One of Bayonne’s Best, an  International World Karate Champion and Author who is renowned across the globe, Grandmaster Austin Wright Sr. is one of America’s Okinawa Isshin Ryu Karate Legends.

Sensei Wright recently graced the pages of this month’s International Martial Arts magazine and Deadly Art of Survival Magazine(DAOS) magazine, which is a testament to his enduring legacy in combat arts. His seminal work, “The Universal Warrior Arts System,” stands as a beacon of wisdom, guiding countless young and old aspirants on their journey to mastery.

With each turn of its pages, a new generation of black belts embraces the profound teachings of ancient martial prowess and self-defense, embodying the spirit of the Universal Warrior Arts System – Spiritually Motivating Inspiration for Self Defense and his personal success story. 

The post Shihan Austin Wright Sr. Is published and recognized in DAOS & International Martial Arts Magazine  first appeared on River View Observer.

Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato (D) who represents the 31st Legislative District strongly condemned the state’s proposed $4 million cut to Jersey City schools, criticizing the ongoing underfunding of the city’s education system. The proposal comes at a time when Bayonne, another historically underfunded district, still requires additional resources to meet the needs of its students.

“Budgets are about priorities, and by cutting another $4 million from Jersey City schools, the state is once again showing that our students and teachers are not a high priority,” said Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato. “This decision undermines the progress we’ve worked so hard to make in improving our schools, and it is especially damaging for Jersey City’s students, who already face significant challenges. At the same time, we must not forget that Bayonne, another district in need, continues to be underfunded and should be a focus of additional investment, not cuts.”

As a strong advocate for education, Assemblywoman McCann Stamato is committed to taking action to restore this critical funding. “As a member of the State Assembly, I will do everything I can to ensure these cuts are reversed. Our schools deserve adequate funding, and our students must have the necessary resources to succeed.”

Assemblywoman McCann Stamato has also made it clear that if these cuts are not restored, she will not support the State Budget. “We cannot allow these cuts to stand. If the state does not prioritize our students and their education, I will not support the state’s budget.”

Assemblywoman McCann Stamato remains committed to fighting for fair and equitable funding for Jersey City schools, Bayonne, and all schools across New Jersey, advocating for policies that ensure every child has access to a high-quality education.

About Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato:

njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/484/assemblywoman-mccann-stamato
Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato represents Legislative District 31 in the New Jersey State Assembly, where she works tirelessly to advocate for fair education funding, economic justice, and policies that support the well-being of her constituents and their families.

The post Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato Condemns $4 Million Cut to Jersey City Schools and Advocates for Bayonne’s Educational Needs first appeared on River View Observer.

Owner of Stanâ€s Square Records in Jersey City and Catamouont Records   Celebrates Expansive Music Career

On Sat, Nov. 21, Stan Krause, owner of Stanâ€s Square Records on Bergen Avenue in Jersey City  celebrated 50 years in the music business as both a record store owner and the owner of Catamount Records, his own record label.

Krause who has been in the music business since 1965 has some impressive credits. In the 1960s he was at the forefront of a cappella music and recorded local boy-and-girl groups from the Metropolitan area – groups that are considered premiere a cappella singing groups.

The Nov. 21 celebration took place at the Chandelier Restaurant in Bayonne where Krauseâ€s career was honored with over 250 people in attendance who enjoyed  a buffet, show and dancing from 7 pm until midnight.  There was performances by several a cappella groups: Vintage, Mixed Company  and True Devine and the 1&9 rhythm & blues dance band.

In 2014, Krause was recognized for his contribution to Jersey Cityâ€s music scene by the City of Jersey City and was presented with a Proclamation by Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop. At the event which was held at Jersey City Hall Council Chambers, friends and supporters showed videos clips and speakers gave tributes to Krause and shared their feelings about his contribution to music.

In the book “A cappella Street Corner Vocal Groups—A Brief History and Discography,” authors Abe Santiago and Steven J. Dunham said this about the music visionary.

“Krauseâ€s work during the early 60s and 70s solidified R&B a cappella as a valid and legitimate art form,” Santiago and Dunham state in the book. “Although the public, in general, still prefers mainstream music, a number of his groups gained not only regional and national recognition but international as well.”

Beaudaddy.com/stankrause

The post STAN KRAUSE CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN MUSIC first appeared on River View Observer.

By Sally Deering

 He was known as “Dr. Santana” because he always wore white when he entered the ring. Long retired from wrestling, Tony Santana still  dresses in his signature ‘whites†when heâ€s out and about in his Jersey City neighborhood. 

 Born in Puerto Rico, Santana came to Jersey City when he was 13 and went to work at the Eisen Bros. button company in Manhattanâ€s garment district. (Being tall and burly, Santana passed for 18 to get the job.) He worked there 30 years, starting first in delivery and moving his way up to manager.  He work ed at Liz Claiborne in Jersey City and owned his own button company at 111 First Street.  After five years of being his own boss, Santana turned to bartending at Rolonâ€s Keyhole Bar on Bay Street, retiring in 2010.

 During that time, Santana raised 18 children.  He also took an interest in wrestling

 “A friend of mine told me he was going to fight in Hoboken and gave me a free ticket,” Santana says. “I saw his opponent hitting him and I tried to get to the ring but they wouldnâ€t let me near the ring because you have to be a wrestler. So I started wrestling. I trained at the Hoboken Ojola Wrestling Club on 3^rd and Washington Streets.”

 Santana wore white in the ring and his fans nick-named him, “Dr. Santana.” He wrestled fighters who called themselves “Scorpio” and “Dracula” and performed his signature move – the Double Nelson – on them. Santanaâ€s most famous opponent was Andres the Giant, who stood 6â€8” and weighed over 350 pounds.

 “I only had one round with Andres the Giant,” Santana says. “He picked me up, threw me on the mat, the ref counted ‘one, two, three†and I was out.”

 Santanaâ€s last fight was in Hoboken in 1992. He was 45 and by that time, he was beginning to have a personal bout with the bottle. After surviving a stroke two years ago brought on by excessive drinking Santana swore off the stuff for good. He wants to enjoy retirement, he says, and the company of his 14 grandchildren.

 

“I almost died because I had a drinking problem,” Santana says. “I promised my daughter I wasnâ€t going to drink any more.  May 7^th it will be two years.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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