Mayor Gonnelli recovering well, may return to job in September
According to officials at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, July 26, Mayor Michael Gonnelli is still recovering, and is moving around a lot more after he suffered a stroke on Wednesday, June 8. Gonnelli has not spoken publicly since suffering the stroke at home last month and being taken to the hospital. A week later, he was moved to a rehabilitation center.
The council said he is most likely driving now, but still needs rest. He should return to Town Hall in September, but this schedule hasn’t been finalized, officials said. The council still wants people to refrain from trying to visit him, and residents should send any best wishes, cards, or gifts for him at Town Hall.
The Town Council and town administration are still addressing questions, comments and/or concerns from residents for the time being. For any needs, contact the appropriate department listed on the website or call town administration at (201) 330-2005. Gary Jeffas, the 1st Ward councilman and most senior council member, is handling mayoral duties as necessary, just as if Gonnelli were on vacation.
Gonnelli is a lifelong Secaucus resident who served as the supervisor of public works before becoming mayor. His four-year term began in 2013.
Board of Education hires seven new teachers on July 21
The Secaucus Board of Education hired seven new teachers at the Board Meeting of July 21. Among those hired included Clarendon School Long Term Leave Replacement Ashley Melnick, Clarendon School Interim Learning Teacher Disabilities Consultant Stephen Pagni, Huber Street School Basic Skills Teacher Kerri Pruden, Middle School Special Education Teacher Kimberly Huber, Middle School Special Education Social Studies Teacher Sara Williams, High School Nurse Nicole Rocco, and High School Family Consumer Science Teacher Jeanne Keeler.
As each new teacher was introduced at the Board of Education Meeting, Interim Superintendent Kenneth Knops highlighted the educational background, certifications, and past teaching and student teaching experience of each teacher.
Reminder from police: lock your cars
On Wednesday, July 20 the Secaucus Police Department received several reports from residents on the north end of town that their vehicles were burglarized during the overnight hours from Tuesday, July 19 to Wednesday, July 20. All of the vehicles entered were apparently left unlocked.
Residents are asked to ensure their vehicles are locked whenever they leave them parked. Also, it is advisable to not leave valuables like change, cell phones, or purses in plain view within an unoccupied vehicle.
“All residents are asked to immediately report suspicious persons to the police department, but are advised never to approach any of these individuals. Reports can be made by calling 9-1-1 or (201) 330-2060,” Chief Kevin Flaherty said.
Anyone with information on these vehicle burglaries should contact the Secaucus Police Detective Division at (201) 330-2052. All calls will be kept confidential.
Free kids activities are every day, all summer in the park
All children ages 3 to 10 are invited to daily gatherings at the park. Kids can enjoy playing, sprinklers, and art and crafts weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Every Monday kids will meet at Ivanoski Park on Charles Street; Tuesday at Naters Park on Koelle Boulevard; Wednesday at Eckel Park on 9th Street; Thursday kids can play at Smit Memorial Park on Valley Court; and every Friday events take place at Buchmuller Park on Plaza Center.
Donate school uniforms at Senior Center
Donate clean, used school uniforms Monday through Friday at the Senior Center. Collection is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Senior Center is located on 101 Centre Ave. If you have any questions call (201) 330-2034.
Annual Friends of the Library Mini-Fair Sept. 17
The Friends of the Secaucus Public Library have announced new events and attractions on Sunday, July 24 for attendees of this year’s Mini-Fair. The event, in its 19th year, will now be called the Friends of the Library Annual Mini-Fair and Literary Festival, and will incorporate more library and literary themes. The Mini-Fair will take place on the library grounds on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held during the same hours on Sunday, Sept. 18.
Friends of the Library President Karyn Lusskin discussed a few of the planned additions for 2016. “By rebranding our event as both a Mini-Fair and a Literary Festival, we want to bring the focus back to our roots, to not only celebrate our amazing community, but also highlight the important roles that our library and literature in general play in all of our lives. While we are keeping many of the core elements that are beloved Mini-Fair traditions, the Literary Festival will add even more entertainment throughout the day for adults and children of all ages.”
The new events planned for the Literary Festival are a local author panel, book signings, a marathon open mic reading and story hour, book-themed crafts for children and adults, and a Fictional Character Fashion Show. Winners of the library’s Summer Short Story Writing Contests and Adult Summer Reading Contest will also be announced during the Literary Festival.
Lusskin noted that the Fictional Character Fashion Show is an opportunity for children and adults to walk the Mini-Fair’s outdoor runway dressed as a literary character of their choosing. “Dress up as your favorite character from a novel, poem, or play for a chance to win prizes and show off your costume and make-up design creativity. All ages can participate and no pre-registration is required.”
She also announced the return of several traditional Mini-Fair favorites.
“The Used Book Sale tent will be back, with thousands of lightly used and like new books, DVDs and CDs. This year, the cost for a ‘bag of books,’ which includes books and audiovisual materials, will be $5 and that includes a re-usable tote bag. We’re highlighting the re-usable bags to encourage people to ‘go green.’ We will also be hosting a tricky-tray table raffle, a 50-50 Fair Share Raffle and a Trash and Treasure tent to benefit the Friends. There will be food and craft vendors, a bake sale and games for children as well as live entertainment from local performance groups.”
According to Lusskin, vendor space is still available, but limited. “Vendors planning to be part of the Mini-Fair need to sign up soon. More information, as well as vendor application forms are available on the library’s website secaucuslibrary.org”
The annual Friends of the Library Mini-Fair/Used Book Sale is the group’s main fundraiser and provides the means to maintain the library as the community’s informational, cultural and educational hub.
“Funds derived from this event are used to bring exciting and innovative programs to the residents and others. More than a fundraiser, however, the Mini-Fair provides the opportunity for friends and former residents to get together for an afternoon of fun and entertainment,” Lusskin concluded.
The library is located on 1379 Paterson Plank Rd.
For more details or information, contact library director Jenifer May at (201) 330-2083, ext. 4011 or at may@secaucus.bccls.org.
Nonfiction Book Group to Meet August 4
Secaucus Library’s nonfiction book group will meet 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 to discuss “Rise of the Robots: Technology and the Threat of a Jobless Future” by Martin Ford. The author suggests that as technology continues to accelerate and machines begin taking care of themselves, fewer people will be employed.
At the Thursday, July 7 meeting the group discussed “Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg” by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik. Shirley Hirschel led the discussion providing a thoughtful analysis and deep appreciation for the woman who transcends generational divides.
“Night” by the late Elie Wiesel was selected for discussion for the Thursday, Sept. 8 meeting, partly to commemorate the Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor’s recent passing. “Night” is Wiesel’s autobiographical account of his survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps.
The nonfiction book group meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Secaucus Public Library, and the second Thursday for Sept. and December. At each meeting the group votes on selections for upcoming meetings. Copies of books are available at the library as well as a limited number of e-book copies.
Registration for the discussion group is strongly encouraged and can be done through the library’s website or by calling library director Jenifer May at (201) 330-2083 x4011.
The library is located on 1379 Paterson Plank Rd.
Free nature walk Aug. 7
Join the Bergen County Audubon Society and walk the trails at DeKorte Park in Lyndhurst to look for migrating shorebirds, raptors, herons, egrets, butterflies and other birds of interest. The walk is on Sunday, Aug. 7 at 10 a.m. For more information call (201) 230-4983 or email greatauk4@gmail.com.