JERSEY CITY – Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy, the Municipal Council, the Division of Cultural Affairs

On September 11, 2001, Jersey City lost 37 residents in the devastating terrorist attacks. After the towers fell across the Hudson River, the Jersey City waterfront became a staging ground for recovery and relief efforts. Today, the 9/11 monument stands directly across the river from where the World Trade Center towers once stood. The names of  the 37 residents of Jersey City are etched on the monument as a memorial

for future generations to remember with respect and honor.

“It was a tragic day in which the whole world stood still and offered prayers and condolences to the people of the United States of America,” said Mayor Healy. “Every year, Americans across the country stand united with remarkable spirit, compassion, and patriotism. September 11th is a day of reverent reflection in which we honor the victims and heroes of that day, as well as salute the many brave men and women who protect our liberties.”

The Mayor noted that contingents of Jersey City firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses and medical technicians were among the first responders to Ground Zero. A triage center was established in Liberty State Park and New York Waterway ferried thousands of injured people and workers from the devastated area in Lower Manhattan to safety in Jersey City. The Jersey City Medical Center, Greenville Hospital, Christ Hospital, and Saint Francis Hospital were the medical facilities where most of those brought to Jersey City were treated. Local funeral homes were called upon to offer assistance with the bodies of the victims.

Since 2002, the Jersey City 9/11 Memorial Committee has observed the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist atacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the forced crash of a commercial aircraft, Flight 93, in a Pennsylvania field which had been commandeered by terrorists.

The 9/11 ceremony will feature remarks by Mayor Healy and other officials. Prayers will be offered by clergy from various religious denominations. Special songs and inspirational music will also be part of the remembrance program. Continuing a spiritual custom started in 2002, there will be the recitation of the names of the residents of Jersey City killed in the attack. The chiming of a bell will accompany each name spoken.

The commemoration will include poetry readings and a performance by award winning musician Victoria, who on September 11, 2001, was at 63 One World Trade Center Tower and survived one of the Lockhart most disastrous and heartbreaking events in our country’s history.

Following the “Reflection” 9-11 Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m., the walkway at the foot of York Street, will be dedicated in honor of Jersey City’s two fallen heroes, Spc. Marlon P. Jackson and Spc. Rafael A., who were both killed in combat. The City of Jersey City will forever remember the sacrifices Nieves, Jr. of these two brave soldiers who gave their lives in support of America during Operation Iraqi Freedom and  Operation Enduring Freedom.

Also as a symbol of American solidarity, the City of Jersey City joins the efforts of U.S. Senator Frank Launtenberg, who submitted a Senate bill requesting that at 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on, to the maximum extent practicable, all work and activity shall cease and shall be marked in appropriate manner, including ringing bells, blowing whistles, or sounding sirens in observance of the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America by coming together as a one Nation.

“On this day, we shall join the rest of the nation in commemorating the values exemplified by the patriotism of the American people,” said Mayor Healy. “We shall honor the great sacrifices made by our first responders and our brave men and women in the United States Armed Forces who continue to protect our country at home and abroad.”

About Victoria Lockhart

Victoria Lockhart is an accomplished singer and songwriter who is said to have a voice of an angel. She completed an album, “In His Time,” which also gives an amazing recount of her 9-11 deliverance experience entitled “Testimony.”

Victoria has shared the gospel in many venues and cities across the U.S. Victoria’s music has received acclaim and recognition for her music from those in the industry. Among her many accomplishments are nominations for: “Best Female Vocalist” in the 1st Annual American Gospel Music Awards in March of 2003; on June 26, 2003 for “Outstanding Female Vocalist” by the D’Gospel Music Awards; and in November of 2004, her song “In His Time” was nominated by the 4th Annual Tiffany Gospel Awards for “Outstanding Gospel Artist Of The Year” and “Best Gospel Single Of The Year – The Wedding Anthem”. Victoria has appeared on TBN, Gospel & The Arts, BronxTalk, Good Day New York (Fox 5).

Army Spc. Marlon P. Jackson, 25, died on November 11, 2003 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Assigned to A Company, 94th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Heavy), 130th Engineer Brigade, Vilseck, Germany, Army Spc. Marlon P. Jackson died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device exploded on a road in Tampa, Iraq.

Army Spc. Rafael A. Nieves Jr., 22, died on July 10, 2011 serving during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Assigned to 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky., Army Spc. Rafael A. Nieves Jr. died in Paktika province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with small-arms and rocket-propelled grenade fires.

U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and his colleagues from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Virginia introduced a resolution that calls on Americans to come together as a nation for a Moment of Remembrance at 1 p.m. EDT on September 11, 2011, the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, marked by a minute of reflection and ringing of bells and sounding of sirens across the country.

U.S. Senate approved legislation that asks all Americans to stop and remember during a national Moment of Remembrance on September 11 which will occur at the same time across the country: 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, noon Central Daylight Time, 11 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time and 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time.

Local, state, and national institutions — including state and local governments, military and veterans’ organizations, the news media, houses of worship and sports teams — have been called upon to mark this minute with bells or sirens to honor the victims.

U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg, on his blog said “This will be a striking symbol of American solidarity, gnaling to the world that we remain united against those who threaten our freedom. It will also be a powerful,

nationwide expression of America’s patriotic spirit — and our refusal to forget the thousands of innocent lives

we lost in the destruction of 9/11…Make no mistake: 9/11 changed our country forever, and a tragedy of this

magnitude requires every American to stop and remember — and show the world how strong we are when we

stand together.”

The post Jersey City to Observe the 10th Anniversary of the Attack on America first appeared on River View Observer.

On the morning of the 9/11 attack, Jersey City photographer Sandra Swieder grabbed her camera and notebook and headed to the waterfront where she captured the heroic rescue and recovery efforts of firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, EMTs and other volunteers. In the days and months that followed, Swieder continued to photograph and collect stories from survivors, witnesses and emergency responders this side of the Hudson.

 On Sept. 1 and running through Sept. 15, Art House Productions, a non-profit organization committed to the development and presentation of performing and visual arts in Jersey City presents “From Across the River,” a photography exhibition by Swieder that captures the events of September 11th from the New Jersey perspective.

 “With the tenth anniversary coming up, we thought it was a very important story to tell,” Arthouse Productions’ Executive Director Christine Goodman says. “Some people say ‘who wants to relive these images? But Sandra’s photographs have hope, too. What Sandra’s done is document the people and their stories and the real strength of the everyday individuals who rose up that day.”

On the morning of September 11, 2001, after the attacks on the World Trade Center, Hudson County’s waterfront became the hub for emergency personnel, volunteers and over 200,000 survivors who were ferried from lower Manhattan to the Jersey waterfront. When they arrived on the Jersey side – in Hoboken and Jersey City – thousands were decontaminated and triaged, some were hospitalized and given shelter.

That waterfront triage in Jersey City became a five-block radius of emergency personnel, volunteers and family members and the staging area at Exchange Place turned into a lifeline to “Ground Zero.” Swieder, with her camera and notebook, documented the events. She established relationships with key emergency personnel, collected their stories and created a historical record of images and personal accounts and put it all together in “From Across the River.” The exhibit consists of photography and interviews of First Responders, with approximately thirty images ranging from 11×14 to 6 ft. Images have been produced on a number of different mediums such as Plexiglas, canvas and photographic paper. The exhibition will also include a memorial sculpture of reclaimed steel from Ground Zero by artist Matt Johnson.

“It is extremely important to preserve the history of events that transpired on the Jersey side,” Swieder says. “This project illustrates what took place along the Hudson River and how New Jersey responded to the immediate needs of lower Manhattan that Tuesday morning and in the days, weeks and months following.”

Goodman says “From Across the River,” is a powerful exhibition but absolutely essential to our culture and history.

 “It’s preserving the history of what happened on the Hudson River that day and how our New Jersey community came together with New York,” Goodman says, “and how our emergency responders, our citizens, police officers, firefighters and everyday people rose up in this time of need. The work is powerful. It’s preserving our history and honoring these people. Sandra’s work is about healing and community.”

 Funding for “From Across the River” is by Hudson County Executive Thomas A. DeGise, the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs & Heritage/Tourism Development.  The exhibit will be up for two weeks at Arthouse Productions and then moved to the Brennan Courthouse where it will be installed for the public to view in the Theodore Conrad Rotunda from Sept. 22 through Oct.14.

 .”It’s not only about us, it’s much bigger,” Swieder says. “My intentions are for it to travel. I think people really need to understand what happened that day. My energies are positive. I’m a single mom with a three year-old. How do I tell the future generations what happened that day? What images do they have of the firemen, the twisted metal and the dust-covered buildings? This is a different perspective. I tried to capture the beauty and the unity of the people that day. Maybe this can bring some closure, some healing. People can look at the worst day of American history in a different light.”

Now to Sept.15th

From Across the River

Art House Productions
One McWilliams Place
(Housed in the former St. Francis Hospital Building, SE corner of Hamilton Park)
Jersey City, NJ

For more info or to schedule a viewing appointment, call (201) 915-9911 or email info@arthouseproductions.org.
Opening reception: Thurs, Sept 1, 7-10 p.m. 

Gallery Open:  Sept. 9^th, 7-9 p.m.

Closing reception: Sept 15, 7-9 p.m.

Additional viewings by appointment; to schedule a visit call 201-915-911

 

Special Anniversary Gallery Openings
Sat. and Sun, Sept. 10 and 11, 12-6 p.m.

The post From Across the River: Images and Reflections of September 11th from the Jersey Side first appeared on River View Observer.

FREE Shuttle takes hotel guests to locations within a 3 mile radius of the hotel

JERSEY CITY, NJ (August 10, 2010) – The Westin Jersey City Newport, located just 10 minutes from downtown Manhattan, has just announced a new service for its business travel guests that will help them save time and money – a complimentary shuttle service. The hotel’s new shuttle service now operates, 7 a.m. – 9.a.m. and 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. daily, and drives guests to meeting destinations within a three mile radius of the hotel including, Exchange Place and Harborside Financial area. The hotel’s shuttle is branded with a Westin logo making it instantly recognizable to guests.

 

 

During a time when hotel savings for business travelers has become essential, guests have responded very positively to this new service, appreciating the convenience, service and savings on taxis and rental cars to travel between the hotel and their office or meetings.
 
Situated just minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport, and just one block from the Pavonia – Newport PATH station, Newark Light Rail and NJTransit Buses, the hotel is ideal for business travelers and provides quick public transportation to and from New York City and to all points in New Jersey, the NJ Turnpike and NJ Parkway, as well as LaGuardia and JFK International airports. 
 
The shuttle service seats up to 11 passengers for each ride. For more information on The Westin Jersey City Newport and the hotel’s shuttle service, visit www.westin.com/jerseycity or call 201-626-2900.

 

About The Westin Jersey City Newport

Located in the heart of the waterfront Financial District of Jersey City, The Westin Jersey City Newport is only minutes from New York City’s major attractions and business centers. Offering panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the Hudson River and the Newport Marina, the hotel offers 429 guest rooms, including 14 one or two bedroom suites and one Presidential Suite.  Every room features the Heavenly^® Bed with custom-designed pillow-top mattress, crisp triple sheets, down blanket, luxurious duvet and five pillows.  The rooms’ Heavenly® Bath is equipped with a specially designed dual showerhead, signature bath amenities and a curved shower rod for additional comfort and space.

 

Other facilities include a signature contemporary restaurant called Fire & Oak American Grill, an Atrium Lobby Lounge and the WestinWORKOUT^® Gym.  The hotel also features 20,500 square feet of contemporary meeting space, with a team of culinary specialists and meeting planners to assist in every detail.  High speed Internet access is available throughout the property.

 

The hotel is minutes from Newark Liberty International Airport and one block from the Pavonia – Newport PATH station, Newark Light Rail and NJTransit Buses, providing quick public transportation to and from New York City and to all points in New Jersey – the NJ Turnpike and NJ Parkway, as well as LaGuardia and JFK International airports.  The hotel is adjacent to the Newport Centre Mall with high quality shops such as Macy’s, Coach, A|X Armani Exchange, Brookstone and Swarovski Crystal as well as an AMC Cinemas.  Steps from the Hudson waterfront, the Newport-Pavonia destination offers guests the convenience to New York City excitement and the ability to re-energize in a serene, out-of-the city location.

 

For further information, call 201-626-2900 or visit the Starwood website, www.starwood.com

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Qualified Buyers Able to Take Advantage of 3.5 Percent Down Payment

 Since opening, The Residences at Dixon Mills has successfully outperformed the local marketplace as the fastest-selling condominium in Jersey City. Now, with the announcement that the community has available Federal Housing Administration (FHA) financing, which requires only a 3.5 percent down payment, first-time homebuyers are finding that Dixon Mills also represents the best option to own a one-of-a-kind luxury home at an enhanced value.

 “The latest addition of FHA financing to the existing incentives we have available has already paid dividends and is attracting many new buyers to The Residences at Dixon Mills,” said Greg Berger, principal of Elmsford N.Y.-based Robert Martin Company, developer for The Residences at Dixon Mills. “We signed eight contracts in the first three weeks of March alone and the availability of FHA financing  has stimulated that achievement.”

 Berger added: “Having FHA financing, along with the limited-time $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit and one year of free maintenance being offered at the community has afforded Dixon Mills a notable advantage for savvy buyers.”

 FHA financing allows buyers that qualify to put a mere 3.5 percent down on their new home, as opposed to the 10 to 30 percent buyers would have to put down with conventional loans. FHA mortgage terms also allow the buyer to incorporate closing costs into the mortgage, instead of having the burden of paying these costs upfront.

 “If FHA financing wasn’t available, I wouldn’t have been able to purchase a home right now,” stated David J. Burks, a recent buyer of a one-bedroom home at The Residences at Dixon Mills. “The real estate market is open right now, however, for most people, finances are tough. Knowing that prices will rise makes now the perfect time to buy, and FHA allows those that are looking to be active in the market, but don’t have the necessary down payment, to get into it. I’m excited I had the opportunity to purchase a fantastic condominium in a luxury community.”

 Burks, who will be making a move to the Jersey City community from the Upper East Side in Manhattan in April, added, “A big selling point for me with Dixon Mills were the facilities – they are just fantastic. My fiancé and I were able to drop our expensive gym memberships because we have access to the community’s indoor basketball courts, sauna, gym and the various classes it offers, allowing us to save on our monthly bills.”

 “In addition to great financing options, our community offers an array of amenities, such as state-of-the-art fitness and community facilities and easy access to public transportation, whether you choose to walk or ride the Dixon shuttle bus” said Kristin Hurd, director of sales at The Residences at Dixon Mills. “Furthermore, we offer numerous residence layout options, authentic historic architectural details, and the option of private outdoor patios with spectacular views, attracting buyers looking for a one-of-a-kind luxurious home to our community.”

 One of the most unique characteristics of The Residences at Dixon Mills is its wide variety of floor plan designs. With more than 350 unique floor plans to choose from, buyers with an array of lifestyle needs have been able to find the ideal home to fit their personal living requirements.

Dixon Mills features studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom condominium residences from the low $200,000s. Duplexes, triplexes and penthouses are also available.

 Dixon Mills offers luxurious homes that feature remarkable finishes and features such as oversized windows and ceilings, bathrooms featuring deep soaking tubs, Carrara tile floors, beautiful marble and wood vanities, stylish gourmet kitchens outfitted with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, coordinated backsplashes, porcelain tile floors and warm maple or rich cherry wood cabinetry.

 The community also offers residents access to The Club at Dixon Mills. Newly opened in the fall of 2009, The Club features a state-of-the-art fitness center, spacious locker rooms, a yoga/movement room, community lounge, WiFi area, media room and indoor multi-purpose recreational court. The Club’s Lifestyle Lounge includes a fireplace, kitchen, screening room with a large projection television, comfortable seating, and a plug ‘n’ play WiFi laptop bar.

The Residences at Dixon Mills is located just three blocks from the nearby Grove Street PATH station, offering direct access to Wall Street or Midtown, as well as the neighborhood’s many retailers, restaurants and cultural and entertainment venues. As part of the community’s amenities package, Dixon Mills offers residents a shuttle bus that takes them from their door to the PATH station.

The Residences at Dixon Mills Sales Office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, and from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. To visit the Sales Office, take Interstate 78 East to the Jersey City/Columbus Drive exit and stay straight to go onto Center Street. Make a right onto Christopher Columbus Drive. Turn right onto Brunswick Street and then left on Wayne Street. The Sales Office will be on your right.

 For more information about The Residences at Dixon Mills, please call the Sales Office at 201-309-1004 or visit www.dixonmillsjc.com. Tours of the Sales Office and designer model condominium homes are available by appointment only.            

 

 

About Robert Martin Company

Founded in 1957, Robert Martin Co. has a long, distinguished history in real estate.  The company and its partners have developed and acquired over 20 million square feet of property and its holdings presently include over two million square feet of office space and hundreds of acres of developable land.  Widely regarded as a pioneer in office park development and mixed-use urban renewal projects, the real estate and investment firm has expanded from its home base in the New York metropolitan region into California and Florida, where it has recently partnered to buy over 600 hundred acres of land, approximately 2,500 apartments and a large mixed-use project in Miami, Florida.  For more information on Robert Martin Co. visit www.robertmartincompany.com

 

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The post REAL ESTATE-Jersey City’s The Residences at Dixon Mills Excited to Announce FHA Financing Now Available 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.

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