Homeland Security agent charged in Hoboken hit-and-run
Police arrested a U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent for his involvement in a Hoboken hit-and-run which injured a cyclist, 24, on Sept.28, according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
The New Hampshire man was struck while cycling on Garden Street. Jersey City resident Ryan Varrone, 32, who was off duty at the time, allegedly initially stopped but then left the scene.
He was charged with various motor vehicle violations and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Students invited to MakeSPP 2020
On the weekend of October 9, MakeSPP will host its third annual student-organized hackathon and digital conference bringing together more than 200 innovative middle and high school students.
Led by 15 students at St. Peter’s Prep and St. Dominic Academy in Jersey City, the free event aims to promote computer science education and inspire the next generation of innovators.
For more information go to https://makespp.com.
North Bergen marks Hispanic Heritage Month
On Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. the Main Branch library parking lot will host a flamenco and salsa performance byOneida’s Dance Studio.
Disney Movie Trivia about the film “Coco, Oct. 13 at 4 p.m., Zoom.
The TacoBite Experience: Taco Class, Oct. 15 at 7:15 p.m., Zoom.
Bilingual Storytimes Tuesdays, 11 a.m. through Oct. 13.
Crafting Corner with Miss Marcia through Oct. 15, Thursdays at 4 p.m., Zoom. Crafts can be picked up on Wednesdays.
Duo charged with 2019 Jersey City fire
The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Jersey City residents Amado Gonzalez-Abreu, 38, and Francisca Duran-Tejada, 47, owners of the Jersey City bodega La Tribu Minimart with aggravated arson for insurance fraud related to a fire on Princeton Avenue in Jersey City on June 9, 2019.
Anyone with information may call (201) 915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.
All information will be kept confidential.
The above charges are merely accusations. The pair are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
North Bergen Library children’s room opens
The North Bergen Free Public Library’s children’s room at 8411 Bergenline Ave. reopened Oct. 1. Patrons over the age 2 must wear masks at all times.
Computer usage is limited to one hour per day. The children’s department has 3 computers.
Ask for gloves to browse. Limit is one hour per day.
For more information visit nbpl.org or call 201-869-4715.
Woman saved from Jersey City fire
Jersey City firefighters rescued a woman trapped by a fire on Sept. 29 at 76 Hutton St. on the third floor of a three-story, five-family residence, which has similar buildings attached on both sides.
JCFD Companies quickly brought the fire under control, and the woman refused medical treatment.
The Red Cross relocated five families.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
COVID-19 tuition assistance
Gov. Phil Murphy has announced the creation of the New Jersey School-Age Tuition Assistance Program for children between 5 and 13 in need of childcare due to virtual learning.
The household’s annual gross income must be $150,000 or less.
For more information, go to https://www.childcarenj.gov/COVID-19-School-Age-Tuition-Assistance-Application
Hudson County arts organizations receive grants
The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation announced the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund awarded 39 grants to nonprofit arts agencies.
They include Art House Productions; Educational Arts Team; Jersey City Arts Council Inc.; Ladies of Hip-Hop Festival; Mile Square Theatre, Nimbus Dance Works, Inc.; Thomas A. Edison Media Arts Consortium (Black Maria Film Festival); and UNION CITY MUSIC PROJECT, INC.
The arts agencies were supported for their work to build community engagement for people experiencing isolation. The grants, totaling $47,000, ranged from $250 to $2,000 to support interactive programming and the development of public art.
