Mayor Michael Gonnelli attended Tuesday’s Secaucus Town Council meeting, the first since he suffered from a stroke in his home on June 8. Various attendees said they were glad to have him back at work.
“We tried to keep him resting until the end of August, but we couldn’t keep him down,” Councilman Gary Jeffas said at the council meeting Tuesday, Aug. 23. Jeffas had taken over Gonnelli’s duties while the mayor was attending physical therapy. Gonnelli plans to return to work full time on Thursday, Sept. 1.
Councilman Robert Costantino said, “To see you fight through this was inspiring. Members from the council stepped up, and Gary did a great job continuing to lead us.”
“Welcome back,” Councilman James Clancy said. “It’s good to see you.”
Gonnelli responded, “I’m happy to be here. I’m glad to be back.”
Drumeler takes county job
Town Administrator David Drumeler announced that he will be resigning to work as the deputy administrator for Hudson County. He’ll step away from the town position he’s held for eight years on Friday, Sept. 16.
In his letter to the mayor, he said, “It has been both my personal pleasure and professional honor to serve you and your administration.”
At the meeting Drumeler said, “It’s been a privilege to serve residents. I’m on to the next aspect of my career.”
In a letter to the council he wrote, “While my new position will focus on the wonderful people of the entire county, Secaucus will remain my home and closest to my heart.”
September events
Members of the council announced upcoming events for residents.
The town’s attempts at a Fourth of July celebration were rained out twice in July, so they will hold the pool party on Friday, Sept. 2 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Live performers will play ’50s music until 6 p.m. There will be food, games, entertainment, and fireworks. Secaucus residents and guests must bring their ID to enter the swim complex, located on 2000 Koelle Boulevard.
The pool closes for the season Saturday, Sept. 10, and residents can bring their dogs to the pool for a swim before the water gets drained. Bring your dogs with proof of their vaccination, along with proof or your residency, to the pool between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you donate $10 to benefit the Secaucus Animal Shelter, you will enter a free pet food giveaway. The rain date is set for the same time, but for Sunday, Sept. 11. This is for residents only.
Sept. 11 ceremony announced
For the 15th anniversary of 9/11, the town will hold a memorial service at the library from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on the date Sunday, Sept. 11. Officials will speak, and high school students will read a presentation. The Fire Department, Police Department, and Emergency Medical Services will be there.
The names of the residents lost on 9/11 appear on a sculpture at the library. Victims include Arlene Babakitis, Richard Cudina, Nancy Perez, Kenneth Simon, Steven Strobert, and Michael Tanner.
Other events
The Secaucus High School class of 2017 is raising money for their class by hosting a tricky tray fundraiser Sunday, Sept. 25. The event runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The drawings for 50/50 raffles and raffle baskets begin at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the entrance at 11 Millridge Road. Light refreshments will be included. For any questions or information about the tricky tray contact Thiago Leite at tleite@sboe.org.
Life Line Screening will be at the Secaucus Senior Center on 101 Centre Ave. on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Professionals will conduct ultrasound tests to identify risk factors for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. An EKG will be available also to detect the risk for an irregular heartbeat. These offers are available for $149 or $30 per test. Pre-registration is required. Appointments begin at 9 a.m. Call 1-888-653-6450 to register and receive a special $10 discount off the package price. These are painless, non-invasive, and no disrobing is required.