Library to host ‘Remembering Palisades Amusement Park’ event
The Secaucus Public Library will host an informative, multimedia lecture about the famed Palisades Amusement Park on Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m. in the Panasonic Room on the library’s second floor. The lecture will be presented by Vince Gargiulo, author of the book “Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories.” Gargiulo is also the producer of a PBS documentary of the same name.
The park was located in the towns of Cliffside Park and Fort Lee and offered over 200 rides and attractions. The lecture will cover the history of the renowned amusement park beginning with its inception in the late 1800s until its closing in the early ‘70s. Gargiulo will provide an audiovisual presentation consisting of pictures, videos, and the sounds and music of the park.
According to library director Jenifer May, “Palisades Amusement Park holds a special place in the hearts of many residents who grew up in New Jersey during the years in which it was open. We hope that this lecture will bring back some of those memories and also give background and behind-the-scenes information that they, as visitors, may never have known. And for those never lucky enough to have entered its colorful gates, this event will recreate the thrills, laughter and joy that was Palisades Amusement Park, while also providing us with a slice of popular New Jersey history.”
The program is free to attend, but seating is limited. Register online at secaucuslibrary.org or call (201) 330-2083.
Cancer survivors to celebrate at ‘Keys of Hope’ reunion
To honor National Cancer Survivors Day, Extended Stay America and the American Cancer Society are sponsoring a ”Keys of Hope” reunion on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14, featuring a special keynote by “Good Morning America” host and cancer survivor Amy Robach.
An estimated 1.6 million Americans will be diagnosed with some type of cancer this year. Of those, thousands will travel away from home for treatment. “Keys of Hope,” a flagship program between Extended Stay America Hotels and the American Cancer Society, is helping patients overcome the financial stress of traveling for treatment via an ongoing donation of nearly 50,000 free and reduced room nights that has already impacted 6,700 lives.
Cancer survivors and their families who have taken advantage of “Keys of Hope” will converge on Secaucus for a weekend of fun, celebrating survivorship and honoring those still fighting. During the event, Robach will share her powerful testimony about her battle with cancer, and an extended message of hope to patients and families.
Attendees will be varied groups of people whose lives have been affected by cancer, including men, women, young and old, mothers, fathers, patients, survivors, and caregivers. In addition, executives from American Cancer Society and Extended Stay America Hotels will be available to share more about the program and ongoing partnership.
The event will take place at Extended Stay America, The Plaza at Harmon Meadow, 1 Plaza Dr.
First public golf course in Hudson now open
The Skyway Golf Course at Lincoln Park, 515 Duncan Ave. in Jersey City, begins accepting applications for membership starting Monday, June 15. Proof of residency is required. The facility, located on the west side of Lincoln Park, is the first public golf course in Hudson County. The 3,257 yard nine-hole course consists of three par 3’s, three par 4’s, and three par 5’s and offers views of the Pulaski Skyway and the Freedom Tower in lower Manhattan. For more information call (201) 763-7520.
Enjoy a Third-Tuesday-of-the-Month Nature Walk in Secaucus
This free nature walk will take place on Tuesday, June 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at Laurel Hill Park, Secaucus. Keep an eye out for shorebirds, herons, nesting ospreys and more. Meet at the big parking lot by the Laurel Hill ball fields. For information and to register call (201) 230-4983 or email greatauk4@gmail.com.
Solstice Celebration is June 21
Celebrate the sun on the longest day of the year, June 21, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. The program starts with a brief discussion of the scientific and cultural significance of the solstice, followed by a short walk to the Lyndhurst Nature Reserve to enjoy the outdoors and give thanks when the sun reaches its peak at 12:38 p.m. Participants will each take home a craft kit to make their own sun catchers. Registration is required at njmeadowlands.gov and click on “Events.” Information: (201) 460-4619 or communications@njmeadowlands.gov.
NY jewelry company awarded $16M tax break to move to Secaucus
The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) awarded a $16 million tax break to jewelry maker Frederick Goldman, Inc., a New York-based company, to encourage them to move their operations to Secaucus.
The 67-year-old company currently has 19 jobs in New Jersey. Moving the main operation from Manhattan to Secaucus would bring 214 additional jobs to the region.
Frederick Goldman is apparently also considering a location in Rockland County that they say would be less expensive. The tax incentive through the Grow New Jersey program is designed to encourage them to choose New Jersey for investment and development. If the company does opt for Secaucus they are expected to create a 60,000-square foot headquarters and manufacturing operation on County Road.
The company specializes in bridal and fashion jewelry.
Girl Scouts art supply drive benefits hospitalized kids
Your donation will help entertain children who are stuck in the hospital all day. This art supply drive is a Bronze Award project for Girl Scouts Alexandria, Athanasia, and Samantha.
Donation boxes are located at the Secaucus Public Library, Huber Street School, Clarendon School, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the farmer’s market, and the Recreation Center on Koelle Blvd.
Boxes will be available from now through July 4. With your help, enough art supplies can be collected to give to every single child in a local hospital.
Free workshop: How to protect yourself from financial exploitation after a disaster
Hudson Regional Health Commission, in conjunction with the Rutgers School of Social Work, will be hosting a free workshop entitled “When Disaster Threatens to Strike Twice: How to Protect Yourself and Others from Financial Exploitation after a Disaster.”
The workshop is open to all who reside or work in Hudson County, and will be held on June 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Secaucus Public Library, 137 Patterson Plank Rd.
For more information and to register contact Christina Butieb-Bianco at (201) 223-1133 or email disaster@hudsonregionalhealth.org with your name and phone number and workshop you are registering for.
Ride a pontoon in June
The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority’s (NJSEA) guided pontoon boat tours of the Hackensack River give visitors a unique opportunity to experience the amazing natural beauty and wildlife of the Meadowlands up-close while learning about the remarkable history of the river and the region. Expert staff members narrate the leisurely two-hour tours. While talking about the Hackensack River estuary’s storied history they point out birds, diamondback terrapins and other wildlife along the way. Wear comfortable footwear and don’t forget your camera: the cruises afford great photo opportunities.
Tours take place at 5:30 p.m. on June 17, 19, 23, and 25. All tours launch from River Barge Park, 260 Outwater Lane, Carlstadt. Advance registration and $15 per person payment required. Visit www.njmeadowlands.gov and click on “2015 River Tour Season” or call (201) 460-4677 or email cathy.vonk@njmeadowlands.gov
Riverkeeper Environmental Boat Rides in June and July
Reserve your spot today for the boat rides on June 22 and July 20. The mayor and Town Council along with the Hackensack Riverkeeper invite residents 10 years old and older on a free environmental boat ride along the Hackensack River. Rides take place from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays, June 22 and July 20. Call (201) 865-4422 to reserve. Limited seating.
Residential curbside tree planting program runs through October
The curbside tree program is back with planting taking place from May to October. The price is $200 for each tree. The tree will be planted curbside only. The proper tree will be determined by the administrator of tree conservation and the Shade Tree Committee in consultation with the homeowner and in accordance with the curb location.
Planting will be done by the Department of Public Works. Root barriers will be installed with each planting. If the tree is severely damaged or dies within the first year, it will be replaced at no cost.
For more information or to ask what tree species are available, call Town Hall at (201) 330-2008 and leave a message for Frank Sasso, administrator of tree conservation. Frank will visit the location and advise the homeowner which tree will be best suited to the particular spot.