General

Alexandra Hulsman, Girl Scout Troop 12052, Bayonne, TCNJ, Receives Scholarship

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Awards More Than $18,000 in Scholarships to Local Girl Scouts Through the William and Ida M.Kiefer Trust

Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey (GSHNJ) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 William and Ida M. Kiefer Trust Scholarships—awarded to Girl Scouts from Essex and Hudson counties pursuing post-high school education. This year, a total of $18,426 was distributed among ten outstanding applicants, with individual scholarship amounts ranging from $250 to $3,757.

The Kiefer Trust provides annual scholarships for “deserving students in Essex and Hudson counties wishing to further their post-high school education,” whether at a trade school, two-year college, or four-year university. Awards were given to applicants who demonstrated the strongest combination of academic achievement, community service, Girl Scout involvement, extracurricular participation, and financial need.

2025 Kiefer Scholarship Recipients:

  • Alexandra Hulsman, Troop 12052, Bayonne, TCNJ
  • Grace Stewart, Troop 20194, Roseland, University of Pittsburgh
  • Tasiyah Stone-Bey, Troop 21246, East Orange, Rutgers University–Newark
  • Luciana Musano, Troop 20194, Roseland, Seton Hall University
  • Gabrielle White, Troop 20874, Maplewood, Spelman College
  • Sofia Maatos, Troop 10648, Kearny, University of California – Los Angeles
  • Vanessa Costa, Troop 12771, Kearny – Fairleigh Dickinson University
  • Isabella Fernandes-Santinho, Troop 10648, Kearny, Smith College
  • Alanya Friedman, Troop 20514, Maplewood, Virginia Tech
  • Ava Lawdanski, Troop 10648, Kearny, Seton Hall University
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Education

Hudson County Community College Graduates 11 Solar Installation Students 

Hudson County Community College (HCCC) recently celebrated eleven students who completed Solar Installation Training. Pictured here, front row, from left: Dimension Energy Origination Associate Elena Mannion; HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber; HCCC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Continuing Education and Workforce Development Lori Margolin; graduates Jimmy Harris, Ari McPherson, Charles Cooper and Willie Brown; New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) Executive Director and Chair James McGreevey; HCCC Apprenticeship Coordinator Albert Williams.

The new program illustrates how the College’s public-private partnerships 
prepare the workforce with sustainable careers for the future.

 
Recently, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) celebrated 11 students who completed Solar Installation Training offered by the College in partnership with Dimension Energy, a national community solar developer, owner, and operator. HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber, HCCC Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Continuing Education and Workforce Development Lori Margolin, Dimension Energy Origination Associate Elana Mannion, New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) Executive Director and Chairman James McGreevey, and others congratulated graduates at the ceremony.
 
Solar energy is a renewable, clean, and low-maintenance energy source that helps reduce environmental pollution and electric bills. In recent years, solar energy has become more than an alternative source of power; it is steadily developing into one of the world’s primary energy sources. 
 
As demand for solar energy grows, the industry is actively recruiting individuals trained to install solar panels, which have become more affordable. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 24% job growth for solar photovoltaic installers, much higher than the growth in many other industries, and the solar energy industry is expected to continue growing worldwide.
 
HCCC’s intensive, seven-week offering was taught at the Governor’s Reentry Training and Employment Center in Kearny. The course was taught collaboratively by skilled professionals from HCCC and Solar One, with employers and construction trade unions invited to participate. Training included Hands-on Solar Installation classes, plus Introduction to Construction, Work Readiness Skills, and four certifications — OSHA-10, Basic Life Support (BLS), Green Construction, and Photovoltaic Installer.
 
A key component of this workforce development program was connecting students to apprenticeships and job opportunities. Students networked with Dimension Energy, Procurement, Employer, and Trade Union partners. One student attained employment before the program ended.
 
“This clean energy training program is an outstanding example of a public-private partnership and investment,” Dr. Reber stated. “Tuition was provided by HCCC from the Metallica Band’s All Within My Hands Foundation; students’ stipends and networking opportunities came from Dimension Energy; HCCC and Solar One provided training; hands-on solar installation training with Solar One was delivered with funding support from the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative; HCCC provided a Student Success Coach; and New Jersey Reentry Corporation supplied the training venue.”
 
“Hudson County Community College is a great workforce development partner because they understand the importance of each step in the process,” said Bryan Bentrott, Vice President of Origination for Dimension. “From LinkedIn tutorials to employer networking to post-course follow-ups with each student, their team is making sure every student has a clear path to a full-time job. We are excited to see some of these graduates join Dimension projects shortly.” 

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Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Mayor’s Corner -Bayonne Mayor James Davis -A Great Summer Activity

Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis Mayor's Corner

          Summer 2025 has been a highly active season for the Bayonne Recreation Division.  Our various summer camps and programs had a combined registration of 2,095.  Bayonne kids took part in more than 50 programs and camps, which covered everything from sports and other physical activities to vocational skills.

          The Bayonne Recreation Division’s summer camps and programs included: the Special Needs Walking Club; Project Coin Camp (financial literacy); Youth Triathlon; Silent Disco; Summer Theatre for Everyone: Special Needs Camp; Special Needs Open Swim; several sessions of Swim Lessons for Grades 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 to 8; Special Needs Sports Camp; Special Needs Swim Lessons; Introduction to Content Creation: Social Media, Marketing, and Public Relations; Welding Camp (Introductory); Buddy Baseball; 16th Street Day Camp; Mary J. Donohoe School Day Camp; Washington School Day Camp; Robinson School Day Camp; Ultimate Sports Camp; Pre-K 4 Arts and Crafts Camp; six Skateboard Camps; four Culinary Camps; two Carpentry Camps; two Fashion Design Camps; Automotive and Mechanic Camp; two Intermediate Chess Camps; and two Grassroots Basketball Shooting Camps.

          On behalf of the City of Bayonne, I would like to thank Recreation Superintendent Pete Amadeo, the staff of the Recreation Division, and our camp directors and seasonal employees for offering such an outstanding range of activities in Summer 2025.  The City of Bayonne is proud to offer a great mixture of activities, so that our young residents can find something fun and positive to do before school starts again in September. 

We look forward to more great programs from the Recreation Division in future summers and throughout the year. 

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com, Live Music in Bayonne, Live On Stage

Arena-Relive the Rock at Bayonne Summer Sounds by the Bay, August 6, 2025

ARENA Relive The Rock is The Hottest Arena Rock Tribute – Music Experience. Relive the songs that filled arenas. Capturing the big sound and power of some of the Greatest Rock Bands of our time. Boston, Journey, Kansas, Heart, Pat Benatar, AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, Aerosmith, Rush, Foreigner – just to name a few.

Jersey City News

Primark Strengthens Tri-State Area Presence with New Store at Newport Centre in Jersey City

Global fashion favorite opens fourth store in the Garden State on August 14, bringing trend-forward looks at prices shoppers will love

Primark, the international retailer offering quality fashion at value prices, announced today the upcoming grand opening of its latest store in New Jersey, located at Newport Centre in Jersey City. This marks the fourth store in the state, as Primark continues to expand in the Northeast area ahead of its highly anticipated Manhattan opening in 2026.

Spanning more than 35,700 square feet, the new Primark store will bring Jersey City shoppers an exciting selection of on-trend fashion, everyday essentials, stylish homeware, and beauty favorites, all at Primark’s famously low prices. With unbeatable value on the looks they love, customers will quickly discover why families across the US are embracing Primark’s unique blend of style, quality, and affordability.

“Primark opened its first store in New Jersey in June 2016 and since that time we’ve learned so much about this shopper and their love of our amazing products at amazing prices,” said Kevin Tulip, President of Primark US. “We are so excited to bring ‘Primania’ to Jersey City with the opening of our Newport Centre store, offering incredible value and style for even more families and fashion lovers across the Northeast.”

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Live On Stage, Local Live Theater

Former Jersey City Resident Leah Guy Debuts One-Woman Show Off Broadway in October-The Light Night of the Soul

Light Night of the Soul is a riveting story based on the true-life experience of a spiritual teacher, author, and professional “Guiding Light” who has life figured out until she buys a 200-year-old house in the woods that comes with leaky pipes, an overgrown garden, and an angry ghost that was terrorizing her night after night.

Taking place during the pandemic lockdown, she is forced to battle spirits and confront traumatic memories of her past: a sexual assault, a murder in the family, and overwhelming anxiety that kept her from truly living, and certainly not living the dreams in her heart.

One thing Leah has realized through her work and this harrowing experience: “Houses aren’t haunted, people are.”

The captivating story is one of restoration and redemption – of home and spirit – and takes you into the depths of some of life’s most challenging moments, then guides you back to safety, hope and freedom. It is an intimate, funny, and scarily true one-woman journey – helping us all learn to trust the darkness.

Off-Broadway United Solo Festival in NYC

Saturday, Oct 18, 7pm

Theater Row

410 w 42nd St

NY, NY

TIX HERE

Artist: Leah Guy
Writer: Leah Guy
Director: Hamutal Posklinsky
Projection Designer: Marilys Ernst

SHOW TRAILER
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ind-9yL6BA

SHOW PAGE
leahguy.com/one-woman-show



SOCIALS
instagram.com/leahthemodernsage
facebook.com/leahthemodernsage

Jersey City News

Jersey City Animal Shelter Proves City-Run Model is a Game-Changer

Fulop Administration Celebrates Milestone Achievements of In-House Animal Care and Control Services

 Mayor Steven M. Fulop and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are proud to announce that since transitioning to a municipally operated Animal Care and Control, the full-service animal shelter continues to meet and exceed the administration’s initial goals of ensuring humane treatment and enforcement for all animals in need with a high-performing shelter that is already receiving national recognition for its achievements.

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Jersey City News

JERSEY CITY FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY PARTNERS WITH LIBERTY STATE PARK TO LAUNCH YEARLONG CELEBRATION OF THE PARK’S 50TH

Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is honored to partner with Liberty State Park (LSP) as we begin a yearlong celebration leading up to the park’s 50th anniversary in June 2026. Like JCFPL, Liberty State Park is a beloved public institution where Jersey City residents can come together in a Welcoming Space, free of charge. At a time when truly public spaces are becoming increasingly rare, it’s more important than ever to support and uplift institutions like Liberty State Park and the Jersey City Free Public Library.

Jersey City Free Public Library Director Terry B. Hill reflects on the partnership, “Liberty State Park has been a pillar of history, nature, and public spaces in Jersey City for half a century. The Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to partner in commemorating this milestone and to continue creating meaningful experiences that connect our community to both places and opportunities. As accessible public spaces diminish, preserving and celebrating them is more vital than ever.”

One key connection between the Jersey City Free Public Library and Liberty State Park is their shared history with renowned local historian and author J. Owen Grundy. A Jersey City native, Grundy served as the city’s Official Historian from 1965 until he died in 1985, dedicating his life to historical and environmental preservation. He worked closely with Audrey Zapp, Theodore Conrad, and Morris Pesin in the movement to establish and protect Liberty State Park.

Grundy was also a frequent patron of the Jersey City Free Public Library, conducting much of his research at what is now the Priscilla Gardner Main Library. He played a central role in the development of the Jersey City Museum, which was originally housed on the library’s fourth floor, and was instrumental in laying the foundation for the New Jersey Room—JCFPL’s dedicated local history department that continues to serve the public today.

To commemorate Liberty State Park’s 50th Anniversary, JCFPL is releasing three limited-edition library cards featuring photos highlighting the iconic park’s beauty. One card features a picture of the U.S. Flag Plaza with eight American flags flowing in the wind and the Statue of Liberty in the backdrop. Another card features a stunning photo of the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal. Lastly, the third card showcases the beautiful marshland at Caven Point. Each limited-edition card highlights what makes Liberty State Park so beautiful and unique.

Chris Ford, Superintendent of Liberty State Park, shared his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Jersey City Free Public Library and the launch of the special edition library cards, “Liberty State Park is excited to see these special edition library cards launched in collaboration with the Jersey City Free Public Library and Sam Pesin! The images on the cards are snapshots of iconic scenes of Liberty State Park that capture important elements of our historical and environmental significance. Residents of Jersey City and beyond have family stories that intersect with this park’s history.” He continues, “In many ways, LSP and JCFPL share similar missions – to serve our communities, be free spaces that provide relaxation and knowledge, and inspire a sense of charged responsibility for the continued improvement of our shared cultural, historical, and environmental resources. As Liberty State Park celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, we acknowledge the tireless efforts of hundreds of past and present people who have fought to make this park what it is today. Thank you to JCFPL for the opportunity to connect with the community this way!”

Sam Pesin, president of the Friends of Liberty State Park and the son of Morris Pesin, the “father” of the park, praised the JCFPL’s exciting project of creating three new library cards, “Thank you to Maro Twal, the JCFPL Communications and Marketing Manager, for initiating this project, and to both her and Library Director Terry Hill for collaborating with the Friends and Tereza Marshyti, a LSP Resource Interpretive Specialist, to kick off the one-year countdown to the park’s 50th birthday on June 14, 2026! As someone who grew up using the Earl Morgan Branch in Greenville, I encouraged everyone to get a Liberty State Park library card and take advantage of the library’s wide range of great services and programs for all ages.”

The Jersey City Free Public Library is proud to partner with Liberty State Park in celebrating its 50th anniversary—a milestone honoring decades of community, conservation, and civic pride. As institutions rooted in public service and lifelong learning, we are committed to preserving local history, fostering public engagement, and celebrating the legacy of those who helped shape our city. We look forward to honoring the park’s past and inspiring its future. About Jersey City Free Public Library The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The library meets the community’s needs by providing a wide array of programming and resources and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for over 120 years.
About Jersey City Free Public Library
The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The Library meets the needs of the community by providing a wide array of programming and resources, and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for more than 120 years.

Events

Hoboken Police Department invites the community to 2025 National Night Out celebrations  

The Hoboken Police Department welcomes residents, families, and visitors to join the 2025 National Night Out celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 5, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Church Square Park.  

National Night Out is a nationwide initiative that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood solidarity. In Hoboken, the free event is co-sponsored by the Hoboken Police Department and the Stevens Institute of Technology Police Department. It brings together members of law enforcement and public safety, city residents, businesses and community leaders with family-friendly activities, games, entertainment, food, and fun.

“We look forward to National Night Out every year, to connect with our community, promote crime and drug awareness and prevention, strengthen relationships, and send a message that Hoboken is united in the fight against crime,” said Police Chief Steven Aguiar. “I encourage all to come out to meet our team, learn a little more about what we do, and have a blast.”  

Representatives from a wide range of public safety and emergency response agencies will also be on hand, including the Hoboken Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, Hoboken EMS and Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), NJ Transit Police, Port Authority Police, Hudson County Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s Offices, and others.  

Attendees can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities and demonstrations, including:

  • Children’s activities include a bounce house, water slide, sand art and an obstacle course  
  • A “jaws of life” demonstration by the Hoboken Fire Department  
  • Complimentary food including shaved ice, hot dogs, frozen hot cocoa, and donuts  
  • Music and entertainment  
  • A 360-degree photo booth  

There will also be a sensory-friendly comfort and cooling zone, where families can take a break from the fun if needed. Local organizations and small businesses will also be present, offering giveaways, resources, and community information.  

For more information about National Night Out and see video highlights from 2023, head to: https://hobokenpdnj.gov/hoboken-national-night-out-2023-video-highlights/.

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