WNY Commissioner Count Wiley to hold press conference to address incriminating allegations involving North Bergen DPW
West New York Commissioner Count Wiley has stayed clear of the scandal that ensnared his father, former North Bergen Department of Public Works Superintendent James Wiley, until Thursday.
A citizens’ group that is politically opposed to the current North Bergen administration claimed yesterday that two West New York DPW workers have signed letters stating they saw several North Bergen DPW workers painting Commissioner Wiley’s Town Hall office last fall.
Mario Blanch, an attorney for the North Bergen Concerned Citizens Group, held a press conference earlier this week during which he handed out incriminating statements against West New York Commissioner Count Wiley. The statements, apparently written by West New York Department of Public Works (DPW) workers, claimed they witnessed North Bergen DPW workers painting Wiley’s office.
This came shortly after Wiley’s father and former North Bergen DPW Superintendent James Wiley pleaded guilty to using his department workers to do work on his personal home on town time.
County Wiley responded that the workers did paint his ceiling, and that they did it as part of a shared services program between the two towns.
Wiley’s assistant announced that the commissioner will hold a press conference Thursday, Oct. 4 at 3 p.m. at Wiley’s campaign headquarters located at 58th Street and Hudson Avenue in West New York. He plans to further address the allegations.
The outcome of this press conference was not available by press time.
Revival Cabaret to be held at St. John’s in UC
On Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m., Arts at St. John’s will present “Revival Cabaret,” an exciting music and comedy performance, at 1516 Palisade Ave. in Union City. The show promises a fun-filled evening of music and comedy.
Jazz pianist Mavis Pan will perform from 6:30 to 7 p.m. during a jazz mixer.
Beginning at 7 p.m., comedy, classical music, and clowns will collide to create an unforgettable evening.
“The show’s theme is an old fashioned tent revival,” said the show’s host Joe Kolbow. “We rehearse in the church and the show is performed there. And though its contents won’t be religious in nature at the end of the show, we will pass a collection plate.”
The performance is part of the Arts at St. John’s program, a venture between art-makers and supporters in the community that was started in April. The program aims to fill the sanctuary of St. John’s church with visual and performing arts programs throughout the year.
The “Revival Cabaret” show will be hosted by Union City Comedy Duo Merril Garrick and Emmet (real-life Donovan Ensemble Co-Artistic Directors Joe Kolbow and Johnnie Niel).
A ticket purchase includes a snack and a complimentary drink.
Tickets may be purchased for $10 at brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006, or for $15 at the door. Reservations are requested.
WNY Lions Club to hold golf championships
The West New York Cuban Lions Club will hold its Annual Golf Championship on Oct. 15. There will be gifts, prizes, raffles, lunch, barbecue, soft drinks, and golf carts, as well as a dinner with an open bar.
They are seeking players and volunteers, and ask that those interested contact any member of the club or call Manny Reyes at (210) 424-1201.
The cost is $225 per player and everything included. Dinner only is $75.
Donations are also welcome. Proceeds from this event are to be donated to blind children.
UC farmer’s market to run every Sunday
Every Sunday until Nov. 11 there will be a farmer’s market at Troy Towers at 380 Mountain Road in the north parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. The market is certified by the New Jersey Council of Farmers and Communities and supplied by Iona Hill Farms.
CASA seeks foster care volunteers
Are you interested in helping children in the foster care system? If so, Hudson County CASA is currently recruiting volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA works through trained community volunteers to insure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.
CASA (court appointed special advocate) and its volunteers speak for children in court, serve as fact finders for the judges and safeguard the interests of the children while they are in the foster care system.
Please attend an information session to learn more about the program and the role of its volunteers. A session will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room # 400 of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City.
Hudson County has nearly 700 children in foster care; most have been removed from their homes for abuse or neglect. For further information, please call (201) 795-9855, e-mail mgarcia@hudsoncountycasa.org or visit our website at www.hudsoncountycasa.org.
SARTONK sponsors writing contest
Union City’s SARTONK has launched the inaugural Ali-King Award for Writing in Boxing. Co-sponsored by the WBO, IBF, WBA, IBO, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, New Jersey Association of USA Boxing, Gleason’s Gym, and Global Boxing Gym, this year’s contest is geared toward boxers and boxing enthusiasts between the ages of 17 and 22, who live in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.
“The contest’s intention is to promote literacy and inspire youth to think about our sport’s social and historical significance,” explains Hasmig Tatiossian, SARTONK’s Director of Community Affairs. Regarding their influential list of sponsors, she intimates, “As the creator of championship belts, we’re in the position to draw the support of key entities in boxing – internationally and locally. Imagine the enthusiasm of the winners when their certificates bear the distinct logos of such sponsors. The result, we feel, is truly empowering.”
Participants are asked to choose one of four essay topics ranging from autobiographical analyses of boxing to the role of women in boxing, or the historical impact of leaders like Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr.
“We set out to honor Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr. for their positive social contributions. We feel that awarding an ‘Ali-King Award’ to boxing youth would be an appropriate way of doing this while also inspiring these young minds,” commented Edward S. Majian, President of Sartonk Designs.
Winners will be presented with their awards, including an original SARTONK design, at the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet in November, where they will be able to address an audience studded with local stars.
More information about the contest, including submission guidelines, deadlines, awards, and ways for you to help support it can be found on www.sartonk.com/ali-king. Questions can be sent to hasmig@sartonk.com.