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Secaucus honors long-time civil servant and former newspaper editor

Daniel Israel, Staff Writer
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Secaucus honors long-time civil servant and former newspaper editor

Secaucus has recognized a long-time municipal employee and former media woman for her service over the years.

At the September 27 meeting, Mayor Michael Gonnelli and the Town Council presented a proclamation to Louise Rittberg. Prior to reading the proclamation to Rittberg, Gonnelli remarked she was a “very special” person in Secaucus.

 “You’ve done so much for this town,” Gonnelli said. “I could never explain how much you did. And you did so much for me.” 

Gonnelli wanted to do something for her to thank her, thus the proclamation and a pocketbook with other gifts of gratitude inside. Gonnelli told Rittberg his heart was pounding because she makes him nervous, also noting they share the same birthday.

“We have a proclamation,” Gonnelli said. “And this is a goodie bag for you… Everything in there is true, so listen.” 

Third Ward Councilwoman Orietta Tringali read the proclamation out loud before presenting it to Rittberg. 

The town recognizes Rittberg for her “tremendous contributions to our community and for touching th elives of residents in a myriad of ways.” 

A life of dedication to Secaucus

Rittberg was born in Hoboken, then spent the first few years of her life near Boston. There, she “unknowingly learned the lessons of tolerance, diversity, and the importance of sharing the same values with which she enriched the lives of Secaucus residents,” according to the proclamation.

A graduate of Jersey City State College, Rittberg served the town in several paid and volunteer positions. The proclamation states he was a “commendable resource and guide for residents,” many of whom she did not know personally.

Rittberg made “immense contributions” at several milestone town events. She co-chaired the month-long 500th Columbus Day Anniversary celebrations in October of 1992 and the town’s Secaucus Centennial celebrations in 2000.  

In addition to that, Rittberg was a key member of the Secaucus Home News team prior to its closure in 2017 after 107 years. She contributed articles and photos to “advance the local paper to greater heights.”  

Rittberg was a feature writer and advertising manager from 1980 to 1982, a reporter and advertising manager from 1982 to 1984, and an associate editor and reporter from 1985 to 2001. According to the town, she used her “writing talent and social networking skills effectively to document events with award-winning flair.” 

On top of all that, Rittberg also served as publicity officer for the Huber Street School Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Public Information Officer at the Office of Emergency Management, and Public Relations Coordinator at the Secaucus Public Library. She has been a lifetime member of the Friends of Secaucus Public Library, making further contributions to the town as a Literacy Coordinator, Tutor, and Teacher Trainer, she helped many residents improve English language skills and through the citizenship test program. 

The proclamation concluded Rittberg was an “involved, generous citizen of Secaucus.” It thanked her for “her dedicate service and measurable contributions” to the community. 

Rittberg speechless by the town’s gesture

After Rittberg was presented with the plaque, she said a few words. She was joined by one of her daughters.

“It’s difficult for me to be speechless, those who know me know that, but I’m about speechless right now,” Rittberg said. “I have to say, this is true, I enjoyed every minute of. I got involved in this, I got involved in that. I helped this one and helped that. I made friends and so that’s all that matters. It meant a lot. 

Gonnelli noted that many people were present at the council meeting to support Rittberg, including the Friends of the Secaucus Public Library as well as her friends and neighbors, and of course her family. Following the passing of her husband Ed in 2013, Rittberg found solace in helping people as part of her job with the town. 

“When Eddie passed away, it gave me so much to do,” Rittberg said. “Do you believe this Eddie?” 

Gonnelli comforted Rittberg, who began to get emotional, alluding that her late husband was proud of her: “Eddie’s looking down, believe me.” The town honored him, a local sports legend, in 2017.

“I think so,” Rittberg said. “I can’t say anymore. This is remarkable that I should be speechless. There’s people here that don’t believe there hearing me say that.” 

Rittberg concluded by thanking the council for the honor. 

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

Audiences Invited to Join Artists at Work

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Audiences Invited to Join Artists at Work

Join us for the kickoff of Hudson County Community College’s “Behind the Scenes Sundays,” an event series inviting audiences to join artists at work — and perhaps even create art of their own! In Full Color is the first group of resident artists for the program, with events on Feb. 6 and 13, as well as March 6, 13 and 20 at Dineen Hull Gallery, 71 Sip Ave., sixth floor, Jersey City.

Up to 10 guests can join any of these events in-person. All guests will be masked. Select events will be Livestreamed or available on Zoom. All events are free to attend.

Here’s what’s on deck for February. Please note two of the events are on the same day, Feb. 13. See RSVP pages and full info at links.

Sunday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. EST: New Works by Nancy Méndez-Booth

A Jersey City Arts Council Literary Arts award winner, three-time In Full Color alumna, critically acclaimed writer and proud Boricua shares her latest works — an exciting fusion of poetry, enhanced nonfiction & drama — which explore themes like guilt, caregiving, code switching, and living in and with the pandemic. Participants will also get to engage in a writing exercise and workshare.

Sunday, Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. EST: “Secrets; Love” 10th Anniversary Reading
(RSVP Virtual or RSVP In-Person)

In Full Color founder/director Summer Dawn revisits her Downtown Urban Arts Festival play with its original cast! A hybrid event, with in-person and virtual attendance options. The play opens with the kidnapping of Rizalia Salem, the wife of Marcus Salem, and Marcus’s best friend Marton, at the wedding of the Salems’ oldest child.

When their next-door neighbor Diego Carbonell hears mysterious, terrifying sounds coming from their house, however, he begins thinking that the truth may be darker than anyone suspects. Together with the Salems’ daughter Luz, he puts the pieces together and discovers the lengths some would go to for love.

Sunday, Feb. 13 at 1:30 p.m. EST: Let‘s Make Poetry Collage Zines!

A workshop for new poetry/collage/zine creators with Starly Zines’ Sabrina Sims. We will have art materials available for collaging. Got extra pens, markers, paper, magazines, scissors and glue sticks? Please bring them if you can! Also pack any desired/favorite art supplies and materials for your own work.

The March schedule will be announced soon and will feature events by Jersey City poet laureate RescuePoetix, lauded poet Dena Igusti launching a new film project focusing on Southeast Asian stories, and writers Nina Ki and Kendra Augustin, both workshopping new creations for stage and film.

Photos are attached with captions and credits in file names. For more information, reach out to media contact or visit InFullColor.org.

In Full Color and Hudson County Community College’s Behind the Scenes Sundays runs on Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. (New Works by Nancy Méndez-Booth) and on Feb. 13 at 10 a.m. (“Secrets; Love” 10th Anniversary Reading) and 1:30 p.m. (Let‘s Make Poetry Collage Zines!). All events are free to attend and open to up to 10 guests in-person at Dineen Hull Gallery, 71 Sip Ave., sixth floor, Jersey City, NJ. All guests must be masked. Virtual options available for select events. For more information and to RSVP, visit InFullColor.org.

‘Hoboken is a microcosm of the world’

Marilyn Baer, Staff Writer
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‘Hoboken is a microcosm of the world’

Hoboken’s schools were the only district in Hudson County to receive the bronze award from Sustainable Jersey for Schools recently. The certification is good for three years.
“Sustainabilty” in terms of the schools means not only being more environmentally friendly, but also educating students on the subject. They were able to show the nonprofit organization that they had kept up to date with sustainability initiatives such as recycling, host educational programming on climate change, and utilize green technology such as motion sensors for lights to conserve energy.
Kevin Metcalfe, elementary science and Project Lead the Way teacher, represented the district and the Connors Elementary School at the 2017 Annual Sustainable Jersey for School’s Award.
Connors Elementary School has now earned Bronze Level Certification in the program twice, and was the only school in Hudson County this year to be rewarded.
According to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Christine Johnson, the district isn’t stopping there.
She says next year the district will strive for the silver certification. This year they also hope to be certified by Future Ready Schools New Jersey, a program designed to promote digital learning readiness in schools throughout New Jersey.
The program, a partnership of the state Department of Education, the New Jersey School Boards Association, and New Jersey Institute of Technology, will help schools promote the skills, abilities, and capacities essential for success in college, career, and citizenship in a digital age.

Critical certifications

Johnson said these types of certifications are “critical” for the district. “They reflect key areas of focus,” said Johnson. “They keep us focused in areas where our priorities should be. More importantly, they are transparent processes to help us communicate with not only the community, but also to ourselves, what the realities are in terms of what we are actually doing, as opposed what we say we are doing. They are all evidence-based.”
Johnson said receiving the district-wide bronze award for sustainability initiatives “was somewhat challenging with aging buildings, but with the right efforts and right commitment, transfer from bronze to silver certification is definitely something we will pursue.”
Dr. Johnson said the district has created task forces to begin pursuing both types of certification.
The district’s schools fill out a self-assessment answering multiple questions and providing evidence to support their assessment. The organizations evaluate the district’s answers and evidence, and give each answer a point value depending on whether or not evidence was given. This point value determines its awarded certification level.

Sustainability and technology initiatives

District officials say they have worked hard to become more sustainable, doing everything from facility upgrades to implementing educational opportunities for its students.
“In terms of sustainability we are absolutely looking to continue our commitment to growing as a sustainable school district,” said Johnson. She said the district is working on a number of educational opportunities to help garner them more points and hopefully silver certification.
“The one major initiative is to partner with the city on number of projects,” said Johnson. “For example, our art department is engaged with some employees from the city in doing mural projects in local parks, including the pop-up park…Students at the high school can participate in a professional growth period, or PGP, and one of those programs this year is a sustainable architecture program. The goal is to engage our students with key city planners to get them interested in and understanding types of sustainable architecture. We are focusing more to do with educating kids and connecting kids to learning purposes and importance of sustainability.”
When it comes to technology and the Future Readiness certification, Johnson said the timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the district has implemented several new technology programs.
At the last Hoboken Board of Education meeting the board unanimously passed a resolution to participate in Future Ready Schools New Jersey which states “The Hoboken Board of Education will support and promote the development of individual school Future Ready teams that infuse Digital Learning across multiple disciplines including: math, technology education, media arts, science, language arts, and career and technical education.”
She said the certification process is very comprehensive. It covers everything from “teaching kids about technology and also what technology tools are we using in the classroom to enhance learning.”
“We are defining ourselves as the epicenter of global learning and the Future Ready certification is the vehicle for that,” said Johnson.
The district is striving to be Future Ready through the implementation of Project Lead the Way from kindergarten to senior year. “We are also a district that wants to embrace and capitalize what Hoboken is, which is a microcosm of the world,” she said. “We want to make sure our students have a high level of cultural literacy and global awareness.”
She said some of the high school students will take a trip to Japan in January to learn more about the technology used in biomedical sciences. Currently, students in the Classroom Global Conflicts and Resolutions Programs communicate frequently with leaders all around the world in a variety of subject areas using technology.

Marilyn Baer can be reached at marilynb@hudsonreporter.com.

Hudson County Community College Initiates Student Poet Laureate Program

Gene Ritchings, Managing Editor
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Hudson County Community College Initiates Student Poet Laureate Program

Merriam-Webster defines “poet laureate” as a poet honored for outstanding creative achievement. The laureate title dates to ancient Greek and Roman times when the accomplishments of poets, athletes, and heroes were honored with a crown of greenery from the laurel tree, which was associated with Apollo and considered sacred.

The tradition of poet laureate has continued over the centuries as countries, states, municipalities, arts organizations, and even universities confer the title on those who produce superior works. For example, Joy Harjo is the present United States Poet Laureate and the first Native American to hold that title. Amanda Gorman, who famously read her moving poem at the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris, is our nation’s very first Youth Poet Laureate. The position of Jersey City Poet Laureate was initiated by the Municipal Council in 2018 with Rashad Wright named the City’s inaugural Poet Laureate.

HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber said the College instituted its Student Poet Laureate program last Spring, and selected Natalie Akel as the inaugural Student Poet Laureate. “Hudson County Community College is one of few two- or four-year colleges to have such a program. It is a tribute to the talent and creativity of our students, faculty, and community,” he stated. “We are enormously proud of our Student Poet Laureate program, and especially our very first Student Poet Laureate, Natalie Akel.”

The HCCC Student Poet Laureate program was created by HCCC Assistant Professor of English, Eric Adamson, and the HCCC Poetry and Language Collective, a 16-member body that includes faculty, administrators and students from several disciplines and departments, and Jersey City’s current Poet Laureate, Susan Justiniano. Selection as an HCCC Student Poet Laureate is an honor that will be bestowed each year on a student who represents the community through their poetry. As is the custom, the HCCC Student Poet Laureate recites their works at major College events – such as Commencement, College Service Day, and the HCCC Foundation Gala – and at poetry workshops in area elementary and middle schools as a representative of the HCCC poetic voice. The HCCC Student Poet Laureates’ works will be archived in the College’s Gabert Library, displayed in the Dineen Hull Gallery, and published in the HCCCCrossroadsliterary magazine.

Natalie Akel is a first-generation American whose family emigrated here from the Dominican Republic and Lebanon. At first glance, Ms. Akel may seem an unlikely person to hold the inaugural Student Poet Laureate title. Soft-spoken and quick to flash her warm smile, she graduated from the University of Vermont with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2017. After spending some time deciding between social work and nursing, she chose to continue her education at Hudson County Community College as a nursing major. She is presently a full spectrum doula and plans to become a midwife.

Writing poetry has long been a means for Ms. Akel to process, express, and/or escape her feelings. Her writing integrates themes of nature, love, and issues of social and reproductive justice, and is rich with imagery of the everyday and the imagined.

Being selected as the HCCC Student Poet Laureate is not the first time her writing has been recognized. “My love of poetry and the poetry community blossomed during high school,” she said. In 2011, as a Red Bank High School student, she won the coveted Silver Medal in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards competition, whose past recipients include such literary giants as Bernard Malamud, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, John Updike, and Joyce Carol Oates.

Dr. Reber said: “Audre Lorde, the American poet, feminist, and civil rights activist wrote, ‘Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.’ That summarizes the significance of our Student Poet Laureate program.”

In the newest HCCC Out of the Boxpodcast, Dr. Reber converses with Professor Adamson and Ms. Akel, who talks about her love of poetry, and recites one of her touchingly beautiful poems. The community is invited to view and enjoy the podcast at https://www.hccc.edu/news-media/outofthebox/2022/student-poet-laureate-program.html.

A healing vision

Al Sullivan, Senior Staff Writer
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A healing vision

When Cecilia Martinez’s father was assaulted in downtown Jersey City in 2015 — and later died — she thought she could make peace with her loss through her writing. But she found that words didn’t do it for her.
Her father, Rafael, was found on the ground downtown with a head injury. He spent three months in a hospital unable to talk, walk, stand or even breathe without help. When he died, Cecilia was at his side.
Although the death was ruled a homicide, Raphael’s attacker was never charged with that crime, for lack of evidence. Cecilia had to live with both the loss and the lack of resolution.
She was depressed and anxious, but even though she was a writer, she could not work these feelings out expressing herself in language.
“It was traumatic and confusing,” she said. “I was angry and filled with all kinds of bad emotions. I tried to sit down and write about it, but I couldn’t put it words. I found it difficult to express my thoughts. This surprised me, because I was always able to get what was going on inside of me out.”
A graduate of New Jersey City University, she had started out as an English major.
“At first I thought I would become a teacher, but then I thought about teaching high school, and decided I wasn’t going to do that. I went into journalism instead,” she said.
Since childhood, she always envisioned herself becoming “a famous writer.” She made headway as a freelance writer and as a former editor of the The Bayonne Community News. She interviewed and wrote about a number of famous musicians. She had her poetry published in literary journals. Her writing also won a number of awards.

_____________
“Everything I do has a little piece of myself in it.” — Cecilia Martinez
____________

A deeper art form

But when it came to dealing with her father’s death, she needed another vehicle to heal her soul. Her father was a visual artist, and so she thought she would try that.
“One day, I started to draw something, a piece dedicated to my dad – one that I don’t show and never will sell,” she said. “I felt a calmness come into me. I was able to let my mind focus and slow down as the pieces came together.”
She began explore a number of subjects in what she called “spiritual art.”
Over time, her art evolved from spiritual to other subjects, allowing her to experiment with a number of media, although she tends to like acrylic paint, collages, and drawing with a graphite pencil.
Although she is a self-taught artist, Cecilia’s work has caught on with the public. She has been displayed in more than 30 venues in group shows in Jersey City and elsewhere, and she has also sold many of the works she displayed.
A painting she did of Janis Joplin that was on display in a show in Jersey City City Hall earlier this year was sold. So were several works she submitted for sale at The Art House Snow Ball last January.
“I love Janis, and felt a connection with her,” she said. “She was a wonderful kind of artist, but with a tragic life, yet was able to inspire so many others despite her own demons. I did the piece as a tribute to her.”
Many of her works involve women. “Everything I do has a little piece of myself in it,” she said.
She says she wants to do things out of the norm, things not done before.
“I love art that is real, tells a story and is brutally honest,” she said
While she likes artists like Frida Kahlo, her father remains her biggest influence. Nearly every work she does is for him.
Of course, this passion for fine art has its drawbacks. She hasn’t been writing, something she also wants to get back to.
“It’s hard to do when I’m putting all my creative energy into painting,” she said. “But I miss writing and want to combine both.”
Cecelia will have her first solo show at Tea NJ, “Vegan Friendly Café,” 262 Newark Ave., Jersey City, from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15, with an opening reception on Aug. 3 from 6 to 11 p.m.
The show, she said will include about 20 pieces, some of them self portraits she calls “Artistic Abortions.” The show will include other types of art, for a total of about 20 pieces.

Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.

Peace through painting

Al Sullivan, Senior Staff Writer
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Peace through painting

When Cecilia Martinez’s father was assaulted in downtown Jersey City in 2015 — and later died — she thought she could make peace with her loss through her writing. Since childhood, she envisioned herself becoming “a famous writer.” She made headway as a freelance writer and as a former editor of the The Bayonne Community News. She interviewed and wrote about a number of famous musicians. Her poetry was published in literary journals. Her writing also won a number of awards.
But she found that words didn’t do it for her.
Her father, Rafael, was found on the ground downtown with a head injury. He spent three months in a hospital unable to talk, walk, stand or even breathe without help. When he died, Cecilia was at his side.
Although the death was ruled a homicide, Raphael’s attacker was never charged with that crime, for lack of evidence. Cecilia had to live with both the loss and the lack of resolution.
She was depressed and anxious, but even though she was a writer, she could not work these feelings out expressing herself in language.
“It was traumatic and confusing,” she said. “I was angry and filled with all kinds of bad emotions. I tried to sit down and write about it, but I couldn’t put it words. I found it difficult to express my thoughts. This surprised me, because I was always able to get what was going on inside of me out.”
A graduate of New Jersey City University, she had started out as an English major.
“At first I thought I would become a teacher, but then I thought about teaching high school, and decided I wasn’t going to do that.” She said. “I went into journalism instead.”

_____________
“Everything I do has a little piece of myself in it.” — Cecilia Martinez
____________

A deeper art form

But when it came to dealing with her father’s death, she needed another vehicle to heal her soul. Her father was a visual artist, and so she thought she would try that.
“One day, I started to draw something, a piece dedicated to my dad – one that I don’t show and never will sell,” she said. “I felt a calmness come into me. I was able to let my mind focus and slow down as the pieces came together.”
She began explore a number of subjects in what she called “spiritual art.”
Over time, her art evolved from spiritual to other subjects, allowing her to experiment with a number of media, although she tends to like acrylic paint, collages, and drawing with a graphite pencil.
Although she is a self-taught artist, Cecilia’s work has caught on with the public. She has been displayed in more than 30 venues in group shows in Jersey City and elsewhere, and she has also sold many of the works she displayed.
A painting she did of Janis Joplin that was on display in a show in Jersey City City Hall earlier this year was sold. So were several works she submitted for sale at The Art House Snow Ball last January.
“I love Janis, and felt a connection with her,” she said. “She was a wonderful kind of artist, but with a tragic life, yet was able to inspire so many others despite her own demons. I did the piece as a tribute to her.”
Many of her works involve women. “Everything I do has a little piece of myself in it,” she said.
She says she wants to do things out of the norm, things not done before.
“I love art that is real, tells a story and is brutally honest,” she said
While she likes artists like Frida Kahlo, her father remains her biggest influence. Nearly every work she does is for him.
Of course, this passion for fine art has its drawbacks. She hasn’t been writing, something she also wants to get back to.
“It’s hard to do when I’m putting all my creative energy into painting,” she said. “But I miss writing and want to combine both.”
Cecelia will have her first solo show at Tea NJ, “Vegan Friendly Café,” 262 Newark Ave., Jersey City, from Aug. 1 to Sept. 15, with an opening reception on Aug. 3 from 6 to 11 p.m.
The show, she said will include about 20 pieces, some of them self portraits she calls “Artistic Abortions.” The show will include other types of art, for a total of about 20 pieces.

Al Sullivan may be reached at asullivan@hudsonreporter.com.

HUDSON REPORTER BRIEFS

Marilyn Baer, Staff Writer
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HUDSON REPORTER BRIEFS

CLARIFICATION

In its July 23 issue, the Hudson Reporter ran a story, “Alleged Jersey City gang members face life.” Jayden Fondeur and Jordan Herron were not gang members, according to their families.

HUMC reports zero COVID-19 patients

Hoboken University Medical Center (HUMC) reported zero cases of COVID-19 for the first time since the pandemic started.

At the peak of the outbreak in New Jersey in April, HUMC cared for 124 COVID-19 positive inpatients in one day and reportedly treated more than 100 inpatients daily that month.

Jersey City Library distributes free food for children

The Jersey City Library is distributing free grab-n-go meals Monday through Friday, from 1 to 3 p.m. until Aug.21.

Meals can be picked up at the Gardner Main Library, 472 Jersey Ave.; the Cunningham Branch, 275 Martin Luther King Dr.; the Five Corners Branch, 678 Newark Ave.; the Heights Branch, 14 Zabriskie St.; the Miller Branch, 489 Bergen Ave.; the Morgan Branch, 1841 Kennedy Blvd.; and the Pavonia Branch, 326 Eighth Street.

Children do not need to be present, but parents or guardians need to present the student’s ID or report card.

No application or proof of income required.

North Bergen residents can win prizes for reading

Residents can sign up for the North Bergen Free Public Library’s “Imagine Your Story” virtual summer reading program.

Residents can read, play games, complete bingo boards, get librarian curated book lists, enter to win prizes, and much more.

Register at nbpl.readsquared.com

Hoboken budget workshops continue

Hoboken will hold several virtual budget workshops.

The council is considering a $117.8 million proposed municipal budget this year.

The workshops will continue on Aug. 3, when the Police Department will present its budget at 6 p.m.; the Fire Department at 7 p.m.; and the Department of Transportation and Parking at 8 p.m.

On Aug. 5 the Department of Community Development will present its budget at 6 p.m., and the Department of Health and Human Services at 7 p.m.

On Aug 10, the Department of Environmental Services will present its budget at 6 p.m., and the Water Utility at 7 p.m.

Workshops will be available on the city’s Facebook page, YouTube channel and website.

For more information, visit https://hudsonreporter.com/2020/07/20/hoboken-budget-workshops-rescheduled/

North Bergen hosts dance recital

About 150 kids ages 5-11 performed dance routines at the 25th annual Recreation Dance Recital on June 20. This year it was outdoors at Bruin Stadium.

Dance Director and Choreographer Marianne Ecanosti emceed the event, introducing 19 routines, choreographed to a variety of styles and musical accompaniments.

Mayor Nicholas Sacco and Commissioner Hugo Cabrera presented trophies. The audience wore masks and observed social distancing.

Nominate local artists for the 2020 Jersey City Arts Awards

The Jersey City Arts Council (JCAC) is now accepting nominations for the 2020 Jersey City Arts Awards.

Anyone can nominate a local artist or arts organization through the JCAC website, and winners will be announced in December.

Twelve Arts Awards categories include Public Art, Performing Arts, Young Artists, Literary Arts, and Architecture & Design.

This year the city will appoint a new Poet Laureate.

Nominations for the post can be submitted through the Arts Awards nomination on the JCAC website.

Submissions are due by Sept. 1.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

To learn more, visit www.jerseycityartscouncil.org.

North Bergen Town Hall lobby open for tax payments

Town hall’s downstairs entrance will be open for the payment of taxes and essential services from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents will be connected with the appropriate department by phone. Masks and social distancing are required for in-person meetings.

Documents can be left in a lobby drop box. Forms are available for pickup.

Jersey City Council opposes NJ Transit Power Plant

The Jersey City Council adopted a resolution opposing the construction of a fracked gas power plant in Kearny, which would power the NJ Transit Microgrid.

Jersey City, Hoboken, and Kearny have all opposed the plant.

North Bergen raises flag honoring Colombian Independence Day

North Bergen celebrated Colombian Independence Day by raising the Colombian flag over town hall on July 20. The nation won independence from Spain in 1810.

 

 

 

JERSEY CITY BRIEFS

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JERSEY CITY BRIEFS

Main city library to reopen on May 1

Library Director Priscilla Gardner has announced the reopening of the Main Library on Monday, May 1 on its regular operating schedule of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, with the following departments open to the public: Lending, New Jersey Room, Bonetti Children’s Room, Biblioteca Criolla, and Literacy.

The Reference Department and Federal Documents Department will remain closed as those areas continue to undergo renovations. 

Train victim identified

A man struck by a Hudson Bergen Light Rail train near Richard Street on April 17 has been identified by NJ Transit officials as John Minervini, 45, of Lyndhurst.

Minervini died after being struck by the train when crossing the tracks in an area just north of the Richard Street station. He was apparently walking the tracks when struck.

Although the accident tied up train traffic for several hours, none of the 300 passengers on the train were injured.

Although this is the first reported death as a result of people walking on the tracks, numerous people cross the tracks along the line that goes from Bayonne to Hoboken.

Jersey City launches year of water

Mayor Steven M. Fulop has declared 2017 as a ‘Year of Water for Jersey City,’ which will include a variety of initiatives, events, and programming designed to raise awareness around water infrastructure and conservation within the Jersey City community.

Year of Water initiatives will support the entire Jersey City community in understanding how the city’s storm water system operates, what green infrastructure is, and what individuals can do to help improve storm water management throughout the city. Through the year, the city will engage city departments, community organizations, and residents in committing to the cause. In light of the federal government’s retreat from climate change and sustainability issues, it is more vital than ever for cities to take sustainability action at the local level.

“With climate change posing a serious threat to our planet, we are facing a crossroads on how to properly address this issue” said Mayor Fulop. “Throughout our administration, we have focused on green initiatives such as taking steps to reduce our carbon footprint or instituting a citywide cleanup. This education process is the latest step to encourage our residents to be proactive in ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable community for decades to come.”

Throughout the year, the city will install green infrastructure such as rain gardens, bioswales, and porous pavement, using City Hall as a demonstration site. Green infrastructure creates permeable surfaces, allowing stormwater to be naturally absorbed where it falls instead of flowing into city sewers. Reducing the amount of stormwater that drains into the city’s combined sewer system is a cost-effective way to control localized flooding and reduce pollution in local waterways like the Hudson and Hackensack Rivers. Green infrastructure can also help to beautify neighborhoods, improve air quality, and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

Jersey City is also currently developing a citywide resiliency plan to provide strategies and frameworks for improving the city’s ability to withstand and recover from the effects of storm surges and rising sea levels.

“We are looking forward to partnering with the Office of Innovation, Rutgers University, and several non-profit groups such as Sustainable JC, to install and promote green Infrastructure projects,” said Thomas Gibbons, Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority board member. ”These projects are an important component of our long-term stormwater management plan and will help us ensure a more sustainable future for Jersey City.”

Jersey City is currently a member of Jersey Water Works, which is a collaborative effort to solve complex problems regarding water infrastructure throughout New Jersey.

If you would like to get involved, please visit http://water.innovatejerseycity.org

Newport to hold 10K waterfront race

Now in its 14th year, the Newport 10K, a Jersey City waterfront race, will take place on Saturday, May 6. The USA-TF certified course is fast, flat, and finishes at the area’s only urban beach.

Thousands of runners kick off race season while taking in the Newport 10K’s panoramic NYC skyline views. Recreational and elite runners compete for $15,900 in prizes and celebrate their scores at the post-race party with a live DJ and refreshments.

Registration begins at 7a.m, and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. at Newport Town Square, 100 Town Square Place in Jersey City.

Newport’s annual post-race party, hosted at Newport Town Square, will begin at 10 a.m. and feature a live DJ, refreshments and prize drawings. This year’s race is sponsored by Riker Danzig, Cosi, Courtyard Marriott Jersey City, New Jersey Beer Co., Dark Roast Media, Newport Swim & Fitness, NJ.com and Yelp.

Proceeds from the race will be donated to the Jersey City Medical Center – RWJ Barnabas Health, the area’s only not-for-profit hospital and regional trauma center.

For race details, visit www.newport10k.com, or call (201) 665-4005.

For more information about Newport, visit www.NewportRentalsNJ.com.

Four NJCU Students and an Alumna Named Fulbright Scholars

Four New Jersey City University students and an NJCU alumna have been selected for the highly competitive Fulbright U.S. Student Awards for 2017-2018. The National Screening Committee selected these students from over 10,000 applications from colleges and universities across the United States

All five NJCU semi-finalists were selected in the English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Fulbright Grant category. The honorees are Ana Acosta, English, to Peru; Rubi Cedeno, Women and Gender Studies, to South Africa; Iqra Choudry, English and Secondary Education, to Indonesia; Fabiana Rebollo, English and Special Education, to Uruguay; and Nicole Colon ’16, English, to Malaysia.

Irma Maini, professor of English, serves as NJCU’s Fulbright Program advisor.

Established by the United States Congress in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the largest international exchange program in the country, offering opportunities for students, teachers, scholars, and professionals to study, teach, lecture, and conduct research in more than 155 countries worldwide. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright program selects participants on the basis of academic merit and leadership potential.

For more information on the Fulbright program at NJCU, contact Maini atimaini@njcu.edu.

Fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Coalition announced

The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) will host their 2nd Annual Run Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer on Saturday, May 6 at 11 a.m. in Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

To register, go to http://runwalk.ovarian.org/tristate or register the day of at 9:30 a.m.

“Please join us this year as we take 150 million steps across the country in celebration, remembrance, and support of ovarian cancer fighters everywhere,” the NOCC’s announcement said.

“The steps we take together represent the progress we make towards our goals of empowering our community, supporting quality of life initiatives for survivors and caregivers, promoting early awareness so all women know the signs and symptoms and, Investing in cutting-edge research until we find the cure for ovarian cancer.”

Hudson County CASA is seeking volunteers

Learn how to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer and help foster children find safe and permanent homes. The next information session will be held at the Hudson County Courthouse, 595 Newark Ave. Room 901 on Tuesday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m.

 Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA works through trained community volunteers to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes. Hudson County CASA volunteers are everyday people who make a direct impact in foster children’s lives. They are trusted, dedicated adults who seek to improve children’s well-being. CASA volunteers get to know their assigned child and his or her circumstances and provide valuable information to the court. Judges rely on the volunteers’ recommendations to make the best decisions about the children’s futures. 

For further information, visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org

 

WEEHAWKEN BRIEFS

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Alicia Olatuja to headline Summer Concerts on the Hudson on Wednesday, July 26

Praised by The New York Times as “a singer with a strong and luscious tone and an amiably regal presence on stage,” Alicia Olatuja will headline the latest free summer concert on the Hudson on Wednesday, July 26 at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Harbor Park, just north of the Chart House restaurant on the west bank of the Hudson River in Weehawken. The concert series is co-sponsored by the Hudson Reporter.

The venue is reachable by light rail to the Lincoln Harbor stop and also by NJ Transit bus 158 from Port Authority and towns to the north. Free parking is available at the Weehawken Recreational Park and also in the parking deck behind 1000 Harbor Boulevard. Please use 1600 Harbor Boulevard for GPS directions.

Concerts are family friendly. Limited seating is available; however, audience members are asked to bring a lawn chair or blanket, if possible, and encouraged to picnic on the lawn. A rain date, if needed, will be scheduled for the following night. For more information including the full summer concert schedule, directions, updates, and rain date info, please check the HRPAC website www.hrpac.org, or call the concert info line at (201) 716-4540.

Olatuja first came into the national spotlight in 2013 while performing as the featured soloist with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir at President Barack Obama’s second inauguration. Shortly thereafter, she formed her own jazz-based ensemble and recorded her first solo album, Timeless.

Originally from St. Louis, Alicia grew up immersed in a wide range of musical styles, including gospel, soul, jazz, and classical. This led her to the Manhattan School of Music from which she graduated with a Masters degree. After appearing in numerous operatic and musical theater productions, she started to perform more regularly in gospel and jazz concerts and worked with such esteemed artists as Chaka Khan, BeBe Winans, and Christian McBride.

In 2014, Alicia came to the attention of the acclaimed composer/arranger/pianist Billy Childs, and he invited her to be part of his musical valentine to Laura Nyro, Map to the Treasure: Reimagining Laura Nyro. Alicia’s voice also impressed the legendary Hammond B3 organist, Dr. Lonnie Smith, with whom she performed at the Charlie Parker Festival and the BRIC JazzFest.

Alicia’s own band has been steadily in demand nationwide and just completed a week at the legendary jazz club, Birdland.

New school funding formula changes aid to local schools

The state legislature and Gov. Chris Christie agreed on a state budget this month that includes a new school funding formula. Christie signed the budget into law early on the morning of July 4, ending the government shutdown that closed state parks and beaches over the holiday and moved Jersey City’s festival from Liberty State Park to Exchange Place.

Statewide, the new formula will increase school funding by $181 million, with $25 million allocated to expand pre-k and kindergarten. Total state aid to public school districts totals over $9 billion, nearly a third of the overall state budget. However, not all local districts benefit.

The new budget brings funding to more than 300 of New Jersey’s 584 school districts that have been perpetually underfunded since Christie signed the last funding formula law in 2008. Despite the additional funding, an estimated $2 billion gap remains between what the law required and the amount that was actually allocated.

Here is how local districts are affected:

Jersey City will suffer a 2 percent reduction, or about $8.4 million.

Hoboken will lose out to the tune of a 7.7 percent decrease, or about $825,000. Weehawken funding would decrease by about the same percentage.

Meanwhile, Bayonne will receive six percent more than Christie’s “Fairness Formula,” which he introduced earlier this year, much to the chagrin of many urban school districts. Bayonne’s total increase amounts to $3.2 million, a partial but much-needed reprieve from the district’s $6 million budget deficit unearthed in November of 2016.

Union City will get a 1.2 percent increase, or $2.1 million. Secaucus will receive a 13.1 percent increase, or $131,132. Guttenberg will also receive a roughly 13 percent increase for roughly $688,000. North Bergen will receive 2.2 percent, or $1.2 million. West New York will receive a 1.2 percent increase, for about $1.5 million.

Second inmate dies at Hudson County Correctional Facility

A 48-year-old woman, sentenced in Weehawken Municipal Court to 180 days, died at the Hudson County Corrections Center on July 14 as result of as yet undisclosed cause.

James Kennelly, spokesperson for Hudson County, confirmed that Jennifer Towle, a resident of Hudson County, died in the jail’s infirmary at about 1:49 a.m.

“Her body was transferred to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Newark for an autopsy,” he said. “The results will be available in 30 to 45 days.”

Towle was serving 180 days in jail for driving while intoxicated. Because this was her third offense, this was a mandatory sentence, Kennelly said.

Towle’s death comes a month after the death of Rolando Meza Espinoza, who died from internal bleeding and other issues on June 10 after he was transferred from the jail to Jersey City Medical Center. Unlike Towle, Espinoza was being held at the county jail as an U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainee for alleged immigration offenses.

The reason for Towle’s death has yet to be determined. “The matter is currently under investigation,” Kennelly said.

Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and Freeholder Board Chairman Anthony Vainieri announced two weeks ago that the county administration and Board of Freeholders will cooperate in an independent review of the facts and circumstances surrounding the death of Espinoza, 35.

In a resolution passed by the Board of Freeholders on July 11, four members, Chairman Vainieri, and Freeholders Albert Cifelli, William O’Dea and Anthony Romano, will join administration medical and professional staff designated by DeGise on the “Ad Hoc Medical Review Committee.”

Hudson County CASA is seeking volunteers

Learn how to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer and help foster children find safe and permanent homes. The next information session will be at Little City Books at 100 Bloomfield St., Hoboken on Tuesday, July 25 at 7 p.m. Hudson County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is a non-profit organization committed to advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children.

CASA works through trained community volunteers to ensure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes. Hudson County CASA volunteers are everyday people who make a direct impact in foster children’s lives.

They are trusted, dedicated adults who seek to improve children’s well-being. CASA volunteers get to know their assigned child and his or her circumstances and provide valuable information to the court. Judges rely on the volunteers’ recommendations to make the best decisions about the children’s futures.

For further information, visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.

North Hudson Community Action Corporation will receive $18,348 HUD grant

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today awarded $716,894 in housing counseling grants to 9 local organizations in New Jersey to help families and individuals with their housing needs and to prevent future foreclosures.

“This is a smart investment in helping families find and keep their homes,” said HUD Secretary Ben Carson.  “Quite simply, knowledge is power.  We know that armed with the information they need, those who receive counseling services are far more successful in buying, renting or avoiding foreclosure.”

In Hudson County, North Hudson Community Action Corporation will receive $18,348.00 for Comprehensive Counseling.

North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC) was founded in 1965 as a Community Action Agency (CAA) to address the immediate needs of low-income residents, to continue assistance until stability and eventual self-sufficiency is achieved.

Grant recipients address the full range of families’ housing counseling needs. This includes helping homebuyers evaluate their readiness for a home purchase, understand their financing and down payment options, and navigate what can be an extremely confusing and difficult home buying process. The organization also help households find affordable rental housing and offer financial literacy training to individuals and families struggling to repair credit problems that restrict their housing options.

In addition to providing counseling to homeowners and renters, these organizations assist homeless persons in finding the transitional housing they need to move toward a permanent place to live. Finally, grantees also assist senior citizens seeking reverse mortgages.

Healthcare reform study assesses job stress and organizational readiness

You can join a unique PhD research study assessing the human impact of Healthcare Reform. Ongoing changes to health care have triggered new demanding challenges for health care professionals working with diverse populations in U.S. health care systems. A Deloitte & Touché survey of 400 organizations highlighted that employee resistance to change is the number one reason organization change initiatives fail, and determined organizational readiness is a critical factor in the process of achieving successful change in organizations.

 You can participate when and where it is convenient. The assessments only take minutes to complete. Register and participate to receive a free workbook and join a raffle for one Apple store $500 gift certificate. 

To find out if you qualify just answer Yes/No to the screening questions at www.organizationalreadinessresearch.net where you can also learn more. 

SECAUCUS BRIEFS

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New Jersey Health Initiatives announces $200,000 grant to Secaucus project

Secaucus Next Generation Community Leaders, a project of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Hudson County, has been awarded a grant from New Jersey Health Initiatives, the statewide grant making program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Through NJHI: Next Generation Community Leaders, 10 grants of $200,000 each have been awarded to organizations over three years to develop the youth civic engagement skills, involve them in meaningful summer employment, and help them participate in an alumni network that will be the foundation for their future leadership endeavors.
Each grantee will form two teams of local youth, mentor them in leadership and population health issues, and facilitate the teams’ work. The youth teams will design and implement projects that address the unique health needs of their community. Throughout the grant period, each grantee will identify opportunities to further engage the youth in leadership roles, perhaps establishing youth advisory boards or inviting the youth teams to report on their work at city council meetings. NJHI will encourage the youth to share their progress and network during statewide youth meetings.

North Hudson Community Action Corporation will receive $18,348 HUD grant

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded $716,894 in housing counseling grants to nine local organizations in New Jersey to help families and individuals with their housing needs and to prevent future foreclosures. In Hudson County, North Hudson Community Action Corporation will receive $18,348 for Comprehensive Counseling.
North Hudson Community Action Corporation (NHCAC) was founded in 1965 as a Community Action Agency (CAA) to address the immediate needs of low-income residents, to continue assistance until stability and eventual self-sufficiency is achieved. Residents throughout Hudson County who need medical services on a sliding scale should contact their local office.
With this grant, recipients address the full range of families’ housing counseling needs. This includes helping homebuyers evaluate their readiness for a home purchase, understand their financing and down payment options, and navigate what can be an extremely confusing and difficult home buying process. The organization also help households find affordable rental housing and offer financial literacy training to individuals and families struggling to repair credit problems that restrict their housing options.
In addition to providing counseling to homeowners and renters, these organizations assist homeless persons in finding the transitional housing they need to move toward a permanent place to live. Finally, grantees also assist senior citizens seeking reverse mortgages.

Hudson County Parks Host Free Outdoor Movies All Summer

Hudson County is hosting a free “Movies in the Park” series again this summer, bringing 14 big features to seven parks throughout the region. Next up is “The Batman LEGO Movie” at Lincoln Park in Jersey City on July 19.
North Bergen residents can look forward to “Moana” on Friday, July 21 and “Alice through the Looking Glass” on Friday, Aug. 18. Both films will be shown outdoors on a big screen in James J. Braddock North Hudson Park.
All movies are free, and so is the popcorn. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening outdoors with your friends and neighbors. Movies start at sundown. All events are wheelchair accessible.
For more information visit www.hudsoncountynj.org.

Hudson Shakespeare Company offers a 1990s inspired ‘Romeo and Juliet’

The Hudson Shakespeare Company returns for the final installment in its 26th annual Shakespeare in the Parks tour of Hudson County parks and libraries with a 1990s inspired “Romeo and Juliet”. Admission is free to all shows.
The show will be touring to the following locations:
Saturday, July 15 @ 3 p.m., Van Vorst Park, (Rain Location Park Gazebo), Montgomery Street and Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
Monday, July 17 @ 7 p.m., 522 Frank Sinatra Drive, Frank Sinatra Park, Hoboken
Thursday, July 20 @ 7 p.m., Hamilton Park (9th St and Jersey Avenue) (Rain Location Park Gazebo) Jersey City
Thursday, July 27 @ 6:30 p.m., Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Ave. Hoboken
“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare is the most famous love story in the English language and has been adapted in a variety of settings, from a straight Elizabethan presentation with Franco Zefferelli to a musical romp in “West Side Story.” It’s a story that most people think they know quite well, a story of ideal young love and perfectly matched lovers whose love is denied by their warring families and which leads to their tragic ends.
However, the innocent pair of Romeo and Juliet are just the tip of the iceberg in a world filled with scheming, opportunistic parents; violent, self-destructive rebels and the true parental figures who try to keep the couple out of harm’s way. Director Noelle Fair wanted to look beyond a production that just focused on the lovers or their warring families and examine what drives the unstoppable hatred and violence that happens in the play. What can it say about how we treat each other today where fights can spark online or in public for little to no reason?
A lawn chair and blanket are recommended for all outdoor showings. For more information on the show, please visit www.hudsonshakespeare.com/ or call (973) 449-7443.

Healthcare reform study assesses job stress and organizational readiness

You can join a unique PhD research study assessing the human impact of Healthcare Reform. Ongoing changes to health care have triggered new demanding challenges for health care professionals working with diverse populations in U.S. health care systems. A Deloitte & Touché survey of 400 organizations highlighted that employee resistance to change is the number one reason organization change initiatives fail, and determined organizational readiness is a critical factor in the process of achieving successful change in organizations.
You can participate when and where it is convenient. The assessments only take minutes to complete. Register and participate to receive a free workbook and join a raffle for one Apple store $500 gift certificate.
To find out if you qualify just answer Yes/No to the screening questions at www.organizationalreadinessresearch.net where you can also learn more.

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