Stevens Alumna Releases Debut Indie-Pop Album

January 19, 2021

KDillon-Perspective-Cover1 — Album artwork for Dillon's debut album, Perspective.

A new album created by Stevens Institute of Technology alumna and independent singer-songwriter, Kiera Dillon, titled “Perspective,” released on January 1, explores themes of nostalgia, emotional acceptance and isolation — topics that Dillon conceptualized long before the pandemic derailed plans for her debut indie-pop album.

Less than two weeks after the album’s release, “Perspective” had already garnered more than 5,000 streams with praise from indie music blogs For the Punks, Untold Music and Rock & Roamer (links below).

Throughout 2020, projections for the music and entertainment industries have been bleak. This experience has been no different for Dillon who was preparing to record the album in her final days as a music and technology student at Stevens. Practically overnight, her access to collaborators and thousands of dollars of studio equipment was stripped away when universities chose to shut down to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

She then headed home to suburban Pennsylvania to complete the album with only a microphone and pair of speakers, taking her back to where she first felt inspired as a young musician.

Using the backdrop of 2020’s crises to better understand her own growth and change as an artist, “Perspective” serves as a time capsule of this period in Dillon’s life while touching on the roots and challenges that many young people have related to during this unimaginable year. The album’s 2021 release represents this connection between progress and unexpected circumstances.

Relevant links
Kiera Dillon: https://www.facebook.com/kieraoke98
The album: https://bit.ly/2KP7Rlu

From Carnegie Hall to YouTube

Hudson Reporter

January 6, 2021

01weecharu14 — A screenshot of Suri's performance of "A Little Joy."

Hoping to bring some solace during a troubled time for the world, Charu Suri released a new single titled “A Little Joy” via YouTube in late December.

Suri is a jazz piano virtuoso and former child prodigy who lives in Weehawken with her husband and daughter.

Her new single comes after being locked out of venues like Carnegie Hall by COVID-19. Suri plans to drop multiple new albums throughout 2021.

The show goes on

After becoming the only Indian Jazz artist to headline her own program at Carnegie Hall in December 2019, Suri was due to perform there again in December 2020. Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions made the repeat performance impossible.

“We simply figured that the show must go on,” said Suri. “We could not allow COVID to keep us from bringing our original jazz music to audiences around the world.”

Enter the era of YouTube and Zoom. Many artists have taken to online platforms to continue creating music and art and delivering them to eager audiences for quality Jazz and other varieties of music.

For A Little Joy, Suri wrote the music and lyrics, and plays the piano. She draws on the vocal talents of Danielle Erin Rhodes, with Justin Lee on the double bass and Jay O’Brien on the drums.

“This song was written during the pandemic, and is meant to bring comfort and joy during the holiday season and colder months in general,” Suri said.

Upcoming albums

Suri announced plans for the release of three new albums in 2021, including holiday originals, a new jazz album using Indian ragas and Sufi sounds, and a New Age album.

Suri recently became a Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) voting member. She has released three albums to date, including The New American Songbook which is an ode to traditional Jazz, and The Book of Ragas which blends Indian ragas, a jazz trio, and Sufi sounds which recently won three International Music Awards.

“A Little Joy” will be downloadable on all music platforms, including Spotify, on Jan. 30. Follow her on @CharuSuriMusic on Instagram and @CharuSuriTrio on Facebook, where she performs almost daily.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Bergen helps family struck by tragedy

Hudson Reporter

December 28, 2020

01nbfamily07 — North Bergen officials meet with the family on Dec. 23. Photo by Art Schwartz.

This holiday season, North Bergen officials have chipped in to support a family that was struck by tragedy over the summer.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco, NB C.A.R.E.S. Coordinator Aimee Focaraccio, and other township officials welcomed Eduardo Argueta to town hall on Dec. 23 to give him presents for his newborn daughter Emma.

Officials also presented Argueta with $500 donations from the Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation and from the North Bergen Police Department, and a $1,000 donation from a Secret Santa.

The donations are to help the family get through this difficult time, and bring them some much needed holiday cheer. NB C.A.R.E.S. provided dozens of toys for Emma and her mother’s young brother and sister.

“Estefania Mesa and her family have been facing a tragic situation since she fell into a coma earlier this year after giving birth to a beautiful baby girl,” Sacco said. “Today, we were able to present Estafania’s partner Eduardo Argueta with donations from the Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation, the NB C.A.R.E.S. program, our local police unions, and a local business. We hope these donations will help the family get through this difficult time while Estefania recovers and bring them some much deserved holiday cheer.”

A sad summer day

Argueta is the partner of Estefania Mesa, who gave birth to Emma via C-section in July and lapsed into a coma from lack of oxygen.

On July 19, Mesa went to the hospital because she had started feeling contractions. She had an emergency C-section the next day and for reasons unclear went into cardiac arrest.

The lack of oxygen to her brain has now placed her in a coma. Doctors believe she may have brain damage. Mesa does not have health insurance, and the hospital bills will be astronomical.

“Our goal is to raise enough funds to transfer her to a hospital that has the best neurologists and team to help Estefania and give her a fighting chance,” Jennifer Romero and Daniela Solano wrote on the GoFundMe page they organized to support Mesa and her family.

“We do not know exactly what caused this, but right now our main concern is helping Estefania recuperate so she has the possibility to raise her beautiful baby girl Emma next to her partner Eddie and her family,” they said.

Mesa is currently recovering in a rehab facility.

“After almost four months, Estefania was finally transferred to a rehabilitation center late last night and out of Hoboken University Medical Center, where this nightmare began,” Romero and Solano said. “The combined efforts of so many who have helped in countless ways, prayers, and donations have been of paramount importance to achieve this goal.”

They continued: “Thank you to every single person who has shared Estefania’s story thus far, donated, and helped us raise awareness for what happened to her. The road to recovery is long; however, we remain hopeful that she will receive the extensive rehab that she needs in order to some day soon be able to care for her beautiful baby girl, Emma.”

Donations can be made at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-for-estefania.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Hudson municipal healthcare workers get vaccinated

Hudson Reporter

December 28, 2020

01nhvaccine07 — Hudson County Freeholder Chairman Anthony Vainieri receives the vaccine in North Bergen on Dec. 24. Photo by Art Schwartz.

As Phase 1A of vaccine distribution rolls out in New Jersey, municipal frontline workers across North Hudson have begun to receive the vaccine.

North Bergen

North Bergen’s first doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered to a select group of municipal healthcare and frontline workers on Dec. 24 in the township municipal chambers.

North Bergen is the first municipality in Hudson County, and one of the first in the state, to administer the Moderna vaccine to municipal employees. The township initially received 500 doses for Health Department, EMS, and funeral home workers.

The vaccine requires two doses, with the second dose to be administered 28 days after the first. As more doses are received, the vaccine will be made available to additional groups and the general public in the months ahead.

Union City and Weehawken

On Dec. 26, Union City and Weehawken municipal healthcare workers and EMTs began receiving the Moderna vaccine.

“We are so pleased to be able to partner with Weehawken to provide our frontline healthcare workers with the vaccine,” said Union City Mayor Brian Stack. “These are our healthcare workers and EMTs, who are called upon to treat patients who have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 virus.”

“Providing vaccinations to our frontline healthcare workers is critical,” said Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner. “We must take care of the workers who are treating our family, friends, and neighbors suffering from this terrible virus.”

Once healthcare workers have been vaccinated, Union City and Weehawken will offer vaccines to first responders and essential employees and continue through each category. In Phase 1B, first responders including police and firefighters, other frontline essential workers, and vulnerable members of the community will be vaccinated. In Phase 1C, the final phase before residents will begin receiving the vaccine, all other essential workers will be vaccinated.

Stack continued: “It is so important, especially in such a population dense community, that we get the message out there that the vaccine is safe and effective. When we start vaccinating residents, we want them to be optimistic in the successfulness for the vaccine and comfortable being vaccinated.”

Turner concluded: “Vaccines are the only way we are going to combat the COVID-19 virus. We want our employees and residents to know that we are confident in the vaccine and the vaccination process and want to encourage eligible employees and residents to get vaccinated.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

New Yorkers take refuge in Weehawken

Hudson Reporter

December 22, 2020

12weehartz31 — Hamilton Cove has begun leasing at its third residential tower in Lincoln Harbor.

Many Americans are fleeing urban centers amid the financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic, unable to afford rent. Residents from New York City have found refuge in more affordable housing just across the river in Hudson County.

Hartz Mountain Industries, developer of Lincoln Harbor in Weehawken, said the first residential tower of its Hamilton Cove development, which began leasing in March, has reached 70 percent occupancy even amid the pandemic.

More leasing on the way

Last week, Hartz Mountain began leasing in Tower C at Hamilton Cove, the last of its three residential towers that comprise the newest residential complex in Lincoln Harbor.

On the corner of 19th Street and Harbor Boulevard near the Hudson River waterfront, Tower C is composed of 177 units ranging from studio to three-bedroom apartments. The building will have a lobby concierge and add two amenity lounges.

Rent starts from $2,050 for studios; $2,175 for one bedrooms; $3,305 for two-bedrooms; and $5,770 for three bedrooms.

“The launch of Tower C is a testament to the work our team has put into delivering the exceptional offering that is Hamilton Cove,” said Gus Milano, president and COO of Hartz Mountain Industries. “In this pandemic, the building location appeals to those looking for thoughtfully-designed residences in a calm environment with a city lifestyle just across the Hudson River.”

Local architecture firm Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architects designed the property’s three towers, ranging from 12 to 15-stories with 573 units. Designed to incorporate the beauty of the waterfront along the Gold Coast, residences feature interiors furnished by design firm CetraRuddy.

Greystar is responsible for management, with leasing and marketing handled by The Marketing Directors. For more information, visit www.hamiltoncoveapts.com.

Solar power

The complex is making use of green energy.

Partially powered by clean and renewable energy, Hamilton Cove features an array of solar panels that will produce approximately 300,000-kilowatt hours of electricity on an annual basis.

The panels are on the roofs all three towers. The power generated by the panels will assist in powering elevators, common areas, and other parts of the complex.

According to Hartz Mountain, this is the first luxury high-rise project on the Gold Coast with a solar array.

Hartz Mountain has almost 50 megawatts of solar power across the state. This is the first serving one of its multi-family projects.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Bergen moves to begin property tax revaluation

Hudson Reporter

December 22, 2020

12nbreval31 — Residents need to brace for home inspections.

The North Bergen Board of Commissioners met on Nov. 24 via Zoom, where the board voted to adopt an ordinance that would begin a tax revaluation of all properties.

The ordinance authorized a special emergency appropriation of $900,000 for the preparation and execution of the revaluation.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco said that during COVID-19 the tax revaluation is not going to be easy. He pointed to home inspections among other things that would need to occur amid the pandemic.

Sacco hopes to get the current surge under control so that the property tax revaluation can proceed safely. North Bergen has been hit hard by the virus in recent months, with nearly 500 new cases each week.

A contractor to perform the tax revaluation has not yet been selected, though proposals are being evaluated.

What is a revaluation

The property tax revaluation is occurring because the assessed value of properties has fallen too far out of sync with the true value.

All municipalities are required by statute to perform property revaluations when the ratio of true value dips to 80 percent of assessed value. The ratio of true value is calculated by dividing the assessed value of a home by its true value, or what that property would go for on the market.

For instance, if a property on one side of town is assessed at $70,000, and that same property’s current market value is $100,000, the ratio of true value would be 70 percent. The objective is to assess all properties at 100 percent true market value.

A revaluation tries to distribute the tax burden within a tax district by appraising each property according to its true value and assessing it for taxation based on that true value. Revals are theoretically not supposed to increase total property tax revenue for a town, but rather more fairly distribute the tax burden in accordance with market rates.

True property values will be determined using statistical studies composed of local property sales data. Property revaluations are known to take a long time to complete because of the arduous map-making process and the requirement that a tax assessment firm gain access to every property using a tape measure. Inspectors are required to make three attempts for each property.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Sacco and Stack move to protect Palisades Cliffs

Hudson Reporter

December 21, 2020

12nhpalisades31 — The Palisades Cliffs are nearly 200 million years old.

Hudson County legislators have moved to protect the Palisade Cliffs. The bill is sponsored by state Senators Brian Stack and Nicholas Sacco.

Stack represents District 33 which encompasses Union City, Weehawken, Hoboken, and parts of Jersey City. Sacco represents District 32 which includes North Bergen, West New York, Secaucus, Kearny, Edgewater and Fairview. In addition to being state Senators, Stack is the Mayor of Union City and Sacco is the Mayor of North Bergen.

Limiting the height of new construction

The amended “Palisades Cliffs Protection Act,” introduced by Stack and Sacco on Dec. 10, aims to limit the height of any development below the cliffs east of Palisade Avenue in Hudson and Bergen counties. Palisade Avenue extends from Jersey City in Hudson County to the south to Fort Lee in Bergen County to the north.

Under the amended bill, no structures, including those with mechanical elements on top, could be higher than ten feet below the cliffs, or ten feet below Palisade Avenue.

The bill was introduced by the duo in June. However, that legislation was withdrawn and replaced by the amended bill when it was introduced on Dec. 10.

The amended bill would protect the unique views enjoyed by residents who live in the historic neighborhoods above the cliffs, and preserve the topographical features and the natural character of the Palisades. It would apply to all proposed structures in the applicable area, except for those that have received required government approvals as of the effective date.

The legislation, if approved, would take effect immediately.

“The Palisades Cliffs Protection Act would permanently prevent development threats against a true natural wonder right in our backyard and would ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the cliffs,” according to a joint statement by Sacco and Stack.

They continued: “We believe that protecting this precious natural resource is of paramount importance and that this bill should be supported by environmentalists, those interested in historic preservation, and anyone who shares our commitment to protecting this unique natural feature of Hudson and Bergen counties.”

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

North Bergen to extend rent increase moratorium

Hudson Reporter

December 17, 2020

12nbBoC24 — Mayor Sacco helps a child pick a gift during a toy giveaway. Photo by Art Schwartz.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents have faced financial hardships due to job loss or loss of income. In many Hudson County municipalities, rent increases were frozen to help residents cope.

In North Bergen, Mayor Nicholas Sacco and the Board of Commissioners have again moved to extend the moratorium on rent increases. The Board of Commissioners met via Zoom on Dec. 9 and introduced an ordinance continuing the moratorium.

The ordinance extends the moratorium until February 28, 2021, when the moratorium will be reassessed.

Keeping renters in mind

The township first adopted an ordinance establishing a moratorium on rent increases on May 13.

The ordinance prevents landlords from increasing rent on rent-controlled properties, including charges for parking, pets, or any other fees associated with dwelling units.

“This pandemic has affected all of us in different ways,” Sacco said in May. “Enacting this rent freeze protects local renters during an incredibly difficult time. We will continue to do everything in our power to ease the burden on our residents, particularly the most vulnerable. Working together is the only way we can overcome this pandemic.”

The rent freeze came after a resolution was signed during the April 22 commissioners meeting, urging all township landlords to refrain from raising rents and other fees.

In July, the commissioners extended the moratorium to Nov. 1; in October, they extended it to Dec. 31.

“We’re being consistent with everyone around us,” Sacco said in October.

Eviction protections

Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive order in March placing a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures that would prevent tenants from being removed from their homes. The eviction moratorium will last until two months after Murphy declares an end to the COVID-19 health crisis.

If Murphy does not extend the official public health emergency, the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures will cease on Feb. 22.

Eviction court proceedings have been halted by the New Jersey Supreme Court due to COVID-19. Landlords can still file eviction complaints against tenants, though trials will be held only for emergencies.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].

Hudson Theatre Works presents a Streaming Holiday Event!

Hudson Reporter

December 12, 2020

“Elliot & Me” is a musical comedy based on the lives of songwriter Elliot Willensky and his younger brother Steven. The brothers have written a two man show they are preparing to pitch to legendary Broadway producer Max Stone. It’s a heartfelt story of brotherly love based on a powerful bond that has grown through the years.

Elliot is a charming, free-spirited ladies’ man overflowing with talent and joie de vivre… with a knack to drive Steven crazy. Elliot and Steven both reflect on the volatile ups and downs of their shared experiences: from their raucous “wonder years” growing up in Bayonne, NJ; to the painful conflict when Elliot defies the expectations of his traditional middle-class Jewish family and drops out of medical school to write pop songs; to Elliot’s rise to stardom writing hits for Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston and Steven’s starry-eyed admiration for his Hollywood lifestyle; and eventually to their role reversals when Elliot’s career hits a few bumps in the road and he needs to rely on Steven for help.

“Elliot and Me” is filled with humor, colorful personalities, unexpected situations, and uplifting musical moments.

Elliot and Me features Eric Briarley as Elliot. Eric has traveled the world playing iconic characters such as Rhett Butler in a musical adaptation of Gone With The Wind, and Sam Carmichael in the International Musical sensation, Mamma Mia. Other credits include: Les Miserables (Broadway National Tour), My Fair Lady (Royal National Theatre – USA Tour), A Little Night Music (Goodspeed), Show Boat & Man Of La Mancha (Westchester Broadway Theatre), Ben, Virginia and Me (New York Music Festival).

And Drew Seigla as Steven. Drew is a standout among theatre and opera audiences, recognized for his “stunning tenor voice” by BroadwayWorld.com. He made his Off-Broadway debut as Matt; The Mute in The Fantasticks where he continued for a solid two-year stint. He gained his second NYC credit after joining the cast of Sweeney Todd as their Standby Anthony/Tobias/Beadle at Barrow St. Theatre. Regional Theatre highlights include Kiss me Kate at Flat Rock Playhouse & Jack in Into the Woods at Barksdale Theatre. Before returning to NYC in 2014 he made his opera debut with Lyric Opera Virginia, where he sang Gastone & covered Alfredo in La Traviata. Seigla was last seen as Pertshik in Fiddler on the Roof in Yiddish at Stage 42, directed by theatre legend, Joel Grey. Drew holds a B.M. from The Juilliard School, and studied Music Theatre at Elon University.

Music by Elliot Willensky, Book by Steven Willensky & Scott Coulter, with arrangements by Michael Holland.

The creative team for Hudson Theatre Works includes: Michael Bias (Director), Victoria Casella (Musical Director), Harrison Stengle (Projections, Cinematography and Editor), Pure Motion Pictures – Drue Pennella & Erik Paulsen, (Cinematography), Rob Gorton (Sound) Judy Bowman (Casting), Josh Hemmo (Lights), Amanda Whitford Grundy (Choreography), Terry Thiry (Costumes), Produced by Gregory Erbach, Adrian Wattenmaker and Frank Licato, Dawn D’Arrigo (Stage Manager).

Streaming on demand from 12/17 – 12/20
Tickets Available at: HudsonTheatreWorksTickets.org
Thu. Dec 17th, 7:00 pm
Fri. Dec 18th, 7:00 pm
Sat. Dec 19th, 1:00 pm
Sat. Dec 19th, 7:00 pm
Sun. Dec 20th, 3:00 pm

www.hudsontheatreworks.org
www.facebook.com/hudsontheatreworks
twitter.com/HudTheatreWorks
www.instagram.com/hudsontheatreworks
www.youtube.com/user/hudsontheatreworks

North Bergen gets in the Christmas spirit

Hudson Reporter

December 8, 2020

12nbchristmas17 — North Bergen residents who missed the first toy giveaway have another chance to get their children a gift on Dec. 21.

North Bergen is getting into the holiday spirit, albeit a little differently this year.

Toy giveaway

The township held its annual Christmas Giveaway at the Recreation Center on Dec. 6 with special protocols put in place to keep attendees healthy and safe during the pandemic. Activities were held outdoors, including a musical presentation from Mickey, Minnie, Elsa, My Little Pony, and all their friends.

Gifts were arranged on tables inside the Recreation Center, sorted by age groups. Mayor Nicholas Sacco was there with Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, Julio Marenco, and Allen Pascual, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, all of whom posed for photos with families.

The Recreation Department decorated the Recreation Center.

“This year was very different then every other year due to the current restrictions and the importance of making sure everyone is kept safe,” Sacco said. “Although the setup and operation changed, the decorations and presents were still top of the line! The Recreation Department did an amazing job making sure all the children had a wonderful time, but most importantly that they were in a safe environment.”

Christmas tree lighting

On Dec. 3, Sacco and County Commissioner Anthony Vainieri presided over the annual lighting of the tree in Braddock Park.

Unlike prior years, this was a low-key affair without the usual crowds, children’s chorus, free refreshments, and visit from Santa Claus, who “couldn’t come because he can’t put his mask around his beard,” according to Vainieri.

Sacco expressed his regrets that it couldn’t be an open public celebration He instead hosted the moment live on Facebook to ensure the safety of residents.

Joining Mayor Sacco and Freeholder Vainieri were a number of township officials, including Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, Julio Marenco, and Allen Pascual; Police Chief Peter Fasilis; Deputy Chief Robert Farley; School Superintendent George Solter, NHRFR Executive Director Michael DeOrio; and numerous police and sheriff’s officers.

At the end of November, free Christmas trees were available at Braddock Park to all first responders, teachers, and front line workers.

DT Allen Contracting, a local real estate development firm, partnered with North Bergen and Freeholder Vainieri to offer free Christmas trees to Hudson County police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders, as well as frontline medical workers and teachers.

The trees were given out on Nov. 28 as a thank you to the essential workers who have kept Hudson County moving throughout 2020.

Donate toys!

Residents can donate to another toy giveaway later in the month.

The township’s Holiday Toy Drive is an annual event for children in need. Sponsored by Mayor Sacco and the Board of Commissioners and coordinated by Aimee Focaraccio and NB C.A.R.E.S., they are currently collecting donations of new and unwrapped toys.

Bring gifts by Dec. 18 to any North Bergen school on Monday and Thursday, from 12 to 2 p.m., or to the North Bergen Police Department at 4233 Kennedy Blvd at any time.

The toys will be given away on Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the North Bergen Recreation Center, 6300 Meadowview Ave.

Preregistration is not required, but proof of residency, masks, and social distancing are.

For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at [email protected].