New violations trucks and ‘Broom and Barrel’ program
The North Bergen Department of Public Works recently began two new programs designed to keep the community cleaner. The township purchased three new DPW violations trucks, which will accompany the department’s street sweepers on their daily routes. Through a partnership with the Parking Authority, the trucks are being used to enforce street cleaning parking rules, carry extra cleaning equipment, and pick up bulk items left on curbs by residents.
Last month, the DPW launched a new “Broom and Barrel” cleaning program designed to tidy up North Bergen streets. Six part-time employees have been hired to staff the program, which involves sweeping heavily trafficked commercial areas like Bergenline Avenue, Broadway, and Kennedy Boulevard.
Crews are also working to clean areas near schools after dismissal, and are available for spot work in residential areas where issues are reported.
“Protecting our quality of life is always a priority for our entire team, so I’m glad to see the Department of Public Works offer these new programs that are making our streets and sidewalks cleaner than ever,” said Mayor Nicholas Sacco.
Two of the trucks were paid for by the Clean Communities grant funding, saving taxpayers $50,000 out of the $75,000 total spent on the trucks.
Library holds ‘Super Drawing Contest’
The North Bergen Library will serve as the host to a drawing contest. The winning piece will be featured on a limited-edition bookmark. Bookmarks will be available at the library’s third annual comic book celebration on Saturday, June 15.
To enter, tag your artwork on instagram with @nbplibrary or submit your artwork to the reference desk. All artwork must be submitted by April 27. Voting will take place from April 28 to May 4. The winner will be announced on May 6.
Artwork cannot include any copyrighted characters, and must relate to comics, anime, cartoons, or video games. The artwork must be no larger than 8.5 x 11 inches, and can be produced either digitally or by hand.
For more information, call 201-869-4715 or visit nbpl.org.
Fourth annual Palestinian flag raising
A large crowd turned out to celebrate the fourth annual Palestinian flag raising ceremony in North Bergen on April 12. Mayor Nicholas Sacco greeted celebrants inside municipal chambers, where certificates of recognition for dedication and community support were given to a number of community members.
Mona Razeq, a North Bergen resident and member of the North Hudson Islamic Educational Center’s women’s committee, received one award. Another award was given posthumously to Mohammed Ali Al-Hanooti, a North Bergen Sheikh who achieved the rank of Mufti in Washington, D.C. Amen H. Fael, who sang the national anthem at the event, was also given an award.
North Bergen is the second community in New Jersey to host a Palestinian flag raising. Guest speakers, dancers, and singers performed inside the chambers before the flag was raised over town hall. Freeholder Anthony Vainieri, and Commissioners Hugo Cabrera and Julio Marenco were present to show support.
Free skin cancer screenings; Spring Fest at Palisades Medical Center
Local residents can receive free skin cancer screenings on April 27 form 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hackensack Meridian Health Palisades Medical Center.
All health screenings and evaluations are open to the public and free of charge. Information will be provided to attendees about free mammography exams, health insurance enrollment, and nutrition education. Free shuttle bus transportation is also available from 60th Street and Boulevard East, 60th Street and Bergenline Avenue, and 60th Street and Kennedy Boulevard.
Palisades Medical Center is at 7600 River Road. For more information, call Suleima Rosario-Diaz at 201-854-5793.
On May 18, Palisades Medical Center will hold a Spring Fest on its waterfront campus from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission and parking are free, and the campus can be accessed along the Hudson River Walkway. The celebration will include former professional athletes, inflatable rides, a caricature artist, face painting, health screenings, wellness information, food, and a DJ.
Pre-registration is suggested but not required. All who pre-register will be entered into a raffle for four tickets to see a New York Red Bulls soccer game. To pre-register, or for more information, call 201-854-5008 or visit palisadesmedical.org.
North Hudson Lawyer’s Club taking scholarship applications
Applications for the North Hudson Lawyer’s Club Foundation Scholarship are now being accepted. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage and advance the next generation of leaders in North Hudson County by providing financial assistance to motivated high school seniors pursuing a college degree.
Applicants must submit a high school transcript, demonstrate financial need through FAFSA and College Award letters, and be bona fide residents of either Guttenberg, North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken, or West New York.
Applications are being accepted from students in Hudson County Schools of Technology, Memorial High School, North Bergen High School, Union City High School, or Weehawken High School.
Applicants must plan to attend college during the September 2019 semester and provide two letters of recommendation.
For a copy of the application, email northhudsonlawyersfoundation@gmail.com. Students can also seek a copy from their high school counselor. All applicants must scan and email applications on or before June 1.
For questions, email the foundation, or contact Eloisa V. Castillo, Esq. at 2006 Kennedy Boulevard, Suite 201, Union City, 201-866-1001.
