The post July 15-July 31st River View Observer Hudson County Movies in the Park first appeared on River View Observer.

Pictured at the tour in the foreground from left: Lisa Dougherty, HCCC Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment; Jasmine Ngin, SGA Director of Finance; Pamela Gardner, HCCC Trustee; Thomas DeGise, Hudson County Executive; Dr. Chris Reber, HCCC President; and students Tyler Sarmiento, Koral Booth, and Suleiny Rodriguez. Pictured in the background from left: Dr. Nicholas Chiaravollati, HCCC Vice President for External Affairs and Senior Counsel to the President; Veronica Gerosimo, HCCC Assistant Dean, Student Life and Leadership; Warren Rigby, 2019-2020 SGA President; Dr. David Clark, HCCC Associate Dean of Student Affairs; and Christian Rodriguez, SGA President.    Recently, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) students and staff provided Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise with a tour of the recently completed Student Center at 81 Sip Avenue in Jersey City.   HCCC President Dr. Chris Reber and Mr. DeGise were joined by students and administrators in a tour of the renovated building, which was completed last March just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.   “This building represents a milestone for Hudson County Community College as it is the first, dedicated Student Center in the Collegeâ€s 47-year history,” Dr. Reber stated. “We are exceedingly grateful to County Executive DeGise, the County Commissioners, HCCC Trustees, and everyone who assisted in making this dream a reality for our students.”   Dr. Reber said the $8.2 million renovation to a College-owned building was designed by Di Cara| Rubino Architects to create a state-of-the-art setting that affords students the very best in technology, safety and convenience. The renovation by APS Contracting, Inc. included the addition of façade brick stained to match that of the adjoining HCCC Gabert Library; replacement of the existing roof; complete interior demolition; the addition of a new entrance vestibule; installation of new HVAC systems, elevators, emergency generator; and a direct, indoor connection to the Gabert Library. Wi Fi and computer stations are available throughout the building, as are “green” elements for energy efficiency and the sustainability of resources. The HCCC Student Centerâ€s first floor includes Student Lounges, Student Welcome Center, full-service Café, Veterans†Lounge, and Security Command Center. The second floor houses offices for Student Life, Student Government and a variety of other student organizations, as well as an Open Lounge, and a large, Multipurpose Room for events and meetings. The office of the Collegeâ€s Security, Custodial and Facilities Departments, and storage space are located on the lower level.   The new HCCC Student Center is the latest of several construction projects undertaken by HCCC that have transformed Journal Square. It is representative of the Collegeâ€s mission to serve its diverse communities with inclusive educational programs and services that promote student success, socioeconomic mobility, and provide resources for growth. Students can meet outside the classroom, share ideas and values, assist and advise one another, pursue career and employment opportunities, develop better understanding of diverse cultures, and build longstanding relationships.   The project was financed with Chapter 12 funding, a state program for county colleges that is funded through State and County capital bond financing. All of the Collegeâ€s capital improvement endeavors have been completed with appropriated capital. As a result, the College does not carry any capital debt, and not one dollar of student tuition is utilized for debt.#   #   #  About Hudson County Community College Hudson County Community College serves more than 18,000 credit and non-credit students annually. The College offers 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 programâ€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.

The post Hudson County Executive Tours New Hudson County Community College Student Center first appeared on River View Observer.

Small Business Grants Distributed across the City to Help Struggling Stores Reopen and Remain Open after Pandemic Causes Months of Closures and Lingering Limitations

The post County Executive DeGise and Mayor Fulop announce nearly 600 Small Businesses to be Awarded a total over $9 million in CARES Act Grants first appeared on River View Observer.

 

Jersey City, NJ—Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise and the Board of Chosen Freeholders are proud to announce an evening of dynamic live music headlined by two sizzling acts, to be presented Wednesday, July 18^th from 7:00-9:00 pm in the Rotunda of the historic Brennan Court House (583 Newark Avenue, Jersey City).

The evening will open with a performance by the Brazilian singer/songwriter Monika Oliveira. Born in Belem do Para and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Oliveira has been performing in the New York area for more than twenty years. She combines her love of Brazilâ€s musical heritage with a mastery of Jazz to create what critics describe as a “sultry variation on both … that is at once moving and rhythmic, pure and passionate.” Joined by the Brazilians Trio, she will take the stage at 7 pm.

At 8 p.m., Flamenco Flavor will wow audience members with their fresh take on traditional Spanish rhythms with a fiery urban twist, presenting sensual Latin choreography danced brilliantly and paired with the ardent voice and soulful guitar play of David M. Castellano.

“We are thrilled to open the Courthouse Rotunda arts venue to new voices,” said County Executive DeGise. “Jazz, salsa, flamenco—are just part of the rich cultural palette right here in Hudson County and the metro area we hope to draw from as we produce more new live music for the communityâ€s enjoyment.”

Placed on the Register of Historic Places in 1970 and saved from demolition, the 108 year-old William J. Brennan Courthouse is just that—a working civil courthouse and seat of County Government during the day. But by night, its stunning four-story marble rotunda has become home to a range of musical acts and visual arts exhibits presented by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs that are promoted by “Visit Hudson,” the Officeâ€s tourism development arm.

This concert is the first of what is expected to become a new series entitled “Live At Brennanâ€s.” The series will kick off on a regular basis in September with the July 18^th event acting as a preview of what is to come in the year ahead: exciting, live performance designed to showcase the rich professional music scene Hudson County is today very much a part of here in the New York/North Jersey metropolitan area.

Just last month the Brennan Court House Rotunda was the venue for performances that were part of the week-long Riverview Jazz Festival.

Doors for this event will open at 6:30. Tickets are $20. The price includes parking in the Courthouse lot and light refreshments between acts.

The post Hudson County Hosts Powerhouse Latina Music and Dance Acts in Concert Wednesday, July 18th at 7 pm. Tickets Available Now! first appeared on River View Observer.

– Small business owners are the backbone of Hudson Countyâ€s economy, with data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicating that these enterprises employ more than 307,000 people.

To provide small businesses with more opportunities to successfully participate in the Countyâ€s procurement processes, the Board of Chosen Freeholders and County Executive Thomas A. DeGise adopted an ordinance establishing a Qualified Minority-, Women-, Veteran-owned Business or Small Business Set-Aside Program, which sets aside 10% of the dollar value of all the Countyâ€s goods, services and construction contracts to be utilized for qualified small businesses. The ordinance – the first of its kind for Hudson County and the first of its kind in New Jersey – went into effect on January 1^st.

Hudson County Executive DeGise announced that a new Set-Aside Ordinance will make it easier for qualified businesses to contract with the County as it will provide access to procurement opportunities of $40,000 or less. An estimated $3.4 million worth of contracts will likely be available as part of the new program to eligible businesses.

“The Freeholders and my administration believe this ordinance will open doors for businesses that may not have the capacity to bid for large contracts, but who have the qualifications, expertise and means to provide County departments and agencies with much-needed goods, services and construction,” Mr. DeGise said. He noted that the Set-Aside Program will also expedite the delivery of goods and services to the County.

In order to be eligible to qualify for the Hudson County Set-Aside Program, businesses must have their principal places of business in New Jersey, and be independently owned and operated with at least 51% of ownership and operation controlled by a minority group member, a woman or veteran, or be a New Jersey-based, independently owned and operated small business. These businesses must hold a valid and current certification as a Minority (MBE), Woman (WBE), Veteran (VBE) or Small Business (SBE) Enterprise from the State of New Jersey Department of Treasury, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, NJ Transit, The United States Small Business Administration, or the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Eligible businesses must also register on the Hudson County Purchasing Portal at www.hudsoncountynjprocure.org.

The Set-Aside Ordinance calls for the Hudson County Office of Minority & Women Business Enterprise (OMWBE) to assist small businesses for participation in the program.

The OMWBE staff will walk small businesses through the certification and procurement processes and offer information to them about what is required for taking advantage of the Hudson County Set-Aside and other programs. The OMWBE may be contacted via email at OMWBEinfo@hcnj.us or by phoning 201-395-6267.

“This is a win-win for the small businesses and for Hudson County,” Mr. DeGise said. We hope all of Hudsonâ€s minority-, woman- and veteran-owned and small businesses will investigate and register to be a part of this ground-breaking Set-Aside Program.”

The Hudson County Set-Aside Program ordinance may be viewed and downloaded by going to www.hudsoncountynj.org/about-omwbe.

#   #   #

The post New Set-Aside Program is a First for Hudson County and New Jersey first appeared on River View Observer.

 

Itâ€s been 25 years since Hudson celebrated the first Earth Day in Liberty State Park and on Sat, April 25 – rain or shine — the Hudson County Improvement Authority (HCIA), Friends of Liberty State Park, and local and state community activists will be at the waterfront park to enlighten local residents on ecological issues in Hudson and the world-at-large.

Earth Day 2015 will kick off at 10 am with a 5k Walk and Run through the park; and for the kids thereâ€ll be  kite flying, arts and crafts, inflatable rides, interactive games, contests and giveaways, with a steady flow of entertainers on the main stage; and refreshments, too. Hundreds of volunteers from city and state community groups and organizations will present displays on local and world-wide ecological innovations and reforms to inform visitors about the eco future.

“This year marks our 25th anniversary of Earth Day Celebrations here in Hudson County and since its inception, the goal has always been to raise environmental awareness among members of the community,” says Mary-Ellen Gilpin, Director of HCIAâ€s  environmental programs. “The fair creates an opportunity for residents, young and old, to enjoy themselves while learning the importance of ‘reducing, re-using and recycling†and protecting our urban environment.”

The Hudson County Improvement Authority (HCIA), founded in 1974, provides strategic planning and coordination of public policy initiatives on behalf of Hudson County municipalities and residents. The authority is responsible for a vast range of services including low interest financing for public and private initiatives, solid waste management, environmental education, recycling and transportation management, recreation services, and alternative energy initiatives.

From the 5K run/walk, to the informative displays and tents, and green communities†marketplace, Hudson residents will have a wide array of things to do and see at the fair, Gilpin says.

“View the winning posters drawn by students for our 9^th annual Earth Day Calendar art contest, or make a pledge to help the environment at the ‘Wishing Treeâ€,” Gilpin says. “This year will be the largest Earth Day Fair we have ever run. It is more important than ever to make sure our communities understand what resources are available in the county to help protect our environment, together.”

The national Earth Day theme this year is “Itâ€s Our Turn to Lead” focusing on the unique environmental challenges facing our world, and especially our urban municipalities. All attendees at LSP are invited to visit the Wishing Trees to make a pledge to perform one act that can lead the way to make our Hudson municipalities “greener”.

“On behalf of myself and my fellow commissioners, I would like to invite you to join us in Liberty State Park for a celebration of 25 Years of Earth Day in Hudson County,” HCIA Chairman John L. Shinnick says. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring residents together to learn about the environment and spend time with their community. It’s a great day of free outdoor fun for the whole family.”

EXHIBITORS

Exhibitors at Earth Day 2015 will include city and state government agencies, community groups, service organizations, health care service providers, ‘green†retailers and non-profits with ecological missions like Hudson River Waterfront Conservancy, Citizens Climate Lobby, Student Conservation Association, NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection, and the NY/NJ Baykeeper. The NY/NJ Baykeeper in Keyport offers eco cruises and kayak tours that launch from Keyport. Representatives from the NY/NJ Baykeeper will be at LSP to raise awareness to the needs within NY-NJ Harbor.

“Many residents throughout New Jersey don’t know how to access their waterways to use them for recreational purposes and learn more about their environment,” Sandra Meola of the NY/NJ Baykeeper says. “Baykeeper’s interactive kayak tours and eco cruises aim to connect the public to their waterways. By doing so, we advocate for the protection and preservation of our waterways within the NY-NJ Harbor Estuary.”

WALK FOR FRIENDS OF LSP; RUN FOR HC IMPROVEMENT

 Friends of Liberty State Park is an all-volunteer, non-profit, 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, conserving and promoting Liberty State Park. Since 1988, it has advocated for the protection and improvement of this open space park, and more than 5 million visitors come annually to enjoy this recreational, natural, historic, and cultural public resource. It all began when local residents Morris Pesin and Audrey Zapp, and historic preservationist Ted Conrad led a citizens†movement to transform a waterfront wasteland of abandoned rail yards and decaying piers into a park. Sam Pesin, the son of Morris Pesin continues his fatherâ€s advocacy as director of the Friends of Liberty State Park.

“Earth Day is a time for us all to celebrate Mother Nature and think about doing all we can to contribute to a clean and healthy environment,” Pesin says. “We must all be activists in protecting the beauty, necessity and spiritual power of nature and open space.  Liberty State Park is our great urban waterfront open space which enriches our urban quality of life.”

At 11 am, following “Walk for LSP” and the HCIAâ€s 5K Walk/Run, a “Kids’ Kingdom” area will open with environment-themed displays, information on services available throughout Hudson, and tree seedlings, compliments of the NJ Division of Parks and Forestry.

Throughout the day, strolling entertainers like a juggling stilt-walker, “Earth Boy”, “Buster”, “Woodsy” and “Garbage Goat” will interact with festival-goers, and. DJ Mickey will emcee the stage acts. Hereâ€s the line-up:

11 am-Noon  Race Award Ceremony 

12 pm-12:30   DJ Mickey

12:30 1:15      Field Station: Dinosaurs:

“The Dinosaur Troubadour and Mighty T-Rex” 

1:15– 1:30      DJ Mickey

1:30– 2 pm     Carl Brister in Concert

2 pm–2:15      DJ Mickey

2:15– 2:45      Field Station: Dinosaurs:

“The Dinosaur Troubadour and Mighty T-Rex” 

2:45– 3 pm     DJ Mickey

3 pm–4 pm      John Christian Band

 When Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise took office in November 2002, he made protecting Hudsonâ€s local environment and remaining open space one of his top priorities.

“We want our kids to get out there and enjoy all the beauty that Hudson County has to offer,” County Executive DeGise says. “Celebrating Earth Day in Liberty State Park is an excellent way to help get our kids back-to-nature; while learning to protect our unique environment.”

 

 

IF YOU GO:

Sat, April 25, 10 am-6 pm

25^TH EARTH DAY CELEBRATION

Liberty State Park

200 Morris Pesin Drive

Jersey City

(201) 915-3402

Hudson County Improvement Authority

(201) 324-6222

www.hcia.org

Friends of Liberty State Park

www.folsp.org

 

The post Earth Day 2015; “It’s Our Turn to Lead” Liberty State Park Celebration to Raise Eco Awareness first appeared on River View Observer.

New Jersey Turnpike Authority Officials, Bayonne  Mayor Jimmy Davis The Bayonne City Council,  Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise, New Jersey State Senator Sandra Cunningham, Assemblyman Charles Mainor,Jersey City  Deputy Director Vivian Brady-Philips  broke ground  on Wednesday, March 11th for the $310 million NJ Turnpike Authority’s Interchange 14 A Improvement Project.

This project is being funded as part of the Turnpike Authority’s ongoing 10-year, $7billion capital program.

The Interchange: 14A connects the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extention of the New Jersey Turnpike with Rout 440 and Port Jersey Boulevard. It is  located cities of Bayonne ad Jersey City. Approximately 50,000 vehicles including 6,000 trucks use the interchange on a typical weekday. Congestion at the interchange is expected to worsen in the future because fo regional traffic growth and local development.

Project Description: The toll plaza is being widened from 11-13 lanes. The existing two-lane connector bridge from the toll plaza to Route 440, Route 185 and Port Jersey Boulevard will be replaced with a four-lane structure. A flyover ramp is being built from the interchange and Port Jersey Boulevard to Route 440 south. An existing traffic signal at East 53rd Street in Bayonne will be removed and roundabout will be constructed to maintain permanent access to the interchange.

Project Benefits: The improvements will reduce delays on the Newark Bay-Hudson County Extention, relieve congestion the street of Bayonne and Jersey City, create jobs, and encourage regional economic development.

The Contractor; on the project will be Union Paving & Construction Co. Inc

Construction Supervision: AECOM

Design: Gannet Fleming

Schedule: Construction begins early 2015 and is expected to be complete in 2018.

Community Involvement: There have bee three public information centers and two public hearings. A fourth public information center will be held this month. The Turnpike Authority  will hold regular meetings with local official in Bayonne and Jersey City during the project to provide status updates and to address any community issues. The Turnpike Authority will also coordinate traffic impacts with PANYNJ’s Bayonne Bridge Project team. A dedicated project website and hotline have been established to share information about the work being done and to provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions or express concerns. The project website is NJTA14A.com. The project hotline number is 800-671-6872

The post NJ Turnpike Authority Interchange 14A Improvement Project first appeared on River View Observer.

Fundraising gala will celebrate the Collegeâ€s 40^th Anniversary and ‘Travel back to the beginning … 1974;†Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise will be honored that evening.

November 24, 2014, Jersey City, NJ – The Hudson County Community College (HCCC) Foundationâ€s 17^th Annual “Holiday Extravaganza” gala will take place on Thursday evening, December 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the Collegeâ€s Culinary Conference Center, 161 Newkirk Street in Jersey City. Proceeds from the event – the largest and most festive of all of the Foundationâ€s fundraisers – will be dedicated to scholarships for deserving students, faculty development programs, and the Collegeâ€s physical expansion.

The theme of this yearâ€s event is “Travel back to the beginning … 1974,” in celebration of the Collegeâ€s 40^th Anniversary.

Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise will be honored at the gala in recognition for his steadfast support of Hudson County Community College and its students. Mr. DeGise has been particularly instrumental in supporting the Collegeâ€s physical expansion; since he became the County Executive in 2002, the College has completed from-the-ground-up construction of three new facilities – the Culinary Conference Center and Library Building in Jersey Cityâ€s Journal Square, and the North Hudson Higher Education Center in Union City. In addition, HCCC has renovated several other buildings in the Journal Square area, including 2 Enos Place, 70 Sip Avenue, and One PATH Plaza.

The Foundation “Holiday Extravaganza” features a hospitality hour and gourmet dinner feast prepared by the chefs/instructors of the Collegeâ€s nationally acclaimed Culinary Arts Institute, with service provided by students from the HCCC Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management program.

The Foundation will also hold its “Lucky Odds” raffle that evening. The Grand Prize winner receives 40% of the raffle ticket sales, Second Prize winner receives 6% and Third Prize Winner receives 4%. Raffle tickets cost $50 each; ticket holders need not be present to win.

The Hudson County Community College Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 corporation giving tax-exempt status to contributors. Since the Foundation was established in 1997, it has provided over $1.5 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students.

In addition, the HCCC Foundation established the Foundation Art Collection eight years ago to coincide with the initiation of the Collegeâ€s Fine Arts studies program. Presently, the Collection includes more than 800 paintings, lithographs, photographs, sculptures, and other works-of-art that are displayed throughout all of the buildings on the Collegeâ€s Journal Square Campus and at the North Hudson Higher Education Center. Artists in the Collection include: Donald Baechler, Leonard Baskin, Elizabeth Catlett, Christo, Willie Cole, Edward S. Curtis, Marcel Duchamp, Lisa Parker Hyatt, Rockwell Kent, Joseph Kosuth, Valeri Larko, Roy Lichtenstein, Reginald Marsh, Méret Oppenheim, Robert Rauschenberg, Man Ray, Mickalene Thomas, and William Wegman. The Foundation also hosts a series of lectures called “Arts Talk,” which feature prominent artists and art authorities and scholars and are open to the general public.

The HCCC Foundationâ€s Board of Directors also organizes and holds an annual Golf Outing, “Night at the Races,” and the HCCC Employee Scholarship Luncheon. There are other events held throughout the year to build scholarship funds for students specifically from Hudson Countyâ€s northern and western municipalities.

A limited number of tickets for the December 4^th gala are still available at a cost of $500 each. Those tickets — as well as tickets for the “Lucky Odds” raffle — may be purchased by phoning HCCC Vice President for Development Joseph Sansone at 201-360-4006 or emailing jsansone@hccc.edu.

The post Hudson County Community College Foundation to Hold 17th Annual ‘Holiday Extravaganza’ on December 4 first appeared on River View Observer.