Jersey City hires 30 new cops
Mayor Steven M. Fulop announced this weeek the hiring of 30 new police recruits who entered the academy on Dec. 1, bringing the size of the department to 922 officers – the first time in over two decades the police force has reached over 900 officers.
“When we took office there was an historic low in manpower and during the past three years we have been dedicated to rebuilding our police department,” said Mayor Fulop. “This is a huge accomplishment as for the first time in 20 years we will have over 900 officers on the force, something we pledged to do.”
When Mayor Fulop took office, there were 779 officers in the department, and utilizing grant and capital funds, the administration has hired eight new classes of officers with plans for continued expansion. The newest class of recruits, once they graduate, will bring the department to 922 officers, and follows a class of 26 recruits who entered the academy in September and are scheduled to graduate in March of 2017.
“With each new class coming out of the academy, we are seeing successes in building a safer city with added foot patrols and increased community policing, but know there is more work to do which is why we will continue to strengthen our department in both personnel and resources,” added Mayor Fulop.
Art after a local tragedy
Issyra Gallery in Hoboken will wrap up its exhibit “Socialement” on Dec. 9, concluding a month presentation of art based on healing.
“Socialement” is an international exhibition focusing on moving together in the same direction. Healing each other with a shared vision featuring Djime Diakite, Cecilia Martinez, Ibou Ndoye, and Issa Sow.
Martinez, whose father passed away in September 2015 as a result of a homicide in Jersey City, said she became immersed and fully focused on creating various artworks as a therapeutic outlet to process his death. She recently became fully involved with the local art scene over the last six months, and has had three gallery exhibitions (one being at the Flagship Gallery for the Jersey City Art and Studio Tour 2016).
After moving from West African to the United States about five years ago. Issa Sow opened her own gallery on the ground level of the Neumann Leather building in Hoboken where she offers a display of her own African art while curating exhibits such as this.
For more information and gallery hours email or call the studio at issyragallery@gmail.com, (917) 922-2690 or (201) 459-0700. The web site is www.issyragallery.com
New JSQ Community Association to Meet Dec. 10
The New JSQ Community Association will hold a meeting and holiday party on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. at the Old Bergen Church, 1 Highland Ave., at the corner of Bergen Avenue. The association represents the interests of residents and owners of residential property within the boundaries defined by the group in its by-laws.
The discussion at the meeting will build on suggestions last month aimed at achieving The New JSQ’s goals of a better community – one that’s “clean, green and safe.”
The association plans to hold general membership meetings the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m.
The New JSQ’s boundaries are Summit Avenue on the east, Corbin Avenue on the west, Newark Avenue on the north, and Vroom Street and DeKalb Avenue on the south. All residents of the city, however, are welcome to attend its meetings.
Auditions for Inner City Youth program
The Kennedy Dancers, Inc, under the direction of Diane Dragone, is now in their 40th year, announces auditions for the Inner City Youth Pre-Professional Program, also known as ICY. The ICY full and partial scholarships are available to students ages 15 to 18, who have had at least 2 years of dance training. Scholarships consist of after school dance classes in Ballet, Ballet Variations, Ballroom, Modern, Tap, Theatrical Jazz, Gymnastics/Tumbling, plus repertory rehearsals. The scholarship includes free dancewear and dance shoes.
This program provides advance training that gives talented teens the opportunity to learn many forms of dance. All participants are assisted in applying to College/University dance programs and also with auditions. We also assist in applying for internships, teaching, and opportunities to perform professionally.
The auditions will be held at the Hip Hop class on Tuesday, Dec. 20 from 6 to 6:45 p.m.
Dancers should arrive at 5:30 p.m. in order to fill out forms. Auditions will end at 6:45pm. The auditions will be held at Kennedy Dancers Studios located at 79 Central Ave. in Jersey City.. In order to reserve a spot for a position, please call at 201-659-2190 and leave a message or email kennedydancers@aol.com. Teens who have training in Ballet, Modern, or Jazz will have an advantage at the auditions. The class will be taught by professional Dancer/Teacher from the Kennedy Dancers Repertory Company, Bong Dizon. Dancers must wear professional clothing (Tights, Leotards, Ballet Slippers, and Jazz shoes). There is no income limit for applicants. If your family has low, moderate or high income, all teens 14 to 18 are eligible for the scholarship. This audition is for talented teens; residency and financial status is not an issue whether you are low are high income, scholarship is still available.
Non-profit nursing home named among ‘Best Nursing Homes in America’
Peace Care St. Joseph’s, formerly Cusack Care Center, was named a “Best Nursing Home in America” by the 2016-17 U.S. News & World Report. This recognition is the result of a critical survey of almost 15,000 nursing homes across America, taking into account campus safety, staffing, patient satisfaction and resources offered, among other important criteria. Out of the nursing homes surveyed, only 2,000 earned the title of “Best Nursing Homes in America.” Peace Care St. Joseph’s is one of only 63 nursing homes in New Jersey to receive a “Five Star” rating on the list, and one of 83 in the state to be designated to “Best Nursing Homes in America” list.
“We are honored to be added to the ‘Best Nursing Homes in America’ by U.S. News & World Report U.S. News & World Report,” said Thomas Sheehy, Administrator of Peace Care St. Joseph’s. “We believe that this reflects the dedication of our exceptional team- members and staff who work tirelessly to deliver quality care to our patients and residents,” continued Mr. Sheehy.
To qualify as a U.S. News & World Report “Best Nursing Home in America,” Peace Care St. Joseph’s had to earn an average of at least 4.5 stars during the 12 months of federal reports ending in October 2016. Peace Care St. Joseph’s also met or exceeded additional performance standards set by U.S. News, including earning at least 4 stars in the CMS overall rating for all 12 months. A “Best Nursing Home in America” designation puts Peace Care St. Joseph’s in the top 13 percent of nursing homes nationwide and in the top 23 percent of nursing homes in New Jersey.
“The designation of Peace Care St. Joseph’s as one of the ‘Best Nursing Homes in America’ is a clear, visible example of the meaningful work and the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace,” said George Popko, CEO of Peace Care, Inc. “Our commitment to exceptional faith-based care for our residents and patients has always come first. We appreciate this recognition as a positive affirmation of the excellent work of our staff and dedication to people we serve,” continued Mr. Popko.