WEEHAWKEN BRIEFS

Local political wag Dean Kemph passes away at 61

Dean W. Kemph passed away suddenly from a heart attack at his Weehawken home on Nov. 16 at the age of 61.

He was born in Rhode Island, lived in New York and Hoboken before moving to Weehawken six years ago.

A celebration of his life took place Saturday, Nov. 19 at The All Saints Episcopal Parish, Hoboken. An iconoclast and frequent commentator on the Hoboken political scene, Kemph maintained friendships with many in Hoboken after moving. His witty and thoughtful editorials on the scene were often published on the Reporter website. He had also been posting responses to the recent presidential election on Facebook in the days before he passed.

He is survived by his wife Annie Torpey; his daughters Delia and Emory; his brother Steven Kemph along with his wife Kate O’Neil, and his mother in law Nancy Torpey. His family asks those who remember him to consider a donation to N.P.R. (public radio) in Dean’s memory, and a You Caring crowd funding memorial; site has been established at www.youcaring.com/annietorpeydeliakempfemorykempf-694222.

Still seeking information on an unidentified woman in Hoboken hospital

Hoboken University Medical Center and the Police Department asked for assistance last week in identifying a woman who has been at the hospital for almost 50 days. According to a police release, the female has a life threatening illness and may suffer from dementia.

The patient believes she is of Italian descent and is described as a white 65-year-old woman approximately 5 feet tall with brown eyes dark hair and weighing roughly 100 pounds.

The woman believes her name could be Mary Ford with her possible date of birth is Sept. 9, 1950, 1951, or 1961. The woman is believed to be homeless and may have lived in North Bergen at one time.

According to Detective Edgardo Cruz there has only been one phone call about the woman but “it didn’t pan out.”

Cruz added that she has been fingerprinted and her picture and DNA have been added to state and national databases in hopes of identifying her. So far they have had no luck.

Cruz said that police officers have asked local residents and homeless if they know her but unfortunately they don’t have additional information.

If you know this woman please contact the Hoboken Police Department at (201) 420-2100 or Hoboken University Medical Center at (201) 418-1336.

Pearl Harbor event at library

The Weehawken Free Public Library will host a special event commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor entitled, “Remembering Pearl Harbor – The War Years” on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.

Dr. James P. Kane of William Paterson University will recount the story of the attack in words, pictures and music in this fast-paced, one hour presentation which will feature slides of the actual attack which damaged the U.S. Pacific Fleet, killed 2,400 soldiers, sank the USS Arizona with 1,117 men aboard and plunged America into World War II.

Dr. Kane is a former teacher, prep school headmaster, principal and, for 25 years, a superintendent of schools. He presently is a professor of history at William Paterson University. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, a master’s degree from Columbia University and a doctor of education from NYU. A former high school and college athlete, Dr. Kane is also a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Office Candidate School at Quantico, Virginia and holds the rank of Captain, USMCR.

This event is free and open to the public.  Call the Library at 201-863-7823 for further information.

Free health screening Dec. 3

HackensackUMC Palisades will provide free health screenings and education programs on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free screenings include HgbA1c diabetes, breast cancer, skin cancer, blood pressure, heart rate, and percentage of oxygen in the blood.  There will also be certificates for mammography, prostate, and HIV tests. The screenings take place at 7600 Rover Road.

Free dance lessons for seniors in Hudson County

The Kennedy Dancers Inc., a non-profit Jersey City Based Professional, American Dance Company, is offering a dance and exercise program specifically created for senior citizens aged 60 and above to improve muscle tone, posture, flexibility, joint mobility, range of movement, and to promote socialization and camaraderie. These programs are modified to accommodate Senior citizen abilities, to increase metabolism, help lose excess weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce doctor visits due to minor complaints.  

Seniors who reside in the Hudson County area aged 60 and over may attend this program free of charge. Voluntary donations of $1 or more are suggested. All you need to bring is a valid driver’s license or State ID. The Kennedy Dancers Inc. is on 79 Central Avenue in Jersey City.  

Each class is around 45 minutes. On Tuesdays at 2 p.m. is line dancing. On Wednesdays at 2 p.m. is yoga and pilates. Thursdays at 2 p.m. is Latin and ballroom dancing. Saturdays at 10:45 a.m. is Zumba. 

For questions or concerns, please call the dance studio at 201-659-2190 or e-mail kennedydancers@aol.com.

HackensackUMC Palisades received Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center

HackensackUMC Palisades announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. The Gold Seal of Approval® and the Heart-Check mark represent symbols of quality from their respective organizations.

HackensackUMC Palisades underwent an onsite review earlier this year. Joint Commission experts evaluated compliance with stroke-related standards and requirements, including program management, the delivery of clinical care, and performance improvement. Established in 2003, Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers is awarded for a two-year period to Joint Commission-accredited acute care hospitals.

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