WEEHAWKEN BRIEFS

Fourteen new sheriff’s officers sworn in

With dozens of proud family members in attendance along with Hudson County Sheriff Frank X. Schillari and local elected leaders looking on, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office officially swore in 14 new sheriff’s officers at a ceremony May 23 at the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City.
“We continue to maintain our promise to Hudson County residents of a diligent and properly staffed sheriff’s office,” said Sheriff Schillari. “These new officers are a welcome addition to our force as we boost up our number of officers to better serve and protect the people of Hudson County.”
The new officers are: Andew J. Conti Jr., Claudio Negron, Brandon Z. O’Boyle, Jennise L. Sarmiento, Emily A. Ramirez, Kristen A. Bronowich, Jeffrey A. Vega, Andres N. Belmonte, Gary R. Nahrwold, Jason A. Arnone, Timothy J. Ballance, Brian D. Vitali, Yadira Alfonso and Mohamed M. Elnaggar.
The new hires have all completed training at the Morris County Police Academy and will graduate on Thursday, joining the force within the upcoming days.

Demellier, influential politico, dead at 68

Although not a familiar face to much of the general public, Harold Demellier Jr., who recently passed as the result of cardiac arrest, will be remembered as the man who kept Hudson County roads running.
At the time of his death Demellier was director of county roads and bridges for Hudson County. He has also served as a political advisor to top officials in Jersey City, Bayonne, West New York, and other towns over the years.
Demellier was meeting with an old friend in New York City when he reportedly collapsed.
Known by his closest friends as “Buddy,” Demellier was called “The General” for his ability to mobilize the county’s road department in moments of crisis, from Superstorm Sandy in 2012 to super snowstorms such as the one that struck the region last January.
“Although he was deeply involved in politics, Buddy loved his job with the county,” said former Bayonne Freeholder Neil Carroll. “He said it was the best job he ever had.”
During his long career in Hudson County as well as elsewhere, Demellier served stints as business administrator in West New York and in Bayonne.
But his significance was often felt behind the scenes as a master political tactician who started with the campaigns of Jersey City Mayor Gerald McCann and later included Bayonne Mayors Leonard Kiczek and Mark Smith. He was also instrumental in the successful campaigns of Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, and County Executive Tom DeGise.
A Vietnam veteran, Demellier was extremely religious, but also had a flair for horse racing, and frequently traveled around the world to catch races with a group of other Hudson County regulars.

HackensackUMC Palisades hosts maternity, childbirth, CPR classes

HackensackUMC Palisades has five classes running throughout the year. To register for any classes or for more information, please call Robin Petrick at 201-295-4823.
The childbirth education series class is $125 per couple in delivering at HackensackUMC Palisades. If delivering elsewhere the classes are $150 per couple. Covered topics will include understanding the labor process, breathing and relaxation techniques, the role of support for each person, options for pain medications, Caesarean birth, the body after birth, newborn appearance, and procedures after birth. Two classes are in June, Saturday the 4 and Saturday the 11 both from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Newborn baby care classes cost $35 per couple if delivering at HackensackUMC Palisades, and $50 if delivering elsewhere. The class covers the basics of newborn care, starting with the appearance and characteristics of a newborn, bonding, understanding cues, crying, colic, safety measures, health and development, and sponge bathing and bathing. Practice also includes swaddling, dressing, and diapering. The class is on Monday June 6 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Keys to successful breastfeeding classes cost $35 per couple if delivering at HackensackUMC Palisades, and $50 if delivering elsewhere. Topics include the importance of skin-to-skin contact, latching techniques, supply and demand as it relates to breastfeeding, positioning for breastfeeding, indications for breast pumps, including a demo, dad’s role in the breastfeeding relationship, and community resources available post-delivery for breastfeeding assistance. Dads are encouraged to attend. The class is on Saturday June 25 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sibling preparation for birth classes cost $25 per family. This is a fun and effective way to teach soon-to-be-siblings (ages 3+) all about babies like holding the baby properly. For upcoming dates, please call Robin Petrick at 201-295-4823.
Friends & family CPR classes cost $50 per person. Three-hour course designed to teach lay rescuers the basics of CPR. Students will be taught adult, child, and infant CPR skills and choking relief. For upcoming dates, please call Robin Petrick at 201-295-4823.

Health seminar on treating high cholesterol June 1

At the North Bergen Public Library HackensackUMC Palisades, Jesus Alfonso, MD, will host a health seminar on the new advances in treating high cholesterol next month. Blood pressure screenings will also be provided to attendees by staff from HackensackUMC Palisades.
The seminar will be held on Wednesday June 1 at 6 p.m. on 8411 Bergenline Ave. Refreshments will be provided and transportation is available to and from the library.
Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one cause of death in the United States. Over 2,100 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day, an average of one death every 40 seconds.
To register contact Nikki Mederos at 201-854-5702.

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