Jersey City Thester Center Continues Voices International Theatre Festival with “Lockdown”

JCTC presents an online staged reading from South African playwright Warren Neb

Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) announces a live-streamed staged reading of “Lockdown” from South African playwright Warren Nebe on Saturday, February 12, at 12:00 p.m. E.T. The play, directed by Jacquelyn de Villiers, continues JCTC’s Voices International Theatre Festival.  “Lockdown” explores the impact of violence on children, their innate relationship to the natural world’s healing powers, and how children’s voices matter. Using layers of South African theatricality and cyclical storytelling, Nebe weaves powerful messages of loss and grief, prejudice and violence, and fear and love.   “Voices International Theatre Festival connects local and global audiences through shared human experiences. Warren’s play is an incredible example of healing through the power of our imagination, stories, and theatre. Navigating trauma and finding faith are universal concepts that resonate with audiences and artists – now more than ever.” The origins of “Lockdown” emerged in the Unga Klara and Drama for Life Writing for Children’s Theatre Workshop that included mentorship for writers. In addition, prominent Swedish playwright, screenwriter, and theater dramaturg Erik Uddenberg mentored Nebe. The Embassy of Sweden (South Africa) and Arts Research Africa, University of the Witwatersrand supported the project. Cast and Crew Playwright: Warren Nebe Director: Jacquelyn de Villiers Stage Direction: Gys de Villiers Cast: Margie Pankhurst as Auntie Maddie (South Africa), Leila Henriques as Mom (South Africa), Tefo Omhile Paya as Taio (Botswana), and Zane Gillion as Anbu (USA). Following “Lockdown,” JCTC will present Deborah Vieyra’s play “The Bluebottles” on Saturday, March 12, and Palesa Mazamisa’s “Lazy Boy” on Saturday, May 14. Both live-streamed performances begin at 12:00 p.m. E.T.  Tickets ($10) are available for purchase at www.jctcenter.org. Accessibility accommodations for all events include closed captioning. In addition, a transcript can be made available in accessible large print or Braille, and sign language interpretation is also available upon request. About Jersey City Theater Center  Founded in 2006, Jersey City Theater Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) arts organization committed to inspiring conversations about important issues of our times through the arts.

Hudson County Community College Establishes ‘Hudson Scholars,’ an Innovative, Developed-to-Scale Student Success Program

Latisha Straker is an HCCC student who is benefiting from the “Hudson Scholars” program.
From left to right: Hudson County Community College’s Gabert Library, North Hudson Campus, STEM Building, and Culinary Arts Institute/Conference Center. 

Using nationally acclaimed program models, ‘Hudson Scholars’
helps increase student retention and completion, scales up services for four times the number
of students enrolled in Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Program.

February 7, 2022, Jersey City, NJ â€“ Hudson County Community College (HCCC) President Dr. Christopher Reber and his colleagues seem to subscribe to the thinking of Robert F. Kennedy and George Bernard Shaw: “Some see things as they are and ask, ‘Why?’ I dream things that never were and ask, ‘Why not?’”

Mayor Fulop Solicits Community Partners for $500k Anti-Violence Program

27TH Annual JCAST

Mayor Fulop and Jersey City Together Target Underlying Contributors of Long-term Community Violence Exacerbated by the Pandemic

Mayor Steven M. Fulop joins Jersey City’s Division of Community Development (DCD) to announcethe launch of a new grant-funded Violence Prevention Program designed to acknowledge, target, and respond to the uptick in violence resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The RFP was designed in conjunction with Jersey City Together.

Jersey City has dedicated $500,000 in the first tranche towards the Violence Prevent Program Request for Proposal (RFP). Eligible organizations can apply for funding to launch this program focusing on helping the City’s youth, adults, and seniors within low- and moderate-income areas as defined by HUD. The RFP is open through February 18, 2022.

“We are committed to driving down crime and violence in our area, and this community-based Violence Prevention Program will leverage our local resources to address the underlying conditions that result in long-term violence,” said Mayor Fulop. “With this program, we want to ensure safer, healthier, and equitable communities by providing at-risk residents with the tools to heal from traumatic experiences, while also providing the support and skills to achieve their short- and long-term life goals.” 

The comprehensive Violence Prevention Program will address structural inequities and invest necessary resources. The new initiative will complement programs implemented in the last year, such as Mental Health First Aid efforts, as part of a comprehensive approach to address domestic violence issues, homeless outreach, violence prevention, and mental health support – all of which have seen stark increases since the onset of COVID-19.

“Jersey City Together fully supports allocating and investing in proven violence prevention strategies for our City. Community-based violence reduction models like these use outreach, connecting individuals to social services and other supports to respond to the problems we face, as a proactive approach to prevent violence from occurring,” said Bill Lillis, a member of Jersey City Together’s strategy team.

The program is shaped by community-based prevention frameworks utilizing intervention methods that are proven effective, including:

·         Community mobilization efforts

·         Youth outreach

·         Public education

·         Leadership involvement

·         Mentorships

·         Trained credible messengers

·         Social services navigation/support

·         Life management action plans

“The program will serve at-risk individuals who experience violence within their community while centering the needs of constituents. This directly aligns with our mission ‘to strengthen Jersey City through fostering strong partnerships and responsibly investing our funding resources in the community,’” said Community Development Division Director Deja Anderson.

The deadline for submitting proposals is Friday, February 18, 2022, at 11:59 pm.  Applicants should be proficient in languages found within Jersey City. The Request for Proposal application can be accessed through the Jersey City website here.

Ashe-Nadrowski Announces $15 Minimum Wage Proposal for Bayonne Municipal Employees


Move supported by Bayonne Second Ward Councilman Sal Gullace

(BAYONNE) 一 Following up on her previous calls for action, current Council President and mayoral candidate Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski announced her support for an immediate minimum wage increase for Bayonne municipal employees to $15 per hour.
“A $15 minimum wage for Bayonne City employees is a step in the right direction not only for our employees, but for our local economy,” said Council President and Mayoral Candidate Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski. “City employees don’t just work in Bayonne, they live here, spend their money here and raise their families here. An investment in them is an investment in the success of our whole community.”

The Statewide minimum wage in New Jersey is currently $13 per hour for most private and public sector employees. Studies show that reasonable increases to minimum hourly wages increase living standards, employee morale and consumer spending particularly at small businesses. A 2019 New Jersey state law has these employees on a track to reach a $15 minimum wage by 2024 – a timeline that does not match the needs of Bayonne, according to Ashe-Nadrowski.

“Two years is too long for our working families, and too long for our local business community,” said Council President and Mayoral Candidate Sharon Ashe-Nadrowski. “While my calls for this move were met with resistance by the City Administration in the past, I hope we can come together, assist those in need and set an example for what can be done by public employers across the state without a direct cost to taxpayers.”

Joining in support of Ashe-Nadrowski’s proposal is current Second Ward Councilman Sal Gullace. “Our City employees work hard and their morale is important,” Gullance stated. “They’re part of our team as a City and it’s time that they earn a living wage.”

Ashe-Nadrowski plans to introduce a Resolution raising the Bayonne City government minimum wage to $15 at the next Bayonne City Council Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 16, 2022

One of Hudson County’s Favorite Author Does It Again

by Diane Lombardi-Fleming

February 22nd will mark the release of Jon D’Amore’s sixth book, “Me & George.” The Hudson County native once again exhibits his unique and varied style with this new tome. Me & George is a funny, entertaining and informative story that, like his previous five books, does not follow a similar genre, proving the versatility of the author. In addition, and perhaps best of all, it unfolds in New Jersey along the Hudson River, captivating the reader with its familiarity.

          D’Amore first had the idea for Me & George while attending Union City’s Washington Elementary School. He recognized that the name of one of our Founding Fathers appeared over and over throughout the New York/New Jersey region. Memorials to George Washington abounded; The George Washington Bridge, Washington Square Park, Washington Heights, the three Washington Townships in New Jersey, numerous Washington Streets, Avenues and Boulevards, and signs detailing ‘Washington’s Retreat,’ to name a few. And, as D’Amore pointed out, “Let’s not forget the quarter and the one-dollar bill.”

          The myriad of tributes to George Washington made Jon wonder, “What would the first president of America say if he were to see what became of the thirteen colonies and the government he helped create?”

          In an exclusive interview with the River View Observer, D’Amore said, “I kept the idea for this story locked inside my memory from elementary school, through high school and into college, where I used the library for some early research and to use their IBM Selectric typewriters to write the first few chapters. I had to return to life as a touring and session musician, so those pages went into the bottom of the proverbial drawer for several years. When I entered the corporate world in the late 1980s, I found writing the story to be a relaxing way to pass the time while flying about the country and living in hotels. But it remained unfinished and found its way back into the drawer.”

          Leaving New Jersey in 1999, D’Amore relocated to Hollywood, California to dedicate himself solely to writing. There, he penned the manuscript for what would become his first book, “The Boss Always Sits In The Back – A Memoir,” which, along with the early unfinished chapters of Me & George, had been saved for many years in a Word program. When the manuscript for The Boss was finally completed, the author turned it into a screenplay. His talents were recognized for his editing and formatting ability which landed him a job as a Script Doctor for the next decade, until 2012 when he self-published The Boss.

          D’Amore went on to say, “With the success of The Boss, especially in New Jersey and New York, I decided to continue doing what I’ve always enjoyed, which is writing books, live appearances and entertaining audiences. Being self-published is always a risk, but based on the success of my first five books, I made the right decision.”

          Between 2012 and 2020, D’Amore released The Boss, Deadfellas, The Delivery Man, As Long As I Have Lips and Rubdown, each story totally different and unrelated in genres. In early 2021, he decided to open the Me & George file and finish the story he had been pondering for four decades.

          D’Amore laughed as he recounted, “Each revision of the manuscript needed to include the newest and latest technology. When I started writing Me & George, there were only land lines and payphones. Even answering machines were rare back then. Later, I added pagers and fax machines, and then early cell phones. Now, I brought in the latest technology, texting, video conferencing, Bluetooth technology that allows cellphones to be connected to our car, and household appliances that take commands and speak.”

          Early previews of Me & George predict it to be another bestseller. Since the pandemic is still not allowing for easy travel, book readings will be via Zoom. Book orders and Discounted Combo Packs are available at www.jondamore.com. The schedule for the Zoom readings will be announced on Jon’s Facebook page, The Books of Jon D’Amore, where you can follow the author, and request to be added to his email list for special events.

          The author ended the interview saying, “Writing Me & George was the most fun of any of my books to date, but typing ‘The End’ at its completion brought me even more pleasure than expected. Forty years is a long time to hold a story inside and seeing it to fruition. Finally sharing it with the world was cause for celebration.”

Bayonne Memorial Day Parade to Return in 2022

The City of Bayonne, in conjunction with the Bayonne Memorial Day Parade Committee, is excited for the return of the Bayonne Memorial Day Parade, on Monday, May 30, 2022.

The parade has been a Bayonne tradition since 1918, and this tradition can only continue with the participation of all patriotic citizens.

The parade will assemble at 9:00 a.m. on East 5th Street between Broadway and Isabella Avenue, and will commence at 10:00 a.m. There will be a brief ceremony at the start of the parade to honor our deceased Veterans and to place a wreath at the World War I Memorial. The parade will proceed north along Broadway and will then pass a reviewing stand setup in front of American Legion Post 19 and will end on 32nd Street and Broadway.

If organizations or groups are interested in participating in the parade, please email BAYONNEMEMORIALDAYPARADE@BAYNJ.ORG, with organization/group name, contact person and contact phone number, no later than Thursday, March 17, 2022.

For further information, please contact Pete Amadeo at 201-858-6129 or email BAYONNEMEMORIALDAYPARADE@BAYNJ.ORG.

Covid-19 in Bayonne? important information you should know

Being vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness, hospitalization, or death in the event you contract the Coronavirus.  There are 30 Bayonne residents currently admitted to Bayonne Medical Center with Covid-19.

How Can I be Vaccinated?

Anyone over the age of 5 (Pfizer) or 18 (Moderna, J&J) is now eligible to be vaccinated.  Please go to the Korpi Ice Rink (behind BHS) to receive your vaccine. Moderna will be given on Mondays (9am-4pm) and Wednesdays (11am-7pm) for adults over 18.  Pfizer will be given on Tuesdays (9am – 5pm) and Thursdays (11am -7pm) for anyone over the age of 5. First, Second, Third/Booster shots are available to all on these days. No appointment is needed.

Covid-19 Testing?

The City of Bayonne is offering PCR testing at the Bayonne Museum at 229 Broadway.  This testing will be done on Tuesdays (11am – 7pm), Thursdays (11am – 7pm) and Sundays (9am – 3pm).  You must schedule an appointment by going to: https://www.solvhealth.com/book-online/0rwaOA

We are also performing RAPID Testing at the Mt. Carmel Parish Center 9am to 5pm.   Rapid Testing is here Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm daily.  Beginning Monday 1/24, testing will move to the Masonic Lodge 888 Ave C.  You must schedule an appointment by calling 201-537-4818 or by going to: https://www.bespokehealthco.com/schedule-testing-appointment

RAPID TEST POSITIVITY RATE THIS WEEK – 8.1%

RAPID TEST POSITIVITY RATE LAST WEEK – 10.75%

way to go staffing bayonne NEWEST LOCATION ribbon cutting

Photo Source: Bayonne Mayor Davis

Way to Go Staffing has been doing business for the last six years in the city of Bayonne, on Saturday, January 9th the opening of their new office location at 725 Broadway Bayonne became official with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony attended by Bayonne Mayor James Davis, and members of the Bayonne Municipal Council and Way to Go Staff.

Way to Go Staffing meets the needs of venues/banquet halls lacking in proper staffing, and/or find hassle in assigning shifts for events

Way To Go Staffing is a premium wait staff and bartending agency that provides professional service. Their servers are well-trained and knowledgeable in the various aspects that go into providing world class service at any event.

Way to go Staffing hires people with strong resumes and recommendations. Their r staff follows a strict set of principles that ensures world-class service.-

Way To Go Staffing sends staff captains; qualified, to oversee that all tasks are executed in a timely efficient manner and to enforce our principal set of rules. This differentiates them from other agencies who do not take the time to select only the highly qualified employees and assign appropriate staff captains.

Way to Go Staffing

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