Hudson County Fair coming to Braddock Park Columbus Day weekend
The Hudson County Community Action Corporation is sponsoring a carnival in James J. Braddock North Hudson County Park on Columbus Day weekend. The Hudson County Fair will take place on Friday, Oct. 9 from 5 to 10 p.m.; and on Saturday through Monday, Oct. 10 to 12, from noon until 10 p.m.
There will be rides for children and adults, as well as food vendors and play stands. The event will be held on Fields 1 and 2 next to the handball courts across from the tennis courts. Freeholder Anthony Vainieri helped organize this event.
NB honors three individuals for Hispanic Heritage Month
Three individuals were honored for their contributions to the community at the North Bergen Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 7. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the commissioners cited the contributions of Rep. Albio Sires, Rumba Cubana owner Alan Lopez, and Adamarys Galvin, who runs the bilingual programs for the school system.
“Albio Sires has been representing us fantastically for many years,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco. “He’s always here whenever we need him.”
Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner, in accepting the award on behalf of Sires, noted that North Bergen worked closely with state and federal agencies on two of the key issues pertinent to the local community: health care and immigration.
Lopez, in addition to running highly successful restaurants in both North Bergen and Guttenberg, has contributed food to disaster victims and to township events. Galvin not only runs the bilingual programs for students but also holds events for parents, and collaborated with the town to provide free flu shots to residents.
“North Bergen, as everyone knows, has a wealth of resources thanks to the mayor and the commissioners. Several years ago we started a home-school community partnership to help our Latino community have the access to these resources,” said Galvin, noting that providing support to the community allowed residents to achieve progress. “Once they meet with success their children will meet with success.”
Guttenberg Arts Gallery showcases impossible airplanes
“The Impossible Lightness of Being,” a solo exhibition of works by Chad Stayrook, is on view at the Guttenberg Arts Gallery, 6903 Jackson St., through Nov. 4. Stayrook is currently an artist in residence at the gallery. His works, built around the form and function of a simple paper airplane, focus on the struggle to find meaning, happiness, and salvation, and combine his expectation of failure with the fantastical wanderings of his imagination to create a world that is as believable as it is strange and impossible.
The title of the exhibition is a nod to Milan Kundera’s novel “The Unbearable Lightness of Being,” which examines the concept of eternal recurrence and the weight of meaning (purpose) in our lives. Similarly, the exhibition plays with the weight of meaning as pertains to objects when presented in a context outside of their assumed function. The paper airplane is a familiar and playful object often associated with lightheartedness and clowning around. However, in the context of the exhibition this form becomes the pedestal that bears the weight of art. The centerpiece of the installation is a wooden frame built in the shape of a paper airplane.
Stayrook is based in Brooklyn. His work has been shown internationally, printed in several publications, and he is co-directing Present Company Gallery with Brian Balderston and Jose Ruiz, as well as collaborating as Really Large Numbers with Julia Oldham.
For more information, contact studio@guttenbergarts.org or (201) 868-8585. Guttenberg Art Gallery is free and open to the public by appointment. The gallery website is at www.guttenbergarts.org.
Flu vaccines available to Guttenberg residents
Mayor Gerald Drasheff and the Town Council, in conjunction with the North Hudson Community Action Corporation, announce the Flu Vaccine Program. Protect yourself and your family from the flu this winter by participating in this program. Your participation contributes to a happier and healthier Guttenberg community.
Vaccines are free to senior citizens over 65 and uninsured residents ages 19-99, as well as underinsured whose current insurance does not cover vaccines. All others are charged $20 and will be given a receipt for reimbursement by their own insurance. Must be a current resident of Guttenberg. Proof of residence and picture identification are required. Times, dates, and locations are available on the town website at guttenbergnj.org. For further information call Ms. Marisol Montanez at (201) 868-2315 ext. 152.
Twelve High Tech students receive Letter of Commendation from National Merit Scholarship Program
A Letter of Commendation from High Tech High School and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) will be presented by Dr. Joseph Giammarella, principal of High Tech, to twelve outstanding scholars.
Commended students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2016 competition by taking the PSAT/NMSQT last year. NMSC has recognized approximately 34,000 commended students across the country, although they will not continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships in 2016.
The 12 HTHS seniors are Amina and Sara Bendaoud, George Iskander, and Hayoung Park of Bayonne; Harrison resident Rora Cai; Jack Tisdell of Hoboken; Kearny resident Sabina Ohkawa; Nicholas Palmer and Jennifer Tu of North Bergen; Secaucus residents Ryan Gulati and Justin Luh; and Emory Kemph of Weehawken, all of whom have met the qualifications for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
The young men and women named as commended students have shown outstanding potential for academic success, according to Eileen Artemakis and Matthew Budreau, spokespersons for NMSC.
High Tech High School accepts students from throughout Hudson County.
Guttenberg and NB promote ‘Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day’
Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day-long effort on Oct. 10 designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and keep the state’s roadways fatality free for one day.
Known as “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day,” the national initiative was designed to unite the country in moving toward zero fatalities for one full day by encouraging motorists to obey all traffic laws, including buckling up for every ride; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel. The goal is to experience a day when all roadway users are extra vigilant and there are no fatalities on our roadways.
Free health fair coming to St. Joseph of the Palisades Church on Oct. 24
A family health fair will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24 at St. Joseph of the Palisades Church in West New York from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Palisades Medical Center and St. Joseph of the Palisades Church are teaming up to sponsor the fair, which will feature free health screenings and information, as well as free activities and attractions for children.
All health screenings and evaluations are open to the public and will be provided free of charge. Health information will be available in English and Spanish and bilingual medical professionals will be on hand to answer questions. Health test and screenings will include blood pressure, heart rate, percentage of oxygen in the blood, peak flow/respiratory, Body Mass Index – BMI, HgbA1c blood test for diabetes, eye exams for vision and glaucoma, SNAP-ED program, diet information and demo, breast exams with certificates for referral for mammography, and blood tests for lead levels.
Children will also enjoy the many games and activities at the family health fair, including face painting, a bounce house, and more. St. Joseph of the Palisades Church is located at 6401 Palisade Ave. For more information call (201) 854-5793.
Join the Halloween Parade on Oct. 29
The North Bergen Recreation Halloween Parade steps off on Thursday, Oct. 29, sponsored by Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Commissioner Hugo Cabrera. The parade will start promptly at 6 p.m. and last until 8 p.m. Boys and girls, ages infant through 9 years old, should meet at the Recreation Center, 6300 Meadowview Ave. Put on your costume and join the fun. This event is for North Bergen residents only.
2015 NB football schedules available online
Check out the North Bergen Recreation 2015 Pee Wee Football Schedule, the North Bergen Recreation 2015 Football Schedule, and the 2015 HCYFL North Bergen Football Schedule. All are available online at northbergen.org.
2015 recreation basketball registration going on now
Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Commissioner Hugo Cabrera invite boys and girls, ages 5 thru 16, to register for North Bergen Recreation Basketball. Registration will be held at the North Bergen Recreation Center, 6300 Meadowview Ave, on Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings, Oct. 22 and Nov. 12. There will be no sign-ups on Oct. 12 or Nov. 11.
A $35 non-refundable registration fee is required, along with birth certificate and proof of residency. Cash or money order only. Call (201) 861-9601 for more information.
How to report a heat complaint in Guttenberg
With the winter approaching, Guttenberg residents are encouraged to take the following steps if they experience a situation without heat. Between Oct. 15 and April 15, call the numbers below and an inspector will call back.
Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., call the Health Department at (201) 868-2315, ext. 149. From 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays or anytime on weekends or holidays, call the Police Department at (201) 868-3300.
Singer Fernando Villalona and Cuban fusion group Máxima Alerta play Union City
Legendary Dominican merengue singer Fernando Villalona will perform a concert on Sunday, Oct. 11 at the Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Blvd. The concert will also feature the U.S. premiere of one of the most popular reggaeton fusion musical groups from Cuba, Máxima Alerta. Admission is free. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert will begin at 6 p.m. Free parking is available at the municipal parking deck, 23rd Street between Summit and Kerrigan Avenues.
Villalona was born Ramón Fernando Villalona Évora in Loma de Cabrera, Dajabón Province on May 7, 1955. The first artist named “El Mayimbe,” he began singing in the early 1970s and became popular after participating in “El Festival de la Voz,” an amateur TV talent show. Merengue icon Wilfrido Vargas hired him to be part of his group Los Hijos del Rey but Villalona and the group soon separated. Despite going into a period of drugs and isolation Villalona never stopped singing, and recorded some of his best music during this period. Songs such as “Tabaco y ron,” “Celos,” “La Hamaquita,” “Dominicano Soy,” and “Carnaval” among others became popular in the 1980s. “Quisqueya,” “No Podrás,” “Música Latina,” “Retorno,” and “Me he Enamorado” were some of his biggest hits in the 1990s.
Máxima Alerta’s story began in Santa Clara, a busy city in the center of Cuba, where Ray Machado, aka “El Italiano,” the lead singer, musical director, and composer of most of the songs, developed the group. In 2003 Máxima Alerta exploded on the scene, hitting radio and television stations with two songs, “Cast pa ‘front” and “Adegüello 1895,” which very quickly became popular throughout the country. In 2005 the band was nominated to Cubadisco for “Best Album Rap, Dance and Hip Hop.”
The group has crafted an intense and dynamic signature sound that is a fusion of elastic bass lines, powerful programming, catchy choruses sung in unison with warlike ardor, counterpoints that owe as much (if not more) to rap as to reggae or Latin beats.
Space is limited for this general admission, first come first served concert. Preference will be given to senior citizens and Union City residents. No alcoholic beverages or big bags are allowed.
Sign up now for Guttenberg children’s recreation programs
The Town of Guttenberg will offer a fall recreation program for the children of Guttenberg. A variety of activities are planned, including cheerleading, dance, arts and crafts, and baton twirling. Residents interested in participating can fill out the form on the town website and return it on one of the registration dates. Do not return these forms to school. The registration fee is $25. One fee for all activities. Checks or money orders only, paid to the Town of Guttenberg.
Registration takes place at Anna L. Klein School 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 10. Programs begin Oct. 13. Also available will be soccer and basketball clinics, with dates to be announced. For more information visit guttenbergnj.org.
Celebrate ‘Star Wars Reads Day’ at the library on Oct. 10
Saturday, Oct. 10 is “Star Wars Reads Day” at the North Bergen Free Public Library. The day will be filled with plenty of Stars Wars-themed fun and festivities, including a Jedi Training Show with light saber duels, a Darth Vader meet-and-greet, a Star Wars themed photo booth, Star Wars-themed face painting, costume contests, a chance to check out and win the latest Star Wars books, and more. The fun starts at noon. Join us you must.
The Main Library is located at 8411 Bergenline Avenue, North Bergen. For more information contact the library at (201) 869-4715 or visit nbpl.org.
Two free Wellness Wednesdays events upcoming at library
Two free bilingual events are upcoming at the main library, 8411 Bergenline Ave. from 7 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 14 and Nov. 11. Call (201) 833-3336 to register.
On Oct. 14 the library presents “Colorectal Cancer Update” with speaker Peter Caride, MD, gastroenterologist, Holy Name Medical Center. Attendees will learn about colorectal cancer, including the latest research on guidelines to help prevent and treat it.
And on Nov.11, Hilda Hernandez-Sepulveda, RN, BSN, CDE, Holy Name Medical Center will speak about “Everything You Want to Know about Diabetes.” Get the latest information on managing diabetes and take the opportunity to ask questions about treatments, strategies for glucose control, prevention of complications and other issues related to diabetes.
Enjoy Halloween in the Meadowlands on Oct. 29
Celebrate this ghoulish time of year on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at DeKorte Park, Lyndhurst, in the Meadowlands. There will be games, crafts, and activities throughout the evening, including hayrides and Halloween stories in the Witch’s Den. The guided “Creepy Creatures of Halloween and Why They’re Not So Bad Once You Get to Know Them” spooky walk is suitable for children ages 5 to 12, when accompanied by an adult. Throughout the walk, kids will meet bats, cats, spiders, and other spooky creatures. The guided walk lasts about 40 minutes.
Registration and advance payment of $8 per person are required and online only. Sign-up for a Spooky Walk time slot and come early to enjoy all the fun. Space is limited so register early at njsea.com.
Grants will fund plantings in Meadowlands
The Bergen County Audubon Society awarded the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority with two grants totaling $3,500 to fund plantings at the Lyndhurst Nature Reserve in DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst. The grants will supplement existing plantings by adding new species to increase foraging, cover, and nesting for a variety of songbirds, and to provide nectar and larvae plants for butterflies. Site preparation work will begin this fall, with planting scheduled for spring. Approximately 2,000 plugs of native grasses and herbaceous perennials and 200 native shrubs will be planted.