Category Archives: General

Bayonne News, Local Happenings

Grandmaster Austin Wright Sr. Celebrates 40 Years of Martial Arts Excellence in Hudson County

On September 26, 2025, at the Chandelier Catering Hall in Bayonne, New Jersey, UWA Team Wright hosted a grand banquet honoring Grandmaster Austin Wright for his 40th year of dedication and achievement in the martial arts. The celebration brought together city officials, community leaders, and martial arts practitioners from across Hudson County. Grandmaster Wright received numerous commendations from local organizations, including the Bayonne Branch VFW Post 226, presented by Commander Glenn Flora Sr., Councilman Juan Perez, Loyad Booker, and Waterfront Montessori from Jersey City, represented by Karen Westman. Official proclamations were read by Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker on behalf of Mayor Jimmy Davis, recognizing Grandmaster Wright for his four decades of contributions to the development, discipline, and giving back to the community of youth, teens, and adults. Mayor Davis proclaimed that September 26, 2025, is now to be observed as “Martial Arts Honorees’ Day.” We had the honor of receiving a tournament scholarship from Mr. Robert “Bob” Knapp, who is the director of the Hudson County Welfare Department as well.

During the ceremony, Grandmaster Wright presented honorary black belts to Councilman Juan Perez and Loyad Booker for their 25-plus years of service in law enforcement and public service to Hudson County. Special awards were also given to Head Grandmaster Dennis Wright for his 70 years of worldwide martial arts dedication, as well as to Master Eulices Mateo and Sensei Joseph Bizarrouque for their outstanding achievements and leadership. The evening further highlighted U.S. National Martial Arts Team member champions under the direction of Grandmaster Wright Sr., who serves as the U.S. National and New Jersey State Martial Arts Director.

Administrative Assistant; Benazir Sheikh served as Master of Ceremonies, introducing each distinguished guest and guiding the evening’s program. Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker delivered eloquent remarks praising Grandmaster Austin Wright’s lifelong commitment to excellence and community service. Sensei Priscilla Wright gave a heartfelt introduction for her father under the theme of “Legacy,” reflecting on his spiritual faith, resilience, and his warrior indomitable spirit in building a martial arts institution from the ground up. The event concluded with awards for Team Member Champions, student Rising Stars, and new black belt recipients—an inspiring celebration of honor for a man whose four decades of leadership have shaped generations of martial artists and community members alike.

General

Faith on Two Wheels: Holy Cross Cemetery Blesses New Harley Davidson Motorcycles for North Arlington PD

By Maxim Almenas, Director of Marketing & Communications, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark
Email: Maxim.Almenas@rcan.org

Following a special blessing by Father Michael Barone, members of the North Arlington Police Department joined Mayor Daniel H. Pronti, Borough Council representatives, and staff from Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark outside the new Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum in North Arlington, N.J., to celebrate the donation of two motorcycles to the department.

Members of the North Arlington Police Department, Mayor Daniel H. Pronti, Borough Council officials, and staff from Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark gather with Father Michael Barone after the blessing of two Harley-Davidson motorcycles outside the Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum in North Arlington, N.J. The ceremony celebrated faith, service, and community partnership.

Photo 2
The rear fender of one of two Harley-Davidson police motorcycles donated by Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark displays the department’s unit number and a stained-glass decal inspired by the mosaics of the new Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum in North Arlington, N.J.

Photo 3
Lieutenant Anthony Scala and Patrolman Matthew Konieczny of the North Arlington Police Department skillfully maneuver their newly blessed Harley-Davidson motorcycles outside Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum’s Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit. The officers comprise the department’s elite Motor Unit, known for their precision and professionalism.

Photo 4
A close-up view of one of the Harley-Davidson police motorcycles donated and blessed at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum in North Arlington, N.J. Known nationwide for their strength, reliability, and iconic design, Harley-Davidson motorcycles have long been trusted by law-enforcement agencies across the country.

NORTH ARLINGTON, N.J. — Beneath the soaring arches of the new Open-Air Mausoleum of the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Cemetery & Mausoleum, Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Newark blessed and donated two new Harley-Davidson motorcycles to the North Arlington Police Department.

The ceremony celebrated both faith and service in motion. Officers from the department’s Motor Unit rode into the courtyard with practiced ease—the deep hum of their motorcycles carrying across the sacred grounds. Known nationwide for their strength, stability, and craftsmanship, Harley-Davidson police motorcycles are trusted by departments across the country for their reliability and presence.

The blessing, led by Father Michael Barone, chaplain of Holy Cross Cemetery, was a gesture of gratitude for the officers who ensure safe and dignified processions into one of the nation’s most renowned and award-winning Catholic cemeteries.

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General

Hudson County Community College Rings in 50 Years with Jubilant Anniversary Celebration

Hundreds of attendees, including HCCC students, alumni, faculty, and staff, along with community members, celebrities, and local luminaries came together for a rousing celebration of HCCC’s 50th anniversary. Pictured here: DJ Prince Hakim, HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, and HCCC Vice President for Advancement & Communications and Executive Director of the HCCC Foundation Nicole Johnson.  

The unforgettable event featured celebrities, local leaders and luminaries, students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and members of the community.

– The champagne was popping as Hudson County Community College (HCCC) kicked off its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration, Fifty and Forward in style on September 9th. The College marked the major milestone with a memorable day of events that brought together students, alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and community partners in a spirited reflection on the past and an inspired look toward the future. The kickoff was a major success, drawing in hundreds of attendees and honoring five decades of transformation, access, and excellence.

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General

Hispanic Catholics to Celebrate Faith, Culture at Jubilee Mass

Cardinal Tobin Will Preside Over Spanish-Language Mass Featuring Multinational Flag Procession

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, will celebrate the Archdiocese’s Hispanic Heritage Jubilee Mass on October 10, 2025, at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. (Photo by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera)

River View Observer Contributor- Spanish-speaking Catholics will honor their faith and culture during the Archdiocese of Newark’s Hispanic Heritage Jubilee Mass on Friday, October 10, at 8 p.m. at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

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Local Happenings

QDOBA MEXICAN EATS CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING IN SECAUCUS, NJ ON AUGUST 29


Grand Opening to Include Ribbon Cutting with The Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce and Special Guests, and Free QDOBA for a Year for First 100 Guests with Purchase


QDOBA Mexican Eats, the fast-casual restaurant known for its bold flavors and fully customizable menu, is celebrating the grand opening of its newest location in Secaucus, New Jersey. Operated by franchise group TIG Corporation, the new restaurant will offer fan-favorite entrées like burrito bowls, quesadillas, and tacos—with no extra charge for premium toppings like hand-smashed guac and 3-cheese queso.

The festivities will kick off at 10:30 a.m., when the first 100 guests who make a purchase will score FREE QDOBA burritos or bowls every month for a year. Guests are encouraged to line up early to secure their spot.  The celebration will continue throughout the day with a DJ, prizes, games, and giveaways. At 10:15 a.m., the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening with special guests in attendance.


Friday, August 29

  • Festivities Begin: 10:30 a.m.
  • Ribbon Cutting: 10:15 a.m.


QDOBA Mexican Eats
200 Mill Creek Drive
Secaucus, NJ 07094

  • Pranav Desai, Executive, TIG Corporation
  • Representatives from Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce
  • Local officials and community members


This is the first QDOBA location in Secaucus and part of the brand’s continued expansion across the Northeast. The grand opening celebration highlights QDOBA’s dedication to bold flavors, community connection, and giving back.

General

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is looking to hire several General Maintainers – NJ Locations

The Port Authority of NY & NJ is seeking to fill skilled-trade General Maintainers in our New Jersey Facilities. The General Maintainer position is often the entry point for many maintenance career paths at the Port Authority.

General Maintainers are general laborers who are responsible for a variety of manual and semi-skilled construction trades. General Maintainers will carry out critical maintenance work that enables our facilities to remain safe and operational for the traveling public.

Current openings for the Temporary General Maintainer are seasonal positions with an end date in mid-April. Temporary General Maintainers have the potential to extend beyond the snow season based on the availability of openings and performance.

Note: This recruitment is currently only for our NJ side Port Authority locations. Candidates will need to be open to working at NJ facility locations.

Responsibilities

General Maintainers perform work that typically requires the knowledge of the following trade fields:

  • Carpentry
  • Landscaping
  • Painting
  • Paving
  • Roofing
  • Snow removal for commercial property
  • Gardening
  • Structural and mechanical maintenance
  • Knowledge of materials, tools, blueprint reading and equipment of these trades

General Maintainers work a 40-hour week, which includes rotating shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, during inclement weather and overtime as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
  • Two (2) years of journey-level work experience in the building construction, general laborer fields.
  • Valid driver license with the ability to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL) Class B permit before the first day of work.
  • This job posting is for external candidates only; all employees must apply through the internal process.

Applicants should refer to the following website for further information on obtaining a CDL and medical clearance for CDL licensing:

Selected candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background check and will be asked to provide copies of the required licenses for verification.

General

Bayonne Chamber of Commerce 9th Annual Peninsula Gala

An Evening Spent in Celebration of Local Businesses

Thursday, September 18th, 2025 6 PM-10 PM

Chandelier Catering 1081 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey

Dinner, Dancing, Open Bar, and Venetian Hour

$150 per person

2025 Honorees

Business of the Year-Villa Maria & San Vito

Business People of the Year -Regina & Steve Teitel Elbaum Deli

Dan Kane Legends Award-Leonard Kiczek

Chamber Hall of Fame- Vincent Virga

Community Impact Award-Monique Smith-Andrews

Outstanding Service Award-Bayonne Police Department

Register online by September 4th, 2025

Bayonnechamber.org/events

http://www.bayonnechamber.org/

General, Local Happenings

Hudson County Movies in the Park Last 2 Shows in August for the Season

TOY STORY AUGUST 19TH -MERCER PARK- JERSEY CITY

RAINDATE AUGUST 21ST

RATATOUILE APRIL 21ST COLUMBUS PARK HOBOKEN

RAINDATE AUGUST 28

Hudson County’s Movies in the Park is a highly anticipated annual event that brings the magic of cinema to the great outdoors. Set against the backdrop of the county’s picturesque parks, this unique film series offers residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of movies in a relaxed and family-friendly environment. With its captivating ambiance, community spirit, and diverse film selection, Movies in the Park has become a beloved tradition for cinephiles and families alike.

Movies in the Park is a collaborative effort between Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, the Board of County Commissioners and Hudson County’s Parks Department, and local businesses and organizations. The event aims to bring communities together, foster a sense of belonging, and provide accessible entertainment for all. The organizers carefully curate a selection of films that appeal to a broad audience, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

General, Live Music in Bayonne

Bayonne Sounds by the Bay Concert August 20, 2025 Super Trans AM

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Super Trans AM
Super Trans Am is the most unique and innovative theme band on the market today, playing all of your favorite arena anthems and chart-topping radio hits of the 1970s. Combining unparalleled musicianship with artistic and inspired A/V production, you’ll enjoy revisiting classic sing-alongs from one of the most defining decades in American history. Performing masterworks from icons such as The Eagles, Hall & Oates, Queen, The Doobie Brothers, Paul McCartney & Wings, Peter Frampton, Foreigner, Kiss, Boston and Journey as well as “Yacht Rock” favorites such as “Still the One” by Orleans and Pilot’s “Magic”, your audience will fall in love with this epic decade of memorable music all over again.

Wedneday, August 20th,2025 7PM

Di Domenico 16th Street Park ( Off Avenue E )