When North Bergen residents, Jeannette Sanchez and mother Maria Sanchez experienced the heart breaking event of losing their loved one to suicide, they decided it would not go in vain.

“My brother died to suicide on March 12, 2012. Like many families out there we didn’t recognize the signs of depression and mental health issues,” says Jeannette Sanchez.

Two years ago, Maria and Jeannette teamed up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) to host the first ‘NB Out of the Darkness’ community walk that drew over 225 people from the community and raised over $10,000.

The walk is held in memory of those who lost their lives to suicide. Funds come from groups of people or “teams” that walk in memory those impacted. The Sanchez family walks as “Team Carpe Diem” in honor of the late Jorge A. Sanchez.

“Community walks are proof that when people work together, they can make big changes in our world,” says Maria Sanchez, co-coordinator of the walk.

“When we were faced with the traumatic loss of my brother we were desperately looking for a group or people that could help up go through the process of grieving and explaining this complex situation to my youngest brother which was 10 years old at the time of [my brother’s] death. That’s when we noticed that what we were looking for wasn’t necessarily offered within our community,” says Jeanette Sanchez.

The Sanchez family hopes to encourage others to volunteer to host support group for those dealing with suicidal thoughts. Resources for bereaved families and friends to sit together, share stories, and seek guidance are said to be scarce.

“We hope that we can save a life by creating a space where people do not feel alone and can access the necessary resources if they are in need of help. We also think it’s important for families that have experienced these traumatic losses to see that they are not alone,” says Jeanette.

This year’s 3rd annual “North Bergen Out of the Darkness Walk” will be held on September 9th at James J. Braddock Park. Participants will meet at the Ascolese football field at 1:00 PM.

“It feels amazing to work side by side not only with each other but with our family and friends that help us pull off this event. This event would not be possible without the help of the town of North Bergen, sponsors, and the families that come out each year,” says mother and daughter.

Click here to register for the annual walk.

Those who want to volunteer may contact Maria Sanchez and Jeannette Sanchez 917-755-4877 or 201-978-1115 or e-mail: nboutofthedarkness@gmail.com

North Bergen High School held its graduation ceremony Tuesday morning at Bruins Stadium in James J. Braddock North Hudson Park.

A total of 586 graduates received their diplomas. The valedictorian of the graduating class was Camilo R. Lima Castro.

Eva Joy Deras explores Comic Con 2018 in North Bergen.

Residents with damaged or unserviceable American flags that they would like to retire can contribute them for disposal at the 78th annual Flag Day ceremony scheduled for Thursday, June 14. Retired flags will be disposed of in the traditional manner, by burning.

Flags can be brought during business hours to the DPW at 6100 Tonnelle Ave. in North Bergen or the Recreation Center at 6300 Meadowview Ave. They are also being collected at the Guttenberg DPW at 217 71st St. and at Guttenberg Town Hall at 6808 Park Ave.

The annual Flag Day festivities begin with a parade at 7 p.m. on June 14. The parade starts at 85th Street and Bergenline Avenue in North Bergen and proceeds down Bergenline to Miller Stadium at 58th Street in West New York. Leading the parade will be Mayor Nicholas Sacco and many other local officials.

Numerous high school marching bands will participate in the parade, along with vehicles and representatives from the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, the North Bergen Police Department motorcycle squad, and others.

The parade will be followed by a presentation at Miller Stadium and the ceremonial burning of retired U.S. flags. This event is sponsored by the American Legion and the Joint Veteran’s Affairs Committee of West New York, with cooperation of the townships of North Bergen, Guttenberg, and West New York.

Based on the runaway success of the first Braddock Park Flea Market & Collectible Show in May, the market will become a regular event on the first Saturday of every month, beginning on June 2, 2018.

Crowds of visitors flocked to the first flea market and walked away with collectibles, trinkets, and household items for as low at $1 each. Expect an even bigger and better market when it returns from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 2 on 91st off of Bergenline Avenue in the park.

More than 50 exhibitors will display quality merchandise such as handbags, crafts, sports collectibles, clothing, jewelry, gift items, perfumes, dollar items, antiques & collectibles, garage/tag sale items and much more.

Food will be available at the event. Admission is free to the public.

North Bergen’s Department of Public Works is in the process of refurbishing the red brick surface of 75th Street between Park Avenue and Boulevard East. The road had deteriorated over the years, resulting in deep troughs and potholes.

A team of DPW workers is currently working to completely overhaul the street, brick by brick. The original bricks are removed, the underlying surface repaired, flattened, and the cleaned bricks replaced.

The bricks are said to be over 100 years old.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Freeholder Anthony Vainieri stopped by recently to visit the workers engaged in the project, praising their results of their labor.

“Thanks to the DPW for conducting this labor-intensive renovation, refurbishing the street literally brick by brick,” says Mayor Sacco. “The red brick roadway is progressing, and it looks terrific!”

Tryouts for the North Bergen Giants, Eagles, and Red Raiders cheerleading team will be held on the following dates;

Tuesday, May 22: Giants (ages 9 & 10, born in 2008 & 2009)

Wednesday, May 23: Red Raiders (ages 13 & 14, born in 2004 & 2005)

Thursday, May 24: Eagles (ages 11 & 12, born in 2006 & 2007)

Registration begins at 5 p.m and tryouts start at 6 p.m. at the North Bergen Recreation Center, 6300 Meadowview Ave.

Participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate, proof of residency (PSE&G/cable), and $35 registration fee.