Library closed until March 22 for roof repairs
The main library will be closed to the public until March 22 for roof repairs. Residents can still pick up items by presenting their library card at the main entrance. Anyone needing assistance or who would like a book pulled can call (201) 869-4715. The staff will continue to serve the public while construction goes on.
The library was closed temporarily last winter for repairs to a different section of the roof.
The Kennedy branch is currently open at 2123 Kennedy Blvd. The branch has extended its hours and will be open on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in addition to their current schedule. Members can also access all of the library’s online databases using a North Bergen library card by visiting www.nbpl.org.
Some children’s classes were canceled while others were moved to the Kennedy branch. Maker’s Day, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 21 will be postponed due to the building repairs. The Alonzo Bodden Comedy Show that was scheduled for Saturday, March 14 was also postponed. New dates will be posted as soon as possible.
North Bergen begins annual pothole repair project, launches pothole hotline
Residents who spot potholes are encouraged to report them to the pothole repair hotline number at (201) 330-7263 or through North Bergen’s NB help desk online system at northbergen.org.
“With the snow melting and the temperature rising, it’s time to get to work filling potholes,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “Our DPW already has an extensive list of potholes but we encourage all residents to report any that they see by calling our pothole repair hotline.”
DPW crews have already begun filling potholes and work will continue for the next few months. The township purchased a new piece of equipment called an asphalt cooker last year, which makes the pothole filling process much more efficient. Following the project, the township will transition to its annual road repair program, whereby selected streets will be completely resurfaced and repaved based on need.
“While our DPW crews did an outstanding job keeping streets plowed during the winter, now we are moving on to filling potholes which is just as important for our residents,” said Commissioner Frank Gargiulo. “Potholes can cause serious damage to cars and trucks and the harsh winter has created many throughout the area that we are now working to fill as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
Spring programs announced for library
The North Bergen Public Library is pleased to announce the library’s annual spring programs for both the main library and the Kennedy branch. Registration will be held on Monday, March 23 and the programs will begin Monday, April 6. Registration is open to North Bergen and Guttenberg residents. Register in person at either the main library or the Kennedy branch. Proof of age and residency are required. Registration is limited. For more information call (201) 869-4715 or visit www.nbpl.org to view the program listings.
CASA wine tasting to benefit local foster children
Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) has announced its 9th Annual Wine Tasting fundraiser, featuring world-class wines, foods and desserts, VIP tasting of premium spirits, cork pull and silent auction, will take place on Friday, March 27, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Battello, at the Newport Marina at 502 Washington Blvd. in Jersey City. Proceeds from this event support CASA’s advocacy work on behalf of Hudson County foster children.
More than 90 wines selected by Cork Wine & Spirits will be featured at the tasting and accompanied by foods and desserts by Battello. A one-year family membership at Shipyard Pool in Hoboken will be among the many silent auction prizes that also includes getaways, theater and sporting event tickets and luxury items. Free valet parking will be available.
Hudson County CASA will honor Dean Bellissimo, Mark Kemper and Greg Skiff at this year’s event. Bellissimo, of Deutsche Bank and a Hoboken resident, has been a loyal sponsor of CASA’s wine tasting for the past five years. Kemper is president of the North Atlantic District of UPS. He has been an active supporter of Hudson County CASA since 2009. Skiff, a Jersey City resident, is an associate litigator at Tarter Krinsky & Drogin, a law firm in New York City. He has served as a CASA volunteer for the past five years, is a member of the Board of Trustees and will be recognized as Volunteer of the Year.
Tickets may be purchased online for $85 or at the door on the night of the event for $95. Tickets may also be purchased at Cork Wine & Spirits, 1450 Washington St., Hoboken. VIP tasting tickets will be on sale at the event. For tickets and more information, please visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.
Three North Bergen students win silver medals at Hudson County Science Fair
Of the six North Bergen students who presented at the annual Hudson County Science Fair, three were awarded with silver medals recognizing their excellent projects. North Bergen High School students Rajiv Mehta and Uthman Moumani were awarded for their presentations in biochemistry, and electrical and mechanical engineering, respectively. Robert Fulton School eighth grader Sarah Bacha also won the silver medal and was additionally awarded with the Dubby Shulman Young Scientist Award and the Broadcom Masters award, which included a nomination to the National Science Fair competition.
“All of our participating students put an incredible amount of time and effort into their projects and it is wonderful to see three of our very best recognized for their outstanding performance,” said North Bergen Superintendent of Schools Dr. George Solter. “This is an excellent reflection on our expanding programs throughout the district in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with a goal of preparing our students for college and the careers of tomorrow.”
The annual Hudson County Science Fair includes high school and elementary school students from throughout the county.
Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation announces first Sacco 5K Charity Fun Run event on May 16
Local runners of all skill levels will soon have a chance to experience a unique course with breathtaking Manhattan views, all while contributing to a worthy cause at the Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation’s inaugural Sacco 5K Charity Fun Run. The event is scheduled for May 16 and will be held within James J. Braddock Hudson County Park in North Bergen, spanning parts of Boulevard East before finishing on the running track at Bruins Stadium. Registration for runners and sponsors is now open and more information is available at Sacco5k.org.
“This 5K event will take advantage of the beautiful natural scenery within Braddock Park as well as the picturesque Manhattan views along Boulevard East, giving it a very exciting backdrop for runners,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco, who heads the foundation. “We hope to have many residents come out and enjoy a great race and a fun party afterward, all to help our Foundation continue to give back to our local community.”
The Sacco 5K course has been certified by USA Track and Field and awards will be given to participants in various age groups. All runners will receive a commemorative t-shirt and there will be a post-race party and barbecue for runners and spectators with food and refreshments. Registration fees are $25 for runners and $20 for post-race party only, and over 20 sponsors have already signed on to the race including primary sponsor Palisades Medical Center.
The Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides social services and charitable donations to North Bergen and the surrounding communities. For the past three years the Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation has provided free income tax preparation services to senior citizens and disabled residents. The Foundation also contributes generously to local food pantries and has provided direct relief funding to displaced victims of fires and other disasters.
Palisades Medical Center CEO leads March of Dimes effort to improve health of Hudson County babies
More than 12,000 of New Jersey babies will be born premature this year, and Bruce J. Markowitz, president and CEO of Palisades Medical Center, is working with the March of Dimes to change this. Markowitz 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. March for Babies, the March of Dimes largest fundraiser, will be held on April 26, at Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
March for Babies helps fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping mothers have stronger, healthy babies. Last year, in Hudson County, more than $150,000 was raised. This year, Markowitz will lead participants and the community in making a difference for the health of mothers and babies.
“I am honored to serve in the important role as the chairman of the Hudson County March for Babies,” said Markowitz. ”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.”
Hudson County residents can sign up today at www.marchforbabies.org and start a team with co-workers, family or friends. Last year, more than 650 people attended the event.
Have ‘Coffee with a Cop’ on March 25
Join your neighbors and the North Bergen Police for coffee and conversation at the North Bergen Public Library Kennedy Branch, 2123 Kennedy Blvd., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25.
No agenda or speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know the officers in your neighborhood.
Enjoy a ‘Taste of Italy’ on April 18
The North Bergen Library will be hosting the fifth installment of their “Taste of” cultural series featuring Italy. “Taste of Italy” will be held on Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. There will be food, literature, music, dance, and various demonstrations. The main library is located at 8411 Bergenline Ave. For more information visit www.nbpl.org or call the library at (201) 869-4715.
Free information at Hudson County Court Night on May 27
Come to Hudson County Court Night at Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. Courthouse, 583 Newark Ave., Jersey City, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27. Court Night is an evening of free information sessions open to the residents of Hudson County. These sessions will provide practical information and resource material designed to assist residents in navigating the court system. Attorneys and court representatives will conduct the sessions and will be available to answer general questions from the public concerning each subject matter.
While Court Night is free, pre-registration is highly recommended. To pre-register, email hudson.reservation@judiciary.state.nj.us or call (201) 217-5109.
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.