergen Free Public Library on Saturday, Mar. 14 at 5 p.m. Bodden has appeared on “The Tonight Show” with Conan O’Brien and Comedy Central, and is the winner of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.”
Doors open at 4:30. The library is at 8411 Bergenline Ave.
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.
Lincoln Association of Jersey City marks 150th anniversary year
The Lincoln Association of Jersey City celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding at the annual tribute to Abraham Lincoln on his birthday, Thursday, Feb. 12.
At noon, Vice President Edward Meehan hosted the 86th annual monument ceremony in honor of the Great Emancipator. A wreath was laid at the statue of Lincoln at the entrance to Lincoln Park at Kennedy Boulevard and Belmont Avenue, Jersey City. The statue, named Lincoln the Mystic, was created by renowned sculptor James Earle Fraser. Its construction was sponsored by the Lincoln Association and it was dedicated in 1929. The association was also instrumental in having the park, formerly known as West Side Park, renamed for Abraham Lincoln. Following Presentation of the Colors by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department and the Pledge of Allegiance, Dr. Jules Ladenheim, past president of the association, recited the Gettysburg Address.
At 6 p.m. the association hosted its annual dinner at the Casino-in-the-Park, Lincoln Park, Jersey City. The featured speaker was Todd Brewster, author of the newly published book “Lincoln’s Gamble,” about the struggle to create the Emancipation Proclamation. Mr. Brewster is a journalist, film producer, and was ABC News Senior Editorial Producer. He co-authored three books with the late Peter Jennings. Dr. Ladenheim delivered Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address. There was also a musical presentation of popular songs of the Civil War by soprano Andria Helm.
On this special anniversary year, The Lincoln Association was pleased to have 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.
As part of its 150th anniversary celebration year, the association has also been hosting a series of films at the Five Corners Branch Library, 678 Newark Avenue, Jersey City. Upcoming is “Killing Lincoln” (2013) with Tom Hanks at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 23.
The Lincoln Association is the oldest continuously operating association in the United States honoring 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.
Further information about activities planned throughout the anniversary year can be found on the association’s website www.thelincolnassociationofjerseycity.com