Independent Film Series screens final film for season this Sunday

The Friends of the Secaucus Public Library will be showing the 2013 English-language foreign film “One Thousand Times Goodnight” at 1 p.m. this Sunday, April 26 as part of its Independent Film Series. The series, now in its second year, features smaller-budget independent movies. Following the movie, Friends of the Library President Zinnia Miller will lead an open discussion of the film.

According to Miller, “‘One Thousand Times Goodnight’ is an Irish-Norwegian film starring award-winning actress Juliette Binoche as a wife and mother who struggles to balance her family life with her profession. While this is a common issue that many women and men grapple with, her situation is unique because she is a photojournalist specializing in war zones and humanitarian crises.”

Library Director Jenifer May added, “While Friends of the Library programs are open to all residents, we urge parents and caregivers to keep in mind that many of the films shown contain adult themes and may not be appropriate for children and young adults. ‘One Thousand Times Goodnight’ is unrated, but features storylines that might upset younger viewers.”

Following this weekend’s event, the Independent Film Series will break for the summer and will resume in October. Registration for Sunday’s event is recommended, and can be done by calling (201) 330-2083 or online at secaucuslibrary.org.

Secaucus murals project unveils Henry Krajewski portrait

The Savage Habbit Murals Project is doing a series of murals in Secaucus inspired by the town’s history, people, and local flora and fauna. Newark based artist Lunar New Year (LNY) crafted a mural on the outside wall of Charlie’s Corner on Paterson Plank Road, basing the image on his vision and research into the town. At the center is a portrait of Henry Krajewski, a local pig farmer and politician who ran for the United States presidency in 1952 and again in 1956 with the “Poor Man’s Party,” under the promise of “no piggy deals in Washington.” Also depicted in the mural is an American Redstart bird, signifying the perennial back and forth of economy as a migratory bird that changes its name to “candelita” or little torch when it winters in South America. The last element is a reimagining of the Prudential company logo, which was inspired by the landmark Snake Hill in town.

Library to offer free English language classes for adults

Dr. Tinia Bland will teach classes in English to foreign language speaking adults on Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m. at the library, from May 4 through June 15. According to Gladys Tous, the library’s ESL and Literacy Coordinator, the free English classes will run in addition to the library’s ongoing one-on-one volunteer tutoring program, in order to assist adults who prefer to learn to speak and write English in a classroom environment. “The course will be customized to fit the needs of the students who register, so I encourage anyone interested in learning English or improving their English speaking, reading or writing skills to talk to me about how the class might be useful to you,” said Tous. “Classes are open to English learners of different levels, from those who have little or no experience speaking English to those who wish to expand upon their beginner or intermediate knowledge of the English language.”

Classes are open to all adults, but space is limited. If interested call (201) 330-2083 ext. 4014, or email gladys.tous@secaucus.bccls.org.

Participate in the Resident Art Show

On Thursday, June 25 the Secaucus Town Hall will be transformed for an evening of arts and culture where the talented members of the community will be showcased.

Submission deadline is June 12. For more information and to submit your work, contact Sandy D’Arzen at (201) 330-2000 ext. 3037 or Christine Smith at (201) 330-2031. All submissions are subject to approval by the review panel.

Secaucus Middle School students win award for environmental video

Secaucus Middle School is among the winners of the 2015 KWN New Vision & Eco-Effect Awards. KWN (Kid Witness News) is a hands-on video education program with an emphasis on team-centered learning that encourages students to develop valuable cognitive, communication, and organizational skills through the use of state-of-the-art, high definition video technology. Panasonic provides students in grades 4 -12 (age 18 and under) with the latest digital equipment so that they can communicate stories that are important to them and their communities. Themes include such issues as the environment, peer pressure, and drug prevention.

Secaucus Middle School was among the four winners of the Eco-Effect Award. The other winners were Oakland Gardens School (Bayside, NY), Prairie View Elementary School (Enid, Okla.), and Val Verde High School (Perris, Calif.).

The winning schools will be invited to participate in the KWN Winners Weekend from Thursday, May 8 to Sunday, May 10 – an all-expense paid trip to celebrate their accomplishments with a host of exciting activities in the NJ/NY area. Awards will be given during a luncheon and student exchange. Winning teams will also receive a trophy and banner to hang prominently in their school, as well as recognition on the KWN website.

Today, 622 schools worldwide participate in KWN program. Panasonic, in conjunction with local public school systems, supports KWN teams in 75 participating schools in the U.S. and 29 countries internationally.

Tickets going fast to Community Ball celebrating library’s 80th anniversary

Tickets to the Secaucus 4th Annual Community Ball celebrating the Secaucus Public Library’s 80th Anniversary are going fast, and Library Director Jenifer May cautions that space is limited at the venue. The event will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 at LaQuinta Inn, 350 Lighting Way.

Dinner will be served with a cash bar available. Music from the ’60s and ’70s, as well as other classics, will be performed by the band Let’s Be Frank.

A silent auction will take place during the evening. “There are a number of very high end prizes that will be auctioned at the event including sports memorabilia, fantasy vacation travel packages, jewelry and designer products, to name a few,” May said.

This year’s Community Ball recognizes the library’s anniversary. The library has been bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together with its services, programs and events for 80 years. Said Mayor Michael Gonnelli, “The library deserves to be recognized not only for its past service, but for its continuing commitment to Secaucus’ residents and its business community.”

Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at the library at 1379 Paterson Plank Rd., the Town Hall at 1203 Paterson Plank Rd., and the Recreation Center on Koelle Boulevard. Checks should be made out to Friends of the Library.

A program journal will be compiled for the evening and any business or individual interested in purchasing ad space should call (201) 330-2083, ext. 4011 or email may@secaucus.bccls.org.

Free jazz concert with the Ashley Pettet Quartet on May 7 in the Meditation Garden

The mayor and town council invite everyone to enjoy a complimentary evening of live jazz with The Ashley Pettet Quartet on Thursday, May 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Meditation Garden. Refreshments will be provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Dunkin Donuts Meadowlands Parkway. This event is sponsored by American Spraytech. The Meditation Garden is located at the Secaucus Recreation Center, 1200 Koelle Blvd.

‘Amerike Hurrah!’ A Tribute to Jewish American Songwriters on May 31 at the Library

Singer Naomi Miller will perform at the Secaucus Public Library on Sunday, May 31 at 2 p.m. Included will be works from Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim. To register, visit the library’s online calendar at secaucuslibrary.org or call Library Director Jenifer May at (201) 3300-2083, ext. 4011.

Free cardiac and concussion screenings for young athletes on May 2

Free cardiac and concussion baseline screenings will be available to young athletes on Saturday, May 2 from 8 a.m. to noon in the cafeteria at Jersey City Medical Center at 355 Grand Ave., Jersey City.

Head injuries are on the rise at all levels of athletics, including those who compete at the recreational and middle and high school levels. A concussion baseline study (called ImPACT) can help identify future brain injuries. If an athlete is believed to have suffered a head injury, this screening may be used to evaluate the severity of the injury and help determine when it is safe for the athlete to return. The free test will be made available to the first 80 athletes ages 12 to 18 years to sign up.

The cardiac screening is for athletes ages six to 18 years old. Studies have shown sudden cardiac arrest and tragic deaths can often be avoided when preliminary testing to identify serious cardiac problems is provided. The screening, which will be offered to the first 130 who sign up, can help to identify players who may require further testing or intervention.

To sign up for the screenings, email teamlink@barnabashealth.org. A parent or guardian must accompany the young athlete. The screenings are provided by Jersey City Medical Center, a Barnabas Health facility, in conjunction with the Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes. Barnabas Health serves and cares for more pediatric patients than any other health care organization in New Jersey. The Matthew J. Morahan III Health Assessment Center for Athletes provides education, evaluation and assessment of sports injuries and sports-related cardiac and concussion screenings. For more information visit www.barnabashealth.org/morahan or call (973) 322-7913.

Eat hearty and support the Fire Department on April 26

Secaucus Fire Department Tower Ladder 2 is holding its fifth annual pasta dinner on Sunday, April 26 from 1 to 5 p.m. The event takes place at Burger Stop, 333 Meadowlands Parkway. The cost for adults is $10; children 10 and under are $5.

Please come out and support your local fire company.

Hygiene Project to celebrate 10th anniversary on April 26

Wrap 4 A Smile Foundation Inc. (The Hygiene Project) is celebrating its 10th anniversary at Fiesta in Wood Ridge on Sunday, April 26 from 5 to 8 p.m.

The program includes entertainment, a buffet, cash bar, silent auction, and an award presentation. The cost is $35 per person; $25 for children 12 years old or under. Come and join the effort to raise funds to continue the great work distributing personal hygiene kits to those in need. To date the Hygiene Project has distributed over 120,000 hygiene kits to aid emergency services, homeless community, international medical and dental missions, and soldiers serving overseas. Payments for dinner or donations can be made online at www.hygieneproject.org. For more information call (201) 522-1968 or (201) 320-8491.

Visit Sands Casino and support the Animal Shelter on April 26

Friends of the Secaucus Animal Shelter is sponsoring its second annual bus trip fundraiser to the Sands Casino in Bethlehem, Pa. on Sunday, April 26. Tickets are $35 and include the bus, $20 in slots, and a $5 meal voucher. All proceeds benefit the Secaucus Animal Shelter.

The bus will leave from the Secaucus Recreation Center, 1200 Koelle Blvd., at 9 a.m. sharp and return to Secaucus at 4:30 p.m. You must be 21 or older and bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Make checks payable to “Friends of the Secaucus Animal Shelter.” For information and reservations call Sue Pirro at (201) 563-2161.

Secaucus launches information hotline

The Town of Secaucus has launched an information hotline to answer general questions. Contact Christine Smith at (201) 330-2099 from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for assistance.

The Secaucus information hotline will provide information regarding municipal regulations, events, games, or other happenings, including licensing, permits, games, registrations, municipal locations and hours of operations, and more.

Two nature walks on May 3

Join a free two-hour nature walk starting at 8 a.m. on Sunday, May 3 at the entrance to Losen Slote Creek Park in Little Ferry. A second free two-hour nature walk starts at the same location at 10 a.m. that day.

Get a jump on looking for warblers and other spring arrivals, while picking up any litter found along the way. Check meadowblog.net for last-minute weather updates. Participants will have to sign a standard liability release for this event that is good for events throughout the year. To register, call (201) 230-4983 or go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bonus-early-birder-special-walk-with-the-njmc-and-bcas-tickets-15164573648.