| Informaiton as per Senator Bob Menendez office… As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread globally and here in the United States, New Jersey tragically reported its first death due to the virus this week. The growing number of cases led the World Health Organization to officially declare COVID-19 a pandemic.While COVID-19 poses the greatest risk to older people and those with underlying health conditions, we share a responsibility as members of a community to take precautions and help prevent the spread of the virus. |
| These preventative actions can help you protect yourself and protect others:Wash your hands often with soap and water. If unavailable, use hand-sanitizer.Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed handsAvoid close contact with people who are sickCover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezingStay home if you are sick and avoid contact with othersFor more prevention information, click here .For what to do if you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected, click here . |
| Governor Murphy has set up a 24-hour hotline where trained healthcare professionals are standing by to answer questions about coronavirus. The number is 1-800-222-1222 and the call is free. If using an out-of-state phone line, call 1-800-962-1253.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set up this page to track current cases in the United States. And I’ve created this page on my website with what you need to know about coronavirus and links to the best sources.I am doing everything I can in New Jersey and Washington to protect Americans from the coronavirus outbreak. To stay up to date, you can follow me on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram . |
Yearly Archives: 2020
Hudson County Community College Issues Coronavirus Announcement and Next Steps
 March 13, 2020, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) President Christopher M. Reber issued the following statement today:  I write today with the latest update on the additional steps we are taking to address the unprecedented challenges of Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at HCCC. Our primary goals are fulfilling our teaching and learning missions while ensuring the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  To help us achieve these goals under demanding conditions, we are announcing the following next steps.  Spring Break will begin one week early for all students. Spring Break will begin next Monday March 16 and end Sunday, March 29. During this time, the College will complete planning to migrate all classroom instruction to virtual instruction beginning Monday, March 30 through at least Monday, April 6, and possibly longer depending upon changing circumstances.Prior to Monday, March 30, all students will receive correspondence from their faculty on how to be prepared for the first online class sessions. Faculty with specific questions will receive guidance from their associate deans. Staff should not hesitate to contact their immediate supervisors with questions or suggestions. Faculty and academic leaders will plan for making up the extra week of missed classes later in the semester.Although academic instruction will take place virtually beginning Monday, March 30, our campus will continue to operate during this period and on-campus services will continue to be offered, including access to the College libraries where students can use needed technology. Therefore, employees are expected to continue reporting to work until further notice. Yesterday, we began a significantly enhanced schedule of cleaning and disinfection services in all campus buildings, and a deep clean will be conducted over the weekend.Effective immediately and until further notice, we are postponing, cancelling or virtualizing any HCCC in-person meeting or event with expected attendance of more than 15 people. This includes recruitment events, tours, conferences, and social events.At this time, we are also suspending all non-essential college funded travel, both domestic and international. This does not include personal activity, but we urge you to reconsider any plans for long-distance personal travel and visits to areas that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. Of special concern are those countries with Level 3 and Level 2 Health Notices, or as otherwise recommended for avoidance by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and State Department. All travelers returning from these countries are required to observe a 14-day period of self-quarantine and monitoring. If faculty and staff travel, they are required to share their travel plans with their supervisors in advance of that travel.We are appealing to all members of our College community to help us navigate the challenges before us with integrity and with the goal of fully supporting our students so they are able to maintain academic progress. Our goal is to resume face-to-face, in-class instruction and full campus services as soon as we are able, in consultation with local and state agencies.We will hold all employees harmless, meaning that those who are sick, need to care for family members, or take care of children due to school closings, can do so without penalty or impact towards their paid time-off accruals. Such needs should be fully communicated with employees’ supervisors. All full- and part-time employees, including work-study students, will continue to receive their salary. Our expectation is that everyone will continue working to support our students, whether on the ground, online, or in other locations.Please remember to take care of yourself. Stay home if you are sick, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover your cough with your elbow or sleeve, and avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth. Many details are still being finalized, so I ask for your patience as we work through the myriad issues involved in this changing situation. There will be ongoing communication as more details unfold.  In this stressful time, we want to remind all that there are extensive support resources available. Doreen Pontius, Associate Director of Counseling and Wellness, can assist students in finding personal and mental health support. She can be reached at (201) 360-4229 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; [email protected]; [email protected].  Similarly, faculty and staff always have access to HCCC’s Employee Assistance Program.  E4 Health Counselors can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-227-2195.  I sincerely thank all at HCCC who have contributed to planning during these uncertain times. We realize these decisions pose significant challenges and wish they were not necessary. Our goal is to keep members of our community as safe as possible while ensuring that students can continue their coursework after Spring Break, and the daily operations of the college can continue.  We will closely monitor changing circumstances and make adjustments as needed with full transparency and with the well-being of our college community top of mind.  Please be safe!#  #  #  About Hudson County Community College Hudson County Community College serves more than 17,000 credit and non-credit students annually. The College has more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including award-winning English as a Second Language, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Fine and Performing Arts. The HCCC Culinary/Hospitality Management program was ranked number six in the U.S. by Best Choice Schools. Over 94% of HCCC Nursing program graduates passed the NCLEX first time out, placing the program’s graduates in the top tier of two- and four-year nursing programs nationwide. In 2017, the Equality of Opportunity Project ranked HCCC in the top 5% of 2,200 U.S. higher education institutions for social mobility.  HCCC has partnerships with every major four-year college and university in the greater New Jersey-New York area and beyond, accommodating seamless transfer of credits for further undergraduate and graduate education. |
HUDSON REGIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION ENCOURAGES HUDSON COUNTY TO PREPARE FOR CORONAVIRUS CASES
Hudson Regional Health Commission (HRHC) is actively working with state and local partners to closely monitor the ongoing spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States.
There are no cases in New Jersey at this time and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time. However, due to the occurrence of community spread in the United States, we are encouraging residents to stay vigilant.
America’s 1st African American Couple Makes History as Principal Owners of a Professional Soccer Team
Bayonne, New Jersey – New Jersey Teamsters Football Club (NJTFC) announces its membership acceptance in to the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), a professional soccer league under the United States Soccer Federation, pending a successful launch and compliance with United States Soccer Federation Pro League Standards.
This month, the team’s owner Sibrena Stowe-Geraldino makes history as the first female African American principal owner of a professional soccer team in the United States, and husband Alexsi Geraldino is the great-grandson of the founder & president of Dominican Republic’s LoterÃa Nacional (National Lottery) now, Alex is first Dominican American professional soccer club owner in the United States, both major accomplishments during Black history month.
JERSEY CITY MEDICAL CENTER OPENS NEW CENTER FOR SLEEP DISORDER
The Center for Sleep Disorders at Jersey City Medical Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, is officially open and serving the needs of Hudson County residents. The state-of-the-art facility, conveniently located at 410 Jersey Avenue and adjacent to the main hospital campus, provides professional consultation, diagnostic and treatment services for patients age 5 years and older, for all types of sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and narcolepsy.
Photo 2: Inside the new Center for Sleep Disorders at Jersey City Medical Center, patients will enjoy the comfort of private, hotel-like testing suites and are attended to by top clinical specialists.
Inability to get a good night’s sleep and failure to address a sleep disorder can have a serious effect on one’s health. Hudson County residents can now turn to the Center for Sleep Disorders at JCMC to help identify the underlying conditions causing sleep disorders, using a series of non-invasive tests, and offer treatments to address them. After testing, a Board- Certified physician will review the results and recommend a customized treatment program.
BAYONNE Musical Mondays at the Museum 2020 FEATURING DOC WATSON & AMBROSIA february 10, 2020
| Musical Mondays at the Museum 2020Mayor James Davis and The Bayonne Municipal Council Present Musical Mondays at the Museum Kick Off 2020. Live Music Performance By David Doc Watson and Ambrosia Musical Mondays at the Museum 2020Mayor James Davis and The Bayonne Municipal Council Present Musical Mondays at the Museum located at 229 Broadway, Bayonne New Jersey 07002. Doors open at 6:00 pm and entertainment starts at 6:30 pm. Free entertainment and light refreshments provided by Mona Lisa Pizzeria. Live Music Performance By David Doc Watson and Ambrosia Dave “Doc†Watson & Ambrosia will kick-off the free monthly concert series with a performance on Monday, February 10 at 6:30 pm at the Bayonne Community Museum, 229 Broadway (8th St.).With a style ranging from standards to smooth jazz, Doc and Ambrosia have delighted audiences with their sound for more than 25 years. Doc’s credits include performances with The Police, The O’Jays, India Arie and Alicia Keys, while Ambrosia’s claim to fame started in the club music scene.Enjoy great music and refreshments sponsored by the Bayonne UEZ & SID, San Vito, Mona Lisa, LaGuardiola, Philly Pretzel Factory and Catchmaster. Easy transportation via the Hudson Bergen Light Rail. |
lovari, artist & performer achieves one of his dreams
By Monica Prestia
Growing up in Queens, NY, Lovari says, “I’ve tested the waters of all five boroughs in NYC and lived in each one, and ultimately have been in New Jersey for ten years now. I have a Philadelphia stint too. My name is of Italian descent and there is also a Romani tribe named Lovari, who often travel. I have this urge to pick up and settle somewhere else every few years. But everyone kows that I am partial to NJ and consider myself a Jersey boy.”
Despite his tri-state wandering feet, Lovari began his career upon his first move into Manhattan at 20 years old. “I rented a room in the apartment of a recording studio on East 13th Street. I stood there for a few months working on my demo, and then ended up moving a block over to share an apartment with a man that I became friends with, who was the manager of a bodega.He rented out the front of his storefront to Amadou Diallo, who became my friend.” Amadou Diallo became a tragic headline name when he was shot and killed 41 times by NYPD in the Bronx.Â
Lovari released a two singles independently in the mid 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2009 that he released a full album of original material called “The Statement”. Flash foward ten years later and his ultimate dream of charting on Billboard has been achieved with his current single “No Day Like Today”, a duet with recording artist/reality tv personality Adam Barta. The music video features cast members from Real Housewives Of New Jersey – Margaret Josephs, Delores Catania, Marge Sr., and is directed by RHONJ recurring cast member Brett Josephs.
Monica Prestia, Contributing Writer for the River View Observer recently interviewed the up and coming artist Lovari on his past and recent success in the music industry
RVO“No Day Like Today”, your duet with Adam Barta, is your first single currently hitting the Billboard charts – tell us more about this song and what it means to you.
LOVARI For over 10 years, my number one goal has been to chart on Billboard. When I was a 12 years old, I used to watch America’s Top Ten on TV and listen to America’s Top 40 on the radio, and I would buy issues of the magazine in print. I prayed nearly every day to get on the chart – and I finally have. In addition, I received an extra blessing when Billboard wrote an article about the song in their Chart Upstarts section. I have to credit my friend Adam Barta for facilitating everything in regard to it. He knew how much this meant to me, and he selflessly worked to make it happen. I allowed him to take the reins and write the song – which involves alot of trust because with the exception of my new album, I have written all of my own songs and melodies.
JERSEY CITY — Cathedral Arts Live is delighted to once again host the incomparable Walter Parks, performing with accordion ace Rob Curto
January 17, 2020 at 7 pm. BCB Bank is proud to sponsor this special night of live music at Grace Church Van Vorst.Storyteller, singer-songwriter and finger-picking guitarist Walter
Parks, a Florida native now living in Jersey City, enchants audiences with his creative mix of swamp blues, folk and jazz delivered sometimes in an ambient style and sometimes in a gritty-rootsy style.
www.walterparks.comRob Curto is an accordionist, composer, arranger, and keyboardist based in New York and Philadelphia. He is a founding member of the band Matuto which was chosen to represent the United States State Department overseas as part of the American Music Abroad program in 2013 and 2015. He has released 4 CDs as a bandleader and is a prolific
composer and arranger. www.robcurto.comThe duo’s collaboration marks Parks’ third appearance at Cathedral Arts Live. He previously delighted audiences with a solo performance, a reimagining of traditional spirituals with Jersey City singer Vivian Sessoms, and a reunion with Stephanie Winters, his former bandmate from The Nudes.
“Along the path of a serious artistic career, certain situations,
places and/or people eventually take us to a crossroads,†said Parks.
“In working with Richie Havens for ten years I arrived at this
juncture – I could take the route of being good, or go beyond, rising to my fullest potential and embracing, or at least striving for, the excellence that I knew was in me. The latter is a scary choice but satisfying beyond measure if one can deliver the excellence one is capable of. A new sense of pride and confidence empowers wherein raw accomplishment motivates far more than does the ego. Grace Van Vorst Church is such a crossroads, where one is naturally inspired to do one’s best work instead of settling for less, for to do so would be boringly evident by contrast amidst such glorious sonic and visual
beauty, having been created long ago by fellow artisans rising to their own occasions.â€Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Hot food and cold
beverages available for purchase. Doors open at 7 p.m. Visit
www.cathedralartslive.org to purchase tickets.Cathedral Arts Live at Grace Church Van Vorst
39 Erie St, Jersey City, NJ 07302Now in its fifth season, Cathedral Arts Live aims to create a
transcendent musical experience and strengthen our community by welcoming and celebrating a diverse group of artists, performers, and audiences in our beautiful space.Cathedral Arts Live 2019-2020 Season
February 28, 2020 Upstate
An adventurous blend of folk, R&B, jazz, gospel, and rock ‘n roll
creates a ‘harmonic maelstrom’ of original soundMarch 27, 2020 VickiKristinaBarcelona
Power trio of musical veterans rearranges songs of Tom Waits with
inventive 3-part harmonies and virtuoso instrumentation
ABOUT CATHEDRAL ARTS LIVE AND GRACE CHURCH VAN VORST:The oldest Episcopal church in Jersey City, Grace Church Van Vorst, founded in 1847, has a vibrant past and a promising future. In addition to being a welcoming and affirming home to a diverse set of congregants, Grace provides vital services to some of the most vulnerable citizens of Jersey City, offering a breakfast program to
the hungry and a weekday program for seniors.Building on its reputation as a fulcrum for talented artists of all
kinds in Jersey City, Grace Church Van Vorst launched Cathedral Arts
Live as an extension of the already successful and vibrant Cathedral
Arts Festival, founded in 1989.This program is made possible in part by funds from The New Jersey
State Council on The Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of The
National Endowment for the Arts, administered by The Hudson County
Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. Degise, County
Executive, and The Board of Chosen Freeholders. We also thank our
Sponsor BCB bank for their generous support.
