StandUp Comedy OUTSIDE! @ Brightside Tavern Socially Distanced COMEDY THURSDAY OCT 15 @ 7pm ET

October 13, 2020

Stand Up Comedy OUTSIDE @ Brightside Tavern w/The Laugh Tour

StandUp OUTSIDE! Comedy @ Brightside Tavern
Socially Distanced STAND UP COMEDY
THURSDAY OCT 15 @ 7pm EST
BUDDY FITZPATRICK HBO The Sopranos
KENDRA CUNNINGHAM Dry Bar Comedy
ERIN MAGUIRE Live @ Gotham
hosted by RICH KIAMCO The Howard Stern Show @richkiamco
Please buy your tickets early *** VERY LIMITED OUTDOOR SEATING**
TICKETS: $10
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1015-standup-outside-comedy-brightside-jersey-city-tickets-124483354063

** lineup subject to change**

A limited number of “Pay What You Can -Laugh All You Want” tickets are available per show too!

VENUE: Brightside Tavern, 141 Bright St, Jersey City.

Free street parking and along the trees/fence BEHIND Old Colony Square across street from the venue. PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND if you have fever or any symptoms related to COVID. Please wear a mask when moving around the venue space and when you are not eating or drinking.

www.TheLaughTour.com

North Bergen libraries launch contactless self-checkout

Hudson Reporter

October 13, 2020

10nblibrary22 — The self-checkout stations will be available at all three libraries.

All branches of the North Bergen Free Public Library now have contactless self-checkout through a computer system.

Meescan self-checkout is a contactless way to get books from the libraries using the tablet computer. Contactless operations work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by eliminating unnecessary human interaction.

Meescan is available at all three libraries: the main library at 8411 Bergenline Ave., the Kennedy Branch at 2123 Kennedy Blvd., and the Guttenberg Resource Center at Galaxy Towers Mall lower level at 7002 Blvd. East.

COVID-19 precautions

The library has been operating on a Grab’n’Go model since allowing residents inside again, meaning grab a book and go. To accommodate the limited maximum occupancy at each facility, lingering in the library is discouraged. Library use is limited to one hour per day.

Computer use is limited to one hour, and masks are required. Browsing is allowed, but gloves must be worn, available at any staff station.

The library’s children’s room reopened on Oct. 1. Patrons over the age of two are required to wear masks and keep them on, covering both the nose and the mouth, at all times.

The three computers available in the children’s department are reserved only for children and teens, and use is limited to one hour a day.

Virtual and in-person programming

The library has been home to a slew of virtual content since the onset of the pandemic.

From weekly take-home crafts featuring instruction on Zoom, to the virtual Book Club, there are a variety of online activities hosted by the libraries on a weekly basis.

The virtual library is open all the time. Residents can access e-books and audiobooks, and stream music and movies via Libby and Hoopla. For more information, visit nbpl.org.

In-person programming is also making a comeback.

As part of the township’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, residents and guests gathered in the parking lot of the library’s main building to enjoy a performance by the five-piece mariachi band, Mariachi Sol Mixteco.

The Kennedy Branch and the Guttenberg Resource Center are open Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.; Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and is closed Sunday.

The Main Branch on Bergenline has the same hours as the Kennedy Branch but is open Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

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 public schools remain virtual

Hudson Reporter

October 8, 2020

10nbschools15 — Superintendent of Schools Dr. George Solter gave a video update on Sept. 28.

North Bergen public schools will remain virtual, Superintendent of Schools Dr. George Solter announced on Sept. 28.

After three weeks of virtual instruction, Solter updated the community. While the district planned a possible return to the classrooms on Oct. 1, Solter said the district decided to work in the virtual environment until the end of the first marking period.

Shifting plans

The district’s original plan was to open under a hybrid instruction plan with students learning in-person on Mondays and Tuesdays, while a second group learns in-person on Thursdays and Fridays. All students would learn virtually on Wednesdays.

In August, Gov. Phil Murphy signed an executive order allowing schools to start with virtual instruction, but school districts must have processes in place to slowly move toward in-person education.

The district is currently in the process of reevaluating the plan for students to return to in-person instruction, according to Solter.

The Restart Committee is assessing all possible issues. When the plan is finalized, Solter will announce the plan in a video message. When returning to in-person education, parents can still keep their children in the virtual learning program.

“I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy by practicing social distancing and using PPE when needed,” Solter said.

Emulating in-person instruction

In September, the school district began virtual learning with Google Meet for instruction, and Google Classroom for assignments and presentations. Teachers used other forms of communication to get messages to the students, according to Solter.

His vision was to cleave as much as possible to in-person instruction. Solter said it’s important for students to form relationships with teachers and classmates.

The school district’s goal is to have a classroom teaching period look just as if it were in-person. According to Solter, teachers will introduce material, work through examples, assign independent work, and return for discussion.

“It is not about our teachers speaking and lecturing for the entire period, Solter said. “We want a balanced approach that makes the best sense for learning.”

There will be days when there is no direct instruction by teachers; they will post information for exploration, and related assignment for all schools on Mondays and Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m.

Virtual open house

The school district will hold a virtual open house, according to Solter.

Each staff member will create a video describing tudent expectations, classroom procedures, requirements for the completion of assignments, creation of projects, evaluation of student progress, and how the parent can communicate with teachers.

Details about the virtual open house can be found at northbergen.k12.nj.us.

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].

Passionate arts professionals bring the gallery at the historic Park Theatre back to life

Hudson Reporter

October 6, 2020

gallery5 — Gallery at the Park - One of 5 rooms of the gallery.

The grand opening of the Gallery at the Park at the Park Theatre in Union City, with an exhibition of paintings by New Jersey artist Cara London, occurred in early March, just a few days before everything shut down due to the pandemic.

While it will still be some time before the theatre can safety be filled with audiences or can have social opening receptions, the gallery has finally re-opened! Over 88 of London’s paintings are on display in the gallery’s five rooms, including the theatre’s lobby. In addition, to the work present at the opening, some of recent paintings have been added.

The Park Theatre, a 1300+ seat house owned by the Archdiocese of Newark, was built in 1931 and had been an active performing arts venue, made famous by The Passion Play. In recent years it had fallen into disuse and in need of restoration.

Over the past year, a group of passionate volunteers/donors and art professionals have worked tirelessly, turning the Park back again into a viable arts venue. Cleaning, repairing, repainting, replacing carpeting, upgrading lighting . . . and restoring the Park, while lining up many performances and events to make the Park a financially self-sustaining venue, looking towards the future, and honoring its past.

At the beginning of March, a ribbon cutting was attended by Union City commissioners and Father John of the Holy Family Parish, with a grand opening of the art gallery (Gallery at the Park) and the mezzanine lobby which has been turned into a lounge and second performance space. There was an open house, tours of the theatre and musical performances in the new lounge. The main theatre was scheduled to have opened a month later and exciting performances were slated through the Spring.

Just a few days after the opening, COVID-19 shut the country down.

Once it was feasible, the volunteers returned, and working now with masks and distancing, continue preparing and improving the theatre, for eventual re-opening, while lining up many productions, performances and events.

The Passion Play’s costumes and props were preserved and organized with plans to resume its annual performance. “Go, My Child,” a new large cast biblical musical, will be a new addition to the Park. The Park Theatre will be the home of the new annual New Jersey Independent Film Festival. “Frankenstein,” a long running Off-Broadway musical, is scheduled to play regular school matinees at the Park. Many other performances, acts and events are lined up to make it a self-sustaining arts venue, once it is safe to do so for the performers and audience.

While at this time, performances in the theatre will have to wait, the Gallery at the Park, finally re-opened in October, with COVID guidelines being followed. The gallery features the exhibition which opened in March, of paintings by Cara London. Future exhibitions are planned, including work from artists from the local community.

For everyone’s protection, visitors must call ahead (201) 565-3630, or email [email protected]. Masks must be worn, and social distancing guidelines will be followed. The hours for the next two weeks are listed below (or by special appointment).

Further dates will be kept updated on the website.

The Gallery at the Park is located at the Park Theatre, 560 32nd Street, Union City, NJ 07087.

Cara London earned a BA in Art History from Brandeis University and an MFA from Parsons School of Design. She studied sculpture at the New York Studio School and painting with John Adams Griefen, which profoundly shaped her direction as an artist. London has attended numerous international professional workshops, including Triangle Artists’ Workshop, Vermont Studio School, Emma Lake the Leighton Foundation and most recently Chateau Orquevaux, where she received the Diderot Artist-in-Residence grant.

She was a founding member of SOMI Fine Art Gallery in Flemington. She has exhibited her work regularly and is in numerous collections. She also teaches drawing and painting to students of all ages and levels of experience. Ms. London is known for her painterly representational work. Cara London was among the team who helped restore the Park Theatre and turned the space into a viable gallery. (website: CaraLondon.com)

The hours for next 2 weeks are as follows:
Wed, Oct. 7, 3-8 pm
Thur, Oct. 8, 3-8 pm
Fri, Oct. 9, 12-5 pm
Thur, Oct. 15, 3-8 pm
Fri, Oct. 16, 3-8 pm
Sat, Oct. 17, 12-5 pm
Sun, Oct. 18, 12-5 pm
(or by special appointment)
(future dates will be posted on the website ParkTheatreNJ.org/gallery
For everyone’s protection, visitors must call ahead (201) 565-3630, or email [email protected].

For more information about the gallery, please contact [email protected]
For the theatre, please contact info@ParkTheatreNJ.,org

Man sentenced for conspiracy to commit fraud

Hudson Reporter

October 5, 2020

10wnyfraud15 — The total loss exceeded $3.5 million.

A Hudson County, New Jersey, man, Luis G. Aguirre, 57, was sentenced on Oct. 5 to 12 months and one day in prison for his role in an automobile accident scheme, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

It’s not clear which Hudson County municipality Aguirre is from.

As part of the scheme, health care practitioners fabricated and exaggerated accident victims’ injuries to support fraudulent insurance claims to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance plans for medically unnecessary services.

U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler also sentenced Aguirre to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution of $53,710.

In March, Aguirre pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

Chesler imposed the sentence on Oct. 1 by videoconference. Sentencing was scheduled for July 14 but was postponed due to COVID-19.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Aguirre’s participation in the conspiracy caused an estimated loss to PIP insurance plans of more than $250,000. The total loss caused by the conspiracy exceeded $3.5 million.

Recruiting victims

Aguirre helped to orchestrate an automobile accident scheme in Bergen County and Hudson County by acting as a “runner” who identified and recruited accident victims to the scheme.

Aguirre subsequently introduced the victims to various chiropractors, medical imaging centers, and others, who billed PIP insurance plans for medically unnecessary services.

Aguirre and an employee from an auto body shop in West New York, Individual-1, identified and recruited individuals who had been in car accidents.

According to the U.S. Attorney, they found car accident victims through word of mouth in the community and through relationships with health care providers in northern New Jersey.

Aguirre paid Individual-1 for each accident victim whom Individual-1 helped identify and recruit to the scheme. Individual-1, in turn, paid accident victims for participating in the scheme.

As part of the scheme, Aguirre ensured that the victims had filed police reports to support subsequent insurance claims.

Aguirre directed the accident victims to visit specific health care providers to obtain medically unnecessary medical exams and services, such as X-rays and MRIs, for fake or exaggerated injuries that they supposedly suffered during the automobile accidents.

Quid-pro-quo

Aguirre was paid approximately $500 in cash by the health care providers for each accident victim he delivered. Health care providers submitted insurance claims to PIP insurance plans on behalf of the accident victims.

On Sept. 25, 2018, an individual from North Bergen, known as Individual-3, was involved in a vehicle accident in Elizabeth.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito stated that based on a police report of the incident, the accident was minor. Individual-3 was rear-ended by another car when both were stopped at a red light.

According to the police report, Individual-3 refused medical treatment at the scene, stating that Individual-3 would seek separate medical attention. At the time of the accident, Individual-3 had an automobile insurance policy through Auto Insurer-1, which included PIP coverage.

Aguirre learned from Individual-1, the WNY auto body shop employee, that Individual-3 was willing to participate in the scheme in exchange for cash payment. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Aguirre directed Individual-3 On Oct. 12, 2018, to visit the proprietor of an MRI Center in Rochelle Park, known as Individual-2.

Individual-3 agreed to the plan and visited the MRI Center, where Individual-3 underwent a series of medically unnecessary X-rays. On Oct. 16, 2018, the MRI Center billed Individual-3’s PIP insurance policy.

Carpenito credited special agents of the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael C. Mikulka, and special agents of the FBI under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark with the investigation leading to the sentencing.

The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould of the Health Care Fraud Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.

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].

In conversation with Hartz Mountain executive

Hudson Reporter

October 3, 2020

10weehartz08 — Lincoln Harbor photo courtesy of Hartz Mountain

Hartz Mountain Industries has been developing an area of Weehawken Township along the Hudson River waterfront for decades.

In an interview with the Hudson Reporter, COO and President of Hartz Mountain Gus Milano discussed the past and future of the company’s redevelopment at Lincoln Harbor.

Generations of development

Hartz Mountain has been active in developing Lincoln Harbor since it acquired the site in 1982 from SeaTrain, when it filed for bankruptcy, and Hartz has been there ever since, according to Milano.

When Hartz acquired the site, it was slated for commercial office space and hotels.

In the mid-1980s, the Union Bank of Switerzland leased office space on the site that kick-started commercial projects. Today there is one million square feet of office space at Lincoln Harbor.

Contemporary commercial projects on the site include the 350-bed Sheraton Hotel and Whole Foods, among other businesses.

As time went by, Milano said plans for Lincoln Harbor began to change. Residential projects reemerged.

Now the site is home to 1,300 residential units, with the construction of multi-family buildings beginning around five years ago.

Residential development

Hartz completed the 589-unit luxury apartment complex The Estuary around 2014. According to Milano, this was the start of the construction of more modern, multifamily residential projects.

After the Estuary came Harbor 1500, another multi-family residential development, opened in 2019 with 236 units. Following that was Hamilton Cove with 573 units.

More recently, Hartz Mountain received approval from the Weehawken Planning Board to build a residential mid-rise complex with two towers at Lincoln Harbor’s Atir site.

The board initially denied the application due to height issues. After multiple lawsuits, ordinances, resident complaints, and a plethora of planning board meetings, Hartz resubmitted an application for a shorter building that was eventually approved.

Milano said that the 14-story complex at the Atir site will break ground within the next nine months.

The future of Lincoln Harbor

According to Milano, the site is becoming “mature in terms of development opportunities.” However, Hartz does have a few more projects.

There are two sites that Hartz will develop, according to Milano. One includes 180 units as part of the Estuary project. The other is a site on the parking lot area of the Sheraton Hotel.

Hartz also capacity for another 230-bed hotel. Milano said that hinges on the market condition which “isn’t exactly great right now for a hotel.”

After that, Lincoln Harbor would be “built out,” Milano said. He estimates this to happen within the next three to five years.

The COVID factor

COVID-19 hasn’t put a damper on anything. Milano said Hartz is on schedule to complete all the projects onsite. Aside from lost occupancies due to COVID-19, the overall the market has been “pretty solid given the circumstances.”

Residents now take virtual video tours of units before leasing them.

Milano said the site has 15 acres of open space due in part to the Waterfront Walkway Hartz built. Milano said Hartz constructed an exercise park on the north side of the site, among other parks. He said Hartz intends to build another waterfront park on the eastern end of the Sheraton parking lot.

Milano said Hartz has no plans for residential developments besides those at Lincoln Harbor.

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].

“It’s BIGGER Than Me” explores the complexities of our present moment

Hudson Reporter

October 2, 2020

Its-BIGGER-Than-Me1 — It's BIGGER Than Me Flyer

In a critical time for social justice, we need our spirits lifted more than ever. And for people of color living in this country, we need to see ourselves in every seat possible.

“It’s BIGGER Than Me” explores the complexities of our present moment and will present virtually October 15th through the 25th. This self produced, collaborative project involves all artists of color including actors, dancers, and vocalists.

We hope to create conversations, broaden perspectives, and open doors for collaborative engagement.

RSVP to our FREE presentation here!

Jersey City Art Walk October 1-4

Hudson Reporter

October 2, 2020

Catalina Aranguren, founder of Walk-Bye by Argia Photography, will present an outdoor art exhibition in collaboration with the Jersey City Parks Coalition in ten Jersey City parks throughout the city’s six wards. The show will take place as part of the 30th anniversary of the Jersey City Arts and Studio Tour (JCAST) that runs Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4.

A follow-up to Aranguren’s June 2020 show, Walk-Bye includes several events. The first – Nature Walk and OcTREEber – takes place from Thursday, October 1 to Sunday, October 4. The exhibitions will feature 100 original works by international artists and 39 by Jersey City children, focused on a celebration of nature in and around urban areas.

“Poetry at the Gazebo: A Walk-Bye Event” for ages 10 to 15 will then take place on Saturday, October 3rd at Hamilton Park Poetry at the Gazebo for adults will be held on Sunday, October 4th at Canco Park. OpenRoad Poetry will host both spoken events. All events will be held outdoors in Jersey City parks, respecting social distance requirements.

Motivated by the current pandemic lockdown, Aranguren sought a way to bring art to her friends and neighbors while also providing an outlet for artists to create during this time of isolation. The open call for Nature Walk and OcTREEber yielded over 300 submissions from 34 countries, 14 states, and 23 New Jersey cities, taking the form of fashion, collage, photography, painting, and sculpture.

“As an artist, this unprecedented moment of extreme isolation has been frustrating, limiting my options to create and see art,” said Aranguren. “I was sure that others felt the same, so I was inspired to build a sense of connectivity between artists and community members while also providing a break from the virtual world of video work calls and on-line learning.”

Lorenzo Pickett, a local artist who participated in the June 2020 Walk-Bye event said, “Jersey City is definitely a city that is culturally diverse, and we have a lot of beauty in it. We are philosophers and creators. We have the potential to change, rethink, reshape the way we think, act, and respond to things. Walk-Bye is a new way to be creative and to see art outside the traditional spaces that might not feel comfortable during the pandemic.”

Babacar Traore, a photographer from Senegal who submitted for this year’s Walk-Bye event, added: “I love the way the artwork will be distributed across the streets: a real disorder within the order. This will allow everyone to have access. For me, art should not be locked up in galleries or museums, reserved only for a part of the people. ”

For more information on locations, selected artists and Open Road Poetry events, please follow @Walk_Bye on Instagram.

About Walk-Bye:

WALK-BYE, founded in 2020 by Catalina Aranguren, is a collective outdoor art exhibition of original work, visible to the public from a distance. The installation strives to bring artists and community members together to create a sense of connectivity during the current pandemic.

About Jersey City Parks Coalition:

Founded in 2005, the Jersey City Parks Coalition is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization that assists in the development and maintenance of Jersey City’s parks and public spaces.

WHAT: Walk-Bye outdoor art installation (Follow Walk_Bye on Instagram for more information)
WHERE: Jersey City parks throughout the city
Ward A Audubon Park – 1 Park Dr Jersey City, NJ 07305
Ward B Boyd McGuiness Park – 2555 JFK Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Ward C Canco Park – 47 Dey St, Jersey City, NJ 07306
Ward C Pershing Field – 201 Central Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Ward D Riverview Park – 498 Palisade Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Ward D Washington Park – 399 Webster Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07307
Ward E Hamilton Park – 25 W Hamilton Pl, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Ward E Van Vorst Park – 257-287 Montgomery St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Ward E Village Park – 2384-388 1st St, Jersey City, NJ 07302
Ward F Oak Street Park at – 2775 Ocean Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Christ the King Church
WHO: Catalina Aranguren, Walk-Bye; Jersey City Parks Coalition; OpenRoad Poetry; Multo; Trio W
FULL AGENDA:

SAT 10/3 12:00 – 2:00: “Poetry at the Gazebo: A Walk-Bye Event” – A spoken poetry event for ages 10 to 15 in Hamilton Park
SAT 10/3 6:30 – 9:00: “Projection at the Park: A Walk-Bye Event” – Video Art Projection at Lincoln Park
SUN 10/4 2:00 – 4:00: “Poetry at the Gazebo for Adults” – Spoken poetry at Canco Park
SUN 10/4 5:45 – 7:15: “Stroll-Bye Concert” – Trio W plays music at Hamilton Park

Gallery at the Park in Union City has re-opened

Hudson Reporter

October 2, 2020

Figures-at-the-Parthenon-by-Cara-London-Oil-and-charcoal-on-canvas-48x60 — Figures at the Parthenon, by Cara London; Oil and charcoal on canvas, 48x60

The Gallery at the Park, a new art gallery at the newly renovated Park Theatre in Union City, re-opened on Sept. 30. It features an exhibition of paintings by New Jersey artist Cara London, which had opened in March, days before COVID-19 shut everything down.

The gallery is located at 560 32nd St in Union City, on the 2nd floor at the Park Theatre (also known as the Park Performing Arts Center).

Gallery hours during the first two weeks are as follows: Wed. Sept 30, 3-8 PM; Thurs. Oct. 1, 3-8 PM; Fri. Oct. 2, 12-5 PM, Wed. Oct 7, 3-8 PM; Thurs. Oct. 8, 3-8 PM; Fri. Oct. 9, 12-5 PM. For the time being, specific days and hours will be posted and updated on our website.

For everyone’s protection, entrance to the gallery is by appointment only, so please call ahead (201) 565-3630, or email [email protected]. Masks must be worn, and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

The Park Theatre, a 1400 seat house was built in 1931 and had been an active performing arts venue for many years. The space also once housed a museum highlighting the history of embroidery in northern NJ. In recent years the Park had fallen into disuse and in need of restoration.

Under the management of John Lant, the Park Theatre (Park Performing Arts Center) is currently being refurbished, and is again becoming an active arts center.

In March, the Park opened its doors with an open-house and art gallery opening reception, only to close a few days later due to COVID-19.

While performances in the theatre will have to wait until sometime in 2021 when it is safe to do so, the gallery is re-opening following COVID guidelines. If you are interested in future booking of the Park Theatre for a performance or event, please contact John Lant at [email protected].

Northern NJ Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund Announces Grants to Arts Organizations

Hudson Reporter

October 2, 2020

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) has announced the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund awarded 39 grants to nonprofit arts agencies and nonprofits providing arts programs and services.

These nonprofit organizations provide services and programs in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Passaic, and Union Counties, as well as multiple counties in New Jersey. The NNJCF, a not-for-profit organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey, focuses on civic engagement, education, the environment, public health, philanthropy and the arts.

The arts agencies were supported for their work to build community engagement for people experiencing isolation. The grants, totaling $47,000, ranged from $250 to $2,000 to support interactive programming and the development of public art. The funding use is unrestricted and responds to an increased demand for services and/or decreased funding resulting from the coronavirus.

The Hudson County organizations include Art House Productions, Educational Arts Team, Jersey City Arts Council Inc., Ladies of Hip-Hop Festival, Mile Square Theatre, Nimbus Dance Works, Inc., Thomas A. Edison Media Arts Consortium (Black Maria Film Festival), UNION CITY MUSIC PROJECT, INC.

Residents in northern New Jersey continue to struggle from reduced or lost income, food and housing insecurity, health expenses and childcare needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

The NNJCF’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund second round of one time only grants supports urgent funding needs of vetted small 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, nonprofit arts organizations and nonprofit organizations providing arts programs and services. Funding in this round prioritized small nonprofit organizations providing direct services and support to marginalized communities.

This past spring, the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund was established to reach smaller grassroots organizations that might be overlooked by larger funds. In May, 54 grants totaling nearly $240,000 were awarded in the first round to nonprofit organizations serving Bergen County. Since its inception, the Fund has provided more than $550,000 in grants to 163 nonprofit organizations providing services in northern New Jersey.

As the community’s needs shifted from emergency PPE to ongoing longer-term necessities for food security and mental health supports, the focus of the grant awards changed. “Immediate action and long-term recovery took into account the disproportionate impact the pandemic has on communities of color.

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation focused on a racial justice lens for this second round of funding to address the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for ongoing civic dialogue to address the underlying causes of these disparities,” said Mary Blanusa, Executive Director, Northern New Jersey Community Foundation.

Donations to the NNJCF’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund’s came from a range of contributors. Major funders included Sozosei Foundation, Parkway Toyota, and Valley National Bank, as well as small donors.

For further information about the NNJCF or the COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund, contact [email protected] or 201-568-5608.

About Northern New Jersey Community Foundation

The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Hackensack, New Jersey, focuses primarily on civic engagement, education, the environment, public health, philanthropy and the arts. NNJCF works with local governments, school districts, businesses, non-profit organizations, and citizen groups in Northern New Jersey to improve community life.

The Foundation’s partners identify and resolve regional problems and opportunities by talking and learning from each other, by sharing ideas, best practices, services, and resources. For more information, visit www.nnjcf.org, send an email to [email protected], or call 201-568-5608.

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StandUp Comedy OUTSIDE! @ Brightside Tavern Socially Distanced COMEDY THURSDAY OCT 15 @ 7pm ET

North Bergen libraries launch contactless self-checkout

North Bergen public schools remain virtual

Passionate arts professionals bring the gallery at the historic Park Theatre back to life

Man sentenced for conspiracy to commit fraud

In conversation with Hartz Mountain executive

“It’s BIGGER Than Me” explores the complexities of our present moment

Jersey City Art Walk October 1-4

Gallery at the Park in Union City has re-opened

Northern NJ Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund Announces Grants to Arts Organizations

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