Liberty State Park - River View Observer

‘Big Day of Birding’ planned May 17 at Liberty State Park

admin — Sun, 11 May 2025 19:43:27 +0000

(“LSP Big Day”, “cedar waxwing”) Bill Lynch.

New Jersey Conservation Foundation will team up with the Feminist Bird Club of Jersey City, Liberty State Park, and Jersey City Birds for a “Big Day of Birding” at Liberty State Park on Saturday, May 17. The free event includes bird walks at 6 and 9 a.m., and is appropriate for both novice and experienced birders.

“We will attempt to identify as many species of birds as we can while enjoying good company and the beauty of this urban gem,” said Bill Lynch, New Jersey Conservation’s director of engagement and communications, co-leading the event. “No experience is necessary, and we will bring a scope and extra binoculars for participants to borrow.”

The post ‘Big Day of Birding’ planned May 17 at Liberty State Park first appeared on River View Observer.

IN MEMORY OF A FRIEND AND CO-WORKER TOM DWYER

admin — Tue, 04 May 2021 16:18:18 +0000

By Joe Calamito

This past September 20th, marked 23 years the River View Observer has been in business, and in the early years we were fortunate to have a lead writer named Tom Dwyer writing our cover stories. He alone was instrumental in keeping our readers interested in all things Hudson County.

Always ready to tackle a new story idea, and creating ideas that made us worthy of our readers attention.

I was heartbroken to find out recently that on April 6th, 2021 the world lost a talented writer and musician when Tom lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

It is hard for me to fathom such a brilliant talent as Tom no longer doing what he loved best, spending time with his beloved wife Susan, traveling, writing and creating beautiful music.

Tom was my friend, and although we hadn’t worked together in years, on occasion he would contact me and offer a travel story he had written and excitedly, I would jump at the chance to have the name Tom Dwyer, grace the pages of our publication one more time.

He would offer advice that I knew would make us a better publication, and in one of our last conversations a few years back, we talked of him writing a regular feature on Travel. Here at the River View we were excited at the idea.

Tom was a talented songwriter and in that last conversation we had, he was proud to let me hear some songs he had written and sold and I was happy he did.

There is no way I can sum up our friendship and working relationship other than to let his work speak for itself, by posting a few of Tom’s stories for you to read. Tom’s earlier stories unfortunately were written before we had the River View Observer website and are only in print , however, I did manage to find some from 2008 and 2009 for you to read.

Tom Thank you for all you did for us-and for inspiring us to push on, you made me a better person and publisher for have knowing you.

I hope you enjoy reading some of Tom’s stories…

Happy Birthday Liberty State Park by Tom Dwyer

Travel Sanibel -Captiva Islands Beauty and Sophistication Fun by Tom Dwyer

The Peninsula at Bayonne Harbor

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Earth Day 2015; â€œItâ€™s Our Turn to Leadâ€ Liberty State Park Celebration to Raise Eco Awareness

admin — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 17:14:24 +0000

By Sally Deering

Itâ€s been 25 years since Hudson celebrated the first Earth Day in Liberty State Park and on Sat, April 25 â€“ 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 Â 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,â€ says Mary-Ellen Gilpin, Director of HCIAâ€s Â environmental programs. â€œThe fair creates an opportunity for residents, young and old, to enjoy themselves while learning the importance of â€˜reducing, re-using and recyclingâ€ and protecting our urban environment.â€

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 communitiesâ€ marketplace, Hudson residents will have a wide array of things to do and see at the fair, Gilpin says.

â€œView 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 â€˜Wishing Treeâ€,â€ Gilpin says. â€œThis 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, â€˜greenâ€ 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,â€ Sandra Meola of the NY/NJ Baykeeper says. â€œBaykeeper’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

Â 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 citizensâ€ 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.

â€œEarth 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,â€ Pesin says. â€œWe must all be activists in protecting the beauty, necessity and spiritual power of nature and open space.Â Liberty State Park is our great urban waterfront open space which enriches our urban quality of life.â€

At 11 am, following â€œWalk for LSPâ€ 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, â€œEarth Boyâ€, â€œBusterâ€, â€œWoodsyâ€ and â€œGarbage Goatâ€ will interact with festival-goers, and. DJ Mickey will emcee the stage acts. Hereâ€s the line-up:

11 am-NoonÂ Race Award CeremonyÂ

12 pm-12:30Â Â DJ Mickey

12:30 1:15 Â Â Â Â Field Station: Dinosaurs:

â€œThe Dinosaur Troubadour and Mighty T-Rexâ€Â

1:15â€“ 1:30 Â Â Â Â DJ Mickey

1:30â€“ 2 pmÂ Â Â Â Carl Brister in Concert

2 pmâ€“2:15 Â Â Â Â DJ Mickey

2:15â€“ 2:45 Â Â Â Â Field Station: Dinosaurs:

â€œThe Dinosaur Troubadour and Mighty T-Rexâ€Â

2:45â€“ 3 pmÂ Â Â Â DJ Mickey

3 pmâ€“4 pm Â Â Â Â John Christian Band

Â 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.â€

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; â€œItâ€™s Our Turn to Leadâ€ Liberty State Park Celebration to Raise Eco Awareness first appeared on River View Observer.

JERSEY CITY INCLUDED IN WOMENâ€™S HEALTH MAGAZINE AND YELP REVEAL THE NATIONâ€™S MOST SOCIAL CITIES Â

admin — Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:55:13 +0000

Jersey City Makes the List for FitnessÂ

Here is what they said aboutÂ JERSEY CITYÂ

The views of Lower Manhattan from Liberty State Parkâ€s four-mile running loop are spectacular. But Jersey City (â€œJCâ€ to locals) also boasts some kick-ass indoor options. At last count: 31 gyms, 14 Pilates studios, 14 martial-arts studios, four boxing gyms, and 10 dance studiosâ€”all within 21 square miles. Inside, group classes rule; these extra-effective ones offer free trial sessions.
For long, lean muscles: Instructor Erica Braunâ€s tough Base Barre class at Base Gym focuses on small, targeted ballet- and
yoga-inspired movements (basenj.com).For cardio endurance: Thanks to crazy heavy boxing bags, fat and flab take a big hit at
coed gym CKO Jersey City. Plyometric floor drills add to the intensity (ckokickboxing.com).For strength training: The wildly popular, feverishly energetic JCF Health and Fitness
Bootcamp meets six times a weekâ€”and has helped many local women drop many dress sizes (jcfbootcamp.com).

New York, New Yorkâ€”September Â 10, 2014 â€“Womenâ€s Health, the fastest-growing womenâ€s health and wellness magazine in the world, and Yelp, the website and mobile app that connects people with local businesses, revealed today the results of the first annual Social Cities Awards based on a six-month, research-based partnership to determine 20 social metropolises on the rise in the United States. These results are featured at www.womenshealthmag.com/socialcities and in the October issue of Womenâ€s Health, on newsstands September 9.

“Urban women have always wanted their cities to have tons of sports, nightlife, culture, and food offeringsâ€”now they want all of that plus a social element,”Â says Sascha de Gersdorff,Â Womenâ€s HealthÂ Deputy Editor. “Our readers are constantly looking to share and connect with others, online and in real time. These city winners give them all that and more; they are truly modern hotspots.”

Four distinct categories of up-and-coming cities were established: fitness, food, culture and nightlife. YELPâ€s data scientists determined the criteria for a â€˜social cityâ€ in each category and sorted through more than 61 million Yelp reviews. Womenâ€s Health led extensive editorial research including interviews with Yelp Community Managers, local business owners, city experts and candid citizens.

Womenâ€s Health also looked into the coolest social spaces, businesses and destinations that make each place unique.Â WomensHealthMag.com will feature an online interactive map to list where readers should visit, highlighting the award winning destinations and digital-only finds such as the 25 top hikes from around the country. Social quizzes with built in social sharing functionality based on data from the partnership will feature the ideal city to live in, ideal foodie vacations and more.

â€œNot only is Yelp a great tool for consumers, it’s the source people turn to for the richest data on local businesses of all kinds – from dentists to dog groomers, cafes to contractors,â€ says Dan Frank, data scientist at Yelp. â€œYelpâ€s wealth of data can be mined to surface everything from review highlights on a business page to which local spots are great for 20-somethings to global consumer trends over time. Weâ€re excited to analyze Yelp data in a new way and to partner with Womenâ€s Health to share our insights on the coolest emerging social cities with their readers.â€

The Social Cities project, which is sponsored by Lincoln MKC, Procter & Gamble and Reebok International. First-time advertiser Lincoln, is also sponsoring a #InTheMoment social sweepstakes, interactive road-trip map using Google Maps API, Social Cities quiz. Lincoln isÂ also the presenting sponsor of Womenâ€s Healthâ€s RUN10FEED10 philanthropic event series,Â will provide the pace car for the races and host an activation with blogger concierges talking about the best things to see and do in the cities.

The brands also collaborated to develop a co-branded seal that cities and featured businesses can use to showcase their nomination on the Social Cities Award list.

The Social Cities winners are as follows:

FITNESS Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â NIGHTLIFE

Scottsdale, AZÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Memphis, TN

Jersey City, NJ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Pittsburgh, PA

Ann Arbor, MIÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Cleveland, OH

Charlotte, NCÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Providence, RI

Portland, ORÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Seattle, WA

CULTUREÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â FOOD

Austin, TXÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Des Moines, IA

Denver, COÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Rochester, NY

Orlando, FLÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Birmingham, AL

Raleigh, NCÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Oklahoma City, OK

San Diego, CA Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Albuquerque, NM

For more information on Womenâ€s Health magazine and Yelpâ€s social city list, go to www.womenshealthmag.com/socialcities.

The post JERSEY CITY INCLUDED IN WOMENâ€™S HEALTH MAGAZINE AND YELP REVEAL THE NATIONâ€™S MOST SOCIAL CITIES Â first appeared on River View Observer.

HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME! Fun Things to Do in Hudson and Other Jersey Hot Spots

admin — Tue, 09 Jul 2013 01:10:12 +0000

River View Observer’s Â Best Bets for a Great Time this SummerÂ

Bob Dylan will appear at Pier A in Hoboken on July 26th

By Sally Deering

Â Its official â€“ summer has arrived! And that means itâ€s time to check out fun happenings here in Hudson and beyond the county line. This jaunty little list of things to do is just a drop in the ice bucket, a sampling of sorts to get you thinking outside the box you call your apartment.

Get out, get wet, have fun!

SHAKE, PADDLE AND ROLL

Liberty State Park, Jersey City

Kayak Eco Tours invites Liberty State Park visitors to explore the natural beauty of the Hudson River Estuary by kayak. Tours embark from the canoe/kayak launch located at the south side of Liberty State Park near the park office and highlight the local wildlife and habitats of Caven Point. Trips run approximately two hours and include safety and paddle instruction. No prior paddling experience is required, but participants should be comfortable navigating in relatively deep water. Life Jackets (PFDs) are provided and required. This program is appropriate for adults and children 16 years and older; kids 16-18 need to be accompanied by an adult. For registration and payment information, or any other questions, contact Liberty State Park at (201) 915-3402. Program fee: $15/person. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Thurs-Sun through Aug. 30. For more info: www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/liberty.html.

A BRIDGE NOT FAR

Al Slootsky Playground, 4^th St, Bayonne

On Sat, July 20, PealCollection of Bayonne conducts â€œA Walk across the Bridgeâ€ a

free and informative walking tour about the Bayonne Bridge. â€œThis walk may be something you have always wanted to do,â€ says Peal partner Priscilla Ege, â€œand now with the raising of the bridge to commence, it may be the best time.â€ The tour begins at 10 am at the Al Slootsky Playground on 4th Street between Kennedy Boulevard and Avenue â€œAâ€. Â PealCollection will discuss the history of the bridge as well as the raising-of-the-roadway project before progressing with the one mile walk to and from the arch of the bridge. This leisurely walk will include spectacular views of New York and the Hudson River and discussions on points of interest. The rain date will be Saturday July 27 at 10 am. To register for this free walking tour, call (201) 339-4093, leave your name and contact number.

FORE HCCC STUDENT AID

Forest Hill Field Club, Bloomfield, NJ

The Hudson County Community College Foundation invites area residents and businesses to participate in its Tenth Annual Golf Outing on Mon, July 8, at Forest Hill Field Club in Bloomfield. The Annual Golf Outing â€” one of four major fundraisers sponsored by the Foundation â€” has activities for golfers and non-golfers with a limited number of tickets available. The Foundation generates financial support to benefit deserving HCCC students by providing them with scholarships. Complete information on the July 8^th Golf Outing including registration and dress code details may be obtained by phoning the Collegeâ€s Office for Development at 201-360-4006 or jsansone@hccc.edu.

RACKING TWO-WHEELERS

Jersey City Hall, Grove St, Jersey City

Bike enthusiasts and those who love them are invited to join in the Bike Rack Design Competition hosted by the City of Jersey City. In its mission to leave a greener imprint, Jersey City is looking for bike rack design submissions which will be accepted from July 29 to Aug. 2. So get on your bike, cruise around and get inspired! For more info, contact www.jerseycitynj.gov. Sponsored by Bike JC, the Jersey City Art School and the City of Jersey City.

Â AS â€˜YOUSEâ€ LIKE IT

The Greek Theatre at Convent Station, Convent Station, NJ

This summer, the Shakespeare Theatreâ€s Outdoor Stage will transform into the Forest of Arden for its production of AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare at the beautiful and family-friendly amphitheater on the campus of the College of Saint Elizabeth. Shakespeareâ€s sweet comedy features some of greatest characters who will delight all ages. It runs through July 28^th. Order tickets online at www.shakespearenj.org.

FIDDLER ON THE BARN ROOF

New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show, Augusta, NJ

There will be contests galore at the New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show in Augusta including Home-Brewed Beer; Lawnmower Racing, Turkey Calling, Cow Milking, and Fiddler-playing. Thereâ€s Polka Dancing and a New Jersey Best Cheesecake competition, too. Â And donâ€t forget the Horse Show. The New Jersey State Fair/Sussex County Farm & Horse Show features agricultural events and education, animals, exhibits, horse shows, carnival, petting zoo, crafts and vendors, flower and vegetable shows, art and photography and a chainsaw artist. It runs Aug. 2-11. For more info call 973-948-5500, or visit www.newjerseystatefair.org.

JAMMINâ€ IN JULY

Bellview Winery, Landisville, NJ

Located on land that the Quarella family has been farming for close to a century sits Bellview Winery, one of New Jerseyâ€s premier wineries. Every Saturday in July, from 4-8 pm, Bellview hosts live music, with sangria, and food vendors. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to lie on. Â Leashed pets welcome.Â July 6: Chapter Three, soft rock and smooth oldies sounds; July 13:Â Ten Eddy Drive plays rock & roll covers; July 20: SunDog plays 80’s rock and pop covers; Â Â July 27: Local musician Frank Compari plays acoustic guitar. Bellview Winery, 150 Atlantic St, Landisville, NJ. For more info call (856) 697-7172 or visit www.bellviewwinery.com.

CAN YOU SPELL H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S?

THE PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (the Broadway musical) at the Lauren K. Woods Theatre, 400 Cedar Ave. West Long Branch

What happens when six kids in the throes of puberty compete in a spelling bee? Laughs and lots of them. This Tony-winning Broadway musical is a laugh riot as kids, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that losing and winning can be very subjective as they try to win the spelling championship of a lifetime.Â The show runs June 27-July 21, Wed-Sat., 8 pm; Sun at7 pm. NO SHOW July 4th. For tickets and info: (732) 263-6889; www.monmouth.edu/woodstheatre.

FRONT PORCH BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL

Gazebo Park, Chester, NJ

Put on your jeans and head out to Chester for Â the 5th annual Front Porch Bluegrass Festival which features 13 live bands from 10 am-8 pm. Admission is FREEÂ and there will be lots of vendors and activities for the kids. All donations benefit BYG Work Camp’s mission trip with Appalachia Service Project. Sit under the tent for rain or shine entertainment! Bands include: Honky Tonk Scoundrels, Keith Wilson, Americana Troupe, Catbirds, Omar Mendez, Monday Night Pickers & more! Great food includes pulled pork, burgers, hotdogs, chicken wings, hush puppies, homemade waffles & ice cream & more! BYG Work Camp is a mission group that rebuilds homes every summer. Â This year 88 volunteers — high school, college students and adults â€“ will travel to Kentucky to make home repairs. Info@FrontPorchBluegrassFestival.com or call (908)443-1294.

SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE IN HOBOKEN

Pier â€œAâ€ Park, Hoboken

Letâ€s hope a hard rain doesnâ€t fall when Bob Dylan takes the stage at Pier â€œAâ€ Park on First Street and Frank Sinatra Drive in Hoboken on Fri, July 26^th for a concert sponsored by Americanarama Festival of Music tour. Joining Dylan are Wilco and My Morning Jacket.Â For tickets go to www.stubhub.com.

The post HOT FUN IN THE SUMMERTIME! Fun Things to Do in Hudson and Other Jersey Hot Spots first appeared on River View Observer.

Steveamack.com photos of Liberty State Park Damage from Superstorm Sandy

admin — Fri, 30 Nov 2012 10:00:08 +0000

Steve A Mack took these dramatic photos Â of the damage sustained by Â Superstorm SandyÂ on Liberty State Park.

Liberty State Park is currently closed and these photos show the impact Sandy had on the popular New Jersey travel destination for thousands of people each year.

The River View Observer will post the date when the park opens in the near future.

More photos by Steveamack.com to come of Liberty State Park

The post Steveamack.com photos of Liberty State Park Damage from Superstorm Sandy first appeared on River View Observer.

Jersey City Receives $175,000 Grant from North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority to Study the Cost-Benefit Analysis of Public Transportation within Liberty State Park

admin — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 01:32:35 +0000

JERSEY CITY â€” Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy announced today that the City of Jersey City has received a $175,000 grant from the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) to complete the Liberty State Park Circulator Cost-Benefit Analysis.

The purpose of the study is to analyze a range of options for mass transit circulator service throughout Liberty State Park that would serve destinations within the park and existing and future adjacent residential development and businesses. The study will evaluate a range of route and modes, including rail and rubber tire options, using a comprehensive set of quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria. The final product will include the identification of a range of feasible concepts for further study.

â€œWe believe that a circulator service will support tourism and enhance the multi-modal mass transit network for park visitors, residents and workers in the vicinity,â€ said Mayor Healy. â€œJersey City has a high transit-dependent population and was identified by the NJTPA in 2007 as an Environmental Justice community. Because 40 percent of Jersey City residents are without access to a car, many residents rely on public transportation to access park facilities.â€

Located on Jersey Cityâ€s eastern waterfront, Liberty State Park is the largest park in the city. There are many major destinations within the park, including the Liberty Science Center, ferry access to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty National Monuments, the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal, the parkâ€s Interpretive Center, and the Liberty Landing marina. With six million visitors each year, Liberty State Park is the most-visited park in the state and the second most-visited state park in the nation.

Currently, the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Liberty State Park station and park-and-ride lot are located on the western edge of the park. However, there is no regular transit connection between the light rail station and the parkâ€s interior and environs. A circulator service will facilitate movement between destinations in and around Liberty State Park, of which many are beyond reasonable walking distance from the light rail station.

In order to gain a better understanding of the travel behavior of current and potential park visitors, a survey is being implemented. The brief survey takes about one minute to complete and is available in English and Spanish through the study website (www.lsptransitstudy.com). Paper copies of the survey are available at the following locations in Jersey City: Mayorâ€s Action Bureau at City Hall (280 Grove Street, Room 105), the office of the Division of City Planning (30 Montgomery Street, Suite 1400), the Park Office at Liberty State Park (200 Morris Pesin Drive), and at the information desk at the Central Railroad of NJ Terminal in Liberty State Park. All are encouraged to participate in the survey, even those who have never visited Liberty State Park.

As part of the public outreach plan for the study, two public meetings will be held.

Liberty State Park is owned and operated by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protectionâ€s Division of Parks and Forestry. A Technical Advisory Committee consisting of representatives from City, County, State, and Park agencies; transportation professionals; and local businesses has been convened. The City has hired a consultant team led by Sam Schwartz Engineering to prepare the study. The final report is anticipated by June 2013.

Please visit www.lsptransitstudy.com for more information.

All media inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Morrill, Press Secretary to Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy at 201-547-4836 or 201-376-0699./////

The post Jersey City Receives $175,000 Grant from North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority to Study the Cost-Benefit Analysis of Public Transportation within Liberty State Park first appeared on River View Observer.

Jersey City & Parks Coalition Win One of Three National Make A Difference Day Awards for Municipalities for “BIG DIG” Planting Project

admin — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 03:35:14 +0000

Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy and the Jersey City Parks Coalition announced today that the City of Jersey City and The Jersey City Parks Coalition have been awarded one of three national Make A Difference Day awards for municipalities for the collaborative project known as the “BIG DIG” that saw 18,000 tulip and daffodil bulbs planted across the city last October.

“We are extremely honored to receive this prestigious award and recognition,” saidÂ Mayor Healy. “Make A Difference Day, and particularly the â€˜BIG DIGâ€ project, illustrated the immense value of public-private partnerships and what a positive impact volunteerism can have on a community.”

Thirteen volunteer initiatives will be recognized with the 2012 Make A Difference Day Awards at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 19. Make A Difference Day, the nation’s largest day of service, was created in 1992 by Gannett Co., Inc.â€s

USA WEEKEND Magazine along with partners, Newmanâ€s OwnÂ®, Inc. and Points of Light. Newmanâ€s Own will donate a total of $130,000, awarding ten volunteer initiatives $10,000 each and presenting three cities $10,000 each for their local projects.

According to a press release from

USA WEEKEND, the winners were chosen from thousands of grassroots volunteer efforts that took place on Oct. 22, 2011, Make A Difference Day. Millions of Americans served their communities and made positive changes as a result of the volunteer action encouraged by the nationwide annual event.

Jersey Cityâ€s theÂ BIG DIG, was supported by an army of more than 600 volunteers from across the city, as well as the Mayorâ€s Office, the Division of Parks & Forestry and the Division of Cultural Affairs.

Dozens of city parks, select open spaces, schools, libraries, historic cemeteries and gateways to the city are now blooming in yellows, oranges and reds as the bulbs that were planted have now blossomed.

“From the outset, this was a winning partnership and illustrated perfectly how public-private partnerships and volunteerism are key for governments at all levels to succeed,” said

Mayor Healy. “For the past few years, my office has been involved in recognizing Make A Difference Day with events in Jersey City, however, this was the first time we had one, overarching event for the entire city. We thank the Jersey City Parks Coalition for this concept of coordinated bulb planting throughout the city and for all of their hard work to get this project off the ground.”

The Parks Coalition volunteers handled fundraising by reaching out to Jersey Cityâ€s vast corporate community, raising nearly $15,000 to help cover the cost of the bulbs and gardening supplies. The City identified the parks, prepared some sites for digging, and began promotion of the event through press releases, on our website and Facebook page, and through other media. More than 600 volunteers participated in the planting, including members from other non-profits, school teachers and students, scouts, members of civic organizations and representatives from the corporate community.

In addition to sponsorship from the City of Jersey City, the BIG DIG was sponsored by Century 21 Plaza Realty, the Hudson County Improvement Authority, the Liberty Science Center, the West Side Community Alliance/Honeywell, the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority, Liberty State Park, PSE&G, United Water, and The Westin Jersey City, as well as many other local businesses, organizations, and residents.

This was the first citywide event for the Jersey City Parks Coalition although the Coalition has established Community Gardens in 10 of their 14 member parks groups. Since 2004, spring plantings and fall bulbs have been making a difference in parks such as Pershing Field, Van Vorst Park, Riverview-Fisk Park, Sgt. Anthony Park, Ercel Webb Park, as well as Washington Park and Lincoln Park.

“This event was a great way to really make a difference in the community and now that the bulbs are in bloom, we are seeing the impact this project had on neighborhoods throughout the City,” said

Charlene Burke, project manager for the BIG DIG. “Many of the participants have provided us with photos from the 80 planting sites, which we have posted on The Jersey City Parks Coalition facebook page. We hope that everyone involved will look forward to BIG DIG 2012.”
The ten 2012 Make A Difference Day Award honorees are:

Summer Search North Bay, Petaluma, Calif.

The United Way of Lake County, Waukegan, Ill.

The Marys & Marthas and the people of Clarion, Iowa

Girl Scouts of Madisonville Housing Authority Troop 333, Madisonville, Ky.

Mary Vail, Las Vegas, Nev.

Victory Christian Church, Albany, N.Y.

Joyce and John Jackson, Delaware, Ohio

Neha Gupta, Yardley, Penn.

Eleanor Schoenbrun, El Paso, Texas

The Ellis Family, Rhinelander, Wis.
The three 2012 City Award honorees are:

The Jersey City Parks Coalition and Jersey City, N.J.

City of Salisbury, N.C.

Strong Neighborhoods Program, San Jose, Calif.

The All-Star Award goes to:

Lucas Metropolis, Boca Raton, Fla. and Durham, N.C.

“This event goes to the heart of Gannettâ€s purpose to serve the greater good of our nation and the communities we serve. Every year, millions act upon our invitation to reach out to others in their community. Itâ€s inspiring to see how our audience responds and the good that comes out of this one day,” said Heather Frank, editor-in-chief of

USA WEEKEND.

All of the award recipients will be featured in this weekendâ€s edition ofÂ USA WEEKEND.

Make A Difference Day 2012 will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27. For more information, please go to www.makeadifferenceday.com.

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The post Jersey City & Parks Coalition Win One of Three National Make A Difference Day Awards for Municipalities for “BIG DIG” Planting Project first appeared on River View Observer.