At the December Board of Commissioners meeting, the Bayonne Housing Authority honored residents who won awards from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).
BHA resident Akayla Morrison was one of the 12 artists chosen to have a poster displayed in the 2025 “What Home Means to Me” calendar. Akayla’s artistry was chosen for the month of November.
“We could not be more proud of Akayla and her accomplishment. People from across the country will be able to see her talent on display every day they look at the calendar in the month of November 2025,” said BHA Chairman Vincent Lombardo.
The “What Home Means to Me” Poster Contest has recognized the amazing, poignant art of children who live in affordable housing across the country. Every year, hundreds of children, participate in the contest.
BHA residents Salvatore Simone and Harriet Lee Weening are Award of Merit winners for their “Sing-A-Long with Sal and Lee” program. When a piano was donated to Back Bay Gardens, Sal who plays the piano and Lee who is a singer, volunteered to lead the residents in singing some familiar songs and it has become a weekly event. There act of volunteerism and sense of community has resulted in this recognition from hundreds of programs across the country.
“Sal and Lee have shown the true Bayonne spirit by sharing their talents,” said Irene Pyke, BHA Vice Chair. “And to be nationally recognized with an Award Of Merit is a tribute to what they have created.”
NAHRO provides opportunities for its members to receive national recognition for their innovative housing and community development projects, programs, and services, Including senior citizen social programs, that enhance the lives of residents and clients through awards, including Awards of Merit.
Additional articles:
https://www.nj.com/hudson/2025/01/bayonne-residents-show-what-home-means-to-them.html
