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Education

HCCC’s Hudson Scholars Program Thrives with $100,000 Investment of Provident Bank Foundation

Caption: With the support of a $100,000 grant from the Provident Bank Foundation, the Hudson Scholars Program has created significantly improved outcomes for hundreds of HCCC students. Pictured: Hudson Scholars graduates at HCCC’s 2024 Commencement.  

The Signature Grant helped the College’s award-winning program expand academic opportunities and improve student success through an innovative approach.

A $100,000 Signature Grant from Provident Bank Foundation (PBF) made a profound impact on the lives of over 400 Hudson County Community College (HCCC) students who participated in the award-winning Hudson Scholars program and are now HCCC graduates.

In 2023, PBF awarded a series of $100,000 Signature Grants for three different funding priorities: Education; Community Enrichment; and Health, Youth, & Families. The grants fund the creation or expansion of innovative programs that address systemic challenges in our communities and their root causes.

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Education

Twenty-Three Years Later, Hudson County Community College Never Forgets, Invites Community to Join 9/11 Commemoration

 

 

The Hudson County Community College 9/11 Memorial, a steel fragment believed to be from the World Trade Center North Tower East Façade.
Wounded Warrior Leader Chris Hoff will recount his experiences in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks; former New Jersey Attorney General John Farmer will speak.

  The 9/11 terrorist attacks killed citizens of 78 countries on United States soil, an act that challenged America’s strength and resilience. A generation later, annual remembrances honor the 2,977 lives lost in targeted attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93. The attacks took the lives of more than 700 New Jerseyans, including 155 Hudson County residents. Twenty-three years later, the pain of that day is still palpable as families mourn loved ones, workers remember lost colleagues, children have grown up not knowing a parent, and supporters continue to honor the fallen.

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Events, Live On Stage

In the Fall Art House Productions Presents “Gruesome Playground Injuries” by Rajiv Joseph

Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns) in collaboration with Half-Light Productions, is thrilled to announce the upcoming presentation of Rajiv Joseph’s compelling play, “Gruesome Playground Injuries,” directed by Catriona Rubenis-Stevens. This captivating dramedy will be staged at Art House Productions in Jersey City, NJ, offering audiences a unique theatrical experience.

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Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

MAYORS CORNER-Labor Day 2024-Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis

Today, Monday, September 2, our nation will observe Labor Day, which is an occasion to honor all of America’s working people.  The concept for the day began with the trade union movement in the late 1800’s.  The federal government adopted Labor Day as a national holiday in 1894.

Labor Day is a good time to reflect on the rights of workers.  In many countries, workers are not allowed to organize trade unions or to bargain with their employers.  In some dictatorships, no independent labor unions are permitted; only labor front organizations operated by the ruling party are allowed to exist.

 In the United States and other advanced democratic countries, working people have the right to establish independent labor organizations that are not controlled by the government.  That is why there is a strong connection between free labor movements and democracy.  Unions help improve democracy by giving workers a voice in the workplace.  There are dozens of labor unions in the United States.  Most American unions belong to one of two major labor federations: 1) the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations), or 2) CTW (Change to Win).  The AFL-CIO was founded in 1955 when the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations merged into a combined labor movement.  CTW was founded in 2005 as an alternative to the AFL-CIO.

American labor unions have been responsible for a variety of reforms such as the eight-hour workday, overtime pay, paid vacations, worker health benefits, employee pension plans, workplace safety regulations, and grievance procedures.  By gaining strength in the 20th century, American labor unions raised the living standards for millions of people.  They helped raise workers from poverty into the middle class.  Rising wages enabled American workers to buy homes and cars, to take their families on vacation, and to send their children to college. When unions were strong in the 20th century, they helped raise wages and living standards across the country for union and non-union labor alike.  We need to raise the American standard of living again in the 21st century.

In Bayonne, union members work in a variety of trades and economic sectors, such as building & construction, petrochemicals, maritime, education, healthcare, transportation, retail, and government.  

We should respect the contributions that all American workers make to our families, our communities, and our national economy.  Let’s all work together to improve wages, working conditions, and economic opportunities in the years to come. 

Events, Jersey City News, Local Happenings

Fulop Administration & New Jersey Symphony Announce New Permanent Headquarters & Performance Hall Located in Jersey City for Premier Symphony Orchestra Fulop Administration

New 550+ Seat Venue in Jersey City to Focus on both Live Performances and Continued Inner City Youth Education

Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the New Jersey Symphony announced today the renowned Symphony’s relocation to a new state-of-the-art, 44,000-square-foot theater in Jersey City’s downtown Powerhouse Arts District. 

Today’s announcement marks an important new chapter for the Symphony and Jersey City, offering a dedicated permanent location that will serve the local community and contribute to the Symphony’s ongoing activities across the state.

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General

NJ Transit Fare Holiday Announcement

Governor Murphy has announced a transit fare holiday for all NJ TRANSIT customers from August 26th through September 2nd, 2024. During this period, fares will be waived for all modes of transportation.

Our Promise to You 

NJ TRANSIT is committed to providing the high-quality service that you expect and deserve. The fare holiday is a testament to our dedication to our customers.

Attention Monthly Pass Holders 

As an additional token of our appreciation, we are granting a 25% discount on September monthly passes. This discount will be automatically applied through the NJ TRANSIT mobile app, Ticket Vending Machines, or ticket windows.

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General, Health Views, Heath Today

HEALTH VIEWS -September Is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, but What About 18-24-year-olds Fighting Cancer?

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The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation Works to Fill the Gap and Grant Wishes to Cancer Patients Between the Ages of 18-24 Who Have Aged Out of Other Childhood Cancer Wish Programs

 As National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is upon us this September, The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation is continuing its mission to raise awareness for an underserved and sometimes overlooked population of cancer patients, 18–24 year-olds. This age group is still considered by many to be kids – many of whom attend college or are just starting their careers and independent lives.

Nikolas Ritschel was one of these young adults, who at 17 years old was diagnosed with Synovial Sarcoma and passed a few years later at the young age of 21. While Nik personally experienced and saw this age group’s struggles and loneliness, he also experienced moments of hope and joy. One of those times was when he applied for and was granted a wish from a foundation during his battle with cancer. However, it was when Nik met a young man by the name of Nate whose wish was denied because he was diagnosed one month after his 18th birthday that Nik decided to start The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation. He wanted to help other 18-24-year cancer patients experience the hope and joy he did by having wishes granted too.

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Bayonne News, General

Bayonne City Council Awards $2.4 Million Contract for Special Needs Baseball Field

Buddy Baseball group at City Council Meeting:  Bayonne Recreation Superintendent Pete Amadeo (at far right of photo) was joined by Buddy Baseball players and supporters at the Bayonne City Council meeting on August 14.  The Council awarded a contract for upgrades to the 11th Street Oval, the location of Bayonne’s Buddy Baseball games.

          At its meeting on August 14, the Bayonne City Council awarded a $2.4 million contract for upgrades to the 11th Street Oval, a playing field located on Avenue E.  The contractor with the successful bid is Picerno-Giordano of Kenilworth.  The project aims to create an appropriate facility for Buddy Baseball, a program for children with special needs.   The upgrades will include a new playing area, dugouts, bleachers, fencing, and handicap access to and from the field and playground.

Mayor Jimmy Davis said, “I am very excited that construction will start soon on transforming the 11th Street Field into a Field of Dreams for our great Buddy Baseball program.  I want to thank our Congressional representatives, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, the Hudson County Open Space Fund, and local developers for providing the funding for this $2.4 million project.  I look forward to the completion of this important facility for our special needs kids.”

At the Council meeting, Recreation Superintendent Pete Amadeo spoke to the Council Members about Buddy Baseball.  He thanked all of the levels of government that worked in partnership to fund the upgrades to the 11th Street Oval.  Several of the Buddy Baseball players accompanied him at the meeting.  All of the City Council Members and several other Bayonne officials waved with foam fingers to show their support for Buddy Baseball.  City Planner Suzanne Mack stressed the importance of providing opportunities to special needs children, saying, “It changes their lives.”  Francesca Giarratana, Chair of the Hudson County Open Space Committee, represented the county at the meeting. 

The Buddy Baseball League, a program in Bayonne’s Recreation Division, began in 2015.  It is a program for Bayonne’s developmentally and physically challenged youth, helping them to enjoy the full benefits of baseball in an athletic environment structured to their abilities.  Buddy Baseball teaches the players baseball and softball, teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play.  It also offers them the chance to socialize while strengthening their self-esteem. 

Jersey City News

Jersey City’s Pet Project gets Boost from NBCUni “Clear the Shelters” Campaign, Helping Shelter Animals Find Forever Homes & $100k in Matching Donations

Jersey City pet services

Jersey City Animal Care and Control (JCACC) has joined NBCUniversal Local’s 10th annual Clear the Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign from August 10 through September 10.  Since its inception in 2015, Clear the Shelters has helped more than one million pets find new homes and raised millions of dollars for participating shelters and rescues.? Animal shelters and rescues across the country are facing economic hardships due to a historically high number of pet surrenders and feral overpopulation.

This year, Greater Good Charities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and The Animal Rescue Site are joining NBCUniversal Local’s Clear the Shelters™ pet adoption and donation campaign.  They have teamed up to help raise funds for participating animal welfare organizations across the country via ClearTheSheltersFund.org. For the next two weeks, they will contribute $100,000 in matching donation dollars.

Jersey City has enlisted the expertise of Behavior Plus to work bi-weekly with our staff and animals to enrich, maintain, and develop adoptability.  On-site veterinarians perform routine and emergency medical care for the animals in the shelter’s care.

Mayor Steven M. Fulop put Jersey City’s new shelter under the care of Health and Human Services last winter and has watched closely as the new management, who answers directly to the mayor, is improving the lives of surrendered and stray animals. “The shelter is now open and accessible to residents six days a week or with an appointment.  Additionally, we continue to add new services to improve the lives of strays and pets that end up in the shelter.”

As part of these efforts, the JCACC will take its pets public on September 8 with an event on Barrow Street to help find homes for shelter animals.  Residents will be able to meet and adopt our four-legged shelter friends. Working with the HSS’s Partnership for a Healthier JC, the Historic Downtown SID, K-9dergarden, Fussy Friends, Barky Way, and Hound About Town, the JCACC will offer adoptions free for qualified pet parents. Adoption fees are dropped to $10 in the weeks up until the event, and there are no adoption fees for veterans or seniors who want to bring some love into their lives.

“The goal is to find homes for as many of our wonderful dogs and cats as possible, says HHS Director Stacey Flanagan, “Jersey City residents have big hearts and love animals, and now is the time when their generosity can be doubled.”

To contribute, go to the Jersey City Animal Care & Control donation page.  This year’s donation page was built courtesy of Fundraise Up, an online donation platform that helps nonprofits grow revenue.  When donating to the Clear the Shelters Fund, donors have the option to cover transaction fees with their donation so that 100% goes directly to the shelter or rescue of their choice.

About Jersey City Animal Care & Control

On January 1, 2024, Jersey City launched a full-service Animal Care and Control shelter to ensure the humane treatment for animals in need by establishing 24/7 operations, on-site dog licensing with adoptions, expanding operating hours for more public access, and working with the community to create a robust volunteer program.

Business Views, Education

Hudson County Community College Partners with Hudson County Economic Development Corporation and Citizens Philanthropic Foundation to Announce New Small Business Internship Program

The program offers businesses support and student interns.

Caption: Members of the Hudson County Community College-Hudson County Economic Development Corp. Internship Program Team, from left: (front row) Rosennies Feliz, HCEDC Marketing, Communications and Program Coordinator; Lori Margolin, HCCC Associate Vice President for Continuing Education and Workforce Development; Haya Almahdy, HCCC Student Intern; Alejandro Fuenmayor, Owner, Cavany Foods; Alka Kustagi, AIA, Owner, CHB Interiors;
Dr. Christopher Reber, HCCC President; Michelle Richardson, HCEDC Executive Director; (back row) Elise White, SRL Enterprises President and Managing Member; Natalie Brown, HCCC Internship Coordinator; Mina Abdelmaseeh, HCCC Student Intern; and Destiny Knowles, HCCC Student Intern.

  Hudson County Community College (HCCC), in collaboration with Hudson County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC), announced a new internship program that matches Hudson County businesses with HCCC students. The HCEDC – HCCC Internship Program is supported by a grant to HCEDC by the Citizens Philanthropic Foundation that funds stipends for participating students.

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