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“Warriors” presented by The Art House Gallery

– Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns, Gallery Director Andrea McKenna) is thrilled to present “Warriors” in celebration of Black History Month. This exhibition features the remarkable works of Myeisha MillerTheda SandifordDanielle Scott, and Armisey Smith, skillfully curated by Andrea McKenna. “Warriors” will be open to the public from February 3rd to February 25th, with an opening reception on Saturday, February 3rd, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Additionally, there will be an insightful artist talk on Sunday, February 18th, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Regular gallery hours are every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. For those who prefer a personalized experience, appointments can be requested by reaching out to [email protected]. Join us in honoring Black History Month through this captivating exploration of artistic expression.

In the vibrant creations of these four artists, the concept of ‘warrior’ unfolds with profound and nuanced meanings. Each piece intricately weaves a narrative, sharing the truths embedded in their history and ancestry. This compelling exhibition resonates with strength, wisdom, and resilience, conveying a powerful message,” says Gallery Director Andrea McKenna.

All exhibited works will be available for purchase at the Art House Gallery located at The Hendrix, 345 Marin Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07302. Art House Gallery exhibitions are always free and open to the public. Large print versions of all literature related to our exhibitions and tactile, descriptive tours are available upon request. For more information, email Andrea McKenna at [email protected]rg

. For questions related to the gallery and this exhibition, please email [email protected]. inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

JERSEY CITY FILMAKER ANTHONY CUPO SELECTED FOR GARDEN STATE FILM FESTIVAL

HOLLYWOOD NEW JERSEY TO BE PRESENTED

 New Jersey’s Premier Independent Film Festival is celebrating its 22nd Anniversary March 21 – 24.  The internationally recognized Garden State Film Festival (GSFF) celebrates the independent film genre by bringing a carefully curated and enriching selection of original works from locally produced filmmakers as well as from around the world. “The upcoming 2024 Festival returns to experience 200 films from over 14 countries over four days in 8 venues hosting parties, professional panels, events, special honors and more,” says Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival’s Executive Director.

The Garden State Film Festival offers several categories for films and filmmakers of all kinds.  Among the selection include feature length and short films, documentaries, comedies, children’s, thrillers, pilots, student films and “Home-Grown” films shot in NJ. The Garden State Film Festival is pleased to announce that the film Hollywood New Jersey produced by Jersey City resident, Anthony Cupo, will screen at this year’s festival.  We hope you come out to cheer on our hometown heroes who have put so much time and talent into these productions. ?

“We are extremely proud to present DP as a part of our 22nd Annual Film Festival, and to share this work with our global audience,” says Lauren Concar Sheehy, the festival’s Executive Director.

Hollywood New Jersey will screen on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 12:00pm at Cranford Theater, Cranford , NJ

DR. KING’S ENDURING MESSAGE

Bayonne Mayor James Davis-Mayors Column

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

          On Monday, January 15th, we observed the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday.  This day should remind us about his life’s mission – equality for all Americans. By backing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Dr. King fought for equal rights for all Americans, regardless of race, color, creed, sex, or national origin. 

Martin Luther King, Jr. is not simply a figure from the past. Fifty-six years after his death, Dr. King’s words and actions remain relevant to the issues that we face today.  Recent acts of violence that were rooted in religious and racial hatred reminded us all that Dr. King’s work remains to be fulfilled.  Across the country over the years, Americans have been killed, just because they were Black, White, Hispanic, Jewish, Asian, Native American, gay, or members of other groups. The hatred and the violence must stop. 

Catch a wave at the island of Ireland’s top surf spots

Winter is big wave time in Ireland so grab your board and head for the Atlantic swells that will give you an adrenaline high.

Serious surfers love Ireland in winter. It may be cold, often wet and frequently windy but that all combines to produce some of the most exciting peaks around. So, don your wetsuit and head for these top surfing spots.

Bundoran, County Donegal

Bundoran is Ireland’s surf capital with waves to suit all abilities. There are also several surf schools there to help you get started or hone your skills. Bundoran is the home of The Peak, a reef break that attracts experienced surfers from all over the world. 

Portrush, County Antrim

Along the island’s beautiful north coast, there are plenty of great surfing spots but Portrush is the standout one. The east strand is a beautiful 2.5km sandy beach that receives waves that are up to three meters high and give a fast ride.

Mullaghmore Head, County Sligo

Along the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, great surfing spots abound. Mullaghmore Head is considered to be one of Europe’s premier big wave locations with swells reaching 12m. Nearby Easkey beach, famous for its two reef breaks, is also one to add to the list.

Cliffs of Moher, County Clare

Aileen’s Wave is Ireland’s infamous surfing wave. Created by a precise combination of stormy conditions and easterly winds, the wave rises just off the famous Cliffs of Moher and can reach 15m high. For experienced surfers only, it offers a magical ride through the barrel of the wave.

Carrownisky, County Mayo

There’s surf all year round at Carrownisky Strand, one of County Mayo’s many golden beaches, and it’s suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers alike. The stunning location is also popular with walkers and horse riders.

Ballybunion, County Kerry

Ballybunion’s two glorious beaches are great places to jump on your board and enjoy some gentle surfing, The south beach is overlooked by a picturesque castle and is separated from the north beach by a rocky outcrop.

Inchydoney Beach, County Cork

If you’re new to surfing or are getting the family to dip their toes in the surfing experience, Inchydoney Beach near Clonakilty is ideal. There’s a surf school on the beach where you can hire wetsuits and boards and get tips on getting started.

www.ireland.com

Hudson County Community CollegeNames Danielle Lopez Inaugural Director of Accessibility Services

 Pictured here, Danielle Lopez, who has been named Hudson County Community College’s first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Accessibility Services.
 

–  Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has appointed Danielle Lopez as the College’s first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Accessibility Services.
 
“The entire HCCC family is delighted to welcome Danielle Lopez to the College,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “She will lead and support our accessibility and accommodation programs for students and employees. In addition to serving as our Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/Section 504 Coordinator, Danielle will be our primary compliance and content expert for all accessibility matters. She will play a key role in advancing our culture of care and our overarching priorities of student success and diversity, equity and inclusion.”
 
Ms. Lopez will manage and supervise the HCCC Office of Accessibility Services (OAS). A key component of her work is to reduce systemic barriers and promote disability awareness and a culture of accessibility. In her new position, Ms. Lopez will collaborate with multiple campus constituents, including faculty; the Offices of Academic Affairs; Student Affairs and Enrollment; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Human Resources; Counseling and Wellness; Registrar; Public Safety and Security; Facilities; Communications; Information Technology; Legal Counsel; and others.
 
A dedicated and enthusiastic higher education professional, Ms. Lopez is highly experienced in accessibility and disability services, advisement, and administration. For the past ten years, she served as Assistant Director and Academic Counselor at City University of New York (CUNY) Center for Student Accessibility. There, she developed and implemented best practices to help students with disabilities and diverse needs achieve academic success. In addition, Ms. Lopez served as an Adjunct Lecturer at CUNY, teaching psychology courses. As a Project REACH mentor, she assisted individuals with autism, coordinated curricula and service plans, and facilitated meetings related to academic, social, and professional development. Ms. Lopez also mentored students with disabilities to support their campus initiatives at the College of Staten Island.
 
Ms. Lopez received her Master of Science degree in Disability Services in Higher Education from the School of Professional Studies at CUNY, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the College of Staten Island, CUNY. Her professional affiliations include the Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD), New York State Disability Services Council (NYSDSC), and CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities (CCSD). She holds certification in Mental Health First Aid from the National Council for Behavioral Health.
 
“I am very happy to be a part of Hudson County Community College, where diversity, equity, and inclusion is valued and lived,” Ms. Lopez stated. “I look forward to working with our students and my new colleagues to further advance opportunities and accessibility for everyone at HCCC.”

Ndaba Mandela to Speak at Hudson County Community College’s 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Memorial  

Grandson of the late Nelson Mandela, renowned author, activist, and advocate, will bring his inspirational message to HCCC on January 18  

It’s not every day that the grandson of a world leader and renowned champion for human rights visits a community college. But that’s precisely what will happen on January 18, 2024, when Ndaba Mandela, grandson of former South African president Nelson Mandela, will speak at Hudson County Community College (HCCC) as part of the College’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration.   

While Mandela is the grandson of Nelson Mandela, he is also an accomplished advocate for human rights and social justice in his own right.  

Ndaba is the Founder of the Mandela Institute for Humanity, an organization continuing the legacy of Nelson Mandela by inspiring and uniting people to build a fair and just world. He is also the Co-founder and Chairman of the Africa Rising Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting a positive image of Africa worldwide. Furthermore, he is the longest-serving ambassador to UNAIDS, a United Nations organization focused on combatting the HIV/AIDS pandemic and ending discrimination towards people living with HIV and AIDS.  

Ndaba was recently recognized for his efforts in these areas when Black Entertainment Television (BET) named him one of its “28 Men of Change.” 

Ndaba is also the author of Going to the Mountain: Lessons from my Grandfather, Nelson Mandela, which tells the story of Mandela’s life through the eyes of his grandson. Part of Ndaba’s mission is to introduce the teachings of his grandfather to the younger generation, who didn’t grow up watching Mandela fight against the injustices of and ultimately overcoming South Africa’s apartheid government.  

HCCC President Dr. Christopher stated, “Nelson Mandela inspired a generation with his tireless fight for dignity and equality for all South Africans, ultimately overcoming the unjust apartheid regime and showing the world that true change can be achieved through peaceful measures. We are thrilled to welcome Ndaba Mandela to HCCC, where the next generation will have the opportunity to hear his inspiring message that one person can make a difference.”   

The event will take place on Thursday, January 18, 2024 from 10:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. and is open to all HCCC students, faculty, staff, and community members.  

Individuals interested in attending can register for the event online here

Caption:   Advocate, author and activist Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, will speak to members of the HCCC community at the College’s 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. annual memorial. 

About Hudson County Community College 

Hudson County Community College serves more than 20,000 credit and non-credit students annually. The College offers over 90 degree and certificate programs, including award-winning English as a Second Language; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management; Nursing and Health Professions; and Humanities and Social Sciences. The HCCC Culinary/Hospitality Management program was ranked number six in the U.S. by Best Choice Schools. The College’s School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development offers cutting-edge, industry recognized, stackable credentials in alignment with high-priority workforce needs. 

HCCC has partnerships with major four-year colleges and universities in the greater New Jersey-New York area and beyond, accommodating seamless transfer of credits for further undergraduate and graduate education. 

The College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been recognized with the 2021 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Northeast Regional Equity Award; the “INSIGHT Into Diversity” 2021, 2022 and 2023 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, this year honoring HCCC as one of six community colleges nationally to be named “Top Colleges for Diversity;” and the “INSIGHT Into Diversity” 2022 and 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. HCCC was a recent finalist for the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) “Advancing Diversity Award of Excellence.”  

For the second consecutive year, HCCC was selected as one of 20 community colleges in the United States to be named among the “2023 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges” by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) in collaboration with “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.” HCCC was one of 22 community colleges in the nation, and the only college in New Jersey, to be recognized by ModernThink LLC and “The Chronicle of Higher Education” as a 2022 and 2023 “Great College to Work For®,” this year achieving Honor Roll status for top ratings in seven of ten categories.  

HCCC is one of two colleges in the United States to be named a Top Ten Finalist in all three program categories for the nationally recognized 2023 Bellwether Awards, and received the 2023 Bellwether Award for the College’s cutting-edge “Hudson Scholars” program. The College’s exemplary work in advancing student success has been recognized with 2023 “Leader College” designation by Achieving the Dream, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community colleges as catalysts for equity and mobility in their communities. HCCC was also recognized with the Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention by Vector Solutions for demonstrating leadership in digital prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being, and inclusion.

Free Four-Hour Parking for Non-Commercial Vehicles in Bayonne

Parking Utility Lots, December 1 Through January 1

          Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the Bayonne Parking Utility lots will offer free four-hour parking for non-commercial vehicles in its parking lots from Friday, December 1, 2023, through Monday, January 1, 2024. 

  Regular parking charges in the lots will resume for non-commercial vehicles on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Mayor Davis said, “The goal of the four-hour free parking program in the lots is to encourage people to shop and dine in Bayonne during the holiday season.” 

Mayor Davis thanked the Bayonne Parking Utility for supporting the four-hour free parking policy again this year.  He said, “The Parking Utility deserves our gratitude for offering free four-hour parking to non-commercial vehicles in the lots during the 2023 holiday season.”

The four-hour program does not apply to commercial vehicles or to on-street parking meters. All commercial and non-commercial drivers must continue feeding the meters on the streets.   The paid permit program for commercial vehicles that park overnight in the lots will remain in effect.

On certain dates in the holiday season that will be announced, parking charges will not be enforced for the entire day.  Otherwise, the free parking will be limited to four hours. In some previous years, there was free parking around the clock for a month.  However, the program was abused by certain commuters who left their vehicles in free spaces all day, in order to avoid paying for spaces at Light Rail stations.  That is why the holiday season parking program was modified to allow four hours of free parking at a time in the lots for a given non-commercial vehicle.

The Museum of Jersey City History Presents Frank Hague’s Jersey City: Yesterday and Today

Jersey City, (NJ), NOV 19, 2023 – The Museum of Jersey City History

The Museum of Jersey City History presents Frank Hague’s Jersey City: Yesterday and Today. Join the MJCH on December 2nd from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM for the Grand Opening. The exhibition will run from Dec. 2nd through 2024 at The Apple Tree House, 298 Academy Street, Jersey City, NJ 07306. Suggested Donation: Adults – $5, Children, Students, and Seniors are FREE.

Spanning three decades in the first half of the twentieth century, Frank Hague’s tenure as mayor saw profound and lasting changes to Jersey City’s physical landscape, political culture, transportation sector, and entertainment culture. As democratic norms were challenged, innovations in health care and education profoundly impacted the lives of thousands. Come to the Museum of Jersey City History at the Apple Tree House this holiday season and immerse yourself in Frank Hague’s Jersey City. Discover the legacy behind the Jersey City of today!

Grand Opening – Saturday, December 2, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Special Holiday Hours – Saturday, December 9, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

After December 9th, the museum will be open on an alternating schedule:

  • Saturdays and Sundays, from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM 
  • Tuesdays from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 
  • Thursdays from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Note: Hours may vary through January 1.

See updated hours, updates, and ticket info at https://www.mjchistory.com/ 

About the Museum of Jersey City History
The Museum of Jersey City History’s mission is to foster an authentic sense of community by sharing the rich and diverse history of Jersey City. To open the doors of the Apple Tree House to create a welcoming community space and locus of cultural exchange for JC’s diverse population. The Museum of Jersey City History is committed to launching a museum that is inclusive and representative of all of Jersey City, with its diverse population and many cultures.

This program is made possible by support from the City of Jersey City, the Museum of Jersey City History, and a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

ArtHouse Gallery Presents the 6th Edition of our Affordable Art Show

December 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 from 1 pm to 6 pm 

A JC Fridays Event

Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns and Gallery Director Andrea McKenna) are excited to present our 6th edition of the Affordable Art Show! 

“The Affordable Art Show gets bigger and better every year, and I can’t wait to unveil the 300-plus works from 84 artists! There is something for everyone, so come out and support local artists by gifting a loved one or yourself with one of the many treasures. The artwork prices range from $25 to $500. It’s going to be a wonderful and festive event this December that you don’t want to miss,” says Andrea McKenna, Art House Gallery Director.

Hours for the show are:

-Friday, December 1st from 5 pm to 9 pm (JC Fridays Opening Reception)

-Saturday, December 2, from 1 pm to 9 pm (Reception beginning at 5 pm)

December 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 from 1 pm to 6 pm 

Participating artists:

Luis Alves, Paul Andress, Hailey Arango, Howard John Arey, Sandy Asto, Kristian Battell, Elena Barabashova, Gail Marie Boykewich, Kim Bricker, Guillermo Bublik, Haley Buchan, Amy Burns, Miguel Cardenas, Karen Carattini, Niecy’s Closet, Maria Alejandra Valencia Collazos, John Crittenden, Erin A. DeLaney, Emerlyn Deline, Angela Denise, Beth DiCara, Matthew Enger, Jada Fabrizio, Michelle Farro, Eileen Ferara, Jodie Fink, Teri Fiore, Jim Fisher, Jess Gianna, Geraldine Gaines, Jay Golding, Cheryl Gross, Stephanie Guillen, Valter Guevarra, Katelyn Halpern, Lisa Ficarelli-Halpern, Katharine Hampton, Amy Hanna, Scott Harbison, Nirushi Jain, Rita Jimenez, Shiva Jlayer, Alex Katsenelinboigen, Megan Klim, Maia Konowitz, Andrea Kroenig, Tali Rose Krupkin, Mirayma L, Tanvi Malushte, Tina Maneca, Patrick McCoy, Winifred McNeill, Nohi Mehrotra, Myiesha Miller, Vincent Minervini, Samantha Moon, Andrea Morin, Jen Morris, Michi Muzyka, Olga Nenazhivina, David Nicolato, Shayla Nolan, Lane O’Shea, Jodi Oster, Anibal Padilla, Sylvia Padilla, Susu Pianchupattana, Deborah Pohl, Stacey Posnett, Erica Resnick, Nachalie Rodriguez, Brian Romeo, Lucy Rovetto, Omar Saeed, Vince Salvati, Francisco Silva, Deb Sinha, Will Stamos, Gill Tal, Josh Urso, Loura van der Meule, Brittany Vogel, Heather Williams, and Shaheen Yadav.

All works will be for sale in the Art House Gallery at The Hendrix at 345 Marin Boulevard,

Jersey City, NJ 07302. Art House Gallery exhibitions are always free and open to the public.

Attached to this email are the full press release and promotional photo. For questions about the Art House Gallery please email [email protected]. All other press related inquiries can be emailed to [email protected]

Fulop Administration Earns Perfect Score for Leadership’s Efforts in Equality & LGBTQ+ Rights for 11th Consecutive Year

Jersey City Earns 100/100 in Nationwide Evaluation of LGBTQ+ Policies and Services by the Human Rights Campaign

JERSEY CITY, NJ – For the 11th consecutive year, Mayor Steven M. Fulop is proud to announce Jersey City has, once again, earned a perfect score from the nationwide 2023 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI), citing the administrative efforts to create an inclusive and welcoming community where every LGBTQ+ residents, employee, and visitor can thrive.