Category Archives: General

General

Hudson County Community College Earns Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention (TM)

Caption: Pictured here, the Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of PreventionTM.  

HCCC is one of 11 New Jersey colleges and universities recognized for exceptional commitment to digital student wellness, safety and inclusion endeavors.   Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has been awarded the Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of PreventionTM. Vector Solutions for Higher Education presents the Seal of PreventionTM to colleges and universities with extraordinary leadership in digital prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being, and inclusion. HCCC is one of 11 New Jersey educational institutions to receive the honor.  

CPN Seal of Prevention TM  institutions like HCCC have created safer, more inclusive campuses through comprehensive, evidence-based preventive education on discrimination, mental health,  alcohol misuse, and sexual assault. Of the 850 higher education institutions in the United States evaluated, fewer than 12% earned this distinction.  

“Hudson County Community College is committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment where students feel cared for, develop confidence, cultivate friendships, flourish academically, and achieve their dreams and life goals,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “The CPN Seal of PreventionTM is a testament to the College’s commitment – and our success – in producing a culture of care that leads our students to say, ‘Hudson is Home.’”  

The criteria for the CPN Seal of PreventionTM are based on the American Psychologist â€œWhat Works in Prevention: Principles of Effective Prevention Programs.” Characteristics of such programs show that they were comprehensive, included varied teaching methods, were theory-driven, provided opportunities for positive relationships, were appropriately timed, had sociocultural relevance, included outcome evaluation, and involved well-trained staff.  

“The CPN Seal of Preventionâ„¢ recipients reflect the top 12% of colleges and universities nationwide, further highlighting their commitment and investment not only to academics, but also the well-being of their students and the overall college experience,” said Jonathan Cherins, CEO at Vector Solutions. “Our team at Vector Solutions is proud to recognize the great value these leading institutions and organizations are providing to students and the commitment we share to making higher education communities safer and more inclusive.”  

HCCC programs assist in ensuring academic success and helping build the competencies and capabilities essential to becoming conscientious global citizens. Among these undertakings are the HCCC President’s Advisory Council on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (PACDEI), which provides leadership and counsel in fostering a welcoming, diverse, equitable and inclusive environment; â€œHudson Scholars,” the College’s innovative, national award-winning program that utilizes proven best practices and provides proactive advisement, financial stipends, and early academic intervention to ensure that a greater number of students facing financial challenges, language barriers, employment concerns, and family responsibilities complete their college education, achieve their goals, and realize their dreams; and the “Hudson Helps” program, a compendium of wraparound services, programs, and resources that focus on basic needs beyond the classroom and result in greater student success.  

General

Former Downtown Jersey City Resident, The Late Sal Piro, The Rocky Horror Picture Show Superfan

By Tris McCall

Sal Piro Rocky Horror Superfan
Sal Piro
Brother and Sister Sal and Lillias Piro
Sal and Lillas Piro

Richard O’Brien, Tim Curry, and Susan Sarandon made the Rocky Horror Picture Show a hoot.

Sal Piro made it a phenomenon.

He did not do it from the screen, or from the director’s chair, or from behind a camera, or from the offices of a movie studio. The Jersey City native did it from the audience. Piro, who died at 71 after a highly unusual and consequential career in show business, spent decades as the president of the Rocky Horror Picture Show Fan Club. In that role, he helped transform fandom from the passive activity it had been into the creative act that it is today — something akin to artistry.

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General

Hudson County Concludes Black History Month with Annual Black History Month Celebration and Awards Dinner

Tuesday’s celebration honors leaders in education, health care, public service.

Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and Hudson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Pro Tempore Jerry Walker will welcome host of local leaders, community activists, and students to the County’s Annual Black History Month Celebration and Awards Dinner to be held at High Tech High School (One High Tech Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094) this Tuesday, February 28th, at 6pm.

Among the honorees will be Donaldson Toussaint L’Ouverture Byrd III, President of the Bayonne Branch of the NAACP, who will receive the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Drum Major Award; Pamela Johnson, Founder and Executive Director of the Anti-Violence Coalition of Hudson County, who will receive the Coretta Scott King Humanitarian Award; Susan Curry, longtime Jersey City Community Organizer, who will receive the Rhudell Snelling Sr., Community Service Award; Christopher A. Brown, Hoboken’s Director of Community Development,  who will receive the Hudson County Public Service Award; and Trina Boyd-Clyburn, RN, BSN, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer for Bayonne Medical Center, who will receive the Hudson County Healthcare Award.

  “We are proud to honor these outstanding individuals who mean so much to our community and have done so much for Hudson County,” said Commissioner Walker. “I am looking forward to publicly saying “thank you” to all of them as we celebrate our history and heritage at this very special event.”  

“For two decades, it has been my pleasure to salute some of the finest community servant-leaders we have ever produced in Hudson County during our annual Black History Month Celebration Dinner,” said County Executive DeGise. “This year’s list of outstanding honorees proudly continues that long tradition.”  

As in past years, attendees will be entertained by student performers and have an opportunity to hear from the award winners about their lives, their work, and their reaction to being honored by Hudson County. This public event is by invitation only. Media members are welcome and additional background on the honorees will be provided.

  The Annual Hudson County Black History Month Celebration and Awards Dinner is organized by the Hudson County Black History Month Committee, The Committee members are: Gina Hulings, Victoria Parks, Sharonda Walker, Diane Jennings, and Krista Kenny.

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Kearny Church to Commemorate 80th Anniversary WWII Heroes

Ultimate Sacrifice Tribute Mass will Honor Four Chaplains who Gave Up Lifejackets to Save Soldiers  

– During the early morning hours of February 3, 1943, four chaplains of different faiths serving in World War II made the ultimate sacrifice when they gave up their lifejackets to save soldiers onboard the sinking USAT Dorchester following a German submarine attack. To mark the 80th anniversary of their heroic deaths, St. Stephen’s Church in Kearny — where one of the chaplains, Lt. Father John P. Washington, last served as associate pastor — will hold a Mass in the men’s honor on Sunday, February 5, at 12 p.m.  

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General

Ribbon Cutting for KPS-Kids Piano Studio in Bayonne

Sandy Elnakady(center) founder of Kids Piano Studio in Bayonne with family memebers cuts the ribbon for the Grand Opening with Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis and Bayonne Councilman at Large Loyad Booker,3rd Councilman Gary LaPelusa,cCouncilman at Large Juan M. Perez and 1st Ward Councilman Neil Carroll

There is always room for music in a child’s life and Sandy Elnakady founder of Kids Piano Studio is filling that need with the opening of her new music studio at 480 Avenue C, in Bayonne.

Ms. Elnakady, created the school which features Music Courses for children ages 3 and up which teaches Music Theory, the Piano Keyboard and ear training workshops,where children can learn by reading notes or learning by ear.

“I learned to play the piano by ear Ms. Elnakady told me, as her shop filled up with well wishers for her Grand Opening.

“We are more than a music studio,” she noted, we feature Playdates Mini & Me and Drop Off; we feature spending some mini and me time singing, dancing, learning new instruments an connecting through music.

The studio also features a play area for toddlers.

Kids Piano Studio also offers Musical Play Gym, the studio is equipped with different types of musical instruments and piano keyboards. “Kids get to enjoy a creative, fun, free-play experience.

To register a child call1-201-654-2412

Email Sandy Elnakady founder at [email protected]

www.kidspianostudio.com

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Fulop Administration Encourages Local Artists and Arts Organizations to Apply for 2nd Round of Arts & Culture Trust Fund Grants

Following Successful First Round of Grants Awarded to 89 Artists and Arts Entities, Latest Tranche Further Expands Opportunities 

 Mayor Steven M. Fulop, City Council members, and the Arts and Culture Trust Fund Committee announce this Monday, January 23, applications will open for the second round of Arts and Culture Trust Fund grants to expand arts education and programming citywide.  Following the successful first allocation of grants, totaling $900,000 awarded to 89 artists and arts organizations last year, the City is looking to promote even more applicants from Jersey City’s flourishing arts community with this latest round of funding. 

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Bayonne, Time to Renew Pet and Various Business Licenses

Bayonne Renew Pet Licenses

          The City of Bayonne reminds pet owners and various business license holders that Tuesday, January 31, 2023, is the legal deadline for license renewal. 

          Business licenses due for renewal cover pet shops; laundromats; dry cleaners; food-dispensing trucks; mobile food dealers; vending machines; bar/grill businesses; restaurants; bakeries; pre-packaged food stores; fast food establishments; delicatessens; grocery stores; confectionary shops; fish/chicken/meat/produce markets; other food establishments; and certain other businesses specified by law.  These licenses are issued by the Health Division of the Department of Municipal Services.  Businesses seeking licenses must file complete applications. Current license holders have received renewal mailings.

Under New Jersey law, dogs and cats that receive municipal licenses are required to be immunized against rabies by licensed veterinarians.  These pet licenses are issued by the City Clerk’s Office.  Pet owners have received license reminder mailings.  If the animal’s rabies vaccine expires before November 1, 2023, the animal needs a new rabies shot, in order to receive a new license.  The animal’s most recent rabies vaccine must be good through at least November 1, 2023.

          After Tuesday, January 31, 2023, the City Clerk’s Office will assess late fees of $5 per pet, and the Health Division will assess late fees of $50 per business.

Anyone with questions about a pet license should call the City Clerk’s Office at 201-858-6029.  For questions about various business licenses, call the Health Division at 201-858-6355.

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Hudson County Community College to Host a Tribute Performance to the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


 January 17 performance will feature Broadway and TV star, Angela Birchett, and keyboardist, Joey Joseph -DiCarlo
 This year marks the 55th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose life and leadership continue to inspire and influence people of every color and creed, in every generation, across the globe.
 
To honor the legacy of Dr. King, the Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) will present a special program of gospel, Broadway, and a variety of inspirational musical numbers performed by Angela Birchett and Joey Joseph-DiCarlo on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. The program will take place in the Atrium of the Benjamin J. Dineen III and Dennis C. Hull Gallery on the sixth floor of the College’s Gabert Library, located at 71 Sip Avenue in Jersey City – just across the street from the Journal Square PATH Transportation Center. The event is open to the entire community and there is no charge for admission. Light refreshments will be served. Those interested in attending the performance are asked to register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mlks-inspirational-legacy-celebration-registration-483326250827.
 
“It is fitting that we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who advanced civil rights and was awarded the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolent resistance,” said HCCC President, Dr. Christopher Reber. “Diversity, equity, and inclusion form the very foundation of the College’s Mission, Vision and Value statements, and are a central priority in HCCC’s 2021-24 Strategic Plan, Student Success Action Plan, and workforce initiatives. This tribute reflects Dr. King’s belief that music and education were powerful catalysts for change.”
 
Angela Birchett is a seasoned vocalist, actor, songwriter, educator, and live music host who made her Broadway debut in the 2015 Tony Award-winning revival of The Color Purple. She has also appeared in several regional and touring companies, including The Color Purple first national tour; Dreamgirls as Effie White; Once on This Island as Asaka; Smokey Joe’s Café as BJ; and Hairspray national tour as Motormouth. Her television credits include CBS’ Kevin Can Wait and NBC’s Blindspot. Most recently, she starred as Jacky Clark Chisholm in Lifetime’s movie event, The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel that reached 11 million viewers in its opening weekend, making it the most viewed premiere on cable television in 2020.
 
Ms. Birchett is also the founder of AB Creative, Inc. and creates educational programming and one-on-one development that encourages individuality, celebrates black culture through the performing arts, and equips students and aspiring artists with a “toolkit” to take their place in an ever-changing entertainment industry.
 
Joey Joseph-DiCarlo is the New York/New Jersey-based pianist who will accompany Ms. Birchett. A Louisiana native, he recently played keyboards in the orchestra for Beetlejuice: The Musical on Broadway. His other credits include Pippin (Broadway/National tour); tours of The Color Purple and Hairspray; and multiple productions at Papermill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ.
 
The HCCC Benjamin J. Dineen III and Dennis C. Hull Gallery presents a variety of exhibitions and programs at the College’s Journal Square and North Hudson campuses every semester. The Gallery’s exhibition space boasts Manhattan views that stretch from the Statue of Liberty to the upper west side of Manhattan. In each exhibition, the Gallery provides exposure to local and international talents, highlights creative faculty members, facilitates a visitor-friendly experience, and hosts a wide array of artistic styles and themes to mirror the diversity of Hudson County. The gallery is open Tuesdays through Fridays, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. To schedule a tour, please email [email protected].#  #  # 
Caption: Pictured here, Angela Birchett and Joey Joseph-DiCarlo who will perform at Hudson County Community College’s tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Tuesday, January 17, 2023.
 
About Hudson County Community College
Hudson County Community College serves more than 18,000 credit and non-credit students annually. The College offers nearly 90 degree and certificate programs, including award-winning English as a Second Language; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM); Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management; Nursing and Health Sciences; and Humanities and Social Sciences. The HCCC Culinary/Hospitality Management program was ranked number six in the U.S. by Best Choice Schools.
 
HCCC has partnerships with major four-year colleges and universities in the greater New Jersey-New York area and beyond, accommodating seamless transfer of credits for further undergraduate and graduate education.
 
The College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has been recognized with the 2021 Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) Northeast Region Equity Award; the “INSIGHT Into Diversity” 2021 and 2022 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award, this year honoring HCCC as one of seven community colleges nationally to be named “Top Colleges for Diversity;” and the “INSIGHT Into Diversity” 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award. HCCC was a finalist this year for the American Association of Community Colleges’ (AACC) “Advancing Diversity Award of Excellence.” HCCC was selected as one of 24 community colleges in the United States – and the only community college in New Jersey – to be named among the “2022 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges” by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) in collaboration with “Diverse: Issues in Higher Education.” The College was also one of 22 community colleges in the nation, and the only college in New Jersey, to be recognized by Modern Think LLC and the “Chronicle of Higher Education” as a 2022 “Great College to Work For®.