Vice President Joe Biden tours Hoboken
HOBOKEN — Vice President Joe Biden surveyed the hurricane damage in Hoboken Sunday, specifically in and around the PATH station and Hoboken Terminal. Biden was accompanied at a press conference along with Congressman Albio Sires, Senator Bob Menedez, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Mayor Dawn Zimmer, and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno. Vice President Biden arrived in Hoboken after an aerial look at the ravaged shoreline by helicopter, and a stop in Seaside Heights, N.J.
“The devastation is real,” Biden said.
The vice president made it clear at the press conference that his focus is not only to restore the transportation infrastructure, but also make it much more resilient for the future. The PATH station is still down, without a projected date to open.
“We need to make sure commuters get back to work, and we need to get the PATH back in service. But we also need to build beyond that, build for the future. I doubt this will be the last perfect storm the East Coasts sees,” Biden said. “It will occur again. We need to make permanent repairs.”
Biden was described at the press conference as “in many ways a Jersey boy himself, having spent time on the Jersey shore and marrying a Jersey girl.”
“The president and I are determined, and we’re not going anywhere,” said Biden. “I am absolutely confident that we’re going to come back better, but it is going to be tough in the meantime.”
Congressman Albio Sires said, “You can sum up all of the comments in one word. Help.”
Mayor Dawn Zimmer addressed the ongoing issue of flood insurance in Hoboken. “The challenging reality is that the government will not cover all of Hoboken’s losses,” Zimmer said. She urged people to donate to RebuildHoboken.org.
Vice President Biden also offered personal thanks to all of the first responders.
Thanksgiving: Volunteer or get a meal
Two area shelters are among the places to volunteer or get a free meal this Thanksgiving. See this past week’s Reporter for a rundown of most events.
St. Lucy’s Shelter (619 Grove St.) will hold its annual Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in need on Thanksgiving Day beginning at 4 p.m. The shelter also accepts donations of food, supermarket gift certificates, winter clothing, and money throughout the year. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter. For more information, call (201) 656-7201.
The Hoboken Homeless Shelter (300 Bloomfield St.) will offer a full day of activities and food for its clients on Thanksgiving Day. Two meals will be served. Lunch will be served at 2:30 p.m. and a traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be offered at 7 p.m. Between the two meals, a film will be shown at 4. Volunteers are welcomed to work at the shelter in shifts that will run from noon until 8 p.m. The shelter is always dire need of paper goods and utensils and this year is no different. Anyone who is willing can make a donation of plastic cups, utensils, plates, or napkins prior before Thanksgiving Day.
“Thanksgiving is going to be especially meaningful this year because of all that has happened here recently,” said shelter Director Jaclyn Cherubini. “We’re just going to try to make this an extra special day for everyone. To make a donation or to volunteer, call Cherubini at (201) 656-5069.