Cancer lecture at the library on March 11
A lecture featuring the topic of colorectal cancer will be held on Wednesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. The lecture will be presented by Peter Caride, M.D., Holy Name Gastroenterologist. This event 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 the library at (201) 869-4715 or visit www.nbpl.org.
2015 Spring Theater Workshop
Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the North Bergen Players present the 2015 Spring Theater Workshop, featuring acting classes in film, live theater, and scene writing; voice production classes and private lessons; and hair and makeup classes in care, styling, and application.
Classes begin March 16 and will meet Mondays and Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Hair and makeup classes will be on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Special guest instructors include film director Amanda Rosa and hair stylist Isi Matos Berges of Isi Hair Design.
The workshops are free and seating is limited. For more information call Maurena Luzzi at (201) 854-7074 or (201) 401-9722.
High School’s new STEM Academy holds induction ceremony
Twenty eager young students officially became the first class of North Bergen High School’s new STEM Academy when it held its induction ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6:30 p.m. The event was held in the NBHS small auditorium at 7417 Kennedy Blvd. in North Bergen, and it was attended by Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Schools Superintendent Dr. George Solter, Supervisor of Science and STEM Academy Chair Jared Keshishian, and many more.
The North Bergen STEM Academy is designed to create a rigorous academic program within the school in the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge technologies that are necessary for the jobs and industries of the future while remaining integrated into their home town school.
NHRFR and Secaucus swap equipment to increase fire safety and protect taxpayers
Both Secaucus and the North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue (NHRFR) benefited recently by a swap of firefighting equipment as part of an interlocal agreement.
“North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue was founded on the principle that by working together we can better protect our communities and do it more efficiently,” said NHRFR Management Committee Chairman and Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner. “This new agreement with Secaucus is further proof of that concept and I would like to thank [Secaucus] Mayor Michael Gonnelli for his willingness to work together for the good of Hudson County.”
As part of the agreement Secaucus will be giving a tower ladder apparatus to NHRFR, which will serve as an essential back up to their new tower ladder that will be put into service this year. In return NHRFR has given the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department a fire boat to assist in operations along the Hackensack River. The 32-foot Monarch boat was replaced in the NHRFR’s fleet by the new Marine 1 vessel that was purchased through grant funds last year. It will now continue to be used to protect Hudson County residents from fires and other disasters.
“With the continued growth of our community along the Hackensack River it was becoming essential for our fire department to have access to a marine apparatus, and by executing this agreement with North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue we are able to get just what we needed without having our taxpayers foot the bill,” said Gonnelli, who is a member of the Secaucus Volunteer Fire Department. “This fire vessel will make our community safer and it is a great example of the kind of cooperation between neighbors that Secaucus takes pride in.”
Altercation between two homeless men leads to stabbing
A 42-year-old homeless man was taken into custody early Sunday, Feb. 22 in North Bergen after allegedly stabbing a 39-year-old homeless man in the leg and hitting him in the head with a bottle.
The altercation occurred about 3:30 a.m. The alleged assailant then hid beneath a bridge that carries John F. Kennedy Boulevard across the Palisade Cliffs. The two men apparently live under the bridge.
Police had to pull the alleged attacker up to the street using ropes and a gurney. The Port Authority Police Emergency Services Unit assisted in the arrest. Both men were taken to area hospitals.
Blood drive on March 7
Community Blood Services is holding a blood/platelets drive on Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the blood mobile 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.
First-Sunday-of-the Month nature walk on March 1
The free two-hour walk of Mill Creek Marsh in Secaucus features raptors, waterfowl and early spring migrants. Meet outside the Meadowlands Environment Center at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 1. Directions are on meadowblog.net in the left column. The walk is sponsored by the N.J. Meadowlands Commission and the Bergen County Audubon Society. Participants have to sign a standard liability release that is good for NJMC/BCAS events throughout the year. To register call (201) 230-4983.
High Tech HS hosts roundtable discussion with Assembly Speaker Prieto
High Tech High School hosted a roundtable discussion with Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto on Thursday, Feb. 16 about the importance of vocational and technical education. Speaker Prieto was joined by Andrew Campbell, CEO of Eastern Millwork, and Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) Superintendent Frank Gargiulo. Tours were given showcasing the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered by HCST in honor of CTE Month 2015.
Career and Technical Education prepares students to succeed as global citizens for career opportunities for the 21st century and to support healthy economic growth within the state.
March of Dimes works to improve health of Hudson County Babies
More than 12,000 New Jersey babies will be born premature this year. March for Babies, the March of Dimes largest fundraiser, helps fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have stronger, healthy babies.
Bruce Markowitz, president and CEO of Palisades Medical Center, has taken on the role of Hudson County March for Babies chair to raise awareness and important funding to provide for babies who are born premature or with birth defects. “I am honored to serve in the important role as the chairman of the Hudson County March for Babies,” he said. “I believe we can all rally behind the March of Dimes and its mission to help moms have full-term pregnancies and research the problems that threaten the health of babies.”
March for Babies will be held on April 26 at Liberty State Park in Jersey City. Hudson County residents can sign up at www.marchforbabies.org and start a team with co-workers, family, or friends. Last year, more than 650 people attended the event and more than $150,000 was raised in Hudson County.
“We’re so excited to have Mr. Markowitz on board to help us at a local level,” said Addy Bonet, State Director for the New Jersey March of Dimes Chapter. “His passion for the cause will be a huge driving factor in the success of our event. We are grateful for his commitment.”
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:
• March 1, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – St. Augustine Church, 3900 New York Ave., Union City
• March 15, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel, 7615 Broadway, North Bergen
• March 21, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Grove Reformed Church, 4615 Kennedy Blvd., North Bergen.
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 on March 14
Comedian Alonzo Bodden will give a free performance at the North Bergen Free Public Library on Saturday, March 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.
Meet ‘Owls Alive!’ at March 8 presentation
The Meadowlands is prime owl territory, and the Flat Rock Brook Nature Center will offer a chance to see some of these amazing nocturnal raptors live and in person at Owls Alive! on Sunday, March 8 from 2 to 3 p.m. Hear all about these feathered ambassadors, including their behavior, physiology, adaptations and natural history at this event co-sponsored by the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission and Bergen County Audubon Society. The cost is $8 per person; $6 for Meadowlands Environment Center Members.