Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com, General

Bayonne Sicilian Citzens Club Honors Dr. Neil J. Carroll III Man of the Year 2025

Neil J. Carroll, Ed. D. is a second-generation American of proud Italian heritage. He comes from a family deeply rooted in public service and civic leadership. That legacy of dedication to community has guided his path—as a lifelong educator, two-term city Councilman, and tireless
advocate for Bayonne’s future.

With over a decade of experience as a public-school teacher,
Dr. Carroll has been a cornerstone of educational excellence in Bayonne. His passion for empowering students and fostering a love for learning has been evident in his dynamic approach to teaching, earning him the admiration of colleagues, students, and parents alike.

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Education, Events

HCCC to Host Homecoming Block Party and Open House on Saturday October 18th

HCCC’s 50th Anniversary celebration continues on October 18th with the College’s first ever Homecoming Open House Block Party.

October 14, 2025, Jersey City, NJ – Each fall, colleges around the country welcome back students, alumni, and neighbors for the time-honored tradition of homecoming. This year, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) is hosting its own edition of this fall favorite for the first time, creating a new tradition for its growing community. HCCC is proud to invite students, future students, alumni, and community members to its first ever Homecoming Block Party on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as part of the College’s 50th Anniversary celebration, Fifty and Forward, which will also feature the Fall Open House.   

The festivities will take place from 10 AM to 3 PM at the Culinary Conference Center and Culinary Plaza Park at HCCC’s Journal Square Campus, bringing the community together for a day filled with music, performances, art, and reflection on five decades of growth and achievement.

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Bayonne News, Local Happenings

Grandmaster Austin Wright Sr. Celebrates 40 Years of Martial Arts Excellence in Hudson County

On September 26, 2025, at the Chandelier Catering Hall in Bayonne, New Jersey, UWA Team Wright hosted a grand banquet honoring Grandmaster Austin Wright for his 40th year of dedication and achievement in the martial arts. The celebration brought together city officials, community leaders, and martial arts practitioners from across Hudson County. Grandmaster Wright received numerous commendations from local organizations, including the Bayonne Branch VFW Post 226, presented by Commander Glenn Flora Sr., Councilman Juan Perez, Loyad Booker, and Waterfront Montessori from Jersey City, represented by Karen Westman. Official proclamations were read by Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker on behalf of Mayor Jimmy Davis, recognizing Grandmaster Wright for his four decades of contributions to the development, discipline, and giving back to the community of youth, teens, and adults. Mayor Davis proclaimed that September 26, 2025, is now to be observed as “Martial Arts Honorees’ Day.” We had the honor of receiving a tournament scholarship from Mr. Robert “Bob” Knapp, who is the director of the Hudson County Welfare Department as well.

During the ceremony, Grandmaster Wright presented honorary black belts to Councilman Juan Perez and Loyad Booker for their 25-plus years of service in law enforcement and public service to Hudson County. Special awards were also given to Head Grandmaster Dennis Wright for his 70 years of worldwide martial arts dedication, as well as to Master Eulices Mateo and Sensei Joseph Bizarrouque for their outstanding achievements and leadership. The evening further highlighted U.S. National Martial Arts Team member champions under the direction of Grandmaster Wright Sr., who serves as the U.S. National and New Jersey State Martial Arts Director.

Administrative Assistant; Benazir Sheikh served as Master of Ceremonies, introducing each distinguished guest and guiding the evening’s program. Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker delivered eloquent remarks praising Grandmaster Austin Wright’s lifelong commitment to excellence and community service. Sensei Priscilla Wright gave a heartfelt introduction for her father under the theme of “Legacy,” reflecting on his spiritual faith, resilience, and his warrior indomitable spirit in building a martial arts institution from the ground up. The event concluded with awards for Team Member Champions, student Rising Stars, and new black belt recipients—an inspiring celebration of honor for a man whose four decades of leadership have shaped generations of martial artists and community members alike.

General

Faith on Two Wheels: Holy Cross Cemetery Blesses New Harley Davidson Motorcycles for North Arlington PD

By Maxim Almenas, Director of Marketing & Communications, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark
Email: Maxim.Almenas@rcan.org

Following a special blessing by Father Michael Barone, members of the North Arlington Police Department joined Mayor Daniel H. Pronti, Borough Council representatives, and staff from Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark outside the new Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum in North Arlington, N.J., to celebrate the donation of two motorcycles to the department.

Members of the North Arlington Police Department, Mayor Daniel H. Pronti, Borough Council officials, and staff from Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark gather with Father Michael Barone after the blessing of two Harley-Davidson motorcycles outside the Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum in North Arlington, N.J. The ceremony celebrated faith, service, and community partnership.

Photo 2
The rear fender of one of two Harley-Davidson police motorcycles donated by Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark displays the department’s unit number and a stained-glass decal inspired by the mosaics of the new Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum in North Arlington, N.J.

Photo 3
Lieutenant Anthony Scala and Patrolman Matthew Konieczny of the North Arlington Police Department skillfully maneuver their newly blessed Harley-Davidson motorcycles outside Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum’s Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit. The officers comprise the department’s elite Motor Unit, known for their precision and professionalism.

Photo 4
A close-up view of one of the Harley-Davidson police motorcycles donated and blessed at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum in North Arlington, N.J. Known nationwide for their strength, reliability, and iconic design, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have long been trusted by law-enforcement agencies across the country.

NORTH ARLINGTON, N.J. — Beneath the soaring arches of the new Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark blessed and donated two new Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the North Arlington Police Department.

The ceremony celebrated both faith and service in motion. Officers from the department’s Motor Unit rode into the courtyard with practiced ease—the deep hum of their motorcycles carrying across the sacred grounds. Known nationwide for their strength, stability, and craftsmanship, Harley-Davidson police motorcycles are trusted by departments across the country for their reliability and presence.

The blessing, led by Father Michael Barone, chaplain of Holy Cross Cemetery, was a gesture of gratitude for the officers who ensure safe and dignified processions into one of the nation’s most renowned and award-winning Catholic cemeteries.

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Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne Police Department Holds Swearing-in Ceremony for Chief Joseph Scerbo, Deputy Chief Andrew Quinn, and Six Sergeants

Bayonne Police Promotions: The Bayonne Police Department held a promotional ceremony for its new Chief, Deputy Chief, and Sergeants.  Pictured left to right: Public Safety Director Robert Kubert, Mayor Jimmy Davis, Police Chief Joseph Scerbo, Deputy Chief Andrew Quinn, and Sergeants Kyle Y. Davis, Damon A. Galano, Deana Mendez, Joseph McDonough, Nicholas Lawson, and Sean Crowley.  

     Police Chief Geisler’s Walk-Out Ceremony:  On the occasion of his retirement, the Bayonne Police Department held a walk-out ceremony to honor Chief Robert Geisler as he left the department.  Pictured left to right:  Former Police Chief Robert Geisler, Captain James Donovan, and new Police Chief Joseph Scerbo.  

    On Wednesday, October 1, in the City Council Chambers, the Bayonne Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony for its new Chief, Joseph Scerbo, its new Deputy Chief, Andrew Quinn, and six sergeants: Kyle Y. Davis, Damon A. Galano, Deana Mendez, Joseph McDonough, Nicholas Lawson, and Sean Crowley.  

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Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne to Hold Health Fair on Thursday, October 16; Rain Date Friday, October 17

Bayonne holds Health Fair

          Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the City of Bayonne will hold a health fair on Thursday, October 16, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., in Fitzpatrick Park, which is located on Avenue C, between 26th and 27th Streets. 

          The fair will offer Bayonne residents the opportunity to receive free senior services, health screenings, health information, and other services. The Hudson Regional Health Commission will be offering flu and COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccines, as well as health education.

          Participating organizations include healthcare-related entities, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations.  Up to thirty groups are expected to participate. Participation is subject to municipal approval.

Mayor Davis said, “The 2025 health fair will provide our residents with a great opportunity to receive health services and information in one convenient location.  The City of Bayonne is very happy to offer this important health fair for our residents.”  

In the event of rain on Thursday, October 16, the health fair would take place on Friday, October 17, at the same hours and location.

Mayor Davis concluded, “I would like to thank the Division of Public Health, the Clinic Nurses, the Office on Aging, and all of the participating organizations, agencies, and services for coming together for this event.  I urge Bayonne residents to drop by the health fair and take advantage of this great opportunity to improve their health.”

For more information, please call the Public Health Division at 201-858-6100.

Bayonne News, Real Estate

Linda J.Hockstein Real Estate Attorney Joins Mandelbaum Barrett PC, Attorneys at Law, as Partner

Linda J. Hockstein has joined Mandelbaum Barrett PC, Attorneys at Law, as a Partner in their Real Estate Practice, where she will be practicing out of our Bayonne, NJ office!

Before joining the firm, Linda founded The Law Office of Linda J. Hockstein in January 1996, a highly regarded real estate law firm in Hudson County.

Linda’s practice covers both commercial and residential real estate transactions. She handles hundreds of residential closings each year, including condominium units, single- and multi-family homes, and rental and investment properties, approaching each with professionalism and careful due diligence. On the commercial side, she assists clients with the acquisition and sale of investment properties, mixed-use developments, industrial sites, and warehouse buildings. She is frequently retained to manage complex transactions, including construction loans and refinancing.

Linda earned her J.D. with honors from Rutgers School of Law – Camden and her B.A. from Rutgers University. She is admitted to practice in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Mandelbaum Barrett PC noted, ‘We’re thrilled to have Linda join hashtag#TeamMandelbaum and expand into Hudson County!”

Linda will be working from their Bayonne, NJ office located at: 660 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002

Find out more about Linda here: http://bit.ly/4nxrcEZ

General

Hudson County Community College Rings in 50 Years with Jubilant Anniversary Celebration

Hundreds of attendees, including HCCC students, alumni, faculty, and staff, along with community members, celebrities, and local luminaries came together for a rousing celebration of HCCC’s 50th anniversary. Pictured here: DJ Prince Hakim, HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, and HCCC Vice President for Advancement & Communications and Executive Director of the HCCC Foundation Nicole Johnson.  

The unforgettable event featured celebrities, local leaders and luminaries, students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and members of the community.

– The champagne was popping as Hudson County Community College (HCCC) kicked off its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, Fifty and Forward in style on September 9th. The College marked the major milestone with a memorable day of events that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and community partners in a spirited reflection on the past and an inspired look toward the future. The kickoff was a major success, drawing in hundreds of attendees and honoring five decades of transformation, access, and excellence.

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art scene, Art Views

A Solo Exhibition by Beth Achenbach

Beth Achenbach-Peace

Curated by Catherine Hecht
Part of the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour (JCAST 2025)                                                     

October 4 & 5, 2025 — Alley Cat Gallery, Jersey City, NJ

Beth Achenbach Cancel Culture-Crushed

In what may be her final participation in the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour, artist Beth Achenbach presents One More for the Road, a two-day solo exhibition of her photographic and digital work in the intimate setting of Alley Cat Gallery. Unlike years past, when she shared exhibition walls, this year’s event is a full takeover: every wall, every image, every gaze is devoted to her creative vision.

One More for the Road-Group Image

For more than two decades, Achenbach has made JCAST weekend a homecoming of sorts — greeting friends and neighbors, meeting new art collectors, and sharing her evolving bodies of work. This October, she leans into both celebration and reflection: the show is a mark of gratitude, a moment of closure, and an invitation for viewers to journey with her through the images she has created and the stories she has told.

“For me, JCAST has always been about connection—welcoming people into the space, sharing stories, and finding beauty in unexpected places,” says Achenbach. “This show feels like a love letter to the community that has supported me since 2002. It’s both a celebration and a goodbye.”

Achenbach is also partnering with two special guest makers, who will host tables during the show:

Each guest artist brings their own creative energy, offering works that echo or contrast with Achenbach’s themes. Their presence is also a nod to the collaborative spirit of the arts community she’s been part of for so long.

About Beth Achenbach

Beth Achenbach has been an active voice in Jersey City’s arts community for more than 20 years, participating in JCAST since 2002. She was the first visual artist ever featured at Art House Productions, her art was included in “Vital Voices”, the first ever LGBTQ+ group show in JCAST, and she has been recognized as a Jersey City Cultural Leader by the city. Known for transforming everyday objects into striking compositions. Achenbach’s visual language hovers between fragility and resilience, which is seen in her ongoing exploration of discarded objects, still life, and textured surfaces. From her acclaimed Crushed series, in which discarded cans become poetic forms, to more recent explorations of still life and layered textures, Achenbach’s art is grounded in the act of seeing differently. Art House Productions, Inc.+1

Her exhibitions at Alley Cat Gallery have become annual touchpoints for visitors returning year after year, eager to see how her work evolves. Through her practice, Achenbach has not only shared images but also fostered dialogue—about art, community, and the stories embedded in the overlooked corners of life.

Join Beth Achenbach for One More for the Road—a singular exhibition that honors more than two decades of creativity, community, and connection in Jersey City.                                                                                                                                        

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