Former NBA player John Celestand has come back to his New Jersey roots, as a Garden State basketball play-by-play announcer for MSG Varsity. Celestand (on right) is pictured with fellow sports producer Lou Brogno.

 

BETHPAGE, N.Y., January 25, 2010 – John Celestand, former NBA player and member of the Los Angeles Lakers’ championship team in 2000, has come back to his New Jersey roots, as a Garden State basketball play-by-play announcer for MSG Varsity.

 Celestand, an alumnus of Piscataway High School, helped lead the Chiefs to two consecutive County Championships. He went on to play at Villanova University scoring, 227 points in 124 career games from 1995-99. He was drafted in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft by the Lakers.

 On his new role at MSG Varsity, Celestand said, “Not every kid can play in the NBA or in college. But how about being the announcer that gets to say a kid’s name for the first time? It’s phenomal and I am very excited to be a part of this.”

 About MSG Varsity

MSG Varsity is a multi-platform suite of services comprised of: a 24/7 television network, a comprehensive online destination, and a groundbreaking interactive service, all dedicated to high school sports, academics and activities happening throughout the tri-state area.  Content for these services includes MSG Varsity’s professionally produced programming as well as content created by the high schools themselves.  Working in partnership with MSG Varsity, students and faculty are given extraordinary access to curriculum and training in multimedia creation and distribution, empowering them to become active participants in telling their school’s stories.  MSG Varsity is a Cablevision exclusive service not available to satellite or phone company TV subscribers and reaches three million households throughout the New York market.  For more information, please visit www.msgvarsity.com.

The post Former NBA Player John Celestand Joins MSG Varsity first appeared on River View Observer.

Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz Of BNOdesign To Transform Public Spaces At Luxury Residential Tower

 JERSEY CITY, N.J. (Jan. 22, 2010) – Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City has retained world-renowned celebrity interior designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz of Manhattan-based BNOdesign to transform the exterior entrance and the amenities at the luxury condominium tower. Noriega-Ortiz will enhance the existing common areas at Trump Plaza Residences by adding his signature design mix of modern and classical elements expressed in sensual, glamorous and sophisticated colors, furnishings and design approaches.

 The revitalization will include a grander entrance, creating a sense of arrival for residents and guests, and the enhancement of the already impressive indoor and outdoor amenities spaces, including a new design that maximizes the full potential of the pool, cabanas and lawn areas. The renovations will be completed in two phases, with interior spaces, as well as new models and a new sales center, to be completed in February and the outdoor spaces and landscaping by May of this year.

 The upscale tower, which is the tallest residential tower in Jersey City, has 443 residences, of which more than half have been sold. The building is managed by the Trump Organization.

 “My entire organization is delighted to be working on this exciting project,” said Noriega-Ortiz. “Trump is an internationally recognized brand synonymous with the highest standards of luxury and sophisticated taste. We are proud to be part of bringing a new level of inspired design this already-stunning high rise by enhancing the space, and providing final touches that will make this property the most distinctive on the Gold Coast.”

 Noriega-Ortiz is known for his exquisite remodeling of the Morgans Hotel Group’s Mondrian Scottsdale in Arizona and their flagship hotel, Mondrian Los Angeles.

In addition to the new design, a new all-star team of leading industry professionals is gearing up to launch an exciting new marketing campaign that will kick off with a grand opening and unveiling of the interior spaces early this year. The spokesperson for the marketing campaign will be Ivanka Trump, the daughter of developer Donald Trump, who, in addition to representing the next generation of the famed real estate empire, is a fashion model, jewelry designer and style icon in her own right.

 “We are thrilled to have a designer of Noriega-Ortiz’s caliber at Trump,” said Jodi Stasse, director of marketing and sales at Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City. “He is the ideal choice to meet our goals, which are to use the sleek feel of the building’s interiors as the foundation of a new design that heightens the energy of the building, as well as making it even more welcoming and luxurious. The idea is to give residents the feeling that the entire building — not just their own condominium — is home.”

 The enhancements will set Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City apart by making it more comfortable, sensual and welcoming while retaining the signature Trump prestige and allure. The building also will be officially renamed Trump Plaza Residences and will have its own logo, inspiring a new branding approach for this property in keeping with the distinctive branding that the Trump Organization already has established for their Trump Plaza Casinos and Trump Plaza Hotels, making this building the first residential property to be given this distinction.

 The property is known for its panoramic views, its Manhattan-style, white-gloved concierge service and its more than 40,000 square feet of Trump Organization-managed amenities, which are comparable to those of the world’s grandest hotels and which include a screening room, dining room with full kitchen, billiard and game room, sitting areas and lounges, aqua grotto, heated outdoor pool with cabanas, in-house spa, fitness center and business facility. 

 Residences include one- and two-bedroom homes ranging in size up to 1,450 square feet. Prices for one-bedrooms start in the mid-$400,000s, while those for bedrooms start in the mid-$600,000s. Three-bedroom homes and penthouses are also available, but are in limited supply. Pricing is available upon request. The property has a 20-year tax abatement program. FHA financing is also available, offering reduced interest rates and low down payments. 

 In addition to the panoramic views from the George Washington to the Verrazzano Narrows Bridges, the property features a convenient location near the PATH, waterfront ferry and the Bergen-Hudson Light Rail that puts all of Manhattan and the New Jersey Gold Coast at the residents’ doorstep.

 Noriega-Ortiz’s approach is to bring balance to the design by adding feminine touches to soften the chic, contemporary black and white design scheme. The sales center, which he refers to as the “sales experience,” will repeat the mansion theme so that prospective residents can feel the continuity of brand and emotion. The same will be true of the models, which will also demonstrate Noriega-Ortiz’s design philosophy that rooms should be used for more than one purpose.

 Noriega-Ortiz’s home-as-castle design approach was inspired by Ivanka Trump, whom he refers to as his muse. Her intelligence, beauty, fashion sense and elegance inspired the choice of colors and textures, with the sumptuous fabrics and a jewel-toned color palette of royal blues and purples connoting the regal qualities that are associated with the Trump brand, he said.

“Making this project an extension of the Trump family brand and image was very important to me,” Noriega-Ortiz said. “My vision is to treat this space as if the Trump family were living here. I want the Trump family to feel comfortable when they visit here and I want the residents to feel the same. If this were your mansion, you would have a living room, a sitting room, a library and possibly a tearoom. We want the public spaces of this property to convey the same feelings of home.”

 For more information on Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City, please contact the onsite sales and marketing team at (888) 263-7003 or at info@trumpplazaresidences.com or visit the Web site at www.trumpplazaresidences.com.

  

About the Trump Organization

 

The Trump Organization is the world’s only global luxury real estate super-brand, and is responsible for many of the world’s most recognized developments. Trump is renowned for its leadership in real estate development, sales and marketing and property management and represents the highest level of excellence and luxury in residential, office and retail properties. The experience of owning a Trump property and living the Trump lifestyle is unparalleled. With each of its properties, Trump continues to raise the bar of super luxury living.

 

About BNOdesign

 

World-renowned Interior designer Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz of Manhattan-based BNOdesign is recognized as one of the most stylish and influential of today’s interior designers. The aesthetic range of his work travels from traditional to modern. His sensuous, glamorous and ethereal work marries architecture, interior design and decoration, producing dramatic and seductive interiors. Since establishing his firm in 1992, Benjamin has produced projects for such clients as rock star Lenny Kravitz, best-selling Mexican author Laura Esquivel, celebrity portrait photographer Mark Seliger, media mogul Michael Fuchs and entertainment and media genius, Sean “Diddy” Combs. In recent years, he has focused on hotels including the remodeling of The Morgans Hotel Group’s Mondrian Scottsdale, Mondrian Los Angeles and Mondrian SoHo. For more information, please visit the Web site at http://www.bnodesign.com

 

###

The post World-Class Designer Selected by Trump Plaza Residences Jersey City Team For Dramatic Enhancement first appeared on River View Observer.

The Walk for Wishes is the New Jersey chapter’s signature fundraising and awareness event that is powered by wish families, volunteers, donors and friends of the Foundation. This energizing and inspiring event raises funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey and celebrates all of the wishes that have been granted in the Garden State.

“We encourage everyone to recruit family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers to walk with us along the beautiful Hudson River and make a difference in the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions,” said Tom Weatherall, Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey President and CEO. “With your support, we will be one step closer to granting almost 500 magical wishes this year.”

Teams can consist of two people or as many as a few hundred. Each team member must register individually by logging onto www.wishnj.org. Groups can show their team spirit by walking in matching team shirts or hats and carrying banners and signs to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s mission.

The event will take place rain or shine. If you have any questions regarding the Walk for Wishes, please contact Kim Puleo at 1-800-252-WISH or via e-mail at kpuleo@wishnj.org.
About Make-A-Wish Foundation
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to
enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Since its inception in 1983, the New Jersey
chapter has granted over 6,000 wishes. The Make-A-Wish Foundation is the largest wish-granting
charity in the world, with 64 chapters in the United States and its territories.

The post MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION ® OF NEW JERSEY ANNOUNCES 2009 WALK FOR WISHES first appeared on River View Observer.

~Inspired by the 1959 Film Starring Rock Hudson & Doris Day~

Jersey City, N.J. – The New Jersey Chapter of Pajama Program will be hosting its first annual Pillow Talk Cocktail Party inspired by the famous 1950s movie, Pillow Talk, starring Rock Hudson and Doris Day. The event will be held on Saturday evening, September 12th, 2009 at Cside Restaurant in the Harborside Financial Center on the Jersey City waterfront. Advance tickets may be purchased for $100, and will be available at the door for $125.

The three-hour cocktail party will feature a menu and cocktails inspired by the era, to dancing and a silent auction featuring great prizes. This is the first event for the New Jersey Chapter, which is the largest in the country, to help raise funds to support Pajama Programâ€s mission of distributing new pajamas and books to vulnerable children – many in foster care, homeless shelters, and domestic abuse shelters in all 21 New Jersey counties.

Through generous donor efforts, the New Jersey Chapter hopes to reach its goal of providing 25,000 pair of pajamas to children by the end of this year. The presenting sponsor of this yearâ€s Pillow Talk event is E*Trade Financial. Through generous donor efforts, the New Jersey Chapter hopes to reach its goal of providing 25,000 pair of pajamas to children by the end of this year. The presenting sponsor of this yearâ€s Pillow Talk event is E*Trade Financial.

Founded in 2001, the Pajama Program is headquartered in New York City, and is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization. With over 70 chapters nationwide, the organization has provided more than 350,000 pairs of pajamas and books to children throughout the country. The New Jersey Chapter of the Pajama Program was founded in 2004, and since its inception, has distributed over 45,000 pairs of pajamas and 26,000 books to children around the Garden State.

 

 

The post NEW JERSEY CHAPTER OF PAJAMA PROGRAM – Invites You to Its First Fundraising Celebration first appeared on River View Observer.

Click for Daly and Godbee

Highway Art Gallery
New Jersey’s first-ever highway art gallery hits the road this summer, and Palisades Insurance Company wants you to be a part of it!
Click here to submit artwork or here to view the online gallery and vote.

The Palisades Highway Art Gallery is exhibiting original works by area artists on some of the largest and most-viewed canvases in the state – New Jersey’s highway and roadway billboards. We’ve picked prominent billboards on some of the most traveled roads throughout the Garden State to feature landscape artwork by New Jersey artists.

And you can get in on the fun, too!
Beginning July 13th, New Jersey residents of all ages and abilities can register and submit images of original paintings, drawings, photography, or mixed media inspired by New Jersey scenic views, landscapes, seascapes, urbanscapes, destinations and landmarks. Starting July 14th, visitors to the site can vote for their favorite submissions in our online gallery. Up to a dozen top-voted winners will be sponsored by Palisades for exhibit on billboards throughout the state.

Ready to share your NJ masterpiece? Then submit your work here and encourage friends and family to visit the site and vote! You can enter until July 31st but voting begins July 14th, so make sure you enter early.

Voters also have a chance at winning a prize! After casting your vote, you can enter to win a NJ weekend getaway or daytrip. What are you waiting for? Vote here!

To learn more about Drive With a Smile, the campaign rules and more, go to http://www.Palisades.com/DriveWithaSmile.

The post Hoboken Artist Tim Daly’s Art Featured by Palisades Insurance Company’s “Highway Art Gallery” first appeared on River View Observer.

It seems the economic meltdown is the only topic of conversation these days. With millions of people losing their homes and jobs, there is a feeling of powerlessness in the country. But being smart with the money you do have, can make all the difference. And that’s where the Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) comes in. It turns out that shopping locally in a Hudson County store or business that’s part of the UEZ Program may not just be the best way to save money, it might help create jobs, and improve the financial health of your neighborhood, says Jersey City mayor, Jerramiah Healy. “The financial support provided by UEZ to neighborhood-based economic redevelopment is crucial to the viability of our neighborhoods.”

The Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) is a national program that goes back to the 1960’s, created to turn blighted areas into thriving business zones. The UEZ Programs, designed to help businesses start and grow, offer member businesses a number of financial incentives, ranging from substantial tax breaks to advertising budgets. More than 30 New Jersey municipalities have UEZ programs – usually located in commercial and/or industrial sections of a city – and Hudson County is home to both one of the newest and oldest UEZ Programs in New Jersey.

Designated in 2002, Bayonne is one of the state’s newest Urban Enterprise Zone cities, and it now has more than 200 local businesses registered. Mary Divock, the Executive Director of Bayonne Town Center, is a great fan of the UEZ, and credits it for helping to revitalize Bayonne’s main shopping area. “This program helps us in many ways, from paying for advertisement, to keeping the streets clean in the town center. And they produce a great family festival each year which draws several thousand people that helps drive business to our stores. They also offer a great program for renovating facades of buildings.” Mary says the UEZ Program and Bayonne Town Center work well together because they have the same goal: to make Bayonne a better place to shop. Businesses participating in the UEZ Program can charge 50% less sales tax on certain purchases which makes it especially appealing to shoppers.

One of the largest, oldest and most successful UEZ Programs in the Garden State is the one in Jersey City. Started in 1986, today more than 600 companies take part in the Jersey City UEZ program and more than 35, 000 jobs have been created thanks to tax breaks and hiring incentives. Since it began, $81 million has been reinvested in 107 Jersey City UEZ projects, generating more than $10.5 billion in capital investments.

Gilbert Mendez, the owner of Nationwide Travel, has operated his small business on Central Avenue in Jersey City since 1978. He remembers what the avenue was like before he helped organize it as the city’s first Urban Enterprise Zone. “Central Avenue before the UEZ was a group of merchants who really didn’t work together to make the avenue better. Then a few of us got together and found out about the UEZ program. We contacted the mayor in 1985 and applied for funding through the UEZ. The Central Avenue merchants were the first ones in Jersey City to become a UEZ area. And we were one of the first in the state.” Mendez, proud of his role in turning Central Avenue into a major shopping district in Jersey City, says that even in this tough economy the avenue is holding its own, thanks to its participation in the UEZ Program. “One of the benefits of being in the UEZ is that they allow you to collect a lesser sales tax and the UEZ helps maintain the streets, lights and the all around appearance of the avenue,” Mendez said.

Today, thirty percent of Jersey City is designated as an Urban Enterprise Zone, with four main shopping areas organized as Special Improvement Districts (SIDS): Central Avenue Special Improvement District, Historic Downtown Special Improvement District, Journal Square Restoration Corporation, and McGinley Square Partnership Special Improvement District. In addition to providing advertising and marketing assistance, the SID program gives grants to helps local retail property and business owners spruce up the outside of stores and buildings.

Another way that small businesses in Hudson County are being helped in these trying times is through the Hudson County Economic Development loan program. Be it for new equipment, the purchase of a building or inventory, loans from $25, 000 to $100, 000 dollars are available for companies in business for two or more years.

HCEDC has provided loan assistance to small businesses totaling over 4.8 million dollars. They are actively looking to lend to businesses that meet the criteria. They can be reached at (201) 222-1900. HCEDC is building a better Hudson County one business at a time. So, next time you’re looking for a good deal, stick close to home – you’ll find great buys on some great-looking streets.

 

Bayonne UEZ www.bayonne.org/uez/

Jersey City UEZ www.jcedc.org/pages/uez

The post Hudson County Urban Enterprise Zones -Weathering the Economy by Shopping Smart first appeared on River View Observer.