Jersey City Briefs

Is Snooki’s possible pregnancy bad news for… Jersey City?

If reports are true that reality TV star Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is pregnant, then the joke could be on the Jersey City officials who gave the go-ahead for a “Jersey Shore” spin-off starring the possibly preggers Polizzi, to be filmed locally.
Last month, Jersey City approved permits for the production company that films “Jersey Shore” to shoot a spin-off show starring Polizzi and pal Jenni “JWoww” Farley on municipal streets and other public places. They are living at a converted firehouse downtown and have been spotted in the streets.
The city briefly basked in the media glow of if this approval after the neighboring city of Hoboken refused to let the spin-off be filmed there.
There was much speculation that Jersey City would benefit from its association with the spin-off, in much the same way Hoboken has benefitted from the more wholesome “Cake Boss,” another popular reality show.
But if Snooki is pregnant, as was widely reported yesterday, her condition could affect the show’s viability. Partying, excessive drinking, and post-club hook-ups are staples of the franchise “Jersey Shore” show, and were likely to be mainstays on the Snooki-JWoww spin-off as well.
Polizzi and MTV Productions, which airs “Jersey Shore” and was set to air the spin-off program, have not confirmed reports of the pregnancy. But in a possibly telling sign, Polizzi seems to be no longer denying the rumor, as she was several weeks ago.
If the rumor is true, MTV has several options available. The entertainment channel could still film the show with Farley and a porky Polizzi, but would face massive criticism if an expectant Snooki hit the bars. This route seems risky. MTV could also decide to film the show and replace Snooki with another member of the “Jersey Shore” cast. But none of the other women from the original cast would draw as many viewers are Snooki. The channel could also build the show around Snooki and her pregnancy.

Two temples to celebrate Purim

Jersey City’s Temple Beth-El will host an “Americana Purim” on Wednesday, March 7 at 6 p.m. The festivities will kick off with an “Americana Pizza Fest,” including free pizza, salad, and drinks. The Megillah reading will follow at 7 p.m. with an “Americana Purim Spiel.” The Book of Esther will be told through a sing-along of popular American tunes, rewritten by Temple Beth-El’s Rabbi Debra Hachen.
Purim celebrates the leadership of Queen Esther and her cousin, Mordecai, who rescued the Jews from the wicked Haman. The joyous holiday takes place on the 14th day of Adar, the 12th month of the Jewish calendar. (In the case of a leap year, it takes place in the 13th month, Adar II.) The holiday usually falls in March, and will begin at sundown on March 7 this year. Purim is often referred to as the “Jewish Mardi Gras” or “Jewish Halloween” as many Jews do wear costumes and bring gifts of food door-to-door to celebrate the holiday. In addition, there are public readings of the Book of Esther, called the Megillah, and the feasting of hamantaschen, a triangular-shaped cookie often with prunes or other fruits in the middle.
Those attending are encouraged to wear costumes, and prizes will be given to all children in costume and for best teen/adult male and teen/adult female costume. In addition, please bring a box of dry macaroni and cheese. The boxes will later be donated to a food pantry once Purim is over. To RSVP for the celebration, please send an e-mail to office@betheljc.org.
Also, Chabad of Hoboken’s 11th annual grand, international Purim Party will be held at the Elks Club 1005 Washington St. this Thursday, March 8. This year’s theme – Purim in Africa – will feature an African buffet dinner, open bar, drum circle, and more.
Doors open at 4:45 pm with arts and crafts for the children. The reading of the Megillah will commence at 5:15 pm, followed by lots of fun. All are welcome to join regardless of affiliation or background.
At the door: $25 per adult and $12 a child/ Stevens students. In advance: $23 adult; $13. For more info and to RSVP, visit www.JewishHoboken.com or call 201 386 5222.

St. Dominic Academy fundraiser

On Saturday, March 17, St. Dominic Academy in Jersey City will hold its 15th Annual Spring Thaw 5K and 1 Mile Race. The event will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the Liberty State Park Railroad Terminal. The terminal is accessible from the New Jersey Turnpike, exit 14B, and from major transit hubs. A free shuttle bus will be available from the Hudson Bergen Light Rail as well. Proceeds from the race help to benefit Saint Dominic Academy’s athletic program. Featured events and related fees include a short kiddie run to be held after the 5K ($10), a one mile run/walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. ($20), and a 5K run beginning at 10 a.m. ($25). The race is held on a USATF Certified course. A commemorative T-shirt is included in the fee. Additional benefits include a DJ and music, refreshments, and children’s medals.
On-line registration, maps, and applications can be found online at < a href=”www.RaceForum.com/SpringThaw”> www.RaceForum.com/SpringThaw . For additional information, please call Saint Dominick’s Athletic Director, John Nagel, at (201) 434-5938, ext. 33.

Hudson Milestones’ 2012 award recipients

On Friday, April 20 at the Ramada Hotel in Newark, Hudson Milestones will honor the 2012 recipients of its Recognizing Excellence Annual Awards. The awards provide an opportunity for Hudson Milestones to formally acknowledge many of the organizations and individuals who help the agency to continue to provide quality services to people with developmental disabilities throughout Hudson County. The recipients of the awards were among a large number of impressive nominees submitted in each award category.
Final selections were made by the Hudson Milestones’ Board of Directors. The award recipients include: Dennis Tiberi, Melissa Pica, Dr. Syed Alam, and Greenville Memorial Home will be recognized as Corporation of the Year. Reservations for the awards ceremony and dinner dance can be made by calling the agency at (201) 434-7783.

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