Sires comments on death of Mandela
Rep. Albio Sires issued a statement on the death of Nelson Mandela, who passed away at age 95 on Dec. 5. Mandela is considered one of the most important leaders of the antiapartheid movement in South Africa since the 1950s.
“Today, I mourn along with those around the globe on the passing of Nelson Mandela,” Sires said. “As we live on we should continue to be reminded of Mandela’s legacy of freedom and equality not just today but every day.”
Liberty State Park Ferry slip to be repaired
A ferry slip in Liberty State Park damaged as the result of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 will be repaired after the State Department of Environmental Protection approved the $800,000 bid, which was awarded to Flanagan’s Contracting Group of Hillborough. The slip was used to access the nearby Statue of Liberty.
NY Waterways crew passes alcohol tests after ferry crash
While the cause of the crash of a ferry near Owen Grundy Pier on Nov. 29 has yet to be determined, toxicology tests on the three crew members show no sign of alcohol in their blood, officials said.
The ferry, owned by Goldman Sacks, had 27 passengers on board, five of whom were injured, as were two crew members, but none seriously.
The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the crash.
‘A Tuna Christmas’ is still fresh a year later
After being forced to cancel the production last year due to Hurricane Sandy, J CITY Theater says that “A Tuna Christmas” will open on Wednesday, Dec. 11 and runs until Dec. 21, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $20. Tickets can be purchased through www.jcity.org or calling 800-838-3006. The event is being held at St. Michaels Church – Hamilton Park, 252 Ninth Street, Jersey City, NJ 07303
“A Tuna Christmas” by Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard is a marathon Christmas comedy of southern madness. The Christmas yard display contest is heating up in the small town of Tuna, Texas as neighbor fights neighbor for the most outrageous display of lights, Santas, Baby Jesuses, and Rudolphs. This year however, there is a Christmas Phantom on the loose, spreading vandalism and havoc. With quick-change zaniness and quicksilver one-liners, two incredibly talented actors introduce us to 22 of the wildest citizens in Tuna, Texas.
“This show is really our gift back to Jersey City,” says Executive Producer Clay Cockrell. “We have a great time doing it and our audiences love coming each year. They’ve become so familiar with these wild characters that they are sometimes saying the lines before we do. All year long people ask us: ‘Is Tuna coming back this Christmas?’ People are planning their holiday travel around performances! Maybe we should say it is a holiday addiction.”
Child advocate group holding informational session
Are you interested in helping children in the foster care system? If so, Hudson County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is recruiting volunteers to advance the best interests of abused and neglected children.
An informational session, addressing the program and the role of its volunteers, will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room 400 of the Hudson County Administration Building, 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City.
For more information, call (201) 795-9855, e-mail mgarcia@hudsoncountycasa.org or visit www.hudsoncountycasa.org.
Sixth Annual Legends Ball at Saint Peter’s University on Dec. 12
The Sixth Annual Legends Ball will be presented by the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce at Saint Peter’s University on Thursday, Dec. 12.
More than 300 guests will join the chamber to honor distinguished leaders in Hudson County for their long-term commitment and outstanding contributions to the business, cultural and educational life of the region.
The Legends Ball, designed to recognize the contributions of outstanding business and community leaders, highlights the revitalization of one of the state’s oldest regional chambers of commerce.
For tickets and additional information on the Sixth Annual Legends Ball, call (201) 386-0699, ext. 27 or visit www.hudsonchamber.org.
Jersey City police unions form a police union partnership
Robert Kearns, president, Jersey City Police Superior Officers Association, and Carmine Disbrow, president, Jersey City Police Officers’ Benevolent Association, announced the establishment of the Jersey City Police Union Partnership (JCPUP). The JCPUP, recognized by the State of New Jersey as a not-for-profit corporation, will seek to further existing relationships between the unions and community organizations throughout Jersey City and provide assistance to efforts to improve the lives of residents already served by the union members’ oaths to “protect and serve.”
Discussions between the unions regarding the establishment of the JCPUP have been ongoing for several months, during which time members participated in or contributed to several community events including hosting festivities for National Night Out, organizing the annual fishing event at Liberty State Park, and transforming a vacant parking lot adjacent to the JCPD Western District Police Station into a “haunted precinct.”
Most recently, the JCPUP was also proud to serve as a lead financial sponsor, and provide volunteer support, to citywide efforts to distribute over 6,400 Thanksgiving turkeys to Jersey City families. Each of these events, and several others, provided residents with opportunities to interact with members of the Jersey City Police Department in community settings, designed to break down the barriers that sometimes exist between the public and law enforcement.
In the coming weeks the JCPUP will be participating in and hosting several events across the City to collect toys for Jersey City families. These toys will be distributed as part of a citywide effort on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Individuals and organizations wishing to contributed to JCPUP, or participate in any of their volunteer activities are encouraged to email them at JerseyCityPUP@gmail.com
DeLeo to speak a seniors club
Hudson County Surrogate Donald W. De Leo will be addressing the members of St. Aedan’s Golden Club, on the subject of: “Updated Information on Wills, Living Wills, Living Trusts, and Stories from your Hudson County Surrogate’s Court” on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. The location will be at the St. Aedan’s Golden Club, 39 Tuers Avenue, Jersey City, New Jersey 07304.
Bill O’Dea South Hudson Civic Association holds toy drive and kids party
South Hudson Civic Association and co-sponsors Hudson County Freeholder William O’Dea, Mayor Steven Fulop, Freeholder Chairman Anthony L. Romano, County Executive Thomas DeGise, State Senator Sandra B. Cunningham, County Clerk Barbara Netchert, Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell, Assemblyman-elect Raj Mukherji, Council President Rolando Lavarro, Jr, Councilwoman at Large Joyce Watterman, Councilman at Large Daniel Rivera, and Councilman Khemraj “chico” Ramchal will hold its 29th Annual Breakfast with Santa, where new unwrapped toys for underprivileged kids will be distributed. The party will be on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Moose Hall, 60 Westside Ave., Jersey City. Toys will be distributed to children up to 12 years old who are accompanied by an adult.
Prizes, music, candy and photos with Santa will be provided.
The Association will also hold its Annual Holiday Party where new unwrapped toys for underprivileged kids will be collected. The party will be on Friday, Dec. 20 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., at the Moose Hall.
The sponsors are requesting that donations of two unwrapped toys, one for a boy and one for a girl, ages from 1 year old to 12 years old be made by attendees. Food, beer, wine and soda will be provided. DJ and live entertainment will be provided by Steve Bay and the Boyz
Anyone wishing to donate toys or RSVP can do so by email to Nancy481@aol.com.