Jersey City pledges to remain ‘welcoming inclusive’
On the heels of mass demonstrations across the country in reaction to the election of Donald Trump as president, the City Council passed a resolution unanimously Tuesday night that reaffirms the city’s “commitment to ensuring that Jersey City remains a welcoming and inclusive city for all of our residents, irrespective of background or immigration status, and will take all appropriate steps to protect our residents from hate, injustice, and hostility.”
Local demonstrations included a recent parent-led unity gathering at the Newark Avenue Pedestrian Plaza to affirm community inclusivity and diversity,
Jersey City Mayor Fulop and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka had announced that Trump’s election would not change their administrations’ commitment to protecting their respective immigrant populations and diverse communities.
A resolution already exists, dating back twenty (20) years ago, when the Municipal Council first passed a resolution in 1996, declaring the City of Jersey City a safe haven or sanctuary for its non-citizen residents.
The current resolution offered by the council reaffirms that “City resources are not to be used to identify, persecute, apprehend, or deport any non-citizen resident.”
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2015 American Community Survey, Jersey City’s estimated population of 264,277 is approximately 41 percent foreign-born (109,186).
Council President Rolando Lavarro will spearhead filling Jersey City’s nine-member Immigrant Affairs Commission, which would advise Jersey City government on issues affecting immigrants including: civil and human rights, social services, education, and business development. The Immigrant Affairs Commission shall serve without compensation, to be appointed by the Mayor, with advice and consent of the council.
“At this time when anti-immigrant sentiment appears to be at its height, we want the people of Jersey City to know that we will protect all its residents from hate and prejudice, and will continue to promote and institute policies that value diversity and everyone’s dignity,” said Council President Lavarro.
HCST Alumnus, Paralympic Gold Medalist Raymond Martin honored by Jersey City
Hudson County Schools of Technology (HCST) County Prep High School Class of 2012 alumnus and Jersey City native Raymond Martin was honored by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop and the council during the Jersey City Council meeting Tuesday evening for his performance at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
“Congratulations to Raymond for his incredible achievements on a global scale,” said Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop. “Jersey City is lucky to have a role model like him and we look forward to him setting many more records throughout his career.”
Martin set the Paralympic Record in the 1500m T52 race with a time of 3:40:63 in the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. He also competed in the 400m race taking the top medal of gold, and winning the silver medal in the 100m race.
“We are proud to have a Jersey City native like Raymond represent our city on an international stage,” said Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro. “Just as he has done in London and now in Rio de Janeiro, I have no doubt that he will continue to make Jersey City proud and serve as a positive role model for our city’s youth.”
He previously also competed in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London, winning Gold in the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m races.
“Ray is a really special person, he serves as an inspiration to our current students and alumni at the Hudson County Schools of Technology, demonstrating that hard work and dedication truly do pay off,” said HCST Superintendent of Schools Frank J. Gargiulo. “We are elated that Jersey City is honoring an alumni of our schools, the recognition is well deserved.”
The HCST Foundation originally awarded Martin a scholarship so he could attend the trials for the 2012 London Paralympics.
“The records and accomplishments that Raymond has achieved is no surprise to the HCST family,” said HCST Foundation Executive Director Linda J. Quentzel. “We always believed in his abilities and determination, and knew we were making a wise investment in our student in helping him get to the 2012 Paralympics.”
Martin is entering his senior year at the University of Illinois, majoring in the Kinesiology and aspires to be a Physician’s Assistant.
Hudson County Prosecutor announces new appointments
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez and Chief of Investigations/Executive Assistant
Prosecutor Gene Rubino recently announced several promotions within the investigation unit of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Promoted to lieutenant are Vincent Bonaccolta, Joseph Bonaccorso, Javier Toro, and Clyde Washington.
A swearing-in ceremony will be held on Monday, Nov. 28, in Courtroom 908 of the Hudson County Administration building before the Honorable John A. Young, Jr., J.S.C.
Free dance lessons for seniors in Hudson County
The Kennedy Dancers Inc., a non-profit Jersey City Based Professional, American Dance Company, is offering a dance and exercise program specifically created for senior citizens aged 60 and above to improve muscle tone, posture, flexibility, joint mobility, range of movement, and to promote socialization and camaraderie. These programs are modified to accommodate Senior citizen abilities, to increase metabolism, help lose excess weight, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce doctor visits due to minor complaints.
Seniors who reside in the Hudson County area aged 60 and over may attend this program free of charge. Voluntary donations of $1 or more are suggested. All you need to bring is a valid driver’s license or State ID. The Kennedy Dancers Inc. is on 79 Central Avenue in Jersey City.
Each class is around 45 minutes. On Tuesdays at 2 p.m. is line dancing. On Wednesdays at 2 p.m. is yoga and pilates. Thursdays at 2 p.m. is Latin and ballroom dancing. Saturdays at 10:45 a.m. is Zumba.
For questions or concerns, please call the dance studio at 201-659-2190 or e-mail kennedydancers@aol.com.
Prosecutor and sheriff team up to provide child fingerprinting.
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez has announced that employees from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and Hudson County Sheriff’s Office will be volunteering to provide Child Fingerprinting for Parent Retention on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hudson Mall. The Hudson Mall is located at 701 Route 440 in Jersey City.
The fingerprinting process is free and includes a Child ID Kit for parents. This becomes a valuable tool for authorities if they need help locating and identifying a missing child. The Child ID Kit includes a section for all 10 fingerprints, a photo and other vital information. Parents maintain possession of their child’s confidential kit and can update the photo as their child ages.
“No parent wants to imagine the prospect that one of their children could ever go missing,”
said Suarez. “However, this is an important safeguard that can become crucial for authorities when searching for a missing child should that unforeseen event ever occur.”
This is a free community event and everyone is welcome.
Jersey City to promote citywide local shopping campaign
Mayor Steven Fulop and the Jersey City Small Businesses Services have launched a citywide, year-round campaign – Shop Jersey City Buy Local — to support local and independently owned businesses just in time for the 2016 holiday season.
The goal of the campaign is to drive traffic and awareness around Jersey City’s diverse selection of small businesses in every business district throughout the city.
Components of the campaign include branding participating businesses with a vinyl decal for shop windows, free holiday parking in nine designated municipal lots from Nov. 25 to Dec. 31, distribution of reusable bags by the Central Avenue Special Improvement District during Small Business Saturday, and community events highlighting small businesses around the City.
“Small businesses reflect who we are as a city and our unique diversity,” said Mayor Fulop. “What better way to support your community than to spend locally at a business, store or restaurant where the owners are your neighbors, friends, and people who are working to improve the quality of life across our city.”
The campaign was designed and developed by Jersey City Small Business Services, which is comprised of the Jersey City Economic Development Corporation, the Office of Innovation, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, and the five special improvement districts: Central Avenue, Historic Downtown, Jackson Hill Main Street, Journal Square and McGinley Square.