Coffee with the cops
The Hoboken Police Department will host its first-ever “Coffee with a Cop” event on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
“Coffee with a Cop brings police officers and the community members they serve together – over coffee – to discuss issues, learn more about each other, and strengthen community ties,” City Spokesman Juan Melli said in an announcement.
In addition to Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Police Chief Kenneth Ferrante, Captain Tory Pasculli, Lieutenant John Orrico, Sergeant Jason Falco, Officer Mike Aviles and 5th Ward Councilman Peter Cunningham will attend.
Those heading to the free event, which will be held at Anthony David’s, Tenth and Bloomfield streets, from 8:30 to 10 a.m., can expect coffee and pastries.
‘Visions of Hoboken’ gallery opens at museum
A gallery of pen-and-ink sketches of famous Hoboken sights, both old and new, will open at the Hoboken Historical Museum on Saturday, Feb. 20.
The exhibit, located at the museum’s upper gallery at 1301 Hudson St., includes “delicately colored” drawings by Richard LaRovere of Erie Lackawanna terminal, Our Lady of Grace Church, and views of the World Trade Center from Hoboken.
The exhibit will be open through April 3. For gallery hours and information visit www.hobokenmuseum.org.
Community groups can sign up for grant opportunities
Now through April 1, the city is accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program designed to help public agencies and non-profit organizations.
“The city encourages local community groups who provide quantifiable benefits to the low and moderate income population to apply,” city spokesman Juan Melli said in an announcement.
CDBG funding is provided through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The city expects over $160,000 for “organizations providing services including, but not limited to child care, after school programs, health care, family planning, and assistance to the homeless.”
Meanwhile, the city’s Public Facility Funding (also through CDBG) for capital improvements for low to moderate income population, is anticipated to amass $800,000.
Applications for the grants will be accepted until April 1 at 4 p.m. Funds for the selected applications will become available on July 1.
A community meeting will be held March 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Multi-Service Center, 124 Grand St., to collect input from residents.
An online survey is available at www.hobokennj.org/cdbgsurvey.
New school non-profit to host events
The newly-formed Hoboken Public Education Foundation (HPEF) will host an array of upcoming events including a “Mom’s Night Out” fund-raiser on Feb. 25.
Co-founder of HPEF Shirael Pollack says their mission is to support the Hoboken Public Schools through private funding with a goal of raising $100,000 by the end of 2016.
“We are thankful for the incredible support we have received in our infancy and look forward to great partnerships with residents, businesses and school and local administrators,” she said.
The upcoming events include the fundraiser, at which friends of mom’s are welcomed, at Maxwell’s Tavern; “Yoga with Patrick Franco” on April 16; and an inaugural gala on May19.
Drinks and appetizers will be served at the fundraiser, which costs $40 per person to attend and includes a raffle, and will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The yoga session will be held from 4 to 6 pm. with the location TBA. The gala will be held 7 to 10 p.m. and details will soon be available at www.hobokenpef.org.
7th annual Chili-Cook Off & Homebrewing Contest
The Hoboken Volunteer will host their 7th annual Chili Cook-Off & Homebrewing Contest on Saturday, Feb. 20.
True Mentors, a non-profit organization that works to counsel children between 7 and 17 years old, will receive proceeds from the event.
Cook-off organizers encourage patrons to come hungry, promising unlimited chili and beer samples. Live music from Gravy Train is also on tap.
The event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at Our Lady of Grace, located at 422 Willow Ave.
Tickets for the cook-off/contest cost $40 and come with chili, beer samplings and a commemorative glass on first come first serve basis. Tickets are available at hobokenvolunteers.com or on the day of event at the door.
Issyra Gallery to host live music, belly dancing
The Issyra Gallery, located at 300 Observer Highway inside the Neumann Leathers Building, will host two events this weekend.
On Saturday Feb. 20 at 9 p.m., locals can catch a belly dancing show for a suggested donation of $10. And Sunday, guitarist Smokey Hormel’s “Hombres Complicados” will perform from 3 to 6 pm.
The African-art gallery’s current display, “Be Cool – All the same” is open through March 11 with work from various artists. For information visit www.hobokenafricanartgallery.com.