Bayonne boy charged with home invasion
A 16-year old Bayonne boy was arrested on Oct. 16 after police found him entering the home of an off-duty police officer. The boy allegedly took the officer’s pistol from a safe and fired a shot into the apartment floor.
Police Chief Robert Kubert said the boy was the son of someone the police officer knows, and was processed through Juvenile Court system in Jersey City.
“The hearing is closed so we may not know what the result is,” Kubert said.
Radiation detection closes 27th Street
A radiation detection device carried routinely by a fire battalion chief on his way to work resulted in a scramble to close 27th Street between Avenue and JFK Boulevard at around 7 20 a.m. on Oct. 21., and the deployment of the department’s hazardous material team.
Fire Chief Greg Rogers said the team discovered that a low level radiation was being emitted from a parked Nissan Ultima, and that further investigation discovered a radiological testing instrument in the trunk.
“The instrument, commonly used in construction projects to determine soil, concrete, and asphalt density, was found to be emitting radiation at a higher level than it reportedly normally does,” Rogers said. “With further research, the Hudson Regional Health Commission through the Department of Environmental Protection (Bureau of Radiation) reported that the level of emission was acceptable for transport, and the vehicle was released from the scene.”
Tectonic Engineering and Surveying Consultants from Long Island City, New York was handling the management and transport of the device. A representative from the company was called to the scene, and indicated that the instrument would be tested and repaired if necessary.
Light rail testing between 22nd and 8th Street
BAYONNE — NJ Transit has advised the City of Bayonne that it is about to begin train testing between the 22nd Street and 8th Street stations for the next 10 to 12 weeks, according to Mayor Mark A. Smith.
“NJ Transit needs to ensure that the trains work properly on the new tracks before the 8th Street Station can open for service,” Smith said. “During the test period, residents may see trains going to and from the 8th Street Station. These trains will not be available for passengers during the test period. Light Rail commuters should continue to use only those stations that are actually open for service. NJ Transit will make a determination later about the opening date for the 8th Street Station.”
Bayonne Senior Summit slated for Oct. 29
Bayonne Mayor Mark A. Smith and State Senator Sandra Cunningham (31st District-Bayonne and Jersey City) will co-host Bayonne’s first annual senior citizen summit on Friday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bayonne Senior Center at 16 West 4th St.
Peggy Lanni, director of the Bayonne Office on Aging, will deliver the welcoming remarks. Joan Eccleston of Sen. Cunningham’s staff will serve as emcee. Senator Cunningham and Mayor Smith will deliver opening remarks. Assemblymen Jason O’Donnell and Charles Mainor will speak about various senior issues. A survey will be distributed to the audience. It will ask them about issues of importance to seniors.
Jim Gordon, an official with Public Education and Tax Training, New Jersey Division of Taxation, will explain senior property tax reimbursements. Cathy Kuttner, a representative of the Community Law Project, will discuss Medicare. Beth Eichfeld, Executive Director of Lutheran Senior Life at Jersey City, will describe PACE, a program of all-inclusive care for the elderly.
Senator Cunningham will summarize progress on senior citizen-related bills in the New Jersey State Legislature. Legislative information will be distributed to the audience.
The program will conclude with closing remarks from Mayor Smith and Senator Cunningham.
Cash for candy
A local dentist is taking a stand against sweets this Halloween.
Trick-or-treaters can bring their excess candy to the office of Dr. David Gleaner and receive $1 per pound. Dr. Gleaner is leading this anti-decay movement by giving away dollars and glowing electric toothbrushes in exchange for cavity-provoking candy. Thanks to local merchants, kids will also receive raffle tickets for small prizes.
“Ditch the candy, that’s what we’re saying. Visiting your dentist twice a year and brushing daily are great preventative measures, but doing away with excess sweets altogether would really give your teeth a healthy boost,” Dr. Gleaner said “Kids can still have all of the fun of trick-or-treating, and now their piggy banks will benefit as well. Plus, these glowing brushes we’re giving out are really cool—they’re like light sabers for your mouth.”
Global sugar consumption for kids increases by about 2 percent annually and currently sits at 50 million tons per year, which means parents need to be sure their kids teeth are being cared for more than ever. Candy, as well as hurting children’s teeth, can lead to hyperactivity and weight gain. In some cases, the wrong types of candy can also lead to broken teeth and damaged braces.
Candy will be collected at East Coast Caterers, located at 32nd and Avenue A, and with a receipt from them for the candy, Dr. Gleaner (at W. 33 rd St and Ave. A) will give the dollars and the prizes.
“This year we have had generous local stores, including RG Bicycle, Blockbuster, and Staples, which have donated prizes for the children. I am thrilled they can be a part of the project.” The candy must be unopened and must be brought in from November 1st to 4th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please, no bites. It will then be shipped to troops overseas through “Operation Gratitude”, a national non-profit organization which ships packages to US military installations throughout the world.
“Having kids cut down on their candy consumption is great, but being able to help out our brave troops makes it even better,” said Dr. Gleaner. “I wouldn’t expect young, healthy adult soldiers to have a problem with cavities from occasional candy,” he added. For more information on the project, Dr. Gleaner can be reached at (201) 436-4949 or www.drgleaner.com.