Nimbus Dance Celebrates 15th Season at BAM Fisher, March 20th-21st

March 5, 2020

Nimbus-Dance-Falling-Sky-Megan-Maloy-copy — Isabele Rosso and Giacomo Bavutti in Falling Sky. Photo credit: Megan Maloy

Nimbus celebrates its 15th Season with the NYC premiere of Samuel Pott’s “Falling Sky” and a trio of commissioned world premieres on March 20th and 21st, 2020 at BAM Fisher, 321 Ashland Place, Brooklyn.

Tickets are $25/$35, available online at https://fallingsky.bpt.me

Nimbus returns to BAM Fisher on March 20th and 21st with a soulful program including Artistic Director Samuel Pott’s “Falling Sky” (world premiere 2019, NJPAC) which contrasts humanity’s indomitable strength with the catastrophic consequences of climate change.

A “fantastic choreographer” who “perfectly encapsulates love” (Huffington Post), Mr. Pott goes beyond constructing physically virtuosic movement to illustrate what happens when the world you’ve conquered turns against you. Projected scenic design by award-winning video artists Laia Cabrera and Isabelle Duverger, and new music by Qasim Naqvi, combine to build a theatrically suspenseful experience.

The concert season also features commissioned premieres from three dynamic voices in contemporary dance. Kristen Klein restages Afterburner, her propulsive look at an explosion in reverse (a 2019 commission for Nimbus 2), Yoshito Sakuraba’s Avenoir explores the power of love as a catalyst for radical transformation, while Sofia Nappi contrasts communal solidarity and individual grace in Yūgen.

NJCU Center for the Arts Presents the Documentary “Bill Evans: Time Remembered” Plus a Pre-Screening Concert with The Joel Zelnik Trio

Hudson Reporter

March 5, 2020

Joel-at-his-Steinway-photo-courtesy-of-the-artist — The Joel Zelnk Trio performs in a multimedia tribute to the great Bill Evans; photo courtesy of the artist.

On Saturday March 7, the NJCU Center for the Arts presents the celebrated documentary “Bill Evans: Time Remembered.”

The film captures the genius of the legendary pianist through interviews, rare archival footage, and conversations with great musicians such as Jack DeJohnette and Tony Bennett. The program takes place at Ingalls Recital Hall on the Jersey City campus of NJCU and features a pre-screening concert with pianist Joel Zelnik, bassist Gary Mazzaroppi, and drummer David Cox.

The film by Bruce Spiegel received 4-stars from Downbeat magazine and was eight years in the making. This vivid portrait of the jazz legend traces his life from an upbringing in Plainfield, through his tragic years of drug addiction and depression. Employing a combination of Bill Evans’ own voice and interviews with friends, family, and bandmates, Spiegel recounts the life and the music of troubled genius whose influence is still felt today.

The evening features a pre-film performance by The Joel Zelnik Trio, which features university graduate Joel Zelnik on piano. A regular performer in the metropolitan area, Zelnik shared a bandstand with Bill Evans at The Village Great in the mid-sixties and was greatly influenced by the innovator. Bassist Gary Mazzaroppi has worked with Marian McPartland, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Byrd, Mark O’Connor, and Les Paul among others. Drummer David Cox is based in North Carolina but performs frequently in the region.

For more information about these performances and to purchase tickets, go to www.njcu.edu/community/center-arts/music. The Bill Evans documentary and performance by The Joel Zelnik Trio will be in Ingalls Recital Hall which is located in Rossey Hall on the campus of NJCU. The Saturday March 7 program begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25. The parking garage entrance is on Cutler Avenue.

North Bergen exploring solution to feral cat colonies

Hudson Reporter

March 4, 2020

03nbcats12 — Feeding of feral cats should be done in a responsible manner.

A solution to the feral cat colony problem may be implemented in North Bergen.

The Township of North Bergen is exploring a pilot Trap Neuter and Release (TNR) program to deal with the feral cat colonies in various parts of town, according to a March 3 press release.

From North Bergen to Bayonne, Hudson County is home to a number of feral cat colonies.

The township is making progress in its attempts to remedy the situation and is looking to implement a responsible and sustainable TNR program in the near future. The program will be created in collaboration with active community partners and volunteers.

Feeding ban temporarily lifted

In the meantime, the township is temporarily lifting the feral cat feeding ban, so that cats will not go hungry before the program is implemented.

North Bergen had placed a ban on feeding feral cats that would cost anyone caught in the act approximately $150.

The township, however, is asking that feeding be done in a responsible manner so as not to bother neighbors.

Until the pilot program takes effect, the township has issued guidelines regarding the lifted ban.

If you are providing food for a colony of cats on your property, remove the food scraps and bowls after they finish eating, clean up any mess or leftover food, and do not feed at night.

The township of North Bergen will provide TNR workshops throughout the community to educate all residents in the coming months.

While some people enjoy feeding and caring for the feral cat colonies, not all Hudson County residents are fans of the felines.

Felines under fire

In 2017, a Go Fund Me fundraiser was started for a feral cat from a North Bergen colony that was found struck with an arrow.

According to the fundraiser page, Kelly Shannon went out to feed a few friendly neighborhood feral cats, just like she always does before work every day.

Shannon was horrified when she found one of her favorite cats, a sweet, gentle male named Sparky, wounded by an arrow. The arrow was still protruding from his body when Shannon found the cat.

The fundraiser reported that the arrow struck him in the left shoulder area, and the tip exited his left flank, leaving the shaft embedded in his body.

With the help of a Good Samaritan neighbor, Kelly was able to get him in a travel crate and immediately took the him to her veterinarian at the Animal Clinic of Bayonne.

After the assessment, it was determined that the arrow did not pierce any vital organs and that Sparky’s prognosis was fair, according to the fundraiser. Once the procedure to remove the arrow was finished, the cat was neutered and given the appropriate vaccines before being released.

Up to $2,560 was raised to pay for Sparky’s medical bills.

North Bergen residents like Shannon have been helping the feral cat colonies prior to the start of the pilot TNR program in town.

The Lucky Cat (TLC) Rescue is a nonprofit, charitable organization that has been funding a TNR program in Hudson County since January of 2019.

According to its mission statement, TLC is dedicated to working with the Hudson County community to reduce the number of homeless cats by trapping, neutering, and returning healthy, feral cats; adopting friendly cats; and through education and outreach programs focusing on animal health, safety, and pet retention.

Other than TLC’s efforts, the North Bergen TNR program will be the first of its kind in the local area.

The support of North Bergen residents is instrumental in the success of this program, because it’s membership is volunteer-driven.

For more information, residents are encouraged to email the North Bergen Health Department at [email protected].

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

Century-old municipal records discovered in North Bergen

Hudson Reporter

March 4, 2020

03nbcertificate12 — Vincent Picone and the 115-year-old municipal records. Photos by Art Schwartz.

More century-old records from North Bergen have been uncovered.

Previously, the Hudson Reporter helped reunite a 100-year-old naturalization certificate of a North Bergen man with living relatives.

This time, 115-year-old municipal records were discovered by a North Bergen man in his attic. Dentist Vincent Picone found the documents in his attic.

Picone has been practicing dentistry in the area for 45 years and has been in North Bergen since 1981. At age 71, he’s retiring, and moving which prompted him to go through the attic of his home.

According to Picone, behind a pile of wood he found a book containing handwritten and typed entries which turned out to document the participants, dues, and activities of North Bergen’s Second District Democratic Club, beginning in 1905.

Minutes of club meetings from 1905 to 1910 were meticulously entered in the hard-bound journal. Apparently pages were removed with a razor, entries marked on the pages, and then they were carefully re-glued into the journal.

Gift to the township

Picone was pleased to donate the book to the township to join its historical archive at the Feb. 26 Board of Commissioners meeting.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco gratefully accepted the gift on behalf of the township at the meeting and leafed through its weathered pages with great interest.

The journal will be added to the artifacts in the North Bergen Free Public Library at 8411 Bergenline Ave., including numerous items on display in glass cases and on the walls in the history room on the mezzanine level.

The 115-year-old documents were donated to the North Bergen historical archive.

The township of North Bergen has been collecting artifacts at the North Bergen Free Public Library.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to North Bergen’s growing archive of historical items and artifacts is encouraged to call the library at 201-869-4715 or email [email protected].

Items can be contributed to the archive, or the library will scan and return them.

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

Holi and Art Festival at The Barrow Mansion

Hudson Reporter

February 28, 2020

600-x-600 — Fourth Annual Holi and Art Festival at the Barrow Mansion JC

Holi, the annual event, celebrates the coming of spring with the colors and life that emerge with the dawn of the season.

On March 14, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. there will be an evening of art, dance, and music. The renowned Shehnaaz Dance Academy of Jersey City New Jersey will exhibit traditional Indian dance performed by students of all ages.

Traditional musical performance including Tabla drums by Suromurchana and students
Young guitarist Sunay Rohatgi will perform.

Also included will be an art exhibit, “Side by Side: a Family Art Perspective.”

This free, family friendly event is sponsored by the Barrow Mansion and produced by The Van Vorst Park Art Committee. Chair: Maria Ross, with Jim Legge, Katie Lyness, Leslie Anne Kilpatrick,

Complimentary light fare and beverages will be available.

West New York hires new police officers

Hudson Reporter

February 24, 2020

03wnypolice05 — Members of the West New York Police Department were sworn in on Feb. 20.

The township of West New York is expanding its police force, following last year’s pre-election plans by Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez to hire more officers.

The West New York Board of Commissioners and Mayor Rodriguez held a ceremony at the Feb. 19 commissioners meeting for the swearing in of the new officers.

This expansion included the hiring of five new officers as well as the promotion of eight members to higher ranks.

The promotions elevated two members of the West New York Police Department to the rank of captain, three members to the rank of lieutenant, and three members to sergeant.

“We are really proud of the accomplishments and exhibited leadership capabilities of the promoted officers,” Rodriguez said. “As these officers transition into their new roles, they will continue to display the utmost pride and honor while serving and protecting the residents of West New York.”

According to a press release from the the town of West New York, Monica Ramos and Frank Steffe were promoted to the rank of captain. The three members promoted to lieutenant were Juan Nunez, Denny Acosta, and Andres Rana. The three new sergeants include Carlos Henriquez, Menwer Mnawer, and Robert Leon.

“We are eager to see how the new officers integrate into the department and are mentored by the great men and women of the West New York Police Department,” Rodriguez said.

The new officers are Jonathan Baron, George Rizo, David Romano, Brandon Castillo, and Michael Mendez.

Rodriguez announced his intention to hire ten new police officers in March of 2019, in the heat of his mayoral campaign against incumbent Mayor Felix Roque.

At the time, Rodriguez said that the new additions to the West New York Police Department would not create any additional costs to taxpayers.

While only five new police officers were hired so far out of the planned ten officers, the need for more cops on the streets seems to be increasing in West New York.

A West New York man is now facing murder charges after initially being accused of aggravated assault and sexual assault. These charges mark the first homicide in West New York since 2018.

First homicide since 2018

According to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, a Hudson County Grand Jury returned an indictment of Edwin Velasco-Salazar on Jan. 29. He is charged on four counts related to the Nov. 1, 2019 death and alleged sexual assault of Irma Contreras Flores in West New York.

The upgrade in charges came on Jan. 30, after the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the female victim was allegedly strangled.

Prosecutor Suarez said the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be compression of the neck and the manner of death to be homicide.

The indictment charges Velasco-Salazar with first-degree murder, first-degree felony murder, second-degree sexual assault, and endangering an injured victim.

On Nov. 1, 2019, members of the West New York Police Department responded to 214 63rd Street in West New York on reports of an unconscious woman. Upon arrival at approximately 3:40 a.m, West New York Police Officers discovered an unresponsive female in the outside hallway area at that location.

The female at the scene was identified as Irma Contreras Flores, 32, of West New York. She was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen. Flores succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at approximately 4:20 a.m.

On Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, following the preliminary investigation, members of the Prosecutor’s Office arrested Velasco-Salazar.

He was initially charged with aggravated assault, sexual assault, and endangering an injured victim.

Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit with the investigation and the West New York Police Department for assisting in the investigation.

Velasco-Salazar is expected to be arraigned on the indictment at a date to be determined. The charges are merely accusations, and Velasco-Salazar is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Prior to the death of Irma Contreras Flores, the last homicide in West New York took place on Dec. 23, 2018.

Shooting death

A 19-year-old man from Union City was shot in the neck near 61st Street and Park Avenue in West New York. According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Stephen Flores was identified as the victim. Flores was rushed to Jersey City Medical Center for treatment. He succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital.

On Jan. 4, 2019, an 18-year old West New York man was arrested and charged with the murder of Stephen Flores.

The accused man was 17 at the time of the murder, according to the Prosecutor’s Office. He was charged as a juvenile, and his identity was not released.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office said the unnamed man was charged with murder, possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a firearm, and aggravated assault.

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].

Man charged with alleged manslaughter of North Bergen woman after head-on collision

Hudson Reporter

February 24, 2020

03nbcollision05 — The intersection of Paterson Plank Road and Congress Street, near the site of the deadly car collision.

A Union City man was charged with aggravated manslaughter after a grand jury indictment for his alleged involvement in an automotive accident that caused the death of a North Bergen woman.

According to the Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, Jonathon Ortiz-Guananga was arrested on the charges related to the May 5, 2019 head-on collision on Paterson Plank Road in Jersey City.

Adriana Riano, 32, from North Bergen, was killed as a result of the collision.

Ortiz-Guananga, 26, from Union City, surrendered without incident to members of the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and was charged with first-degree aggravated manslaughter on Feb. 18.

The charges were upgraded after a grand jury indictment charged Ortiz-Guananga with first-degree aggravated manslaughter.

The grand jury also indicted Ortiz-Guananga on the charges of second-degree Death by Auto and fourth degree Aggravated Assault, for which he had been previously charged and arrested.

He was arraigned on all the charges as contained within the indictment on Feb. 18 in Hudson County Superior Court. Ortiz-Guananga has also been previously charged with other traffic violations, including driving while intoxicated, speeding, failure to maintain a marked traffic lane, and reckless driving.

The collision occurred on Sunday, May 5, 2019. Jersey City Police Officers were dispatched to Paterson Plank Road in Jersey City, just south of the Congress Street intersection, after a report of a motor vehicle collision at approximately 7:15 a.m.

According to the Prosecutor’s Office, the responding officers discovered two vehicles were involved in a collision.

The first vehicle involved in the head-on collision was a 2008 Ford Edge. The vehicle was operated by Riano, containing an unnamed, 30-year-old male passenger.

The second vehicle at the scene was a 2015 Dodge Charger operated by Ortiz-Guananga.

All three individuals were transported by Emergency Medical Services to Jersey City Medical Center. According to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, Riano was pronounced dead as a result of her injuries at approximately 3:15 p.m. Her passenger, who was not identified, was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Ortiz-Guananga was treated for injuries related to severe leg trauma. Both the unnamed passenger and Ortiz-Guananga survived the accident.

Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit with the investigation and arrest and the Jersey City Police Department for assisting with the investigation.

The above charges are merely accusations, and Ortiz-Guananga is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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

Union City third graders color their way toward a drug-free life

Hudson Reporter

February 17, 2020

02ucdrug27 — Third graders with their coloring books delivered by The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey

Third graders from Union City colored their way into healthier life choices during an annual coloring book event hosted by The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ).

Union City Commissioner Maryury Martinetti, PDFNJ’s Executive Director Angelo Valente, and PSEG Foundation Program Manager Maria Spina were on site delivering the booklets to a classroom of third grade students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School on Feb. 13.

PDFNJ collaborated with the PSEG Foundation to send a message to 25,000 young New Jersey students across the state regarding the importance of healthy choices through the annual distribution of the “Third Grade Life Choices Coloring and Activity Book.”

“The Third Grade Life Choices and Activity Book provides students information and encouragement to make healthy decisions,” said Valente. “Educating our youth with age-appropriate messages to prevent the misuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in communities and schools is an ongoing effort, and the earlier we start the better.”

According to the PDFNJ, the activity book contains a contract for students to sign and commit to a healthy lifestyle.

The coloring book program is supported by a grant from the PSEG Foundation and has been distributed in 353 classrooms throughout the state. PDFNJ said the goal of the coloring book is to educate young students about the importance of living a healthy life free of substance use.

Parents and educators are on board

“PSEG is committed to supporting the communities we serve — including the young people in those communities,” Spina said. “We believe strongly in the good work of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and are proud to partner with them to help communicate the importance of making smart decisions at any age.”

Recent studies suggest research-based, age-appropriate prevention materials have had a positive impact on the youth of New Jersey, according to the PDFNJ. Alcohol, tobacco, and substance use have decreased among American teenagers in grades 8, 10 and 12 in response to the preventive measures.

Parents and educators play a key role in informing the youth of the Garden State about the dangers of substance use and misuse. To highlight that role, the PDFNJ said the activity book contract will be signed by parents and school representatives.

Michael Celebrano is the principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Celebrano praised the book for its involvement of parents and educators in the process.

“From an educational perspective, we are always looking to enhance our curriculum with hands-on activities that promote a healthy lifestyle,” Celebrano said. “It is never too early to teach our children about the importance of living a healthy lifestyle, and the contract and activity book help to involve educators and parents along with our students.”

According to the PDFNJ, the prevention efforts of family members and the educational system are as vital to the mission of the program as the students’ commitment to live drug-free.

“Parents and caregivers provide the guidance and emotional support to steer their children toward healthier life choices, while schools educate students on the positives of healthy living and the consequences of substance use,” Valente said.

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

Solo Exhibition at the Centro Cultural William V. Musto, Union City

Hudson Reporter

January 23, 2020

A solo exhibition of paintings by Elena Samarsky is now underway at the Centro Cultural William V. Musto, Union City.

With the support from the Major P.Stack and the Board of commissioners, the Centro Cultural William V. Musto provides the space for emerging artists to showcase their art.

The current exhibition comprises of 32 pieces by Elena Samarsky, an abstract expressionist painter. The exhibition runs from the 17th of January until the 7th of February.

In this solo exhibition Elena Samarsky presents a collection of paintings that document her emotional journey in recent years. By using vibrant colors, expressive strokes and layers of texture the artist lures viewers into the private world of emotions and desires.

Going on the journey from excitement to disturbances, the color palette of each art piece invites interpretations and self-reflection.

For more information on the artist see https://www.instagram.com/lensamarsky.art/

Kennedy Dancers offer new classes

Hudson Reporter

January 3, 2020

The Kennedy Dancers, Inc., a non-profit organization, based in Jersey City, since 1976, announce new and exciting classes to their dance school schedule beginning January 2020.

Mondays
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Break Dance Basics (student ages 7 years and older): This class includes acrobatic/gymnastics tricks related to Break Dance. The class will be taught by National Break Dance Champion Bobby O’ Brien. Mr. O’Brien is also a certified teacher who works as an academic teacher for the Hoboken Board of Education.

Classes will basic to intermediate Break Dance styles. All students are required to wear white soled sneakers (that are only worn in class and not on the outside). This is to prevent scuffing and markings on the dance floor, and to prevent transmission of disease from dirty shoes.

Thursdays
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM Ballet w/ Variation (ages Pre-Teen to Adult): This class is for those who have at least 2years of experience. This is a pre-professional class for ballet enthusiast. This class will be taught by Ballet Master Eli Cano.

5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Creative Dance (ages 5 years and older): This class is for children with cognitive disabilities. Students will explore elemental Ballet, Modern, and Theatrical styles to promote coordination, rhythm, developmental strength, and enjoyment. This class will be taught by Diane Dragone, Eli Cano, and Ebone Green.

5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Tap-Broadway Style (ages Teens and Adults): This class, for students who have at least 1 year experience, will teach pre-professional Broadway style tap including fun combinations. This class will be taught by Pro-Dancer Dance Burch.

6:30 PM – 7:15 PM Tiny Tumblers (ages 3years to 6 years): This class will teach students basic floor gymnastics. Great for your little beginners! This class will be taught by Ebone Green.

7:15 PM – 8:15 PM: Salsa (Pre-teens, Teens, and Adults): This class teaches basic Salsa on 2. This fun energetic class will teach students salsa turns and styling. This class will be taught by our dynamic Salsa duo Eli Cano and Ebone Green.

Saturdays
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM Turn-Leaps, & Jumps (Just for Boys 4 years and older): This class, designed especially for boys, will teach students all new skills in dance, agility, coordination, and strength, where they can master jumps, leaps, and multiple turning. You can use these skills in all forms of dance and to enhance your sport abilities. This class will be taught by Eli Cano.

*Private Dance & Exercise Classes Available
Private classes are available at our studio or we can even come to your home. Please call for pricing and additional information.

*Contact: For further information and pricing visit our website: www.kennedydancers.org or call 201-659-2190 ask for Diane or Christel