Residents to decide what color Braddock Park rocks should be
A group of rocks near Bruins Stadium in Braddock Park suddenly changed color last weekend. Here’s why, according to the Facebook page of Freeholder Anthony Vainieri:
“These rocks in Braddock Park have always been painted white for safety as cars used to hit them at night because they were difficult to see. Over the years the white paint faded and got dirty and they were recently repainted red and gold. They have to be painted for safety, but they can either go back to white or leave them red and gold outside Bruins Stadium. What do you think?”
Since that posting went up on Tuesday, a lively discussion has taken place online, with respondents voting for their choice of colors. There has even been discussion of changing colors with the seasons.
The winner is still up in the air, as the consensus shifts back and forth. To cast your vote, visit https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofAnthonyVainieri.
Free monthly health screenings at the library starting April 22
The North Bergen Free Public Library will be hosting a free mobile health screening provided by CarePoint Health. The screening, featuring blood pressure and cholesterol testing, will take place on Wednesday, April 22 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the main library located at 8411 Bergenline Ave. These screenings will take place monthly and will alternate between the main library and Kennedy branch locations and offer different types of exams. For more information call (201) 869-4715 or visit www.nbpl.org.
‘Taste of Italy’ postponed to April 25
The North Bergen Library’s “Taste of Italy” event has been rescheduled for April 25 at 1 p.m. There will be food, literature, music, dance and various demonstrations. The main library is located at 8411 Bergenline Ave. For more information, visit www.nbpl.org or call (201) 869-4715.
Forum on April 12 in Guttenberg to discuss new building at Anna L. Klein School
The Town Council and Board of Education of Guttenberg will host an informational forum on new construction to take place alongside the Anna L. Klein School. The forum will be held on Sunday, April 12 between 2 and 4 p.m. in the cafetorium of the Anna L. Klein School and will provide residents with the opportunity to learn about the benefits of this project and to be briefed on the construction activity associated with the project over the next 18 months.
For many years the Town of Guttenberg and the Guttenberg Board of Education have been struggling to find a way to address the needs of the community and a way to alleviate the overcrowding in the Anna L. Klein School. As a result of a unique inter-local agreement between the Town Council and the Board of Education, construction is about to begin on a new 45,000 square foot building to be constructed on vacant land adjacent to the Klein School. When completed, this facility will be used jointly by the municipality and the children attending the Klein School.
During the time that school is in session it will be used as classrooms. After school, during the summer, and on the weekends the building will be used to address the recreational and cultural needs of all the residents from children to seniors. The new facility will include a new gymnasium with a stage for performances by the school children and for events for all residents. The facility will also include a rooftop park for use by all.
All residents of Guttenberg are invited to attend the forum and those with children in the Klein School or who participate in Guttenberg recreation programs are particularly encouraged to attend this information meeting.
Distracted driving enforcement and education campaign in NB through April 21
Law enforcement officers from the North Bergen Police Department are cracking down on distracted drivers during April as part of the national “UDrive. UText. UPay.” enforcement campaign.
Beginning April 1 and running through April 21, the high visibility law enforcement initiative will target motorist who engage in dangerous distracted driving behaviors such as talking on handheld cell phones and sending text messages while driving.
“The UDrive. UText. UPay campaign to be carried out locally throughout North Bergen is key to keeping our roadways safe,” said North Bergen Chief of Police Robert Dowd. “We encourage North Bergen drivers to stay off their cell phones while they’re behind the wheel, not only throughout this campaign but year-round in order to keep our roads as safe as possible.”
Despite the fact that using a hand hell cell phone or texting while driving is illegal in New Jersey, the practice appears to be widespread. In a 2014 survey conducted by the FDU PublicMind Poll for the Division of Highway Traffic Safety, 68 percent of respondents said they “very often” see people driving and talking on a handheld cell phone, and 41 percent of respondents said they “very often” see drivers texting.
“Distracted driving is a serious issue on our roadways,” said Gary Poedubicky, acting director of the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2012 alone, 3,328 people were killed in distracted driving crashes and an estimated 421,000 people were injured in motor vehicles crashes involving a distracted driver.”
April is National Distracted Driving Month. The campaign is modeled after successful high visibility enforcement campaigns such as Click It or Ticket and Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Have Coffee with a Cop on April 25
The North Bergen Police Department invites residents to their Coffee with a Cop event at Las Chicas Bakery & Cafe, 7553 Bergenline Ave. on Wednesday, April 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.
No agenda, no speeches, just a chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighborhood. Come for coffee and conversation.
Sign up for swim lessons
The North Bergen Recreation Department will offer swim lessons at the Municipal Swimming Pool Complex starting in July. All classes will be taught by licensed water safety instructors and are available for Mommy and Me, Levels 1-6, and Adult Lessons. The program costs $10 for six sessions for pool members and $20 for non-members. For more information contact the Recreation Department at (201) 392-2062.
Palisades Medical Center signs definitive agreement with Hackensack University Health Network
Hackensack University Health Network announced the signing of a definitive agreement with Palisades Medical Center (PMC) in North Bergen to become a full member of its expanding network. The agreement was signed on April 2, and moves both organizations into the next steps for regulatory approval.
“The definitive agreement with the Hackensack University Health Network signifies a meaningful evolution of progress for Palisades Medical Center,” said Bruce J. Markowitz, president and CEO of PMC. “Most importantly, this relationship represents tremendous benefits for patients as they will have access to exceptional specialty services at the local level, in their own backyard. We are very proud to partner with the leading healthcare organization in the region, and excited with the opportunity to continue to improve the health of our communities.”
In the fall of 2014, Hackensack University Health Network and PMC signed a letter of intent regarding their partnership. The newly signed definitive agreement integrates Palisades Medical Center, which will be known as HackensackUMC Palisades, as a full member of the Hackensack University Health Network, greatly benefitting and expanding services to the Hudson County region.
“We have been fortunate to partner with Palisades since 2012 through a successful clinical affiliation,” said Robert C. Garrett, president and chief executive officer of Hackensack University Health Network. “Working together, we have enhanced and expanded the award-winning programs provided at Palisades, and will continue to do so.”
PMC comprises 449 hospital and long-term care beds through its hospital and nursing home. It recently opened a new, 57,000-square-foot outpatient facility overlooking the Hudson River that offers additional services of HackensackUMC’s John Theurer Cancer Center at Palisades Medical Center. The outpatient facility will help provide state-of-the-art cancer care to the estimated 4,000 Hudson County patients in need of cancer treatment annually.
This new venture will continue to place Hackensack University Health Network’s hospitals on the cutting-edge of medicine and healthcare delivery for its patients; strengthening each organization, and expanding the Network’s reach into Hudson County. It joins other affiliated hospitals: HackensackUMC at Pascack Valley (Westwood) and HackensackUMC Mountainside (Montclair).
Hudson County Sheriff urges passage of a nationwide Blue Alert system
Hudson County Sheriff Frank X. Schillari joined Congressman Bill Pascrell to urge for passage of legislation that creates a nationwide alert system to assist in the apprehension of violent criminals who have injured, killed, or made threats against police officers.
Based on the success of the Amber Alerts for missing children, The Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015 would create a nationwide Blue Alert system to disseminate critical information to law enforcement agencies, the public and the media.
“I stand firmly in favor of creating the National Blue Alert System immediately,” said Schillari. “When a police officer is the victim of a violent crime or is the subject of a violent threat, the rapid dissemination of critical, time-sensitive information about the suspects could help avoid a tragedy or ensure that a criminal is swiftly brought to justice.”
The legislation is named in honor NYPD Officers Ramos and Liu, who were tragically murdered while sitting in their squad cars just before Christmas last year.
Schillari and Pascrell were joined by Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnick, Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino, and officials from the Port Authority Police Department, New Jersey State Police, Fraternal Order of Police, and other local departments.
Easter Seals ‘Walk with Me’ and 5K Run comes to MetLife Stadium on April 18
Be a part of history and support a great cause at this year’s Sixth Annual Walk with Me and 5K Run at MetLife Stadium on April 18. Easter Seals New Jersey’s Walk with Me is a national fundraising event to raise awareness and support for families living with disabilities. During Walk with Me events, individual walkers and teams come together for a day full of entertainment and fun to show solidarity among those with and without disabilities.
This year, Easter Seals aims to break the Guinness world record for the world’s longest high-five chain. To win, 2,000 participants ages 10 and up are needed to turn to their neighbors and say, “Gimme five!”
Easter Seals NJ is using the chain to promote a message of solidarity and acceptance of the differences that make us all unique. More than 1,400 people participated in Walk with Me last year, bringing in over $150,000 to support services for the New Jersey community.
The race kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with the parking-lot festivities beginning at 10:30 a.m. Highlights of the day include the Guinness world record attempt for the longest high-five chain; an event hosted by NASH FM radio DJ Kelly Ford and Nascar driver Parker Kligerman; special guest appearances by NY Giants’ James Davidson, Miss New Jersey, Snoopy, and more. There will also be kids’ activities and sponsor booths on the field, a “Passport to Wellness” health fair, and a parking lot party featuring race awards and food, with sandwiches sponsored by Jersey Mike’s Subs.
Participants may start a new team, join an existing team or sign up as an individual. Registration is free for walkers, with a $25 registration fee required for 5K Run registrants. To register or learn more, visit http://www.walkwithme.org/nj or contact Special Events Manager Michelle Kasper at (732) 955-8368.
Senior citizen’s free Law Day conference on May 5: prepare for a solid future
The public is invited to a free senior citizens law day conference on Tuesday, May 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the New Jersey Law Center, One Constitution Square, New Brunswick.
Three dynamic experts will address a variety of issues affecting older Americans, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and estate planning in general. Also to be addressed are long-term care and Medicaid and Medicare eligibility and coverage, including hospice and other services. A question and answer period will follow each presentation.
The program is sponsored by the New Jersey State Bar Foundation and the New Jersey State Bar Association’s (NJSBA) Elder and Disability Law Section. A complimentary continental breakfast will be offered from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Admission is free but registration is required. To register, visit the New Jersey State Bar Foundation online at njsfb.org, click on the links “For the Public” and “Events,” or call 1-800-FREE LAW.
New Jersey State Bar Night will honor Jose L. Fuentes and Paris P. Eliades
The Hudson County Bar Association and Foundation will hold a dinner at 6 p.m. on June 23 at Molos Restaurant, 1 Pershing Road, Weehawken, to honor Jose L. Fuentes, P.J.A.D. and Paris P. Eliades, Esq., immediate past president of the New Jersey State Bar Association.
For more information call (201) 798-4708.
Recreation parades scheduled for this month
It’s springtime, and that means the North Bergen recreation parades have been scheduled.
The baseball parade will take place on Saturday, April 18 beginning at 10:30 a.m. at 89th Street and Bergenline Avenue across from Burger King. The softball ceremony will take place on Saturday, April 18 beginning at noon at the 64th Street softball field.
Support services available for veterans at risk of homelessness
Did you recently become homeless? Are you about to lose your housing? Community Hope helps New Jersey and Pennsylvania veterans and their families keep or find housing and avoid homelessness.
Their Supportive Services for Veteran Families program can help with housing searches, employment services, temporary financial assistance, landlord dispute resolution, linkage to community resources, and more.
Visit communityhope-nj.org for more information or call (973) 463-9600.
WNY Cuban Lions Club Health Fair is April 12
The West New York Cuban Lions Club is teaming with Palisades Medical Center to present its annual Community Health Fair. The event, which is free and open to the general public, will be held on Sunday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the New Community Room, 514 52nd Street (between Bergenline Ave. and Kennedy Blvd.) in West New York.
Free health tests and screenings will include blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, dental, eye/vision information, physical therapy, percentage of oxygen in the blood, diabetes, sleep disorder information, glaucoma screening, and more. Several physicians will be in attendance to answer questions. Attendees will receive free samples and giveaways.
For more information, contact Manny Reyes (201) 424-1201 or Nikki Mederos at (201) 854-5702.
Group exhibit at local gallery
Guttenberg Arts / Bulls Ferry Studios is hosting the group exhibition “Made Here,” featuring new work by artists in residence Kirsten Flaherty, Susan Graham, and Johanna Winters. The exhibit is currently running through May 4. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, at 6903 Jackson St., Guttenberg. For information, call (201) 868-8585.
First annual walk against Lupus will be May 17
May 17 in Jersey City’s Lincoln Park begins a new tradition of family-friendly activities as Daddy’s Sunshine the Fight against Lupus introduces “The First Annual Hudson County Lupus Walk.” Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 10 a.m. Donation for individual walkers is $10. To sign up and/or donate, visit www.daddysunshine.com or www.hudsoncountylupuswalk.com. For more information, call (551) 689-0500.
Free income tax preparation available for eligible residents
The township of North Bergen has hired a certified public accounting firm to provide free tax preparation services for senior citizens and disabled residents. North Bergen residents age 55 or over, or those in possession of proof of disability, with a yearly income below $55,000, are eligible for free income tax preparation assistance. Residents must bring identification, Social Security card, tax documents, and a 2013 tax return (first-time participants only).
Preparation is by appointment only. Call (201) 381-7014. Services are available until April 15 on Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at Lawlor Tower, 6121-6131 Grand Ave., and on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the Public Library Kennedy Branch, 2123 Kennedy Blvd. Services are also available at the Public Library Main Branch, 8411 Bergenline Ave., on Tuesdays from 3 to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Three-part art series begins April 18
Participants in “The Art Safari: An Interactive Exploration of the World Around Us – for teens and adults” will learn how to use the traditional mediums of graphite and charcoal in an interactive way. Explore the positive and negative space around your subject matter. The sessions will take place on Saturdays, April 18, April 25, and May 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst. Each person will walk away with a finished piece that will inspire your taste for art. No experience necessary. Supplies are covered in the cost of the class. $35 per person; $30 for MEC members includes all three sessions and supplies. Pre-registration is required. To register, go to www.njmeadowlands.gov and click on “events.” For information call (201) 460-2003 or email mimi.sabatino@njmeadowlands.gov.
Learn how to build a better butterfly garden
Grab your lunch and join Don Torino of the Bergen County Audubon Society who will show you how to create a butterfly habitat in your own backyard and turn it into a butterfly haven. Attend this lunch ‘n learn session on Tuesday, April 14 at noon at the Meadowlands Environment Center, 2 DeKorte Park Plaza, Lyndhurst to learn how you can help the beautiful Monarch butterfly, whose numbers have declined precipitously in recent years. Cost is $6 per person; $5 for MEC members. Registration is recommended and appreciated. To register, go to www.njmeadowlands.gov and click on “events.” For information call (201) 460-4619 or email brian.aberback@njmeadowlands.gov.
Hackensack Riverkeeper announces 2015 Eco-Program season
The clean water advocacy group Hackensack Riverkeeper is poised to provide thousands of people with an enjoyable and educational experience of the river, its watershed, and wildlife. The new season begins with the Second Annual EarthFest Overpeck on April 25 (rain date April 26) and runs through the end of October.
River Cleanup conservation events give people of all ages the opportunity to give back to the environment and their communities. Public River Cleanups are scheduled at ten different waterside locations within the Hackensack River Watershed from April 18 through November 1. Riverkeeper provides cleanup tools and supplies as well as refreshments for all volunteers. All they ask is that everyone pitch in and help rid local waterways of litter and other debris. For more information about River Cleanups including group participation and the organization’s Corporate River Stewardship Program, call Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator Caitlin Doran at (201) 968-0808 or e-mail outreach@hackensackriverkeeper.org.
Hackensack Riverkeeper’s Paddling Center, located on the river at Laurel Hill County Park in Secaucus, will be open weekends starting Sunday, April 26 and running through Sunday, October 31 (weather permitting). The center offers the use of canoe and kayaks for a donation of $25 per paddler, with a two-paddler minimum, as well as Guided Paddles conducted by manager John Normile and team. Fifteen tours are scheduled including ten popular Full (and near-full) Moon paddles. Program donation is $30 per paddler, or $15 per paddler for those with their own boat(s). Private group paddle tours can be arranged by calling (201) 968-0808 or e-mailing hugh@hackensackriverkeeper.org.
All Hackensack Riverkeeper Eco-Program info including schedules is available at www.hackensackriverkeeper.org.