Education

Jack Kent Cooke Semifinalist Marlon Peña Crespo Named Hudson County Community College Class of 2026 Valedictorian

  Hudson County Community College announced that Marlon Peña Crespo has been named the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. Commencement ceremonies are scheduled for Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ.

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) announced that Marlon Peña Crespo has been chosen as the Class of 2026 Valedictorian. He will address his peers, family, friends, faculty, and others at HCCC’s 49th Annual Commencement Ceremonies on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, NJ.

Marlon is completing his Associate in Science degree in Computer Science, earning a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average. A member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Marlon is a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. He navigated a new educational system after arriving in the United States from Cuba, transforming that challenge into academic excellence and a commitment to using technology for social impact. Marlon is focused on leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to solve real-world challenges, particularly improving access to resources for underserved communities. He specializes in rapid prototyping and translating human-centered needs into robust, scalable solutions.

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Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Early Voting for Bayonne’s 2026 Municipal Election Set for May 8, 9, and 10

May 12 Bayonne Municipal Election for Mayor

            City Clerk Madelene Medina announced that early voting for Bayonne’s May 12 Municipal Election will take place on the following dates and times in the Council Chambers at City Hall and at the Bayonne Community Museum:

Friday, May 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

City Hall is located at 630 Avenue C, between 27th and 28th Streets. The Bayonne Community Museum is located at 229 Broadway at the corner of 9th Street. Designated, short-term parking spaces for voters will be established in front of City Hall and the Bayonne Community Museum on May 8, 9, and 10. The Council Chambers are located inside City Hall on the ground floor of the building, immediately inside the main glass door entrance to the building.  Voting will take place in the Community Museum on the ground level of the building.  Handicapped parking and a handicapped ramp are available at the rear of the Community Museum.

The offices up for election in the Bayonne 2026 Municipal Election are Mayor (vote for one), Council Members At-Large (vote for two), and Council Member for each ward (vote for one in either the First Ward, the Second Ward, or the Third Ward), depending on your place of residence.  Voters from throughout the city will be allowed to participate in the early voting at City Hall and at the Bayonne Community Museum.  Votes cast in the early voting period will be counted with those cast in the voter’s ward of residence on Election Day. 

            Only those who are registered to vote in the City of Bayonne may participate in the early voting program for the Bayonne Municipal Election.  Anyone who votes early on May 8, 9, or 10 will not be allowed to vote on Election Day, which is Tuesday, May 12, because they will have voted already.

            The early voting process will be administered by City Clerk Medina and her staff.  

DAILY EVENTS

New Jersey Lottery Hosts Press Conference in Hoboken Unveiling Official Winners of “Jersey’s Top Dogs” Contest at Columbus Park in Hoboken, April 29

Eighteen Dogs Were Unveiled as First Real Canines Featured on New Jersey Lottery’s “Jersey Dog” Scratch-Offs Ticket, Available Statewide May 4th

The New Jersey Lottery today announced at Columbus Park in Hoboken, New Jersey, the official winners of its “Jersey’s Top Dogs” contest, recognizing the eighteen official “Top Dogs” who will be featured prominently on the Lottery’s upcoming Scratch-Offs game, “Jersey Dog.” The contest drew thousands of entries last September from proud New Jersey pet parents hoping to see their pup featured on New Jersey Lottery Scratch-Offs. A statewide public vote narrowed the field to the Top 50. From those top vote-getters, the final eighteen were selected to best represent standout dogs from across the Garden State of various breeds, sizes, and temperaments that embody Jersey’s attitude, spirit, and irresistible charm.

Arlo of Red BankGinger of Old Bridge
Bailey of NetcongGoose of Bridgeton
Bear of HamiltonHuck of Piscataway
Brantley of WallJersey of Belle Mead
Cash of WanaqueJezebel of Lake Hopatcong
Dallas of Browns MillsLula of Tinton Falls
Duke of Roselle ParkMagic of Toms River
Frankie of UnionTeddy of Port Monmouth
George of Cape May Court HouseTrapper of Egg Harbor City

Each of the eighteen winning dogs will be featured with their photo, name and hometown at the top of the New Jersey Lottery’s “Jersey Dog” Scratch-Offs tickets, launching statewide on Monday, May 4th. The contest’s other top vote-getters will be featured with their photos and names in the image-match portion of the tickets. The contest marks the first time the public has provided content for a New Jersey Lottery Scratch-Offs ticket and the first time real dogs have been spotlighted, establishing this milestone as a one-of-a-kind tribute to the Garden State’s beloved canine companions.

To commemorate the winning pups, the New Jersey Lottery hosted a press conference today at Columbus Park in Hoboken, New Jersey, where the eighteen “Top Dogs” were formally introduced and celebrated among the local community. The event served as the official unveiling of the grand prize winners while highlighting the New Jersey Lottery’s “Jersey Dog” Scratch-Offs ticket, allowing players 18 and older the chance to win cash prizes up to $200,000.

“Seeing these real Jersey dogs recognized in person and celebrating them in a fun way on Scratch-Offs makes this ticket very special,” said Jim Carey, Executive Director of the New Jersey Lottery. “We’re excited to celebrate community pride, a shared pet connection, and our ‘Top Dogs’ with players statewide as we launch the official ‘Jersey Dog’ Scratch-Offs ticket.”

To commemorate the winning pups, the New Jersey Lottery hosted a press conference today at Columbus Park in Hoboken, New Jersey, where the eighteen “Top Dogs” were formally introduced and celebrated among the local community. The event served as the official unveiling of the grand prize winners while highlighting the New Jersey Lottery’s “Jersey Dog” Scratch-Offs ticket, allowing players 18 and older the chance to win cash prizes up to $200,000.

To view the complete gallery of the New Jersey Lottery’s “Jersey’s Top Dogs”, visit www.jerseystopdogs.com.

Special Event

More than 200 Couples to Be Honored at Archdiocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin presented commemorative pins to couples celebrating a milestone marriage anniversary during the Archdiocese of Newark’s Wedding Anniversary Mass in 2025 at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Sean Quinn)

Couples Celebrating Nearly 70 Years of Marriage Among Those to Be Blessed by Cardinal Tobin

More than 200 couples celebrating 5, 25, 50 and more than 60 years of marriage—including several marking nearly 70 years together—will be honored by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, at the Archdiocese of Newark’s annual Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, May 3, at 3 p.m. at Newark’s Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

The Mass will be livestreamed on the Cathedral Basilica’s YouTube channel.

Cardinal Tobin will offer a special blessing for the couples in recognition of their commitment to the sacrament of matrimony. Following Mass, he will greet each couple personally and present them with blessed pins symbolizing that Christ is at the center of every Catholic marriage. Couples celebrating 50 or more years of marriage will receive gold pins, while other couples will receive silver pins.

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Local Events

Local Events for April 28th & 29th Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Secaucus,

Bayonne
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting:
Time: Tuesday, April 28, at 7:00 PM.
Location: Bayonne City Hall, 630 Avenue C.
Graduation Photography & Prom Portraits: Chamber-related portrait sessions.
Time: Wednesday, April 29 (various times).
Location: Contact the Bayonne Chamber of Commerce for appointment locations.

Jersey City
Acoustic Wednesday at 902 Brewing: Live rooftop music with Kendal Sasso.
Time: Wednesday, April 29 at 7:00 PM.
Location: 902 Brewing Co., 101 Pacific Ave.

Karaoke at Six 26: Sing-along evening at the rooftop lounge.
Time: Wednesday, April 29, at 8:00 PM.
Location: Six26 Lounge and Rooftop, 128 Christopher Columbus Dr.

Himalayan Tea Flight and Tasting: Curated tea tasting experience by Nepal Tea Collective.
Time: Check for specific times on the date.
Location: Jersey City (Inquire via Priceline for exact venue).

Hoboken
MST April Open Mic Night: Showcase for local performance talent.
Time: Wednesday, April 29, at 7:30 PM.
Location: Mile Square Theatre, 1400 Clinton St.

Trivia at Black Bear: Weekly bar trivia competition.
Time: Wednesday, April 29, at 7:30 PM.
Location: Black Bear Bar & Grill.

Wine Wednesday for Suicide Prevention: A Fundraising Social Event.
Time: Wednesday, April 29th, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Location: See Hoboken Now for specific venue details.

Clueless Open Mic: Performance-focused open mic event.
Time: Tuesday, April 28 at 8:00 PM.
Location: Consult Hoboken Now for the participating venue.
Additional Tuesday (4/28) Events:

Cooking With Heart: 4:30 PM.
Trivia @ Farside: 7:30 PM.

Secaucus
New Jersey Cooperator Expo: Trade show for condo and HOA decision-makers.
Time: Wednesday, April 29, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Location: Meadowlands Exposition Center, 355 Plaza Dr.

Needle Felting Craft: Adult craft workshop.
Time: Tuesday, April 28, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
Location: Secaucus Public Library.

Town Council Meeting:
Time: Tuesday, April 28, at 7:00 PM.
Location: Town Hall.
Senior Center Activities (Tuesday 4/28):
Tai Chi: 1:00 PM.
Movie at Regal: 11:30 AM.
Walmart Shuttle: 8:30 AM.



North Bergen
Harlem Wizards Basketball Game: High-flying basketball tricks and family fun benefiting Project Graduation.
Time: Wednesday, April 29, at 6:30 PM.
Location: North Bergen High School, 7417 JFK Blvd.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne Fire Museum to Hold Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for Start of Regular Hours

Cheif John T. Brennan Fire Museum

            The Chief John T. Brennan Fire Museum announced that it will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, April 30, at 4:30 p.m. The event will mark the start of regular hours for the museum, which will be open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  The museum is located at 10 West 47th Street.  Regular Saturday hours will start effective May 2. 

            The museum building was constructed in 1875 as the first firehouse built in the City of Bayonne.  At the time of its completion, the firehouse was known as Bayonne Hook and Ladder Company No. 1, and it housed a volunteer fire company.  It was a hand-drawn truck company was located on what was known then as Northview Avenue.   The address was changed to 47th Street in 1888 when Bayonne standardized a system of numbered side streets. 

            Originally, the firehouse had just one floor.  A second story was added in 1884, so that the building could accommodate new, horse-drawn fire trucks.  In 1906, Bayonne switched from volunteer fire companies to a paid fire department.  The paid firefighters continued using the firehouse until 1928.  After that, for several decades, the Association of Exempt Firemen held their meetings in the building. 

            In 1974, Mrs. Geni Brown, the sister of Fire Captain Edward Kaminski, suggested to Fire Chief John T. Brennan that the City of Bayonne apply to have the firehouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  In 1976, the firehouse received a place on the National Register with the support of Mayor Dennis P. Collins and Community Development Director Joseph Pulaski. 

            On October 15, 1979, the firehouse was dedicated as the Bayonne Firefighters’ Museum.  “Fireman Pete” Gwiazdowski was the museum’s first curator.  On May 19, 1988, the building was rededicated as the Chief John T. Brennan Fire Museum, to honor retired Fire Chief Brennan who led the Fire Department from 1960 until he retired in March 1988. 

            The fire museum includes the state’s oldest hand-drawn hose carriage and a hand-drawn hand pumper.  The museum also includes several original oil paintings of Chief Officers of the New York City Fire Department.  Firefighter artifacts include antique fire trumpets, fire helmets, badges, and numerous other items. 

            The fire museum will offer private tours by appointment only.  Members of the public can contact the museum by email at bfdmuseum@gmail.com or by phone at 201-725-1683. 

General

Local Events for Saturday, April 25th, Sunday,April 26th, 2026 for Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne and Secaucus

Jersey City
“Dear Chilltown” Solo Art Show
Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 6:00 PM
Location: Neighbors Studio, 370 Pacific Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07304
Description: An immersive solo exhibition by Supah, exploring Jersey City’s culture, identity, and environment through original artwork.

Jersey City Connects: Coffee and Walk Mixer
Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM
Location: Roast’d Coffee, 10 River Drive South, Jersey City, NJ 07310
Description: A social community mixer for meeting new people while enjoying a local walk.

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Bayonne News

Bayonne Police Department Taking Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs on Saturday, April 25 at City Hall

Bayonne Police taking back unwanted Prescriptions

            Mayor Robert Kubert announced that the Bayonne Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will participate in Take-Back Day. This event will allow the public to rid their homes of potentially dangerous, expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Take-Back Day will be held on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Residents are encouraged to bring their medications for disposal to the front lobby of City Hall, 630 Avenue C, between 27th and 28th Streets.  The service is free and anonymous.  Residents are encouraged to remove their names from medication bottles.  Law enforcement recommends removing prescription labels that contain any personal identifying information. 

The DEA cannot accept liquids, needles, or sharps.  Only pills and patches will be accepted.  

            Mayor Kubert said, “I urge Bayonne residents to take part in Take-Back Day if they have unneeded prescription drugs at home. Your participation will help make Bayonne a safer and healthier community.” According to the DEA, medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse.  Rates of prescription abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from home medicine cabinets.       

Public health agencies advise that some methods for disposing of unused medicines, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, pose health and safety hazards.

             On Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., drop-off parking in Bayonne for Take-Back Day will be available in front of City Hall on Avenue C, between 27th and 28th Streets.

Education

Hudson County Community College Announces Resignation of Dr. Christopher M. Reber to Accept New Presidency

Hudson County Community College announced that President Christopher M. Reber, Ph.D. (pictured here) is resigning effective June 30, 2026, and will go on to serve as President of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Board of Trustees announced that the College’s President, Dr. Christopher M. Reber, has tendered his resignation effective June 30, 2026. Dr. Reber has accepted the position of President of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in Harrisburg, PA.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank Dr. Chris Reber for his dedicated leadership and eight years of service to Hudson County Community College,” said HCCC Board of Trustee Chair Jeanette Peña. “We are grateful for his many contributions and wish him continued success in his new position.”

Michael Fiaschetti, Chair of the Harrisburg University Board of Trustees, stated the experience Dr. Reber brings to the table, and “his undeniable energy and enthusiasm leave no doubt in my mind that HU’s future is in capable hands.”

Dr. Reber came to HCCC in July 2018. Under his leadership, HCCC earned several national honors, including the 2024 Bellwether Legacy Award for HCCC’s acclaimed Hudson Scholars student success model. Dr. Reber himself was named Community College CEO of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges in 2024 and Executive of the Year by the New Jersey Business & Industry Association in 2025.

In announcing his resignation to the HCCC community, Dr. Reber wrote: “It has been the honor of my life and career to work side by side with all of you! I will always love Hudson County Community College and its people.” He continued: “Thank you for calling and entrusting me to serve you over

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General

Lou Gomez’s Memoir “Almost Famous” details a career in Music that Spans 65 Years

Publisher’s note: With the recent passing of Lou Gomez we are rerunning this article for those of you who would like to know about Lou’s book, RIP my friend

Career in music had Lou Gomez close to fame and the famous

ByTris McCall

The time is 1968.  The sound on the charts is bubblegum pop: snappy choruses, bright, chiming guitar, voices in harmony, and lyrics about candy and crushes.  The Ohio Express, one of the foremost bubblegum bands, is touring behind Top Ten hits “Yummy Yummy Yummy” and “Chewy Chewy.” And the man driving the irresistible beat?  That’s Lou Gomez, drummer and singer from Bayonne, New Jersey.

Fast forward to 1975. Styles have changed, and the bubblegum era has given way to the sophistication of funk and disco.  A band called Hudson County has gotten the party started in North Jersey with an underground hit called “Bim Sala Bim.”  Though the song is a dancefloor burner, it’s got a serious message, the inspiration behind it is serious: the resilience, optimism, and wisdom of a homeless person in New York City.   Once again, the guy laying down the groove — and the writer of the song, too — is Lou Gomez.

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