Tag Archives: Chandelier Restaurant Bayonne

Bayonne News, Local Happenings

Grandmaster Austin Wright Sr. Celebrates 40 Years of Martial Arts Excellence in Hudson County

On September 26, 2025, at the Chandelier Catering Hall in Bayonne, New Jersey, UWA Team Wright hosted a grand banquet honoring Grandmaster Austin Wright for his 40th year of dedication and achievement in the martial arts. The celebration brought together city officials, community leaders, and martial arts practitioners from across Hudson County. Grandmaster Wright received numerous commendations from local organizations, including the Bayonne Branch VFW Post 226, presented by Commander Glenn Flora Sr., Councilman Juan Perez, Loyad Booker, and Waterfront Montessori from Jersey City, represented by Karen Westman. Official proclamations were read by Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker on behalf of Mayor Jimmy Davis, recognizing Grandmaster Wright for his four decades of contributions to the development, discipline, and giving back to the community of youth, teens, and adults. Mayor Davis proclaimed that September 26, 2025, is now to be observed as “Martial Arts Honorees’ Day.” We had the honor of receiving a tournament scholarship from Mr. Robert “Bob” Knapp, who is the director of the Hudson County Welfare Department as well.

During the ceremony, Grandmaster Wright presented honorary black belts to Councilman Juan Perez and Loyad Booker for their 25-plus years of service in law enforcement and public service to Hudson County. Special awards were also given to Head Grandmaster Dennis Wright for his 70 years of worldwide martial arts dedication, as well as to Master Eulices Mateo and Sensei Joseph Bizarrouque for their outstanding achievements and leadership. The evening further highlighted U.S. National Martial Arts Team member champions under the direction of Grandmaster Wright Sr., who serves as the U.S. National and New Jersey State Martial Arts Director.

Administrative Assistant; Benazir Sheikh served as Master of Ceremonies, introducing each distinguished guest and guiding the evening’s program. Councilman Perez and Mr. Booker delivered eloquent remarks praising Grandmaster Austin Wright’s lifelong commitment to excellence and community service. Sensei Priscilla Wright gave a heartfelt introduction for her father under the theme of “Legacy,” reflecting on his spiritual faith, resilience, and his warrior indomitable spirit in building a martial arts institution from the ground up. The event concluded with awards for Team Member Champions, student Rising Stars, and new black belt recipients—an inspiring celebration of honor for a man whose four decades of leadership have shaped generations of martial artists and community members alike.

Bayonne News, Bayonne Observer insidebayonne.com

Bayonne St. Patrick’s Parade Names Gabrielle Figueroa 2023 Grand Marshal, Plans Brunch Honoring Her on February 26

The Bayonne St. Patrick’s Parade Committee has announced Gabrielle Figueroa is its 2023 Grand Marshal.  The Bayonne parade will take place on Sunday, March 19.  Gaby is the daughter of Nuala and Andres (Chico) Figueroa, sister of Kathleen and Michael, and granddaughter of 1993 Grand Marshal Kathleen O’Keeffe. A lifelong Hudson County resident, Gabrielle is a proud alumna of Holy Family Academy.  She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the College of New Jersey in Sociology and School Counseling, and works as a school counselor at Roosevelt Elementary School in Kearny.

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Our Community

Peninsula Women’s Club Honors Local Women of Achievement

 

Peninsula Women's Club On Sunday, March 15, 2015 from 11am – 2pm, the Peninsula Women’s Club will host their 2nd Annual Women of Achievement Brunch.  The Brunch will be held at The Chandelier located at 1081 Broadway, Bayonne NJ and the cost is $35.00 per person.

The Club’s motto is “striving for a better community” and the brunch honors a woman, as well as a young woman, who they feel lives this motto.  Madeline Lo Re, a local business owner, has worked within our community to bring awareness to others for various cancer treatments and precautions.  Briel Peters, a high school Junior, is involved with her community, school and Church with many different activities.  PWC celebrates these women for all they do for our community.

Continue reading Peninsula Women’s Club Honors Local Women of Achievement →

General, Politics-

Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith Kick Off Rally Wednesday, February 12th, 2014 Chandelier Restaurant Bayonne

On Wednesday, February 12th Mayor Mark Smith of Bayonne and supporters gathered at the Chandelier Restaurant to kick off Smith’s 2014 run for Mayor.

With the threat of a major snow storm looming an enthusiastic crowd of  supporters  were on hand to hear  Mayor Smith  announce his 2014 Council running mates which did not change from his current administration and to hear Former NJ Governor Richard Codey speak of  the accomplishments of Mayor Smith’s current administration and the promise to  “Move Bayonne Forward” for the next four years.

Photos by River View Observer photographer Steve A Mack 

Our Community, Politics-

Incumbent Bayonne NJ Mayor Mark Smith Wins Full Four Year Term as Mayor of Bayonne

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smith-address-crowed-election-night-2010 A jubilant Mayor Mark Smith thanks his supporters at Bayonne’s Chandelier Restaurant after winning the May 11th election for Mayor. Smith beat out New Jersey State Assemblyman and former Bayonne Councilman Anthony Chiappone and former Bayonne Policeman  Leonard Kantor to serve as Mayor for the next four years.

7,402 votes were tallied for the Smith column over Chiappone’s 2, 503 vote count -roughly  66% for Smith, 22% for Chiappone  and 1, 239 votes 11% were counted forLenoard Kantor.smith-election-night-steve-photo

(Photo Steve A. Mack. com )  

Smith originally won the Mayor ship 17 months ago to fulfill the remaining term of former Mayor Joe Doria who at that time left his position as Mayor to work in the administration of then Governor Jon Corzine as Commissioner  of the Department of Community Affairs.

Smith’s “Moving Bayonne Forward” campaign resonated with Bayonne voters especially in the areas of holding down property taxes, reducing city government through attrition which was a promise he made and kept and his campaign promise in the coming four years to preserve Bayonne’s small town charm.

The Mayor said in his closing remarks at his celebration party “Tonight we party and celebrate, tomorrow we get down to work in creating the dream to move  Bayonne forward”

Three  of Mayor Smith running mates Council at Large candidate and current Councilman Terry Ruane won re-election as did Debra Czerwienski and first time council candidate Joe Hurley won in the second ward, and Mayor Mark Smiths’ other two council picks Ray Greeves of the third ward will be in a run- off against current Councilman Gary La Pelusa and Agnes Gillespie will be in a run -off  with independent Candidate Thomas Cotter for the First ward.