Formula One Grand Prix Port Imperial race in doubt
Bernie Ecclestone, president of Formula One, has stated that the contract for the June 2013 Grand Prix of America race set to run on local streets in Weehawken and West New York has been ripped up, according to the Guardian. Organizers of the race have missed too many deadlines, Ecclestone said, according to the report.
After the August resignation of race president Tom Cotter and other reports on various financial challenges, the race has been in question, though just last week the date of August 13 was confirmed.
The report quotes Ecclestone as saying that the organizers “have not complied with the terms and conditions of the contract which is now gone anyway. They don’t have a contract.”
Ecclestone was reported to have been considering a replacement race in Mexico, and then on to South Africa, said the Guardian.
Construction on the 3.2 mile track has already begun, and racer Sebastian Vettel has already run test laps.
“Whether or not this is just a negotiation issue between the two parties, we don’t know for sure yet,” said Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner Tuesday afternoon. “As soon as we find out more, we can be sure either way.”
The race calendar will be finalized by the World Motor Sport Council of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile by Sept. 28, the article stated, and Ecclestone reportedly said that if the organizers cannot get the financial support required by then, the race will be impossible.
“We are pretty close to the final deadline,” Ecclestone said in the article. “We have got a world council meeting coming up. I think if somebody got behind them it could happen in 2013 because they have come a long way with the circuit.”
Reporter holiday deadlines
The Hudson Reporter offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 8 for Columbus Day. Thus, deadlines for that week’s Bayonne Community News (Oct. 10) and Midweek Reporter (Oct. 11) have moved up.
Display advertisements for those issues are due by 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 5. Classified ads are due by noon on Friday, Oct. 5. Editorial items are also due by noon on Friday.
If you have questions, please call the Reporter at (201) 798-7800.
Revival Cabaret to be held at St. John’s in UC
On Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m., Arts at St. John’s will present “Revival Cabaret,” an exciting music and comedy performance, at 1516 Palisade Avenue in Union City. The show promises a fun-filled evening of music and comedy.
Jazz pianist Mavis Pan will perform from 6:30 to 7 p.m. during a Jazz Mixer.
Beginning at 7 p.m., comedy, classical music, and clowns will collide to create an unforgettable evening.
“The show’s theme is an old fashioned tent revival,” said the show’s host Joe Kolbow. “We rehearse in the church and the show is performed there. And though its contents won’t be religious in nature at the end of the show, we will pass a collection plate.”
The performance is part of the Arts at St. John’s program, a venture between art-makers and supporters in the community started in April. The program aims to fill the sanctuary of St. John’s church with visual and performing arts programs throughout the year.
The “Revival Cabaret” show will be hosted by Union City Comedy Duo Merril Garrick and Emmet (real-life Donovan Ensemble Co-Artistic Directors Joe Kolbow and Johnnie Niel).
A ticket purchase includes a snack and a complimentary drink.
Tickets may be purchased for $10 at brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006, or for $15 at the door. Reservations are requested.
NHCAC to sponsor UNICEF fundraiser
To help disaster relief efforts, the North Hudson Community Action Foundation is sponsoring a ‘Back to the ‘80s’ fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 29 at Hijos y Amigos de Fomento located at 522 38th St., Union City.
“Our agency not only responds to the needs of the people who live in our service area, but we also try to pitch in and help out anyone who is in need and that is why we are holding this fundraising event,” said Christopher Irizarry, President and CEO of North Hudson Community Action Corp.
A percentage of the proceeds will go the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, which supports UNICEF’s humanitarian relief work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Donations start at $20 and up, with complimentary appetizers, cash bar and raffle prizes.
For more information, please call Odalys Valdes, Director of Foundation, at (201) 210-0100, ext. 318.
WNY Lions Club to hold golf championships
The West New York Cuban Lions Club will hold its Annual Golf Championship on Oct. 15. There will be gifts, prizes, raffles, lunch, barbecue, soft drinks, and golf carts, as well as a dinner with an open bar.
They are seeking players and volunteers, and ask that those interested contact any member of the club or call Manny Reyes at (210) 424-1201.
The cost is $225 per player and everything included. Dinner only is $75.
Donations are also welcome. Proceeds from this event are to be donated to blind children.
UC farmer’s market to run every Sunday
Every Sunday until Nov. 11 there will be a farmer’s market at Troy Towers located at 380 Mountain Road in the north parking lot from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., weather permitting. The market is certified by the New Jersey Council of Farmers and Communities and supplied by Iona Hill Farms.
UC to hold film festival; entries wanted
Union City will host the fifth Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival in October 2012.
This year’s five-day festival will include three days of screening feature films, an evening of screening the finalists of the short film competing category, and a red carpet awards ceremony.
Submissions are wanted accepted in all categories. No pornography is allowed. Foreign language films will be accepted. Films should be no longer than 15 minutes in length.
Those interested may submit their film in DVD format, along with a cover letter, synopsis, film credits, awards (if any), and contact information to:
Commissioner Lucio P. Fernandez
Department of Public Affairs
3715 Palisade Ave.
Union City, NJ 07087
Attn: Film Entry
Write on the DVD cover the contact name, email, and genre.
Please include in the cover letter that the entry is being submitted by the property owner or licensee, and that the City of Union City has the right to publicly screen the film as part of the NoHu International Film Festival. Indicate whether the film is a “World Premiere,” “USA Premier,” “New Jersey Premiere,” or “Union City Premiere.”
Please note, DVDs will not be returned.
Entry deadline is Monday, Oct. 1 (no exceptions). There is no submission fee. This is a juried festival. All entries will be considered. Finalists will be notified via e-mail.
The Awards presentation for the Festival will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. at the William Musto Cultural Center located at 420 15th St. Admission is free.
UC to hold 35th anniversary concert of ‘La Charanga’
Union City will host a concert celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Latin band “La Charanga 76” on Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Union City Performing Arts Center located at 2500 Kennedy Blvd.
“La Charanga 76” was formed in Union City and made its debut at Liberty Park on July 4, 1976, hired by El Centro Cultural Cubano de Nueva York to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Simultaneously in 1976, “La Charanga 76” released its first LP which featured its run-away hit “Soy” (a ballad by Willy Chirino). Currently, “La Charanga 76” is still going strong and maintains its national and international popularity. The band performs as a special attraction in major concerts and events.
“La Charanga 76” concert is part of Union City’s Hispanic Heritage month celebrations. This will be a special concert celebrating the many accomplishments of one of Union City’s most successful musical institutions. Everyone in the community is invited to attend.
Admission is free and parking is available at 23rd Street Parking Deck located on 23rd Street between Summit and Kerrigan avenues.
For more information, visit www.UnionCityPAC.com.
CASA seeks foster care volunteers
Are you interested in helping children in the foster care system? If so, Hudson County CASA is currently recruiting volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA works through trained community volunteers to insure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.
CASA (court appointed special advocate) and its volunteers speak for children in court, serve as fact finders for the judges and safeguard the interests of the children while they are in the foster care system.
Please attend an information session to learn more about the program and the role of its volunteers. A session will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room # 400 of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City.
Hudson County has nearly 700 children in foster care; most have been removed from their homes for abuse or neglect. For further information, please call (201) 795-9855, e-mail mgarcia@hudsoncountycasa.org or visit our website at www.hudsoncountycasa.org.
SARTONK sponsors writing contest
Union City’s SARTONK has launched the inaugural Ali-King Award for Writing in Boxing. Co-sponsored by the WBO, IBF, WBA, IBO, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, New Jersey Association of USA Boxing, Gleason’s Gym, and Global Boxing Gym, this year’s contest is geared toward boxers and boxing enthusiasts between the ages of 17 and 22, who live in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.
“The contest’s intention is to promote literacy and inspire youth to think about our sport’s social and historical significance,” explains Hasmig Tatiossian, SARTONK’s Director of Community Affairs. Regarding their influential list of sponsors, she intimates, “As the creator of championship belts, we’re in the position to draw the support of key entities in boxing – internationally and locally. Imagine the enthusiasm of the winners when their certificates bear the distinct logos of such sponsors. The result, we feel, is truly empowering.”
Participants are asked to choose one of four essay topics ranging from autobiographical analyses of boxing to the role of women in boxing, or the historical impact of leaders like Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jr.
“We set out to honor Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr. for their positive social contributions. We feel that awarding an ‘Ali-King Award’ to boxing youth would be an appropriate way of doing this while also inspiring these young minds,” commented Edward S. Majian, President of Sartonk Designs.
Winners will be presented with their awards, including an original SARTONK design, at the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet in November, where they will be able to address an audience studded with local stars.
More information about the contest, including submission guidelines, deadlines, awards, and ways for you to help support it can be found on www.sartonk.com/ali-king. Questions can be sent to hasmig@sartonk.com.