General

Sharon Ashe Nadrowski Names 1st Ward Council Running Mate

Sharon Ashe Nadrowski, candidate for Mayor of Bayonne, recently announced that Gene Perry will be running for First Ward Council, citing his deep roots in the community, decades of professional experience, and long-standing commitment to public service.

Gene Perry is a lifelong Bayonne resident with over 61 years of experience in the city. A graduate of Centenary University with a degree in business administration and a minor in finance, Gene has spent over 34 years working in the cargo transportation industry. He has also been deeply involved in Bayonne’s youth and community organizations, including the Bayonne Police Athletic League, Bayonne Wrestling Association, and Bayonne Little League, where he has volunteered for more than 25 years.

“Gene Perry represents the kind of leadership Bayonne needs right now,” said Sharon Ashe Nadrowski. “He understands the First Ward because he’s lived it his entire life. Gene brings honesty, experience, and a willingness to listen, qualities that are essential for restoring trust in local government and delivering real results for our residents.”

Gene’s decision to run is rooted in his belief that meaningful change happens when community members step forward to be part of the solution. His priorities include responsible budgeting, community safety, stronger oversight of local industrial operations, and protecting programs that support Bayonne’s children and families.

“I’m proud to support Gene Perry as a candidate for First Ward Council,” Nadrowski added. “Together, we are committed to working with residents, addressing long-standing concerns, and building a Bayonne that is safer, stronger, and better prepared for the future.”

Gene Perry’s candidacy reflects a shared vision with Sharon Ashe Nadrowski’s mayoral campaign—focused on accountability, collaboration, and putting Bayonne residents first.

Education

Hudson County Community College President EarnsTrailblazer in Higher Education Award

Hudson County Community College President Dr. Christopher M. Reber is the recipient of Insight Into Academia Magazine’s 2026 “Trailblazer in Higher Education Award.”

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) President Dr. Christopher Reber took the helm in 2018, determined to provide transformative, life-changing opportunities for students and the people of Hudson County. He has brought his vision to fruition by engaging students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and the entire community.

Insight Into Academia Magazine has selected Dr. Reber to receive the “2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award” for advancing institutional excellence, strengthening community engagement and connectedness, and creating meaningful, measurable impact for students, employees, community, and the broader academic ecosystem.

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Education, Sports Limited

Hudson County Community College Welcomes Winning Basketball Coaches to Develop New Athletics Programs

 Hudson County Community College has hired Carlos Cueto as Women’s Basketball Head Coach (left), and Ethan Nardone as Men’s Basketball Head Coach.

February 4, 2026, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has hired two head basketball coaches with winning records who are committed to player development. The coaches were hired as the College prepares to inaugurate an athletics program at the HCCC Center for Student Success, which is currently under construction. 

“We are excited to have Carlos Cueto and Ethan Nardone work with HCCC Director of Athletics Jonathan Sisk in organizing, launching, and leading our basketball programs,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “With their experience and passionate commitment to developing students who excel in academics and athletics, Carlos and Ethan will motivate our student athletes to give their best on and off the court.”

Carlos Cueto, the Head Coach for HCCC Women’s Basketball, is revered as a player and coach. The former University of Richmond point guard finished his playing career as the “#3 All-Time” in assists. He was named All-County at St. Anthony’s High School in Jersey City, where he played on two state championship teams. Mr. Cueto coached Union City Girls’ Basketball to state sectional and league championships. He mentored many student athletes who earned athletic and academic scholarships. 

The two-time “Hudson County Coach of the Year” led Secaucus High School Boys’ Basketball to their first league championship in over 20 years. His basketball academy in Union City helps youth ages nine and up improve their game. Mr. Cueto taught History and Financial Literacy at Union Hill High School. He holds a Master’s degree in Supervision and Administration in Education from Saint Peter’s University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Richmond. 

Ethan Nardone, the Head Coach for HCCC Men’s Basketball, is a National Basketball Association operations specialist who coached National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Divisions I and III, and high school teams. Mr. Nardone led the Abraham Joshua Heschel School Boys’ Varsity Basketball to their first postseason appearance since 2019 and coached two Yeshiva League Pass All-Star game selections. As Men’s Basketball Video Coordinator for Iona College, he tracked game defensive efficiency and strategic adjustments and maintained a recruiting database, scouting reports, and player practice breakdowns. Mr. Nardone was the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach for State University of New York at Canton and Potsdam teams, and Franklin and Marshall College. In these roles, he rebuilt rosters, helped improve player scoring range, and led teams to winning seasons. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Stony Brook University and attended St. John’s University School of Law. 

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Local Events

Friday, January 30th, 2026 Events for Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne and Secaucus

Jersey City
The Noir Exhibit: A black-tie formal Hip-Hop and R&B showcase featuring opening performances by Ceezsocrazy and Music Journeyy, MC’d by Richie Disb.
Art House Productions, 345 Marin Blvd
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party: A DJ dance party featuring hits from the early 2000s; tickets range from $18 to $20.
White Eagle Hall, 337 Newark Ave
9:00 PM (Doors at 8:30 PM)

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General, Local Events

Event List for Thursday, January 29th, 2026 for Bayonne and Secaucus Jersey City, Hoboken,

Bayonne Events

Events in Bayonne are primarily centered around the public library and local school activities. 

  • In-Person ESL Class: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Bayonne Public Library, Classrooms A and B. This session is designed for adults and seniors looking to learn English.
  • Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinic: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM at the Bayonne Public Library, 2nd Floor Gallery. These free seasonal clinics also offer high-dose flu shots and Jynneos (Monkeypox/Smallpox) vaccines.
  • Bayonne Book Club Meeting: 7:00 PM at the Bayonne Public Library, Small Programming Room (2nd Floor). The January 2026 meeting features a discussion of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. Attendees may participate in person or virtually via Zoom.
  • Bayonne Public Schools – IReady Lit Task: An all-day academic event for students in grades K-3 across the district.
  • Boys Varsity Basketball: 4:15 PM. Bayonne High School will play against Hoboken High School at the Hoboken High School Gym.
    • Junior Varsity (JV): 5:45 PM.
    • Freshman: 7:00 PM. 

Note: A previously scheduled Bayonne Public Schools class visit to the library at 9:30 AM has been cancelled. 

Secaucus Events

Secaucus events for this date include a health-focused webinar and local high school sports.

  • Managing Your Back Pain (Webinar): 10:30 AM. This free Zoom webinar is hosted by the HSS Department of Orthopedic Surgery to help residents understand different types of back pain.
  • Girls Varsity Ice Hockey: 5:00 PM. Secaucus High School will face off against Newark East Side at Secaucus High School.
  • Library Hours: The Secaucus Public Library and the Katherine Steffens Annex are open for standard Thursday hours. The Main Library is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the Annex is open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. 
  • Jersey City Events
  • Trivia Night at 902 Brewing Co. at 7:00 PM at 101 Pacific Avenue (902 Brewing Co.): Test your knowledge while enjoying craft beers at this dog-friendly brewery.

Jersey City Connects | Candle Making Workshop at 6:30 PM at 225 Hutton Street (The Hutton Restaurant and Bar): Create your own custom candle with all materials provided.

Hotel California: An Exhibition by Flying Knight at 6:00 PM at 159 Morgan Street (Canopy by Hilton Jersey City Arts District): Attend the opening of an art exhibition by Jayda Knight.

LSC After Dark at Liberty Science Center at 6:00 PM at 222 Jersey City Boulevard (Liberty Science Center): A nightlife event for adults (tickets available).

“Can’t Cancel Stoopid” Live Comedy Show at 7:30 PM at Art House Productions: A live stand-up comedy show featuring several comedians.

Hoboken Events
Kids Art Classes at the Museum at 10:00 AM at 1301 Hudson Street (Hoboken Historical Museum): Fun art-making classes for children aged 2-5 (must be accompanied by an adult).

Everyone Can Do Yoga at 1:00 PM at 500 Park Avenue (Hoboken Public Library): A mindful yoga class for all experience levels led by Jane Porges.
After School Story Time at 3:30 PM at 500 Park Avenue (Hoboken Public Library): Enjoy books, music, and movement after school.

KPop Demon Hunters Trivia at 4:00 PM at 500 Park Avenue (Hoboken Public Library): Join a KPop-themed trivia game with prizes for winners.

Jillian Pransky: The Power of the Pause at 7:00 PM at 100 Bloomfield Street (Little City Books): A workshop on mindfulness and slowing down reactive thought patterns. Tickets are available for $10 on the Eventbrite page.

Bayonne Events
Events in Bayonne are primarily centered around the public library and local school activities.

In-Person ESL Class: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Bayonne Public Library, Classrooms A and B. This session is designed for adults and seniors looking to learn English.

Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinic: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM at the Bayonne Public Library, 2nd Floor Gallery. These free seasonal clinics also offer high-dose flu shots and Jynneos (Monkeypox/Smallpox) vaccines.

Bayonne Book Club Meeting: 7:00 PM at the Bayonne Public Library, Small Programming Room (2nd Floor). The January 2026 meeting features a discussion of Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. Attendees may participate in person or virtually via Zoom.

Bayonne Public Schools – IReady Lit Task: An all-day academic event for students in grades K-3 across the district.

Boys Varsity Basketball: 4:15 PM. Bayonne High School will play against Hoboken High School at the Hoboken High School Gym.
Junior Varsity (JV): 5:45 PM.
Freshman: 7:00 PM.
Note: A previously scheduled Bayonne Public Schools class visit to the library at 9:30 AM has been cancelled.

Secaucus Events
Secaucus events for this date include a health-focused webinar and local high school sports.

Managing Your Back Pain (Webinar): 10:30 AM. This free Zoom webinar is hosted by the HSS Department of Orthopedic Surgery to help residents understand different types of back pain.

Girls Varsity Ice Hockey: 5:00 PM. Secaucus High School will face off against Newark East Side at Secaucus High School.

Library Hours: The Secaucus Public Library and the Katherine Steffens Annex are open for standard Thursday hours. The Main Library is open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and the Annex is open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

General

Hudson County Community College Welcomes Steve Madden as 2026 Fashion Show Gold-Level Sponsor

The $10,000 investment will enhance student support at Hudson Helps.

Caption: Hudson County Community College (HCCC) will offer “Steve Madden Presents the 2026 Career Closet Fashion Show: Your Runway to Success”  on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at the HCCC Culinary Conference Center in Jersey City. Pictured here are HCCC students and staff on the runway at the last fashion show.

 January 23, 2026, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) is proud to welcome Steve Madden, Ltd. As the premier sponsor of the Hudson Helps Resource Center (HHRC) Career Closet Fashion Show, an annual fundraiser supporting student success and workforce readiness.

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Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com, Best Picks of the Week, Interesting People

Grandmaster Austin Wright Sr. received the 2025 Odyssey International Community Service Award of Excellence

Internationally known and Renowned Martial Arts Legend Grandmaster Austin Wright Sr. was honored for his extraordinary dedication to service and leadership with the prestigious 2025 Odyssey International Community Service Award of Excellence. The award was presented during the Odyssey International Business Networking Gala, held at the distinguished Newark Museum of Art in Newark, New Jersey.

Grandmaster Wright received this distinguished recognition for his Outstanding Contributions to Martial Arts Education, Youth Empowerment, Veteran Leadership, and Community Well-Being, reflecting a lifelong commitment to uplifting communities locally and internationally through discipline, mentorship, and service.

Further solidifying his global influence and legacy, Grandmaster Wright was recently featured in three internationally recognized martial arts publications, including International Martial Arts Magazine, Deadly Art of Survival, and Martial Arts World Magazine, earning two front-cover features—a rare and notable achievement in the martial arts world.

During the same gala, Grandmaster Wright was also presented with an official Resolution from the City of Jersey City, New Jersey, honoring his lasting impact and exemplary leadership.

The event was masterfully directed by CFO Persia Oliver, whose vision helped bring together influential leaders, honorees, and changemakers from around the world.

Local Events

Events for Tuesday, January 20, 2026 for Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne

Jersey City Events

Freedy Johnston’s Tues. Night Live with guest Karyn Kuhl
8:00 PM
Monty Hall, 43 Montgomery Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
A live music performance by American singer-songwriter Freedy Johnston, known for his songcraft, featuring special guest Karyn Kuhl.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Passport & Pints: Global Travelers Social
6:30 PM
902 Brewing Co., 101 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07304
A free social gathering for travelers to meet, share stories and tips, and connect with the adventure community over craft beer.
2026 Kickoff Happy Hour: New Year, New Connections
5:00 PM

Pet Shop, 193 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302
A happy hour event to foster new connections within the NJ and NYC tech ecosystem.
More Info: Learn more about the event on Eventbrite.
2025 SJC SpeakEASY Salon Series
6:30 PM Jersey City Free Public Library, 472 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07302
A monthly gathering to discuss significant topics such as climate change.

Hoboken Events
General Knowledge Trivia
7:30 PM
Farside Tavern, 531 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Test your knowledge on a variety of topics at this general knowledge trivia night.

Passport Book Club
11:00 AM
Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030
A monthly book discussion club. This month’s selection is “
This Motherless Land
” by Nikki May.

Bilingual Story Time
3:30 PM
Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030
A story time event presented in both English and Spanish, repeating regularly.

Rise n’ Read!
10:30 AM
Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Avenue, Hoboken, NJ 07030
A drop-in story time and craft activity for children at the Grand St. Branch.

Bayonne Events
CDBG Public Hearing
5:30 PM
Bayonne City Hall (Hybrid meeting with Zoom option)
The City of Bayonne will hold a public hearing for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Plan.

Rent Control Board Meeting
The meeting scheduled for this date has been cancelled.
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