Dispose of unused medications on Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Sept. 26
Do you have unused or expired prescriptions in your home? Dispose of them safely on Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring medications you no longer need to the Secaucus Police Department, 1203 Paterson Plank Rd. Drop offs are anonymous.
A drop box is available in the lobby of the police station 24/7 year-round. Please remove any identifying information from the medication bottle. Items that should be placed in the drop box include over-the-counter medications, vitamins, pet medications, and prescription medications. Items that should not be placed in the drop box include needles or sharps, biohazard materials, and illegal drugs.
For tips on disposal, visit drugfreesecaucus.org or call (201) 330-2000 ext. 3164
75 firefighters battle three-alarm blaze at sanitation facility
Firefighters discovered a fire involving garbage in a remote area used as a waste transfer facility inside Allegro Sanitation at 278 Secaucus Rd., after being called for a water flow alarm at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4. Piles of garbage 10 feet high limited access to the seat of the fire near a back wall. Heavy equipment operated by firefighters was used to remove burning piles of garbage from the building so fire crews on the exterior could extinguish the fire, and an aerial ladder (SFD Ladder 1) was extended to project water over the piles and onto the fire.
A second alarm was transmitted 20 minutes into the incident and a third alarm one hour after the first units arrived to relieve exhausted crews. The fire was brought under control in an hour and a half but there were numerous hot spots which required units to remain until 8 a.m. Saturday morning.
One Secaucus firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was treated by Meadowlands Hospital EMS at the scene, then released.
Mutual Aid Units from Hudson and Bergen Counties assisted both at the scene and for coverage at the Secaucus firehouses. A total of 75 firefighters fought the fire. Secaucus Police Department and Meadowlands Hospital EMS also responded.
Allegro Sanitation was closed at the time the fire was reported. It was allowed to reopen after emergency units cleared the scene. Secaucus Road was closed in both directions for eight hours.
Fire damage to the building was minimal. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
9/11 memorial scheduled for Friday
Secaucus planned to hold its annual 9/11 memorial service on Sept. 11 at approximately 8:20 a.m. The ceremony traditionally takes place at the monument in front of the library at 1379 Paterson Plank Rd.
The agenda called for color guards from the fire and police departments to be in attendance and the Swamibapa Pipe Band to play, along with taps following the reading of the names of the people from Secaucus who passed on 9/11. Students from the middle and high school were expected to provide readings, with clergy offering prayers.
Submit your pet’s photograph for the annual shelter calendar
The animal shelter is collecting photographs for their third annual pet calendar. Dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, and pets of all kinds will be featured in the 2016 calendar.
To submit your photo, visit the town website at secaucusnj.org to fill out the form and attach your picture.
Police Accreditation Assessment Team invites public comment
A team of assessors from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police (NJSACOP) will arrive on Sunday, Sept. 13 to examine all aspects of the Secaucus Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.
“Verification by the team that the Secaucus Police Department meets the commission’s best practice standards is part of a voluntary process to achieve accreditation, a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence,” announced Police Chief Kevin Flaherty.
As part of the onsite assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments to the accreditation assessors by calling (201) 330-2000 ext. 3055 on Monday, Sept. 14 between 9 and 11 a.m.
Telephone comments are limited to five minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with the NJSACOP standards. A copy of the standards is available for inspection at the Secaucus Police Department, 1203 Paterson Plank Rd. The local contact is Lt. Dennis Miller, who can be reached at (201) 330-2045.
Anyone wishing to offer written comments about the Secaucus Police Department’s ability to comply with the standards for accreditation can write to the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, 751 Route 73 North, Suite 12, Marlton, NJ 08053.
The accreditation program manager for the NJSACOP is Harry J. Delgado. “The assessment team is composed of law enforcement practitioners from similar New Jersey law enforcement agencies,” said Delgago. “The assessors will review written materials, interview agency members, and visit offices and other places where compliance with the standards can be observed. Once the commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they will report to the full commission, which will then decide if the agency is to be granted accredited status.”
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period during which time the agency must submit annual reports attesting to their continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.
NJSACOP through its Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission is the legitimate authority and accreditation agency in the state of New Jersey.
Library’s mini-fair on Sept. 19 to include ‘bag of books’ sale, raffles, etc.
The 18th Annual Friends of the Secaucus Public Library Mini-Fair will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the library grounds. Rain date is Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We are so excited to announce some never before offered prizes to augment our usual great offerings already announced, including two children’s bikes and helmets and a gas barbecue grill,” said Gladys Tous, who with her husband Luis has been an annual fixture selling chances at the Super Basket Table Raffle. Among the new prizes being offered are a tour of the QVC Studio in West Chester, Pa. for five people; admission tickets for two to the Longwood Gardens, Pa.; and admission tickets to the Broadway Comedy Club and the Greenwich Comedy Club, both in New York City. “Make Wine with Us” in Wallington donated a two-hour wine and cheese sampling for 12 people and a gift basket with two bottles of wine. Many gift certificates are part of the baskets, including one from Spuntino Wine Bar in Clifton, and Shop-Rite Supermarkets.
The Trash & Treasure Table is back and the Fair Share Raffle is underway at $1 per chance. “The popular ‘$5 for a Bag of Books’ tables will offer a free, reusable Friends of the Library bag, while supplies last,” noted Library Director Jenifer May. For more information, email may@secaucus.bccls.org or call (201) 330-2083 ext. 4011, or call Lee Penna at (201) 330-2083 ext. 4009.
Register for charity Wiffle ball tournament on Sept. 27
Register today for the Wiffle ball tournament on Sunday, Sept. 27 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Kane Stadium. Proceeds go to stamp out hunger in Secaucus and Hudson County.
Teams consist of at least five players. Each game is three innings. Winning teams will receive trophies. Corporate and at-large team donations are $150. Student team donations are $25 or two bags of canned goods. To register, contact Don Evanson at (201) 902-9742 or secaucusspec@aol.com.
September food pantry donations needed
The food pantry is looking for donations of canned vegetables and soups for the month of September. Items can be dropped at the Senior Center, 101 Centre Ave., Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Please call Patt or Eileen with any questions at (201) 330-2014.
The food pantry is always looking for donations of $10 gift cards to Walmart or ShopRite.
September is Library Card Signup Month
Don’t have a library card? Getting a library card is fast, easy and free. Adults must bring two proofs of Secaucus residency, one with a photo identification and one other document (property tax bill, utility bill, or bank statement). Stop by the library and register for your free card in September, during Library Card Signup Month, and be eligible to win one of two prizes that will be chosen randomly in a raffle.
Already have a library card? Sign up to receive a monthly e-newsletter or provide your email address to receive information about upcoming events and you will also be entered in the prize drawing. Winners will be chosen at the end of the month. Prizes include a chance to win adult and teen books or a $25 TD Bank gift card.
Free high holiday services scheduled
Chabad Jewish Center of Hoboken offers free High Holiday Services for Rosh Hashana ( Sept. 13-15) and Yom Kippur (Sept. 22-23). All services will take place at Chabad Jewish Center, 80 Park Ave. (entrance on Newark St.), Hoboken.
There are no membership fees and Chabad’s services are open to all Jews. Chabad runs a traditional service with a contemporary message in a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Hebrew English prayer books are provided. Communal holiday dinners are also available. Online registration required prior to the holiday. Children’s service from 10:45 a.m. to1 p.m. on Rosh Hashana.
For more information visit www.JewishHoboken.com, or call (201)386-5222.