Category Archives: Local Happenings

Small news items about things going on in Hudson County

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.

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, 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, Local Happenings, REAL ESTATE PROFILES

Jersey City Breaks Ground on Historic Redevelopment Project with 80% Affordable and Workforce Housing

Most Affordable Housing of Any Private Mixed-income Community This Size in the Country

Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins state and local officials to officially break ground on the first building in the long-anticipated Bayfront Redevelopment Project on May 14, 2025, marking a historic milestone in Jersey City’s largest mixed-income community initiative to date.


80% of the units will be dedicated to affordable and workforce housing.

With the Fulop Administration’s stringent affordable housing requirements throughout the entire project, Bayfront will provide the most affordable housing of any private mixed-income community of this size in the country.

    10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025

 Bayfront Redevelopment Site

Kellogg Street & Society Hill Dr. N

Jersey City, NJ

 Mayor Steven Fulop, City Council Members, NJ Economic Development Authority, NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, Pennrose LLC, PATHS Development LLC, Jersey City Together, Bayfront Avisory Committee, Building Trades

American DreamWorks, General, Local Happenings

Kitty Spash Garden Opens at DreamWorks Water Park East Rutherford NJ

Photo Courtesy of American Dream Mall, East Rutherford, NJ

DreamWorks Water Park at American Dream in East Rutherford now houses the largest Splash Pad in North America when its Kitty Splash Garden opened on May 7th, 2025

Inspired by the hit preschool show, Gabby’s Doll House is designed just for toddlers and young children.

While the children take to the water, adults can enjoy a full menu of cocktails, beer, and frozen drinks. When the children get hungry, kid-friendly spots like Trolls Ice-Sing Cream, Beach Haven, where your family can enjoy a frozen treat, or a pizza.

Kitty Splash Garden is the newest addition to the 8.5-acre indoor water park—the largest in the U.S. DreamWorks Water Park features 40 water slides and 27 attractions, including:

Thrillagascar and Jungle Jammer (the world’s tallest indoor body slides). The colorful play area includes interactive features, character appearances, and many places for kids to splash, explore, and cool off.

Far Far A Bay Wavepool (the world’s largest indoor surfing wave pool)

DreamWorks DreamRunner (the world’s longest indoor hydromagnetic water coaster)

For more information, visit https://www.americandream.com/venue/dreamworks-water-park

Excerpts of this post appeared in the Bayonne Voice

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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Bayonne News, Local Happenings

Alexa Noone, Miss New Jersey USA Honored by Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis

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Alexa Noone Miss New Jersey 2017
Proclamation honoring Alexa Noone, Miss New Jersey USA 2018: Mayor Jimmy Davis presented a proclamation honoring Bayonne resident Alexa Noone, who was crowned recently as Miss New Jersey USA 2018. She will be making appearances at various state and local events during the coming year. Pictured left to right: Council Member At-Large Juan Perez, Second Ward Council Member Sal Gullace, Alexa Noone, and Mayor Davis.

               On Thursday, November 2, Mayor Jimmy Davis presented a proclamation to Alexa Noone, a Bayonne resident, who was crowned recently as Miss New Jersey USA 2018.  That title makes her a contender for Miss USA 2018.  The proclamation calls upon all residents “to congratulate her, and to wish her the best as she carries out the duties of Miss New Jersey USA 2018.” Ms. Noone said that she will be assisting various charities and doing volunteer work during her year as Miss New Jersey USA.  She expects to participate in various events in Bayonne and across the state.  She told City officials that the pageant organization has booked her to make appearances at several ceremonies and award events around New Jersey.  Continue reading Alexa Noone, Miss New Jersey USA Honored by Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis →

Jersey City News, Live On Stage, Local Happenings

Jersey City’s Free Summer Concert Series at Berry Lane Park: Every Wednesday 5-8 p.m.  

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Now through August 30th, Free Weekly Outdoor Concerts Attract a Variety of Performers to the Park for a Unique Outside Music Experience Surrounded by Neighborhood Residents

 

 

Jersey City Concert Series

JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Office of Cultural Affairs invite everyone to Berry Lane Park for a variety of great music under the sun all summer long.  Every Wednesday through August 30th, 2017 the free, family-friendly events are held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Bring a blanket, chairs, some eats and the whole family.  Kick back and soak in the music! Continue reading Jersey City’s Free Summer Concert Series at Berry Lane Park: Every Wednesday 5-8 p.m.   →

Bayonne News, Live On Stage, Local Happenings

Bayonne Summer Sounds by the Bay Entertainment Schedule

 

        Community information for the city of bayonne

  Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the City of Bayonne will present the Summer Sounds by the Bay concerts Wednesdays, from July 12 through August 23, at 7:00 p.m., weather permitting. The concerts will be held at the amphitheater on the lower level of DiDomenico-16th Street Park, which is located between Avenue A and Newark Bay.  The schedule is as follows:

Smooth
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
A complete Motown Revue, this exciting and talented band takes listeners through a fascinating recreation of the sounds of the Temptations, the Four Tops and many more. High energy, great harmony and fantastic dance steps will entertain your audience throughout the show.

 

The Infernos
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Three decades of musical magic – the crowd will be dancing to the tunes of this entertaining group. From Barry White, The Duprees, Earth Wind & Fire, and Frank Sinatra to today’s hot sounds of Bruno Mars, Robin Thicke, and Taylor Swift. They can do it all!!!

  Continue reading Bayonne Summer Sounds by the Bay Entertainment Schedule →

Bayonne News, Local Happenings

New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 14A Construction Project

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NJ Turnpike 14A Construction Project

THREE WEEK SCHEDULE AS OF JUNE 23, 2017
 
The following work is scheduled over the next three weeks:
 
Toll Plaza
  • East side (entering 14A): renovation of existing Toll Utility Building continues.
Ramps between the Toll Plaza and the Hudson County Extension (HCE)
  • Local street level work at Garfield, Avenue C and JFK Boulevard bridges will resume in the summer of 2017. This work will be supported by Jersey City and Bayonne Police as needed.
  • During the evenings of 06/29/17, 8:00PM to 5:00AM, traffic impacts are expected on the ramps to and from the Hudson County Extension and the Interchange 14A Toll Plaza for asphalt paving operations. This work will be supported by the New Jersey State Police. 
Avenue E / Proposed Roundabout
  • New roadway construction on Avenue E near 53rd Street continues.
Connector Bridge (Bridge from the Toll Plaza to Port Jersey Boulevrd)
  • Traffic was shifted onto the new Connector Bridge in a two-way temporary traffic pattern. Please CLICK HERE for graphic.
  • Pedestrian usage of the bridge for access to and from Port Jersey Boulevard continues to be prohibited. Please CLICK HERE for shuttle bus pamphlet.
Route 440 and Pulaski Street Intersection / Jughandle
  • Ramp roadway construction continues.
  • Ramp structure construction to southbound Route 440 continues.
Ramp Area East of Route 440
  • New ramp construction continues.
  • Retaining wall construction continues.
  • Bridge deck construction on the bridge structure over Pulaski Street continues.
  • During the week of 07/17/17, nighttime detours of the southbound Route 440 Jughandle at Pulaski Street will be required for approximately one (1) week in support of bridge steel erection. Work will be supported by Bayonne Police.
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If you have any questions about the 14A Improvement Project, please call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-671-6872, or email info@njta14a.com anytime. Thank you.
 
For full project details, contact information, traffic advisories, and informational pamphlets, please visit the NJTA 14A Website.
 
For information about the Bayonne Bridge, please click here.