School board elections on the horizon
School Board elections will be held April 27, a Wednesday, not a Tuesday this year. Governor Christie changed the date because of a religious observance on Tuesday the 26th. April 6 is the deadline to register to vote for the School Board. To register, visit
http://www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/hudsonCTYvoterReg.pdf.
The deadline to vote by mail is April 20. To download an application, visit _http://www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/elections/default.htm_
(http://www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/elections/default.htm).
The School Board election falls during spring break for many local schools. Voters who are planning vacations during that time are urged to vote by mail.
9/11 memorial on track for anniversary
The controversial “Empty Sky” memorial on the waterfront in Liberty State Park in Jersey City is slated to open on the upcoming 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The $11.9 million project, which is being bankrolled by the state of New Jersey and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is the product of the New Jersey 9/11 Memorial Foundation.
The nonprofit Friends of Liberty State Park has long opposed the project because it says the structure will obscure the very view that it is meant to honor — that of Ground Zero. According to FOLSP President Sam Pesin, the wall is 30 feet high by 200 feet long, inserted into a hill which is 200 feet long and ten feet high.
Pesin told the Jersey City Reporter, “The Empty Sky memorial destroys the most important urban skyline view in the world from the closest and busiest area of LSP. In the great urban park behind Lady Liberty, democracy was cast aside as this $12 million monstrosity was chosen with zero public hearings. The priceless and spiritually powerful views toward Ground Zero, the entire New York City skyline, and the Hudson River are blocked and the popular public plaza is gone, confiscated from future generations by this wrongly located memorial. The design is not ‘integrated’ into LSP and it vastly diminishes the state and national historic landmark, the adjacent CRRNJ train terminal. LSP already has an inspiring 746- tree 9/11 ‘Grove of Remembrance’ on the south side of the cobblestone Audrey Zapp Drive, with New Jersey’s victims’ names engraved in its ‘memorial circle.’ Empty Sky is a travesty of justice and common sense.”
Jersey City Free Public Library holds fundraiser
On Thursday, May 26, the library will hold the Hatter’s Ball. Those who attend will be asked to make a fanciful hat that represents something happening in the news, sports, or politics. A panel of judges will view the hats during the night and proclaim winners, who will be given prizes. The event, which will include entertainment, a cocktail hour, and silent auction, will take place at Puccini’s Restaurant, 104 West Side Ave., Jersey City, from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $100.
Make checks payable to Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation, Inc. Mail to Priscilla Gardner, executive director, Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation, Inc., 472 Jersey Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07302.
Edward’s Steakhouse donates money to tsunami relief
During the week of April 4 Edward’s Steakhouse will donate 5 percent of every sale to the American Red Cross to assist in disaster relief for those affected by the earthquake in Japan and the Pacific tsunami. A four-course prix fixe menu for $35 will be offered in addition to the regular menu offerings. Donations can also be made at the restaurant.
“Please join us in helping those in need,” said owner Dan de la Vega. Visit www.edwardssteakhouse.com.
Stonewall Democratic Club set to open in Hudson County
Bob Zuckerman, a former leader of the New York City chapter of the Stonewall Democrats, a LGBT political group, moved to Jersey City last summer and is spearheading the launching of a Hudson County chapter of the Stonewall Democrats. The first meeting was held on March 31. Zuckerman told outinjersey.net, “With legislative redistricting around the corner, and big municipal elections coming up in the next couple of years, as well as huge U.S. Senate and presidential races next year, I believe the time is right for such a grassroots political club for LGBT Democrats in Jersey City, Hoboken, and throughout the county.”