An eight-piece band on a large stage; a live performance by Spider-man, Elsa, and Mickey Mouse; free food and drinks; vendors with free gifts and information; free flu shots – this year’s National Night Out offered a wealth of activities and entertainment, and residents were able to enjoy it all while practicing safe social distancing.

Park Avenue was closed to traffic between 68th and 69th Streets in front of Town Hall, with a big bandstand erected at one end and chairs arranged at a safe distance from one another. Onstage, the Smooth Band Orchestra kicked up a storm of funk, soul, Motown, disco, and more, turning the block into a solid dance party.

The parking lot next to town hall was transformed into a veritable health clinic, with North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC) providing free flu shots, information, and gift bags, along with Medly Pharmacy. Meanwhile the Guttenberg Police Department and Town of Guttenberg Fire Prevention Department manned tables with snacks and treats for kids.
 
Mayor Zitt and Public Safety Director Robert White presented plaques of appreciation to two individuals: Belarmino Rico, owner of La Pola Restaurant, on the occasion of their 40th anniversary; and Daniel Jimenez, owner of the Guttenberg Trolley, for his longstanding dedication to the town, including feeding the homeless and supporting town events and initiatives.
 
Among the other officials attending were Council Members Richard Delafuente, Monica Fundora, John Habermann, William Hokien, and Juana Malave, Assemblywoman Angelica Jimenez, Housing Authority Executive Director Ruddys Andrade, Town Attorney Michael Jimenez, Recreation Director Mark Rogers, Senior Service Coordinator Marisol Montanez, and many more.

Additional Photos in Online Gallery