Benefits program for children

EAST NEWARK ENCOURAGES ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS TO APPLY FOR BENEFIT PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN

EAST NEWARK Mayor Joseph R. Smith is encouraging eligible Borough residents to avail themselves and their families of the following two programs concerning health care and assistance for children:
NEW JERSEY FAMILYCARE is a federal and state funded health insurance program created to help New Jersey's uninsured children have affordable health coverage. It is not a welfare program. New Jersey FamilyCare is for families who do not have available or affordable employer insurance and cannot afford to pay the high cost of private health insurance.
CATASTROPHIC ILLNESS IN CHILDREN RELIEF FUND helps New Jersey families, regardless of income, whose un-reimbursed medical and related expenses have become a financial burden. To be considered for assistance from the fund, a family must reside in New Jersey for at least three months and have uncovered medical bills or expenses for the care of a child 21 years of age or younger. The program covers expenses such as hospital and physician bills, medications, disposable medical goods and medical equipment, home care, medically related transportation and home and vehicle modifications.
Smith is recommending that any Borough resident who is eligible to contact the East Newark Department of Human Services at 973-481-2902 for information and application forms. Smith stated that these types of benefit programs help enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Oil spill in East Newark

NEW YORK- An estimated 1,000 gallons of biodiesel oil is reported to have spilled into a catch basin near East Newark on the Passaic River at about 5:30 a.m. today.
Coast Guard Sector New York received a report from the National Response Center (NRC) that Innovation Fuels Inc. reported the spill had occurred during an internal transfer and that the source of the release had been secured. None of the product was reported to have reached the water.
Biodiesel oil is a non-petroleum based diesel fuel similar to vegetable oil or animal fat.
Kens Marine has been contracted to clean up the spill and have deployed preventative boom around the area.
Pollution investigators from Coast Guard Sector New York and a boat crew from Station New York responded to the scene to ensure that no product had entered the water. A Coast Guard over flight was also conducted to investigate the area with negative results.
"We take every spill seriously," Coast Guard Lt. J.G. Timothy McDonald, Sector New York command duty officer said, "Even though it didn't spill into the water, it is important to get it cleaned up thoroughly to help minimize impact to the environment."
The Coast Guard will be conducting further investigation regarding the incident.

Economic Stimulus check

East Newark Mayor Joseph R. Smith is reminding senior residents of the following important information:

Don't Miss Out on the Economic Stimulus Check – the Congress authorized this year economic stimulus payments of $300 per eligible taxpayer and $600 for married couples. There are many seniors who have not claimed their entitlement to these payments and there is a deadline of October 15, 2008 to file. For information and filing opportunities contact 1-866-234-2942 or visit www.aarp.org/money/stimulus/helpto learn if you qualify. Or call the Hudson County Constituent Services at 201-795-6198 or the East Newark Department of Human Services, 34 Sherman Avenue, East Newark on Monday and Wednesdays between the hours of 5 to 7 p.m.
Mayor Smith is also reminding all seniors with Medicare that the Medicare Annual Election Period is November 15 through December 31, 2008 and during this time Medicare eligibles can change, add or drop a Medicare prescription drug plan. Smith stated that certain groups of people will be receiving correspondence from the government explaining the opportunities available concerning the prescription plans for 2009. In some cases the information may be confusing and require clarification. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) in Hudson County can assist with this information – the contact number is 201-271-4322.
Mayor Smith is urging all eligible senior residents to avail themselves of the above programs and all avenues of assistance to better the quality of life of the people.

9/11 ceremony in East Newark

EAST NEWARK- Mayor Joseph R. Smith and the members of the East Newark Borough Council will hold a special ceremony for “A Day to Remember” – seventh anniversary of September 11th at the East Newark Borough Hall, 24 Sherman Ave. on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 1:30 p.m.
Robert B. Knapp will be Master of Ceremony.
Guest speakers will be Mayor Joseph R. Smith and reverent clergy and officials from various veterans groups.
Mayor Joseph R. Smith, Shirley F. Becker and Charles Bubenas of Post #36 will place wreaths.
Students and staff from the East Newark Public School will attend and participate in this remembrance ceremony.
The public is invited to attend this ceremony in remembrance of the tragedy.