Politician Pay Hikes Pass

ELIZABETH—Mayor J. Christian Bollwage signed into law a measure that raises salaries for himself and the City Council members who enacted the pay hike ordinance.

Only Councilman Carlos Cedeño voted against the politicians’ pay hike, while eight other members of the governing body voted to approve the salary increase despite a growing economic crisis that has caused almost one million Americans to lose their jobs in recent months.

The ordinance was passed by the City Council on Nov. 25 and approved by Bollwage the following day.

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Mayor Announces UEZ Funding Award For Carteret Health & Wellness Center

CARTERET—Mayor Daniel Reiman and the Borough Council announced last week that the Carteret Health & Wellness Center was awarded a $500,000 UEZ funding grant at the New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zone Authority’s at Dec. 10 meeting. 

The UEZ Funding will be used for site improvement costs, including demotion of existing structures, and environmental preparation of the site of construction.  To date, approximately $10 million has been raised for the state-of the-art health and fitness facility through state and county grants, private endowments, and redevelopment fees generated by local business and litigation settlements.

A junior Olympic-sized swimming pool will be housed in the facility’s 7,000 square foot aquatics center.  The pool, along with the Health and Wellness Center’s many other amenities, will be tailored to meet a wide variety of health and recreational needs, and will allow for programs that will benefit different age groups.

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St. Mary’s Students Show Christmas Story

 

St. Mary’s Students Show Christmas Story—The Religion Department of St. Mary of the Assumption High School presented a depiction of the Nativity set to music for the staff and patients at Trinitas Hospital’s Cancer Center Christmas party on Dec. 17. The students dressed in full costume, told the story of Jesus’ birth through narrative and song. Taking part in the Nativity presentation were seniors: Claushelle Achille, Yannekie Joseph, Evangelina Rodriguez, Crystal Ortiz, James De la Cruz, Smitha Thomas. Sophomore: Nicole De la Cruz. Freshmen: Anita Alli, Maranda Buchta, Richonda Fegins, Samantha Gonzalez, Victoria Hall, Evann Hardy and Mercedes Igus.

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“The Day the Earth Stood Still” – Has a Contemporary Spin – 2 & ½ popcorns

 

By Michael S. Goldberger, film critic 

Considering “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” I am transported back to Dr. Halberstodt’s “Reviewing Remakes” course at Olde Ivy Film Criticism College, 1968. “Beware your prejudice,” he warned in his Viennese accent. “If blessed with a long career, you will see a favorite film remade two or three times. But for the new generation, it is the first time.”

Thus, exercising due tolerance, it turns out the one remake I most dreaded the prospect of ever reviewing is not so terrible after all. Instead of screaming sacrilege, I am inclined to note that, while nowhere near as accomplished as the 1951 classic, director Scott Derrickson’s rendition entertainingly disseminates its cautionary message.

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Christmas Memories & Thank You

By Diane Norek Harrison

ELIZABETH-Here are more Christmas memories “as seen through the eyes of a young child” from reader William Frolich:

“We were aware of Santa Claus and his elves at the North Pole, but how did he make all those visits to everyone’s house all in one night? In the streets downtown his helpers were busy with their bells and kettles, so who was still at work making the toys? Would they make enough for all the children? We assured that everything would turn out alright.

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Winter Walking Tips From Knee And Hip Surgeon

With the first snow and ice having already hit the ground, it would seem a good time to review some basic tips on how to walk on slippery streets, sidewalks, train platforms and bus steps to help young and old alike  avoid unnecessary injuries.  

While no technique is 100% effective for walking in cold, wintry conditions especially at night when dreaded black ice can fool even the most eagle-eyed of pedestrians, the following are a few suggestions for slogging through the ice, snow and slush for the holiday season and beyond from Dr. Ronald Grelsamer, a hip and knee specialist at Mount Sinai’s Department of Orthopaedics in New York City:

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