Kalimah H. Ahmad sworn in as municipal court judge
Mayor Steven M. Fulop swore in Kalimah H. Ahmad as a part-time municipal court judge at a ceremony on April 29 in the City Hall council chambers.
Ahmad began her career as the Youth Opportunities Coordinator for the Jersey City Housing Authority, before moving to Merrill Lynch and Sony’s Urban World Films. She earned her Juris Doctorate in May 2005 from Seton Hall University Law School, and developed her legal experience as an associate at the law firm of Hunt, Hamlin & Ridley in Newark, where she focused on criminal, civil rights, employment discrimination, workers’ compensation, and entertainment law. She runs a solo practice focused on employment and sports and entertainment law, and currently serves as a legal advisor for Hudson County.
Dress for Success names Woman of the Year
Dress for Success Hudson County will honor Jeanne Cretella, president of Landmark Hospitality, with its first Woman of the Year Award at a May 19 art show and fundraiser, featuring local and regional artists, scheduled for MANA Contemporary, 888 Newark Ave., from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on May 19. Original art will be available for purchase. The night will include food, wine and jazz.
Tickets cost $75 per person and can be purchased by mail at Suits for Success Inc., 121-125 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07302. For more information go to www.sfsinc.org.
Street to be named after Kool & the Gang
Jersey City will rename a portion of Maple Street in honor of Kool & the Gang, a band originally formed in Jersey City.
“These people are real,” said Lavern Washington, a community activist, “When they come back to Jersey City, they come back to help people, not just take photos.”
The section of Maple Street between Pacific Avenue and Whiton Street will be known as “Kool & the Gang Way.” The band was originally formed in Jersey City in 1964, and went on to achieve massive critical and commercial success, with over 70 million albums sold worldwide.
“People used to hear them practicing on Maple Street,” Washington said.
Jersey City receives second consecutive credit upgrade
Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services upgraded Jersey City’s credit rating to AA- last week, marking the second credit upgrade since Mayor Steven Fulop took office in 2013. In their report, S&P noted “key economic initiatives” by the Fulop administration and “strong management” as critical factors.
S&P’s report notes per-capita effective buying power of more than 120 percent of the national level and a total property value for the city that’s risen nearly 10 percent over the past year alone. With 450 new small businesses opening, more than 6,000 jobs created, and median household income and property values on the rise, Jersey City’s middle class is stronger than ever – and growing.
Gardner from Red Molly to do a solo show
Abbie Gardner (from Red Molly) will do a solo acoustic Americana show at Cathedral Arts Live on May 6 starting at 8 p.m.
“Red Molly is on an indefinite hiatus, so I’m striking out on my own,” Gardner said.
Gardner with Jon Paul on guitar and quartet Cabaret Sauvignon will open the show. Gardner will do two 45 minute sets
Cathedral Arts is held at Grace Church, 39 Erie St. in Jersey City. Tickets cost $10 in advance, or $15 door. Tickets can be purchased via http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2543735.