Yearly Archives: 2014
Bayonne’s Tammy Blanchard in her first Disney film: INTO THE WOODS
An Interview with local actress Tammy Blanchard
Photo: Ava Jean Entertainment(c)
After the presents have been opened on Christmas Day, it’s always fun to go out and catch a movie. That’s what Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and Stephen Sondheim fans will be doing when the movie musical INTO THE WOODS opens nationwide on Dec. 25th.
Meryl Streep stars as the Wicked Witch and a troupe of wickedly talented stars including Johnny Depp, Anna Kendrick, Christine Baranski and Bayonne’s Tammy Blanchard join her for a romp in the woods. “Be careful what you wish for†is the film’s tagline because although it’s about Grimm Fairy Tales, this is no kiddie movie. Sondheim and co-writer James Lapine have taken several fairy tale characters on loopy adventures where very adult things happen, and not every journey ends happily ever after.
Disney’s INTO THE WOODS is the filmed version of the Tony Award winning musical which debuted on Broadway in 1987 starring Bernadette Peters as the wicked witch, and directed by Hal Prince. It has been performed throughout the world, has had several revivals here and in London, and has taken almost 30 years to go from stage to screen.
During her career, Bayonne’s Tammy Blanchard earned Emmy and Golden Globe Awards for her portrayal of Judy Garland in LIFE WITH JUDY GARLAND; ME AND MY SHADOWS; and two Tony Award nominations for supporting roles in HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS…(with “Harry Potter†star Daniel Radcliffe) and GYPSY starring Bernadette Peters. Continue reading Bayonne’s Tammy Blanchard in her first Disney film: INTO THE WOODS
Frank Rosner plays all three roles in the upcoming production of Uncle Philip’s Coat in Hoboken
THREE MEN AND A COAT
   By Sally Deering
 You wouldn’t think a play about a coat could be captivating enough to hold your attention, but with actor Frank Rosner and director Minna Packer, UNCLE PHILIP’S COAT is in good hands. Presented at the Hudson School’s performance space in Hoboken from Dec. 19-21, UNCLE PHILIP’S COAT author Matty Selman based it on his grand-uncle whom he remembers as the ‘King of Coney Island’ who would stand on the boardwalk, play the kazoo and sell bras to women from his suitcase. Continue reading Frank Rosner plays all three roles in the upcoming production of Uncle Philip’s Coat in Hoboken
Lucky New Year Traditions
 By Sally Deering
 At 11:59 pm on New Year’s Eve, many of us will turn to the TV or computer to watch the ball drop in Times Square. Last year, one million people braved the cold to watch the ball slide down the pole atop One Times Square on 42nd Street and now, more than one hundred years since the ball first dropped in 1907, we’ll be watching a crystal ball this time ring in the New Year.
 It’s tradition. Â
Throughout the world, people celebrate New Year’s Day with traditions passed down through generations and we’ve compiled a sampling below. Some are fun, some serious, but all seem to mark a new beginning and a new outlook. If 2014 wasn’t great, there’s always 2015, right? Continue reading Lucky New Year Traditions
The Culinary Bad Boy Ten Ingredients with Chef Chris Nirschel of Taphaus biergarten in Jersey City Â
By Sally Deering
 Downtown Jersey City can now boast a new jewel in its crown, a 
gem of a restaurant glistening on the waterfront like a pearled onion garnishing a NY Strip.
 Taphaus biergarten opened just a couple months ago at the eastern end of 2nd Street in Jersey City; you can’t get any closer than this to one of the most beautiful views of the New York Skyline and particularly the Freedom Tower. No dark corners in this eatery; instead, its family style tables in a large dining area and bar, and a menu of classic comfort food reconstructed by Chef Chris Nirschel. Continue reading The Culinary Bad Boy Ten Ingredients with Chef Chris Nirschel of Taphaus biergarten in Jersey City Â
Maxwell’s Tavern in Hoboken Still Hip after All These Years
 By Sally Deering
 
Like Sinatra, Maxwell’s Tavern is synonymous with Hoboken and goes back to the 1940s when the city was more working class and employees at the Maxwell House coffee plant would stop in for a brew and a bite. Although the bar looks very much like it did back in the day, General Manager Jay Donnelly says new changes came with the new owners back in March. You can now enter right on Washington Street (instead of using the side door on 11th) and there’s some beautiful art work throughout the bar area that flows all the way through to the back room where bands and other acts perform. The menu has changed, too.
Continue reading Maxwell’s Tavern in Hoboken Still Hip after All These Years
Bayonne Bridge Update
Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has advised the City of Bayonne concerning the latest developments in the Bayonne Bridge construction project.
The gantry continues to undergo load and performance testing. The gantry will begin to set segments of the bridge in January 2015.
Verizon and Cablevision continue installation of new cables inside street vaults. This work will require a curb closure and will involve a utility truck: Cable work continues on 1st Street. Work on Gertrude Street, 3rd Street, Juliette Street, and 4th Street has been completed. The cable activity is expected to be completed during mid-December 2014. Continue reading Bayonne Bridge Update
River View Observer for November 26th -December 15th, 2014
Hudson County Community College Foundation’s 17th Annual ‘Holiday Extravaganza’ Is a Record-Breaking Success
Fundraising gala celebrating the College’s 40th Anniversary grossed $208,000; Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise was honored for his support.
On Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014, the Hudson County Community College Foundation held its 17th Annual Holiday Extravaganza. The annual Distinguished Service Award was presented to Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise (third from left). Pictured with Mr. DeGise from left are HCCC President Dr. Glen Gabert; William J. Netchert, Esq., Chair of the HCCC Board of Trustees; Hudson County Freeholder Anthony Romano; HCCC Foundation Chair James Egan and HCCC Vice President for Development Joseph Sansone.
December 9, 2014, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Vice President for Development Joseph Sansone announced today that the HCCC Foundation’s 2014 gala fundraiser was the most successful to date. Mr. Sansone said the 17th Annual “Holiday Extravaganza†grossed a record-breaking $208,000. The event was held on December 4th at the College’s Culinary Conference Center in Jersey City. Proceeds from the event will be dedicated to scholarships for deserving students, faculty development programs, and the College’s physical expansion.
First grader from Jersey City Public School #17 wins statewide grand prize in New Jersey Agricultural Society poster contest
The New Jersey Agricultural Society recently announced that Varsha Gireesh, a student at Jersey City Public School #17, won the statewide grand prize for first grade in the annual Farm-City Week Poster Contest.
This year’s theme for the poster contest was “Eat A Rainbow.†The students were asked to show why it is important to “eat a rainbow†of different-colored fruits and vegetables for their different vitamins and nutrients. They were also asked to show how they could “eat a rainbow†of fruits and vegetables in one week. Continue reading First grader from Jersey City Public School #17 wins statewide grand prize in New Jersey Agricultural Society poster contest
