Bayonne News

MAYOR’S CORNER-Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis-A Christmas Story

Cleaning Litter

My fondest memories of the holiday season go back to Thanksgiving nights growing up.  After Thanksgiving dinner at my grandmother’s apartment in Jersey City, my father would drive us back to Bayonne.  My sister and I would always anticipate what would happen after our car made a right onto 29th Street, and then a left onto Broadway.  Suddenly, there it was – the sight of holiday lights and decorations on Broadway.  We would drive down the whole shopping district seeing lights.  In those days, big decorations crossed Broadway from one side of the street to the other.  The anticipation of getting there was a big part of childhood.

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Business Travel, General, Travel

Amtrak Guest Rewards Celebrates Milestone of Eclipsing 20 Million Enrolled Members

Loyalty program success aligns with the growth of ridership and train travel demand

Amtrak Guest Rewards, the loyalty program for America’s Railroad, has reached a historic milestone, welcoming its 20 millionth enrolled member, who alongside fellow members have started earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades, gift cards, and more. This achievement comes as Amtrak Guest Rewards members now make up nearly half of Amtrak’s ridership.

“Reaching 20 million enrolled Amtrak Guest Rewards members is a testament to Amtrak’s commitment to enhancing the customer experience, providing our guests with outstanding value,” said Amtrak Assistant Vice President Loyalty and Customer Engagement Lisa Copeland. “We thank all of our members and look forward to welcoming future members aboard to experience all Amtrak Guest Rewards has to offer.”

The 20 million enrolled Amtrak Guest Rewards members milestone comes on the heels of recent additions and improvements Amtrak has made to its loyalty program, train service, and customer experience, leading to record-breaking ridership of 32.8 million customers in its Fiscal Year 2024. This includes Points & Cash, a major enhancement that allows members to pay for Amtrak travel using a combination of points and cash, the new Borealis service between St. Paul and Chicago, which carried 100,000 customers in less than six months, the reinvention of the Cafe Acela menu, and more, with several new developments and improvements set to come within the next year and beyond.

Joining Amtrak Guest Rewards is free and members can immediately start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel and other redemptions, upon enrollment. Members earn two points per dollar spent on Amtrak travel, plus a 25% point bonus for Business Class travel and a 50% point bonus for Acela First Class travel. Amtrak Guest Rewards members with Tier status receive additional point bonuses on travel, as well as benefits to elevate the customer experience, including upgrades, lounge access, and companion coupons. Members can book reward travel to experience Amtrak Across America for as few as 400 points.

About Amtrak®

Amtrak is seizing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform rail and Retrain Travel. By modernizing, enhancing, and expanding trains, stations, and infrastructure, Amtrak is meeting the rising demand for train travel. Amtrak offers unforgettable experiences to more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada. Learn more at Amtrak.com, download the Amtrak app, connect with us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and join Amtrak Guest Rewards to start earning points toward Amtrak reward travel, upgrades, gift cards, and more.

Bayonne News, General

Bayonne-Mayor’s Corner-Mayor James Davis-Turnpike Bridge Update

Cleaning Litter

          Last week, the City of Bayonne took part in a meeting with Coast Guard and Turnpike officials about the historic impact of the proposed reconstruction of the Turnpike between Exit 14 and Jersey City.  

          The Turnpike Authority proposes replacing the existing Newark Bay Turnpike Extension Bridge with two new bridges with four lanes in each direction.  The reconstruction will also include improved earthquake protection for the new bridges, improvements in the exit/entrance area, and the creation of new stormwater collection systems.  The plan calls for starting construction on the work between Exits 14 and 14A in 2026.  The goal would be to open the new Newark Bay bridges by 2031.

          The existing Newark Bay Bridge is getting worn down.  According to the Turnpike Authority, environmental factors and heavy truck traffic have caused serious damage to the quality of the bridge.  During the meeting, the Turnpike Authority presented photos that demonstrated the effects of wear and tear on the structure. We have to recognize that the bridge is almost seventy years old.  It is not in good enough shape to handle modern traffic volume for very much longer.  Yet another patch job will not solve the bridge’s problems.

          As is required by law, the Turnpike Authority is making serious efforts to protect historic properties and archeological sites along the route of the bridge and the roadway.  While preparing for construction, the Turnpike is working to respect Native American sites, the route of the former Morris Canal, railroad properties, and other historic resources along the way. 

The City of Bayonne has requested to receive some pieces of the bridge’s span that could be displayed here after it is demolished.  That would be a way to preserve some artifacts from the existing bridge while supporting vitally important Turnpike improvements. 

          The City of Bayonne will make additional progress by continuing to work with the Turnpike Authority on this extremely important project.

Jersey City News

Jersey City Fire Department Swears in 23 New Graduates

Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins the City Council and Public Safety Department to announce the swearing-in of 23 new graduates to the Jersey City Fire Department.  In addition to celebrating the newest class of firefighters, the ceremony also included the promotion of 11 distinguished firefighters to leadership positions.

“Promoting 11 of our own who have worked hard to keep our community safe coupled with the graduation of these 23 new firefighters further strengthens our fire department and reinforces Jersey City’s reputation as a leader in public safety,” said Mayor Fulop.  “Our community deserves nothing less than the best, and these new and ranking firefighters exemplify the dedication, discipline, and courage it takes to protect and serve our city.”

“Today’s announcement reflects Jersey City’s commitment to maintaining one of the most well-trained and responsive fire departments in the state,” said Public Safety Director James Shea.  “We have the best and largest fire department in New Jersey, and I have no doubt their extensive training and dedication will help guide our department into the future, ensuring that Jersey City remains at the forefront of fire safety and emergency response.”

“The recruits have successfully completed rigorous training and are prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, from structural fires to medical emergencies.  These new firefighters are the latest recruits to join the department’s ongoing mission to provide the highest level of safety and service to the Jersey City community,” added JCFD Chief Jack Johnson. 

These promotions highlight the department’s ongoing efforts to reward excellence and build a diverse and skilled leadership team:

Deputy Chief:

Jason Kane

Battalion Chief:

Michael Mandriota

Miguel Rios

Joseph Menendez

Greg Fuehrer

Captain:

Anthony Montagne, Sr.

Christopher Pittaro

Jordan Lang

Nicholas Andreula

Herman Ortez

Matthew Finnerty

The Jersey City Fire Department continues its commitment to protecting the lives and property of the community while fostering a culture of excellence, diversity, and leadership development within its ranks.

Education

Hudson County Community College Foundation to Host “Midnight in Paris” 27th Annual Gala

The Hudson County Community College Foundation will hold their 27th Annual Gala fundraiser on Thursday evening, December 5, 2024. The 2024 Distinguished Community Service Awards will be presented to Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society at the event. Pictured here the College’s 2024 PTK inductees with HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber (center).

Fundraiser benefits HCCC students, honors PTK National Honor Society
and HCCC Chapter leader.

The Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Foundation invites business leaders, friends, and residents to its 27th Annual Gala, an enchanting evening of French cuisine and culture and a celebration of distinguished guests.

The “Midnight in Paris” themed event occurs Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the HCCC Culinary Conference Center, 161 Newkirk Street, Jersey City, NJ. Guests will enjoy cabaret music, French-themed rooms, and Parisian food and drink prepared by talented HCCC chef-instructors and culinary students and presented by servers in berets and scarves. Highlights include French 75 cocktails; Moulin Rouge seafood bar; Avenue des Champs-Élysées, Le Chartier, Le Café, Rue de Rivoli, and Louvre Museum kitchens; an Eiffel Tower photo station; and an Andy Warhol “Perrier” screen print and collection of French artists’ works from the Foundation Art Collection.

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Education

Hudson County Community College to Host First-Ever Literacy Forum Featuring Panel Discussions with Experts

Hudson County Community College students enjoy a sharing a book together in the College’s Culinary Arts Park on the Journal Square Campus.

  Literacy is the cornerstone for lifelong learning and success, but New Jersey has fallen behind. Despite being fifth in the United States for adults with bachelor’s degrees or higher, New Jersey has the fifth lowest literacy rate in the nation. According to World Population Review, 17% of Garden State adults lack basic prose literacy skills, and only 42% of third graders met or exceeded reading proficiency standards in 2023.

Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to mandate literacy screenings in grades K-3 beginning next year. He established the Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery to provide online resources and free training that address post-pandemic literacy issues that disproportionately affect multilingual learners, and Black, Latino, and disabled students.To explore this crisis and determine solutions, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) will hold a Literacy Forum on Thursday, November 14, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m. Panels of literacy experts and community leaders will discuss how to improve literacy for better outcomes in primary and secondary education, employment, and other aspects of life. The event will be held at the HCCC Culinary Conference Center, 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City, NJ. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/HCCC-LITFORUM. More information may be obtained by contacting Dolly Bacal at DBacal@hccc.edu.

The panels are:
“Early Childhood Literacy” with Peggy Kaye, author and early childhood education teacher; Sharon Benjamin, HCCC Adjunct Professor, Speech, Composition, and Reading; Dr. M. Jawaad Hussain, Reach Out and Read NJ Co-Medical Director; Mark Hill-Lloyd, Trinity Faith Church in Jersey City; Jackie Anderson, Early Literacy Program Manager, Jersey City Public Library Learning Center; Cherese T. Bracey, author and CEO of Reading Reaps Rewards Early Childhood Enrichment Program; and Amanda Jacobs, Director of Academic Planning and Solutions, Early Learning, Scholastic. The discussion will be moderated by James McGreevey, former New Jersey Governor and Executive Director and Chairman of New Jersey Reentry Corporation.

“Facilitating Language Literacy Success for All, an HCCC Student Panel” will be moderated by Dr. Angela Pack, HCCC Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education, and will include HCCC students Daniel Sherman, Diana Valdez, Vanessa Gil, Cristal Perez, John Acosta, and Marcelo Laboriel.

“Providing foundational reading skills prepares individuals for academic success, college readiness, and economic prosperity,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “We are excited to welcome our panelists and learn about opportunities that help instill reading habits and enable the people of our community to thrive in their academic endeavors and careers.”
#   #   #Caption: Hudson County Community College students enjoy sharing a book in the College’s Culinary Arts Park on the Journal Square Campus.


About Hudson County Community College

Hudson County Community College serves more than 20,000 credit and non-credit students annually. The College offers more than 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 Professions; and Humanities and Social Sciences. The HCCC Culinary/Hospitality Management program was ranked number six in the U.S. by Best Choice Schools. The College’s School of Continuing Education and Workforce Development offers cutting-edge, industry-recognized, stackable credentials in alignment with high-priority workforce needs.

HCCC has partnerships with 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, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award; the “INSIGHT Into Diversity” 2022 and 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award, and 2024 Inspiring Programs in Business and Health Professions Awards. The College received the 2023 Outstanding Member Institution Award from the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). HCCC was a finalist in seven categories of this year’s American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) national “Awards of Excellence” and earned CEO of the Year, Faculty of the Year, and Student Success Awards.  

For the third consecutive year, HCCC was selected as one of 18 community colleges in the United States to be named the “2024 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.” HCCC was one of 22 community colleges in the nation, and the only college in New Jersey, to be recognized by ModernThink LLC and the “Chronicle of Higher Education” as a 2022, 2023, and 2024 “Great College to Work For®.” HCCC is one of two colleges in the United States to be named a Top Ten Finalist in all three program categories for the nationally recognized 2023 Bellwether Awards, and received the 2023 Bellwether Award for the College’s cutting-edge “Hudson Scholars” program, which also won the 2024 Bellwether Legacy Award. 

The College’s exemplary work in advancing student success has been recognized with 2023 “Leader College of Distinction” designation by Achieving the Dream, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community colleges as catalysts for equity and mobility in their communities. HCCC was also presented the Campus Prevention Network Seal of Prevention in 2023 and 2024 for demonstrating leadership in digital prevention programming focused on student safety, well-being, and inclusion.

General

Early Voting in Hudson County Begins this Saturday, October 26th -Here are the locations

Early voting General Election Hudson County Nj

Last year, historic legislation established in-person early voting in New Jersey. This law makes our state even more voter-friendly and strengthens our democracy by expanding opportunities to exercise your right to vote. This new option allows registered voters to cast their ballot in person, using a voting machine, during the designated voting period before Election Day. You can now choose to vote, in person, when it’s most convenient for your schedule.

Every county will offer registered voters this option for the 2024 General Election. They will designate in-person early voting locations open Saturday, October 26, 2024, to Sunday, November 3, 2024 (the in-person early voting period). Hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

*EVC-Bayonne City
BAYONNE CITY HALL , 630 AVENUE C BAYONNE, NJ 07002*EVC-Bayonne City
BAYONNE COMMUNITY MUSEUM, 229 Broadway Bayonne, NJ*EVC-

Guttenburg
GALAXY TOWER MALL , 7000 J.F.K. BOULEVARD EAST GUTTENBERG, NJ 07093*EVC-Hoboken City

HOBOKEN CITY HALL, 94 Washington St Hoboken, NJ 07030*EVC-

Jersey City
BETHUNE CENTER , 140 M.L.K DRIVE JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305*EVC-Jersey City
HANK GALLO COMMUNITY CENTER, 175 LINCOLN ST JERSEY CITY, NJ 07307*EVC-Jersey City
HUDSON COUNTY PLAZA, 257 CORNELISON AVENUE JERSEY CITY, NJ 07302*EVC-Jersey City
JERSEY CITY HALL ANNEX, 4 JACKSON SQUARE, 39 KEARNEY AVENUE JERSEY CITY, NJ 07305*EVC-Jersey City
JERSEY CITY CITY HALL, 280 GROVE ST JERSEY CITY, NJ 07302*EVC-Jersey City
LOYAL ORDER OF MOOSE LODGE 266, 60 W Side Ave Jersey City, NJ 07305*EVC-

Jersey City
PERSHING FIELD COMMUNITY CTR, 816 SUMMIT AVE JERSEY CITY,

NJ 07307*EVC-Kearny Town
KEARNY TOWN HALL, 402 KEARNY AVE KEARNY, NJ 07032*EVC-

Secaucus
SECAUCUS RECREATION CENTER, 1200 KOELLE BOULEVARD SECAUCUS, NJ 07094

*EVC-Union City
MOBILE TRAILER, 34th ST. & NEW YORK AVENUE UNON CITY, NJ 07087*EVC-Union City
MOBILE TRAILER, 3715 PALISADE AVENUE UNION CITY, NJ 07087*EVC-Union City
MOBILE TRAILER, 1601 NEW YORK AVENUE UNION CITY, NJ 07087*EVC-Union City
MOBILE TRAILER , 2601 CENTRAL AVENUE UNION CITY, NJ 07087*EVC-Union City
MOBILE TRAILER, 28th ST. & NEW YORK AVENUE UNION CITY, NJ 07087*EVC-Union City
MOBILE TRAILER , 610 NEW YORK AVENUE UNION CITY, NJ 07087*EVC-Union City
MOBILE TRAILER , 43rd ST. & BERGENLINE AVENUE UNION CITY, NJ 07087*EVC-Union City
MOBILE TRAILER , 47th ST. & PALISADE AVENUE UNION CITY, NJ 07087*EVC-Union City
MOBILE TRAILER , 1001-1003 SUMMIT AVENUE UNION CITY, NJ 07087

*EVC-West New York
MOBILE TRAILER , 111 60th ST. WEST NEW YORK, NJ 07093*EVC-

West New York
KENNEDY TOWERS , 430 62nd ST. WEST NEW YORK, NJ 07093*EVC-West New York
OTIS GARDEN SENIOR BUILDING , 5800 JEFFERSON ST. WEST NEW YORK, NJ 07093*EVC-West New York
MOBILE TRAILER , 52nd ST. BETWEEN PARK & BROADWAY WEST NEW YORK, NJ 07093

*EVC-Weehawken
TOWER PLAZA, 4100 park Ave Weehawken, NJ 07086 (back of parking lot)

For other New Jersey Early Voting sites visit: https://nj.gov/state/elections/vote-early-voting.shtml

art scene, Art Views

Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins the Office of Cultural Affairs and Department of Recreation and Youth Development alongside Jersey City artists and arts community to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the robust Jersey City Youth Mural Arts Program. 

JCYMAP is an extension of the Mural Arts Program (JCMAP) created by Mayor Fulop in 2013 to combat graffiti, engage the community, and beautify the city’s urban landscape into an outdoor art gallery.

To mark the 10-year milestone, a special event will feature the opening of a gallery art exhibition and premiere screening of the short documentary ARTISTS THAT INSPIRE FUTURE GENERATIONS, directed by artist Duda Penteado and produced by Unshakeable Productions. The documentary highlights the incredible work of the 2024 JCYMAP participants and their contributions to this year’s mural project. The celebration will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at JC WALLS, located at 90 Forrest Street, Jersey City, NJ.

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Education

Hudson County Community College Receives 2024Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Health Professions Award

The Hudson County Community College (HCCC) School of Nursing and Health Professions has been recognized with the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Health Professions Award. Pictured here, the HCCC Class of 2024 Nursing Graduates.

HCCC is the only community college in the United States to earn this honor.


Jersey City, NJ –   The Hudson County Community College (HCCC) School of Nursing and Health Professions has been presented with the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Health Professions Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. The award is a national honor recognizing United States colleges and universities offering health programs that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. HCCC is the sole community college in the United States to receive this award.

“Hudson County Community College is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the 70 institutions receiving this award that offer baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “We are keenly aware of the important role our School of Nursing and Health Professions plays in addressing the healthcare workforce shortage by offering courses in a broad range of fields and providing students with the resources and support they need to succeed.”

“The HEED Health Professions Award process includes a comprehensive and rigorous application with questions relating to the recruitment and retention of students and employees — and best practices for both; continued leadership and support for diversity; and other aspects of campus diversity and inclusion,” said Lenore Pearlstein, publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We take a detailed approach to reviewing each application in deciding who will be named a Health Professions HEED Award recipient. Our standards are high, and we look for schools where diversity and inclusion are woven into the work being done every day across their campus.”

Insight Into Diversity magazine selected the HCCC School of Nursing and Health Professions in recognition of the College’s focus on recruiting and retaining traditionally underrepresented and first-generation college students. The College was recognized specifically for the following initiatives and outcomes:

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Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis-Mayor’s Colunm -TIPS FOR PREVENTING LITTER

Cleaning Litter

          Litter is a problem that all cities must address.  There are several ways of dealing with this issue. In Bayonne, we have mechanical street-sweeping to remove litter on scheduled days from several major streets.  Throughout the year, our Urban Enterprise Zone/Special Improvement District has a crew that removes litter from Broadway with tools and barrels on wheels.  The Public Works Department uses the Glutton, a device that picks up litter. In the summer, young seasonal workers remove litter from side streets and other locations.  Now that the fall has arrived, let’s make sure to remove litter before it becomes stuck under autumnal leaves or ice and snow in the coming winter.

          The rest of us are responsible for doing our part to keep Bayonne clean.  All responsible parties should take the time to remove trash and debris from residential, commercial, and industrial properties. 

          Household garbage and recycling can become major sources of litter when they are not handled correctly. In some cases, garbage and recycling come loose and blow around the street.  When you set your refuse at curbside, please make sure it is secure. Residents and businesses are encouraged to put out cans and bottles in tied, plastic recycling bags, in order to prevent them from creating a mess on the street. If you are in charge of garbage and recycling for a large building, please do not allow refuse to overflow and grow around your garbage barrels or dumpsters.  Business owners and building managers should check their dumpsters to make sure that the lids are closed. 

          Anyone who transports cargo in open vehicles should make sure that everything is secured and completely covered.  Loose items that come flying off a car or a truck can pose a hazard to drivers and pedestrians.  The same loose items turn into litter once they land on a street, sidewalk, or nearby property. 

          Please dispose properly of cigar and cigarette butts.  Do not toss them onto the streets or sidewalks of our community.  These butts can take years to degrade. Fish, birds, and other animals often mistake cigarette butts for food. 

          If you receive flyers or leaflets that do not interest you, please add them to your paper recycling.  Do not let them blow around your property or settle on the pavement as rent-free tenants. 

          For several years, we have had successful Earth Day community clean-ups in Bayonne.  There have been additional clean-up drives at other times by the Nature Club, schools, Scout troops, and other organizations.  I commend everyone who has taken part in these efforts to improve the appearance of our community.   I would like to encourage everyone to fight litter in our neighborhoods throughout the year, too.  Let’s take pride in our neighborhoods and in our entire community. 

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