Celebrate Dr. Seuss at both library branches
In honor of Read Across America, both branches of the North Bergen Public Library are participating in a celebration of beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss. The main library presents their annual Dr. Seuss Celebration on Friday, Feb. 27 at 4:30 p.m. The main library is located at 8411 Bergenline Ave.
The fun continues as the Kennedy branch hosts their second annual Dr. Seuss Celebration on Wednesday, Mar. 4 at 5 p.m. The Kennedy Branch is located at 2123 Kennedy Blvd.
Stories at both locations will read by both the mayor and the Cat in the Hat. There will also be a Cat in the Hat magic show, goodie bags, and more. Don’t miss out on all of the Suess-ical fun. For more information call (201) 869-4715 or visit www.nbpl.org.
Blood drive on March 7
Community Blood Services is holding a blood/platelets drive on Saturday, Mar. 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the bloodmobile in the Walmart parking lot in North Bergen, 2100 88th St.
You must weigh at least 110 lbs, eat before donation, and bring ID. There will also be a complimentary non-fasting glucose and cholesterol test with every blood donation. To set up an appointment call (201) 251-3703. Walk ins are also welcome.
Every drop counts. Give blood today.
Palisades Medical Center to receive over $1.2M in Sandy relief funds
U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker have announced $2,651,275.80 in federal Sandy relief grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance grant to repair the Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen and a police station in Mantoloking damaged by Superstorm Sandy.
The grant awarded $1,222,154.10 to Palisades Medical Center to mitigate the hospital backup generators that were destroyed as a result of the storm. Another $1,429,121.70 was awarded to repair the Mantoloking police station and borough offices damaged by the storm.
“More than two years after Superstorm Sandy, communities in New Jersey are still recovering from its devastation,” said Booker. “The Federal funding announced today will bring two public facilities yet another step closer to full recovery so they can continue to provide essential services to the communities they serve.”
“It’s vital that life-saving community resources – like police stations and hospitals – are rebuilt better and stronger than before the storm,” said Menendez.
President Obama signed the Superstorm Sandy Supplemental Appropriations bill into law two years ago, bringing the total Sandy aid enacted by Congress to $60.2 billion. The funding package included federal aid to help homeowners, businesses, and communities recover, and resources to rebuild coastal, transportation, and water infrastructure.
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:
– 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 through 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.
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.
Solo art exhibit by Francisco Noemi Yan opening Feb. 28
“Reflections of My Emotion,” a solo art exhibit by Francisco Noemi Yan, takes place on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at the William V. Musto Cultural Center, 420 – 15th St., Union City.
Born in San José de los Llanos, Dominican Republic, on Mar. 16, 1989, self-taught artist Francisco Noemi Yan at began to show his passion for art at a very early age. He also studied music as a percussionist. He later attended the National School of Fine Arts (ENBA), studying visual and performing arts, painting, drawing, and sculpture. He currently lives and works in New York.
The artist will be present to discuss his work and greet the public. Admission is free.
Correction:
In the article “Part of suicide missions in WWII” in the Feb. 15 edition of the North Bergen Reporter, the name of the award received by the First Special Service Force was incorrect. The award given to the “Devil’s Brigade” was the Congressional Gold Medal, not the Medal of Honor.