weather report

Harrison Weather Station -
STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS LIKELY ON SATURDAY
SEVERE WEATHER OR TORNADO WATCH LIKELY TO BE ISSUED LATER TODAY

GOOD MORNING FROM THE OFFICES OF THE HARRISON WEATHER CENTER, NOT OFTEN IS OUR AREA PLACED UNDER A MODERATE RISK AREA FOR SEVERE WEATHER, THE STORMS PREDICTION CENTER HAS ISSUED SUCH A RISK FOR OUR AREA TODAY / SATURDAY.

IN THE SHORT TERM, WHILE THERE STILL CAN BE A SCATTERED SHOWER OR THUNDERSTORMS ESPECIALLY NORTH AND WEST OF US THIS MORNING THE THREAT OF ANY SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL EARLY TODAY SEEMS TO BE OVER. THE WARM FRONT IS WELL TO OUR NORTH AND TEMPERATURES OVERNIGHT HAVE REMAIN NEAR 70 DEGREES AND DEW POINTS HAVE RISEN INTO THE 50S.

EXPECT A DAY FILLED WITH HAZY SUNSHINE WITH TEMPERATURES IN THE 80S, THEN BEGINNING THIS AFTERNOON STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO RAPIDLY DEVELOP AND MOVE INTO THE REGION. AN OFFICIAL SEVERE WEATHER WATCH BOX IS LIKELY TODAY THIS WILL EITHER BE A TORNADO WATCH OR SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH DEPENDING ON HOW UNSTABLE THE ATMOSPHERE BECOMES. HEAVY RAINFALL THAT PRODUCES FLASH URBAN FLOODING IS POSSIBLE, STRONG WINDS OVER 60 MILES PER HOUR IS ALSO POSSIBLE, LARGE HAIL AND DANGEROUS CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING IS ALSO POSSIBLE.

THE ATMOSPHERE TODAY DOES CONTAIN WIND SHEAR IN THE UPPER LEVELS WHEN THIS OCCURS THERE IS THE THREAT OF ISOLATED TORNADOS AND WITH THE A MODERATE RISK AREA OF THE AREA TODAY THE THREAT OF SUCH TORNADOS DOES INCREASE. THE WINDOW FOR THIS SEVERE / STORMY WEATHER TO DEVELOP WILL BE 2PM TO 10 PM OR UNTIL COLD FRONTAL PASSAGE, IN THE WAKE OF THE SEVERE WEATHER EVENT LOOK FOR A SUNNY CALMER DAY ON SUNDAY WITH PLENTY OF SUNSHINE AND TEMPERATURES IN THE 70S.

ANYONE WITH ANY OUTDOOR EVENTS TODAY PLEASE DO NOT FOOL AROUND WITH THIS SERIOUS WEATHER SITUATION A FRIENDLY HAZY SUNNY SKY AND FILL WITH STRONG TO SEVERE AND EVEN TORNADIC THUNDERSTORMS IN A HURRY, IF THREATENING WITH APPROACHES AND THE SKY TURNS BLACK AS NIGHT AND IT’S THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY SEEK SHELTER IN A STRONG BUILDING, IF THUNDER IS HEARD USE THE SAFETY RULE IF THUNDER ROARS GO INDOORS AND IF THERE IS HEAVY RAINFALL / FLOODING IF WATER COVERS A ROADWAY TURN AROUND AND DON’T DROWN.

HWC SEVERE WEATHER DESK HAS ALREADY BEEN ACTIVATED FOR THIS SEVERE WEATHER EVENT POSSIBLE LATER TODAY, THE DAILY FORECAST PACKAGE INCLUDING THE LONG RANGE OUTLOOK HAS BEEN SUSPENDED
UNTIL THE SEVERE WEATHER EVENT PASSES.

LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE URGED TO NOTIFY YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS AND THEY SHOULD ALSO CLOSELY MONITOR THE WEATHER TODAY INTO TONIGHT. FURTHER STATEMENTS FROM HWC AND NOW CASTS WILL BE ISSUED AS NEEDED, HAVE A GOOD DAY AND BE CAREFUL.

Weekend weather report

( From the Harrison Weather Center )
STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ON SATURDAY

UNDER HAZY SUNSHINE OUR TEMPERATURES WILL SOAR INTO THE 80s TODAY, PARTS OF HUDSON COUNTY MAY HAVE A LOCAL SEA BREEZE DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON WHICH WILL HELP TO COOL DOWN TEMPERATURES.

TONIGHT A WARM FRONT WILL APPROACHES OUR AREA THIS MAY CAUSE THE DEVELOPMENT OF RAIN SHOWERS AND POSSIBLE THUNDERSTORMS, ANY THUNDERSTORMS THAT DEVELOP OVERNIGHT SHOULD STAY BELOW SEVERE LIMITS THE CONCERN ON ANY OVERNIGHT STORMS WOULD BE ISOLATED HEAVY RAINFALL WHICH MAY CAUSE URBAN FLOODING AND DANGEROUS LIGHTNING STRIKES.

WE EXPECT A BREAK BETWEEN THE SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ON SATURDAY, THE ATMOSPHERE DURING THIS TIME WILL HAVE TIME TO HEAT UP AND BECOME UNSTABLE. THE RESULT WILL BE ANOTHER STRONGER AND MORE INTENSE LINE OR LINES OF THUNDERSTORMS TO DEVELOP.

THE STORMS PREDICTION CENTER A BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS PLACED OUR AREA UNDER A SLIGHT RISK AREA FOR SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ON SATURDAY. THE BEST TIME FOR STORM DEVELOPMENT ON SATURDAY SEEMS TO BE FROM 3PM TO 8 PM, THE THUNDERSTORMS MAY CONTAIN STRONG WINDS, HEAVY RAINFALL, DANGEROUS LIGHTNING AND HAIL, TAKING A LOOK AT UPPER ATMOSPHERIC DATA FOR SATURDAY CONDITIONS APPEAR TO BE FAVORABLE TO PRODUCE AN ISOLATED TORNADO SO WILL CLOSELY MONITOR THE STORMS ON SATURDAY INTO SATURDAY NIGHT.

ON SUNDAY THE COLD FRONT IS EXPECTED TO SWEEP EAST OF THE TRI COUNTY AREA AND A SUNNY, BREEZY AND LESS HUMID DAY IS ANTICIPATED WITH TEMPERATURES IN THE 70s.

HWC STAFF WILL BE MONITORING THESE STORMS AROUND THE CLOCK AND ISSUE UPDATES AS NEEDED TONIGHT AND ON SATURDAY.

Flood Control Partnership

LYNDHURST – The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission and Bergen County have partnered to expedite a major flood control project on Route 17 in Rutherford and East Rutherford.
Joseph Doria, Chairman of the NJMC and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs said that “This joint effort will make life substantially easier for the thousands of motorists who drive Route 17 in Southern Bergen County and for the area business owners and residents who dread every rainfall in this flood-prone area.”
“For far too long, motorists and residents on Route 17 had to cope with street closures, traffic jams, and aggravation every time a storm hit,” Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney said. “By working together instead of assessing blame, we’ll be able to quickly and cost-effectively mitigate this flooding problem.”
The County is deploying its Mosquito Control Division to assist the NJMC in clearing out two man-made ditches in Rutherford and East Rutherford. Clearing the 1.5-mile long ditches is a vital component to the project, which also includes the repair and replacement of several tidegates and culverts in Rutherford and East Rutherford and the upgrading and expansion of the stormwater system beneath Route 17.
The Mosquito Division will provide the excavation equipment and operators for the ditch clean-up, saving the NJMC approximately $1 million. The ditches extend from Route 17 near Union Avenue and Highland Cross to Berry’s Creek and Berry’s Creek Canal.

The project is a prime example of the benefits of shared services, which the NJMC and Bergen County have stressed as crucial to efficient and cost-effective government, said Robert Ceberio, Executive Director of the NJMC. The Commission has a shared equipment pool and provides several planning services to District municipalities at no charge in areas including affordable housing and solar energy.

Bergen County has been a leader in sharing services, especially public works equipment and resources. The County allows towns to borrow its jet-vac sewer truck when needed and has allowed members of its Mosquito Control Division to work with municipalities in finding innovative solutions to alleviating flooding along the multitude of rivers within the county.

“As strong proponents of shared services, it makes perfect sense for the NJMC and Bergen County to join together on a project that benefits all of our constituents,” Ceberio said. “We hope this endeavor will encourage other organizations to explore the advantages of working together.”

Work on the project’s first phase, which includes the replacement and repair of several tide gates and culverts in Rutherford and East Rutherford, will begin in June. The drainage-ditch work is scheduled to begin in late summer. The project’s third phase, involving additional repairs, will be performed by the New Jersey Department of Transportation later this year.

Flood relief from NJMC

LYNDHURST – The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission will oversee emergency repairs to the Moonachie Creek Tide Gate and Levee System and construct a new system that will significantly reduce flooding at dozens of businesses in Carlstadt and South Hackensack.
“This is a win-win situation for the property owners and Transco,” Chairman of the NJMC and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Joseph Doria said. “The property owners will receive the flood relief they desparately need and both parties will avoid costly litigation.”
Under an agreement negotiated by the NJMC with Transco and the property owners, Transco will fund the majority of the work. The NJMC will oversee the immediate repairs, design and installation the new tidegates, and be responsible for their maintenance.
The damaged tidegate and levee system is located on property owned by Transco in the Richard P. Kane Natural Area in Carlstadt. The NJMC began working with the property owners and Transco following a disagreement over responsibility for the repair of the broken system.
“As part of its commitment to flood control in the District, the NJMC worked tirelessly and diligently to craft this agreement,” Executive Director of the NJMC Robert Ceberio said. “I’m pleased we were able to work together with the property owners and Transco to find a solution that benefits everyone.”

Preparing for hurricane season

As the 2008 Hurricane Season approaches, State Police Superintendent Colonel Rick Fuentes, Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management (NJOEM) advises all New Jersey residents to plan and prepare for potential tropical summer storms.
The hurricane season usually runs from June 1 through November 30. As evidenced by the record setting 2005 season and most notably Hurricane Katrina this time frame can vary.
The peak time for hurricane and tropical storm activity in New Jersey runs from mid-August through the end of October. The combination of warm ocean water, humid air and consistent winds contributes to the formation of “tropical cyclones” – low-pressure systems of circulating winds, clouds and thunderstorms – over the Atlantic Ocean , Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.
As they gain strength, these cyclones are classified as tropical depressions, tropical storms or hurricanes. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale rates hurricane strengths, from Category 1 to Category 5.
Most of these storms remain over the ocean without affecting the U.S. coastline. When they approach land, tropical storms and hurricanes can be extremely deadly and destructive – even as far north as New Jersey, and even when they do not make landfall.
“Hurricanes like all weather events are not always predictable. Programs such as Doppler Radar, Storm Tracker, Accu-Weather and Earth Watch will hit the nail on the head more
times than most, but they still can’t always read Mother Nature’s mind. At times, the weather might be a mystery but your family’s emergency plan should never be a guessing game,” Colonel Fuentes said.
NJOEM suggests the following readiness steps in preparation for Hurricane Season:
• “Get a Kit” of emergency supplies – the items that will help you stay self-sufficient
for up to three days (72 hours), if needed.
• “Make a Plan” for what you and your family will do during an emergency – this
includes knowing how to evacuate and how to Shelter-in-Place.
• “Stay Informed” of possible threats – especially during Hurricane Season. Tune into your local media outlets for the latest breaking weather news. In the event of an emergency a battery-powered radio is a great tool.
Additionally, NJOEM remains in constant communication with all New Jersey county offices of emergency management, the National Weather Service as well as state and federal partners. These relationships allow NJOEM to deliver timely information to the public as well as respond to any incidents in a timely manner.
“We are committed and dedicated to planning and preparing for all storms during hurricane season and beyond. From a minor shower to a tree bending, torrential wind ridden vortex, NJOEM is ready. For us, it doesn’t start on June 1 and end on November 30. Instead it is an ongoing process that is detailed, studied, operationally trained and enhanced regularly for the benefit of our state residents and visitors,” Fuentes said.
For more information regarding Hurricane Season and how to properly prepare your household or business, please visit: www.ready.nj.gov/plan/hurricane-before.html or call
211.

Free Smoke Detector in Harrison

HARRISON– The Harrison Fire Department is continuing its “Free Smoke Detector” give-away. Thousands of free smoke alarms have been distributed to residents of Harrison over the past years.
The smoke alarms are given to the Harrison Fire Department by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Channel 7 ABC, the Harrison Mayor’s Annual Golf Tournament and National Wholesale Liquidators.
Last week Ms. Niscosias class from Washington Middle School visited Fire Headquarters as a combined decontamination drill was being held between Harrison and Kearny Fire Departments. At the end of the visit they were each given a complimentary smoke alarm. The Bridge Tower Condo Association has also received detectors for each resident this week.
The Harrison Fire Department will deliver free smoke alarms and help with installation if needed. Any Town resident may call Fire Headquarters at 973-483-3039 to request alarms.
A working fire alarm can reduce the chance of a resident perishing in a fire by 50 percent. Please test your smoke alarms monthly.

Senior programs at NJMC

LYNDHURST – The Meadowlands Environment Center has released its summer 2008 Senior Program, a two-month series packed with free informative talks and captivating performances that represent the most extensive and diverse programming yet in the yearly series.
“The MEC has put together an exciting, eclectic program for seniors this year that surpasses anything we have done in the past,” Executive Director of the NJMCRobert Ceberio said. The Meadowland Commission oversees the Environment Center. “This is a great example of how the NJMC is always working to find ways to improve the quality of its programming to best serve residents of all ages in the Meadowlands.”
Events range from concerts and dance lessons to cooking and health programs to a NASA program and an antiques roadshow-style appraisal event.
The season kicks off on June 10 with prominent ethno botanist Dr. Michael Balick’s discussion of “Plants That Heal.”
Balick has traveled the globe studying the relationship between plants and people, having spent time in Central and South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, South Asia and the Pacific Islands.
A highlight of the schedule comes on June 24, when participants are invited to bring their would-be treasures to “Antiques Treasure Hunt: A Roadshow with the Millea Bros. Auction.” Michael and Mark Millea will informally appraise visitors’ small antiques and share tips on what to look for when appraising your heirlooms. The Millea brothers have 15 years experience in the auction and appraisal business. Michael Millea has been a guest on the wildly popular PBS television series, “Antiques Roadshow,” and the Metro Channel program, “Antique Show & Sell.”
Music and dance programs, for both listeners and participants, are also on the agenda. The Champian Fulton Trio performs a tribute to jazz divas on June 19 while tenor Christopher Cantu and soprano Elizabeth Schmidt perform an “Evening at the Opera” on July 10. Dance aficionados can participate in workshops or just sit back and enjoy the music on June 12 (Brazilian), June 26 (polka), and July 31 (swing).
On July 17, NASA/JPL Ambassador and MEC educator Laura Venner will discuss technologies rooted in the space program that have become a part of everyday life, explaining how such breakthroughs as Lasik surgery and hip replacements originated from NASA.
The Meadowlands Environment Center is an NJMC facility operated by Ramapo College of New Jersey. Pre-registration is suggested for all programs; all programs are free. For more information or to register call 201-777-2431 or visit www.njmeadowlands.gov/ec.

UI and the end of the long weekend

Hello Blog readers. Hope your Memorial Day was one of rest and reflection.
Here is some news that was left on the back burner in the mad dash to put out two papers in one week. Whew!!!

TRENTON – The Senate approved a measure by a 39-0 vote on May 22 to significantly reduce required payments by employers into the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund if its reserves reach sufficient levels to trigger payment reductions of up to 50 percent.
The Senate approved the bill, S-562, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Stephen M. Sweeney and Senator Paul A. Sarlo, and sent it to the Assembly for consideration.
“We’re saying if the UI Fund hits a reserve ratio of 5 percent, the employer contributions should be reduced by 25 percent,” Senator Sweeney, D-Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland,said. “Then, if the reserve ratio rises to 7.5 percent, the employer payments should drop by 50 percent.”
Under the measure, the reserve ratio would be defined as the UI Fund’s balance as of March 31 of each year as a percentage of all wages subject to unemployment insurance taxes during the prior calendar year.
“The UI Fund should be there when it’s needed to help workers,” Senator Sarlo, D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic, said. “It shouldn’t be considered a fund to be tapped into for other fiscal emergencies.”
The UI Fund would have to achieve a balance of about $3.6 billion to trigger the 25 percent reduction for employers, the sponsors said.
Current fund balances routinely range from between $1 billion to $2 billion.
At the same time, the UI Fund has been raided for redirections of over $3 billion between 1993 to 2002 and for an estimated $1.5 billion from 2002 t 2005 – to the Health Care Subsidy Fund to support charity are payments.
“This measure will help ensure the UI Fund is no longer tapped annually for whatever budget need arises,” Senator Sweeney said.
Sarlo said the UI Fund should be protected as means of helping businesses and their workers.
“If it reaches certain reserve levels, there’s good reason to trigger breaks for employers,”he said.

May Crowning

HARRISON - Our Lady of Grace Council 402, Knights of Columbus, Harrison will hold it's annual May Crowning on Tuesday May 27, 2008 at 7:30 pm.
The service will be held at the Council Home located at 14-16 North Rodgers Blvd. in Harrison.

Elks help kids for summer camp

Exalted Ruler Councilman Larry Bennett, left, Recreation Chairman Michael Dolaghan,
Recreation Coordinator Joe Bubenas and Councilwoman Carol Mandaglio.

HARRISON – The Harrison East Newark Elks # 2326, Handicap Children's Committee received a donation from the Harrison Recreation Department to send a handicap child to the Elk's Camp Moore this summer.

Marine Vietnam vets go to Washington

Gene Patzner, left, Perry Piwowarski, Phillip Buffalo, and Victor Villalta.

Marine Vietnam veterans from the Marine Corps League, West Hudson Detachment #209 in Kearny, pose infront of the three soldiers statue while on a trip to Washington D.C.

Kearny PBA Golf Outing

KEARNY – TILCON NY & NJ and BEDROCK Stone donate to the Kearny PBA Golf Outing. Pictured are Ellen Fiore presenting a check to Captain Tom Osborne, Golf Committe Member, Ted Fiore of TILCON / Bedrock, right, Patrick Sawyer Co-Chairman, from left. Golf Committe 2008 and Sgt John Taylor, Golf Committe Member.

Armed Forces run in Kearny

KEARNY - See the May 21 issue of The Observer for the full story on the American Legion Riders.

Water Distribution System Improvements

KEARNY - The Town of Kearny is in the process of performing improvements to the town water distribution system. The area where the current improvement project will be performed is on Davis Avenue between Midland Avenue and King Street.
The project will begin on or about the week of May 26 and will last approximately ten weeks.
The improvements will consist of replacing water mains, residential water service lines, and fire hydrants. This will help to improve water quality, increase the available water capacity for fire fighting needs, and reduce future occurrences of water service interruptions.
A discoloration of water may occur on certain days when the work is being performed. Although the water is safe for consumption, it is advisable to check for water discoloration before washing clothes. Areas adjacent to the streets listed above may also be affected.
We will work to keep the inconvenience to a minimum as we work on improving the Kearny water distribution system. If you have any questions please call the Kearny Water Department at 201-955-7406 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Special Angels v. Lyndhurst and North Arlington fire departments

Special Angels Recreation and Putting the Pieces Together Support Group is proud to announce their second annual “Too Hot to Handle” Softball for Autism Challenge.
The Lyndhurst and North Arlington fire departments will be playing against the Putting the Pieces Together and Special Angels parents and friends on June 7 with a rain date of June 8 in Lyndhurst starting at 7 p.m. with all proceeds directly affecting children with autism and other different abilities.
There will be Lyndhurst Pastry Italian Ice, autism pins, hot dogs, hot pretzels, popcorn, funnel cakes, games between each inning with giveaways and more. Tickets are $5 per person and on sale now.
For more information on the event, purchase tickets or make a donation by calling Debbie or Tara at 201-966-8738.
Anyone interested in learning more about PTPT or SA please visit their websites at www.puttingthepiecestogether.org or www.specialangels.eboard.com password sports.

EnCap death knell

Looks like EnCap has been run out of Dodge City.
At yesterday's New Jersey Meadowlands Commission meeting EnCap Golf Holdings LLC was denied by a unnanimous vote for any further extension to remediate the troubled project.
Governor John Corzine and State Attorney General Anne Milgram were immediately notified.
For all intents and purposes the landfill green dream that has sucked up eight years of time and money is essentially at an endgame position.
From Corzine's office:
STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR ON THE ENCAP PROJECT
TRENTON - Governor Jon S. Corzine today issued the following statement regarding the Encap redevelopment project:
"My primary objective always has been to ensure that the contractually obligated remediation be carried out. Donald Trump and his project team have made progress toward this end. Now that the Meadowlands Commission has denied any further extensions, the Commission will pursue that objective by the legal remedies available to ensure speedy completion of the needed environmental remediation."
Well, there's a garbled mouthful.
See the May 14 edition of The Observer for more vehement local political perspectives and some new legislation from Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic).

Stem Cell Registration

On Saturday, May 10 from 1 to 4 p.m., the HLA Registry will test and register potential stem cell donors at the Kip Center, 55 Kip Ave. in Rutherford for Al Alberti, a Lyndhurst resident and father of three, diagnosed with MDS who is waiting for a stem cell transplant. Myleodysplastic Syndrome is a blood related disease and stem cell transplant is the only hope for survival.
HLA testing (Stem Cell) includes a cheek swab and requires you to be 18 to 61 years old and in fairly good health.
If you are found to be a match, additional blood donation is required.
The HLA registry's "Thanks Mom" Campaign is being promoted from May 5 to 19.
During this two-week period the donation fee will be waived. This promotion is being done to encourage people to become part of the nationwide registry to find donors for stem cell transplants.
Besides Alberti, there are many other patients, including local residents, who are waiting for a donor match.
Finding a donor is like finding a needle in a haystack.
Please come out to register!
Call the HLA at 201-705-1600 for more information or Debbie Alberti at 201-647-6292, Denese Cortellino at 973-981-8003, or Maria Pansini.
Are you a match? If so you can save a life.

Iron Man rules

Iron Man opened this weekend to a record-breaking $101 million in ticket sales nationwide. See this week's edition of The Observer for a review by yours truly.

A time to reflect

Holocaust Remembrance Day was created by act of Congress in 1980 for remembering the victims of the Holocaust. It also serves to remind Americans of what can happen when bigotry, hatred and indifference rule the emotions of civilized people.
The United States Holocaust Memorial Council led the nation in civic commemorations throughout the United States. Observances and Remembrance activities often run from the Sunday before through the Sunday after the actual date.
See the next issue of The Observer to read how a local synagogue observers Yom Hashoah.