Weehawken teen allegedly climbs to top of World Trade Center
Can you say, “Don’t encourage him?”
A 16-year-old Weehawken High School student named Justin is already becoming something of an urban folk hero after he was charged with a misdemeanor last week for allegedly climbing to the top of the under-construction World Trade Center tower and taking photos of himself.
He took an elevator to the 88th floor around 4 a.m. and then climbed the stairs to the 104th floor. A guard there was apparently asleep, the New York Post said. (That guard has since been fired. The elevator operator was reassigned.)
A Port Authority guard caught Justin making his way down.
The Post published a series of photos of a wiry Justin in daredevil positions, including jumping into the Hudson River (whose currents have dragged many a person under) and climbing high on a Hoboken crane.
The Daily News reported that he and two other teens are part of a stunt-loving group of youth who call themselves “Team Destiny.” Some teens have followed a trend in “parkour” or “urban adventure,” climbing into or skateboarding on buildings, some abandoned, some under construction.
When contacted, Justin reportedly told the Post, “Ha ha, oh yeah, that. Right. I would really love to talk to you guys because I have a lot that I want to say about it. I was told that I just can’t [talk] without permission.”
His stunt elicited a lot of public opinion on the internet last week, some saying the Port Authority should pay him because he exposed a breach, others saying his adventure was dangerous.
Antonio Annese artwork now on display at Weehawken Library
The Weehawken Public Library will host the works of local artist Antonio Annese, it was announced by Mayor Richard Turner and Library Board of Trustees president Leona Nersessian. The program begins on Sunday, March 23 with an opening event at 2 p.m. His artwork will be on display at various designated areas in the building, recreating a gallery-like experience for visitors to the Library.
A Weehawken resident, Annese’s uniquely expressive paintings reflect his exceptional drive and energy as he “paints with his emotions.” Annese also likes to paint with acrylics because they dry quickly, thus allowing him to follow his artistic impulses.
This marks the second artist featured in this unique Library program. For more information contact the Library at 201-863-7823.
Weehawken to hold school budget hearing
A special meeting of the Board of Education will take place this Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the board office at Weehawken High School, 53 Liberty Place, to discuss the 2014-2015 school budget.
The public is invited to attend.
The town will also see a Board of Education election this April, as well as a municipal election. Watch for a story in an upcoming edition.
Students at Weehawken High School participate in ‘Charity Champions’ program
Students in the Peer Leadership Program in Weehawken High School were presented with $1,000 for signing on to participate in the Optimum Power to Learn Charity Champions program. The $1,000 check was donated to the students’ charity of choice, the Special Olympics of New Jersey.
Mayor Richard Turner spoke to the students at the presentation on March 14 at Weehawken High School. The check was presented during a Peer Leadership meeting to Beth Conover and David Reed with the Special Olympics of New Jersey.
Legislators want to extend light rail to Bergen
Who put the bomp in the bomp, bomp, bomp, and who put the Bergen in the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail?
The latter was done at a time when the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail train was supposed to extend from Bayonne all the way to Ridgefield in Bergen County — but the route has thusfar never extended past the Hudson County town of North Bergen.
Local mayors and legislators are now hoping to see the route extend to a stop at Englewood Hospital, whose CEO is willing to share some parking garage space with a new station.
Supportive legislators from Bergen County testified before the state Senate Transportation Committee in Trenton on Monday, a committee that includes State Sen. and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco.
The 21-mile line currently runs through Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Union City, and North Bergen.
The Star Ledger noted, “The latest proposal calls for extending the line north, from the current terminus at Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen to a new station 12 miles away at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center. Funding for the $900 million project has yet to be identified, but NJ Transit plans to submit an amended draft environmental impact statement in late autumn following a 45-day public comment period.”
Sacco is supportive of the extension.
“Hopefully everyone stays focused, and we’ll see this in our lifetimes,” he was quoted as saying in the Star-Ledger report.
Second evening of art and music to benefit Hudson Theatre Works
Hosted by CBS News Sunday Morning contributor Nancy Giles, a benefit event for Hudson Theatre Works will take place on March 26 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. at Park Avenue Bar & Grill, 3417 Park Ave., Union City.
Performers include Anthony Bez, classical guitar; Jeff Foote, tap dancer; the Alan Brady jazz duo; readings by Nancy Giles and Mike Folie and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Enjoy fabulous food and drinks and win prizes in the silent auction. Valet parking is available.
Tickets are $75. Donations are welcome. For tickets and more information visit www.hudsontheatreworks.org or call (201) 401-3337.
Established in 2011, Hudson Theatre Works is a non-profit professional theatre company presenting affordable high-quality work with Off-Broadway values. Proceeds from the evening will benefit HTW’s mission of bringing professional theatre and education to audiences in Hudson County and North Jersey.
Survey addresses needs of those affected by Sandy
Superstorm Sandy made landfall on Oct. 29, 2012. Hudson Regional Health Commission (HRHC) has received a grant to conduct a health and well-being needs assessment for residents and business owners in Hudson County affected by Superstorm Sandy. Many people in Hudson County were affected by the storm to some extent, so HRHC encourages all residents and business owners to complete the short survey. This includes, but is not limited to, those who were victims of flooding, power loss, or are experiencing stress from the storm. Through this survey they hope to gain insight on the types of unmet needs that exist in the community. HRHC will then develop a plan to connect individuals to the services they may need for recovery.
Please share your thoughts by completing the following survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HRHCsandysurvey.
HRHC will also be conducting focus group discussions about the storm. Participants are encouraged to share any experiences they may have about Superstorm Sandy. Food and refreshments will be served and transportation costs will be reimbursed.
If you have any questions, or would like to participate in a Sandy focus group discussion, contact Paul Teodoro, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program Representative, at (201) 223-1133 or pteodoro@hudsonregionalhealth.org. HRHC thanks you in advance for sharing your thoughts and helping to build a stronger Hudson County.
WNY Cuban Lions Club Health Fair April 13
The West New York Cuban Lions Club has teamed 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 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the New Community Room, 514 52nd St. (Between Bergenline Ave. & 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.
Hess tank properties to be sold
Three waterfront properties owned by Hess Corp. are going on sale. The company has announced that it is in negotiations to sell terminal sites in Secaucus, Edgewater, and Bogota.
The Edgewater site is located at 615 River Road, alongside the Hudson River, a prime location for real estate development. According to reports, the company closed tank operations at the 15-acre site about a year ago and drained the tanks.
The site in Secaucus consists of two parcels of land in the Harmon Cove development, located at 34 and 35 Meadowland Parkway. Altogether these properties total about 9.5 acres, mostly fronting the Hackensack River. The tanks have been removed and the area cleared.
The final site totals about five acres at 229 West Fort Lee Road in Bogota, also fronting on the Hackensack River. The site was decommissioned last year.
Hess is selling the properties as part of its strategy to exit the terminal business. The company has also announced plans to divest its gas stations.
The terminal sites were originally chosen due to their proximity to water, facilitating freighter transportation. All three properties offer valuable opportunities for real estate development, although the land will require significant remediation and approval from local authorities for redevelopment.
Free seminar on neck and back pain on March 25
All of us experience neck or back pain at some point in our lives. But for many people, this pain can be constant and severe. Fortunately, there are many conservative treatment options that can relieve neck and back pain without surgery. Exercises, mobilization, and education in posture have all been found to be extremely helpful in reducing pain and ultimately preventing pain from occurring in the first place. There are steps you can take to get “back on track” in living a life without pain. Come learn more at this free seminar with Dr. Rebecca Brown from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. The lecture and information will be provided in both English and Spanish.
Check-in/registration is at 6:30. Parking is free and refreshments will be served. For more information contact Nikki Mederos at (201) 854-5702.
Free transportation is available from 60th St. & Bergenline Ave. starting at 5:30 p.m. The Palisades Medical Center is at 7600 River Road, North Bergen.
Eight-week hospice training course beginning
Do you want to do volunteer work that really makes a difference in the lives of the terminally ill and their families? Volunteer roles include companionship for the patients, emotional support for patient and family, errands, and telephone reassurance.
This volunteer training program consists of eight classes on eight consecutive Tuesdays. Participants MUST attend all eight classes, beginning April 1 and ending May 20.
Classes take place on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon or Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Hudson Hospice Office, 93 Clerk St. in Jersey City.
For further information call Sister Carol at (201) 433-6225.