Hudson County actress Tammy Blanchard was nominated on April 21, 2020 for a Drama Desk Award for her performance as Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.
Blanchard has received many excellent reviews for her portrayl of Audrey since the official opening in October 2019.
The Drama Desk Awards were begun in 1955. The members of the Drama Desk are almost all theater critics and journalists. The Drama Desk Awards are the only awards that consider Broadway, Off-Broadway, and Off-off-Broadway shows together in the same competitive categories.
According to Wikipedia- An Off-Broadway reviva of Little Shop of Horrors at the Westside Theatre began previews on September 17, 2019, with an official opening on October 17, 2019. The cast starred Jonathan Groff as Seymour (Gideon Glick replaced him from November 5–17 and from January 21 to March 11, 2020), Tammy Blanchard as Audrey, Christian Borle as Orin and Tom Alan Robbins as Mr. Mushnik. Michael Mayer directs with choreography by Ellenore Scott. The lighting designer is Bradley King.[44][45]
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS suspended all performances on March 11, 2020 through June 7, 2020 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic
JERSEY CITY –Mayor Steven M. Fulop announces today he
will propose at the next council meeting the withdrawal of the Arts Referendum
planned for the November ballot to allow voters to decide on the establishment
of an Arts and Culture Trust Fund. The proposal to implement the special
levy was announced in February,
following years of working alongside local arts organizations to lobby state
legislators to implement the mechanisms that would allow for long-term arts
funding.
“We were the first to put out an actionable plan supporting
sustainable funding to benefit our burgeoning arts industry and our
residents, but the world is changed today and we want to minimize the impact on
our taxpayers as much as possible,†said Mayor Fulop. “There
is a lot of uncertainty between now and November, so we want to do the
responsible thing and start making the tough decisions now so that we can
better plan as we come to realize the full magnitude of the pandemic’s economic
impacts.”
Freeze
applies to this year’s Summer and Fall semester sessions
and 2021 Winter, Spring and First Summer sessions.
April 21, 2020, Jersey City, NJ –Hudson
County Community College (HCCC) President
Dr. Chris Reber announced that the College’s Board of Trustees unanimously
voted to maintain the current cost of tuition and fees for the 2021 fiscal year
with no increases.
“Our
students are experiencing significant economic pressure as a result of the COVID-19
pandemic. All of us at HCCC are dedicated to doing everything we can to ensure
their health and safety, and to assist them in realizing their academic goals,â€
stated HCCC Board Chair William J. Netchert, Esq.
First Phase of Program Targets Local Small Businesses; City will Match NJEDA Grants, Doubling Financial Assistance for Local Small Businesses Amid Crisis
JERSEY CITY – Following Mayor Steven Fulop’s announcement that he will introduce an ordinance with the Jersey City Municipal Council to freeze rent increases within rent controlled buildings, Mayor Fulop is unveiling a program of local grants to support small businesses that are facing financial hardships due to the current Covid-19 crisis.
The small business grant program will entail the City of Jersey City matching 100% of any state grants awarded to Jersey City applicants of the NJ Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Small Business Emergency Assistance Grant Program, which goes live from Friday, April 3rd to April 10th. The local Jersey City program will be administered through the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation (JCEDC), a 501c3 nonprofit.
“We’ve been working to stay ahead of the curve by anticipating our residents’ and business owners’ needs to survive this pandemic not only from a health standpoint, but also economically which could further devastate our community,†said Mayor Fulop. “We decided to structure local programs that fully complement the state and federal program so that our local businesses can get a much needed advantage. We are achieving that here with short term grants up to $10,000 per business.â€
The Administration will use available CDBG funds to match the $1,000 to $5,000 in state funding being made available to small businesses and nonprofits with a physical storefront.
“As a city, we believe in small businesses and their contribution to the economy, which is why providing a matching grant program is essential,†said Council President Joyce Watterman. “Small businesses are the backbone of our city, and are among those who need financial help the most right now. This financial boost will really help businesses get back on their feet.â€
The JCEDC is already working with local community partners to highlight this opportunity for small businesses and nonprofits, which is the latest step towards providing financial relief to those who need it most during this crisis.
“The money we match will be used to help with payroll and provide working capital with the goal of retaining employees,†said Vivian Brady-Phillips, Vice Chair of the JCEDC. “The business owner must certify as to the COVID-19 related need for financial support and be committed to retaining employees. This is key for both businesses and the workers who also live in our community.â€
The application for the NJEDA Small Business Grant program will be available on https://cv.business.nj.gov beginning at 9 a.m. tomorrow.
The pandemic we are facing has brought challenges to nearly every aspect of our community. We continue to see the number of positive cases rise. As of today, April 2nd, we have 902 cases and 26 fatalities – both of which are the highest in New Jersey. Our thoughts continue to be with those families that are dealing firsthand with someone that has the virus or a family member that has been lost due to the virus.
You should know that as a City, we are focused very much on the here and now with regards to making sure people are safe – that is our number one priority – but we must also plan for tomorrow, for how our Jersey City community will recover months from now. While we continue to stay home and continue to practice social distancing, we know that many of the small businesses that are the fabric of our community are suffering. From closing their doors indefinitely to having the lay off staff, we know that they have already made challenging business decisions, with a long road ahead. We are now seeing some relief programs in place at the federal and state levels for small businesses. I know for many this will not be enough and for that reason, we are launching some local initiatives to help small businesses and their employees. For those businesses in Jersey City that use the state grant program, we will match at the local level every dollar of the state grant they receive to enhance the help for our small businesses. We will literally double the grant you receive from the state and all you have to do is apply. Our goal with local programs like this is to think strategically on how we can leverage existing programs at the state or federal level and enhance them so that Jersey City businesses gain an advantage. With this program we are launching tomorrow, small businesses and nonprofits with a storefront can receive up to $10,000 as a grant.
I know these times are tough, but you should know that we will continue to work at the local level to confront the challenges together and we will get through this.
March 16, 2020 As Mayor, I am charged with looking out for the safety and well-being of all the residents of this city. The Coronavirus has been declared a worldwide pandemic, the President has declared a national emergency and we have declared a State of Emergency in Bayonne to help stop the spread of this virus.
As more and more people in neighboring towns are contracting this illness, my goal is to ensure we are all doing what we can to inhibit its spread within our community. A few weeks ago, I created the COVID-19 Task Force, which is made up of numerous professionals across various disciplines to ensure our preparedness posture and ability to react if/when this virus presents in Bayonne.
Every resident of Bayonne needs to use a common-sense approach to this health crisis. Please practice safe hygiene by washing your hands often, cough/sneeze into your sleeve, avoid touching your face and avoid touching other people. I am asking that everyone practice a high level of social distancing during this time. A void going out, as much as possible, to reduce the amount of person to person contact. The schools, are closed BUT the learning has not stopped. Parents should ensure that all students are completing their assignments and limiting their time outdoors. Effective immediately, I have ordered the Mayor’s office to remain open 24 hours a day and we have installed two hotlines for our residents to use in connection with Coronavirus issues. The Senior COVID-19 Hotline is 201-858-6105, the General COVID-19 Hotline is 201- 858-6705. Both of these are for Bayonne residents who need assistance with questions related to this emergency.
The Governor of the State of New Jersey has mandated the following effective 8pm tonight:
• All bars and restaurants are to be closed for in-house seating. They can be open for takeÂout and delivery only. Waivers will be granted for take-out alcohol • All gyms/health spas, movie theaters, and casinos are to be closed • All recreational and social gatherings will be limited to no more than 50 people
The Bayonne Office of Emergency Management has issued several directives to take effect immediately and these directives will remain in place until further notice. These directives include:
All retail commercial establishments in Bayonne will be limited to no more than 25 patrons at any time, this includes shops, salons, department stores, etc, not covered by the Governor’s Directive. THIS DIRECTIVE DOES NOT INCLUDE SUPERMARKETS AND PHARMACIES.
• All Day-Care/Child-Care facilities are to be closed. • The Bayonne Public Library is to be closed. • ALL municipal playgrounds are to be closed. • All social clubs, religious houses of worship, and non-profit organizations are to be closed for any gathering.
I am aware that these measures may seem drastic, but I have a commitment to each citizen of this city to ensure that we do everything in our power to protect the health and well-being of everybody. These directives have been put in place to help stop the transmission of this illness. In order for all of these initiatives to work, I am asking that every resident abide by these initiatives.
Our city is strong. Bayonne has endured numerous difficult times over our history and I am certain we will get through this emergency TOGETHER. Please continue to follow my
Face book page and Twitter feed as well as the feeds of OEM and City of Bayonne. Please sign up for the Swift91 l Notification System in order to receive important messages from the city related to this emergency. You can sign up by going to the city website at www.bayonnenj.org and clicking the Swift911 Banner, or by downloading the Swift911 Public App to your mobile device. God Bless our beautiful city and each and every one of you.
JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven M. Fulop declared a state of emergency today due to the threat of spreading the deadly Covid-19 (coronavirus), closing most commercial businesses except food providers and trimming down the government workforce to minimal staffing levels.
In an Executive Orders signed just before noon, Mayor Fulop declared the emergency a week after Jersey City took the national lead in mandating preventive measures to combat the spread of the pandemic Coronavirus by evoking a curfew on liquor establishments and requiring businesses with more than 25 persons keep records that identified each patron.
Informaiton as per Senator Bob Menendez office… As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread globally and here in the United States, New Jersey tragically reported its first death due to the virus this week. The growing number of cases led the World Health Organization to officially declare COVID-19 a pandemic.While COVID-19 poses the greatest risk to older people and those with underlying health conditions, we share a responsibility as members of a community to take precautions and help prevent the spread of the virus.Â
These preventative actions can help you protect yourself and protect others:Wash your hands often with soap and water. If unavailable, use hand-sanitizer.Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed handsAvoid close contact with people who are sickCover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezingStay home if you are sick and avoid contact with othersFor more prevention information, click here .For what to do if you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected, click here .
Governor Murphy has set up a 24-hour hotline where trained healthcare professionals are standing by to answer questions about coronavirus. The number is 1-800-222-1222 and the call is free. If using an out-of-state phone line, call 1-800-962-1253.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set up this page to track current cases in the United States. And I’ve created this page on my website with what you need to know about coronavirus and links to the best sources.I am doing everything I can in New Jersey and Washington to protect Americans from the coronavirus outbreak. To stay up to date, you can follow me on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .
 March 13, 2020, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) President Christopher M. Reber issued the following statement today:  I write today with the latest update on the additional steps we are taking to address the unprecedented challenges of Coronavirus (COVID-19). There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at HCCC. Our primary goals are fulfilling our teaching and learning missions while ensuring the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  To help us achieve these goals under demanding conditions, we are announcing the following next steps.  Spring Break will begin one week early for all students. Spring Break will begin next Monday March 16 and end Sunday, March 29. During this time, the College will complete planning to migrate all classroom instruction to virtual instruction beginning Monday, March 30 through at least Monday, April 6, and possibly longer depending upon changing circumstances.Prior to Monday, March 30, all students will receive correspondence from their faculty on how to be prepared for the first online class sessions. Faculty with specific questions will receive guidance from their associate deans. Staff should not hesitate to contact their immediate supervisors with questions or suggestions. Faculty and academic leaders will plan for making up the extra week of missed classes later in the semester.Although academic instruction will take place virtually beginning Monday, March 30, our campus will continue to operate during this period and on-campus services will continue to be offered, including access to the College libraries where students can use needed technology. Therefore, employees are expected to continue reporting to work until further notice. Yesterday, we began a significantly enhanced schedule of cleaning and disinfection services in all campus buildings, and a deep clean will be conducted over the weekend.Effective immediately and until further notice, we are postponing, cancelling or virtualizing any HCCC in-person meeting or event with expected attendance of more than 15 people. This includes recruitment events, tours, conferences, and social events.At this time, we are also suspending all non-essential college funded travel, both domestic and international. This does not include personal activity, but we urge you to reconsider any plans for long-distance personal travel and visits to areas that have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. Of special concern are those countries with Level 3 and Level 2 Health Notices, or as otherwise recommended for avoidance by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and State Department. All travelers returning from these countries are required to observe a 14-day period of self-quarantine and monitoring. If faculty and staff travel, they are required to share their travel plans with their supervisors in advance of that travel.We are appealing to all members of our College community to help us navigate the challenges before us with integrity and with the goal of fully supporting our students so they are able to maintain academic progress. Our goal is to resume face-to-face, in-class instruction and full campus services as soon as we are able, in consultation with local and state agencies.We will hold all employees harmless, meaning that those who are sick, need to care for family members, or take care of children due to school closings, can do so without penalty or impact towards their paid time-off accruals. Such needs should be fully communicated with employees’ supervisors. All full- and part-time employees, including work-study students, will continue to receive their salary. Our expectation is that everyone will continue working to support our students, whether on the ground, online, or in other locations.Please remember to take care of yourself. Stay home if you are sick, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover your cough with your elbow or sleeve, and avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.Â
Many details are still being finalized, so I ask for your patience as we work through the myriad issues involved in this changing situation. There will be ongoing communication as more details unfold.
 In this stressful time, we want to remind all that there are extensive support resources available. Doreen Pontius, Associate Director of Counseling and Wellness, can assist students in finding personal and mental health support. She can be reached at (201) 360-4229 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; dpontius@hccc.edu; mentalhealthcounseling@hccc.edu.  Similarly, faculty and staff always have access to HCCC’s Employee Assistance Program.  E4 Health Counselors can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-227-2195.  I sincerely thank all at HCCC who have contributed to planning during these uncertain times. We realize these decisions pose significant challenges and wish they were not necessary. Our goal is to keep members of our community as safe as possible while ensuring that students can continue their coursework after Spring Break, and the daily operations of the college can continue.  We will closely monitor changing circumstances and make adjustments as needed with full transparency and with the well-being of our college community top of mind.  Please be safe!#  #  #  About Hudson County Community College Hudson County Community College serves more than 17,000 credit and non-credit students annually. The College has more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including award-winning English as a Second Language, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management, Nursing and Health Sciences, and Fine and Performing Arts. The HCCC Culinary/Hospitality Management program was ranked number six in the U.S. by Best Choice Schools. Over 94% of HCCC Nursing program graduates passed the NCLEX first time out, placing the program’s graduates in the top tier of two- and four-year nursing programs nationwide. In 2017, the Equality of Opportunity Project ranked HCCC in the top 5% of 2,200 U.S. higher education institutions for social mobility.  HCCC has partnerships with every major four-year college and university in the greater New Jersey-New York area and beyond, accommodating seamless transfer of credits for further undergraduate and graduate education.
Hudson Regional Health Commission (HRHC) is actively working with state and local partners to closely monitor the ongoing spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States.
There are no cases in New Jersey at this time and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time. However, due to the occurrence of community spread in the United States, we are encouraging residents to stay vigilant.
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