MAY15 2025 MAY31 River View Observer

Page 1


Jersey City Jazz Festival

Two days, three stages, over 100 musicians, food trucks, VIP lounge, and more!

Join JC’s favorite outdoor party with some of the best music around. This year’s event will feature a Ford’s Gin Row tent curated by Smalls Live, performances on the J .Owen Grundy Pier, food trucks, and bars on the newly renovated Exchange Place pedestrian plaza. Located on the Jersey City waterfront at the Exchange Place PATH station, the new location will offer breathtaking views of NYC and will again present a wide variety

Champion Fulton Tuesday, May 27th 6PM-8PM @Junto: Attic Bar

of world-class performers for FREE- Do not miss!

A two-day celebration of music will take on the Hudson River waterfront Friday,

May 30 and Saturday, May 31. The event will feature three stages, a community zone, food trucks, bars, a VIP experience, and even a parade. Events will take place throughout Jersey City leading up to the event (Tuesday, May 27 - Thursday, May 29). Come see why thousands of attendees (and many musicians) call this their favorite event of the year!

HUDSON HAPPENINGS

Bayonne Police Department

Dedicates New Range

At a recent ceremony, the Bayonne Police Department dedicated a new range. Like the previous range, the new one is named in honor of Sgt. James Shea, who died in the line of duty in 1969. Sgt. Shea’s wife, Mary Ann, his daughter, Jennifer Shea Tarantino, and his grandson, Ken Tarantino, came to the ceremony.

A police range gives officers to the opportunity to be trained in the use of firearms. They need the training, in order to be certified to use guns.

The old police range was constructed on the upper level of 16th Street Park in the

1960’s. According to retired Detective Vinnie Lobue, a former range master, at that time, police officers themselves built the facility, with support from local businesses.

The Bayonne Police Department used the old range from the 1960’s until eight years ago, when the range was closed. A new range needed to be built according to today’s environmental standards. During recent years without its own range, the Bayonne Police Department had to send its officers to other municipalities for training. First, Bayonne officers used a range in Jersey City. Later, they trained in a private facility in Union Township. Various financial issues, construction challenges, supply chain

Rededication ceremony for Sgt. James Shea Police Range: The Bayonne Police Department’s Sgt. James Shea Range was reconstructed according to current environmental standards. It is named for Sgt. Shea, who died in the line of duty in 1969. Pictured left to right: former Police Chief Ralph Scianni, Council Member At-Large Juan Perez, retired Detective Vinnie Lobue, City Council President Gary LaPelusa, Mayor Jimmy Davis, Mary Ann Shea (wife of Sgt. Shea), Public Safety Director Robert Kubert, Ken Tarantino (grandson of Sgt. Shea), Jennifer Shea Tarantino (daughter of Sgt. Shea), Police Chief Robert Geisler, Aide of Mayor/retired Police Captain Alphonse Major, and Sgt. Matthew McGillis.

difficulties, and the Coronavirus pandemic held up the completion of a new police range. During those years, the department had to pay for each officer to train out-of-town twice each year.

According to the range master, Sgt. Matthew McGillis, the new range is “state-ofthe-art.” It has much more room than the previous one did and it meets all current

standards, Sgt. Mcgillis said. He pointed out that the new facility can handle training with rifles, and that the range offers training for seven officers at a time. He added that the renovations include an enlarged office, along with locker and shower facilities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mayor Jimmy Davis, a retired Bayonne police captain, reminded the audience that Sgt. Shea gave his life to protect the City of Bayonne. Addressing the current police officers, Mayor Davis said about the new range, “Respect it, use it, keep it.”

Public Safety Director Robert Kubert called the time it took to construct a new range “a tough, long road.” He cited the new roof and Cont’d on page 5

Bayonne Police Department Gets New Range

City Attorney and former Business Administrator

Donna Russo, Chief Financial Officer

Donna Mauer, Public Works Director Tom Cotter, Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Edoardo (Junior) Ferrante, Aide to the Mayor Alphonse Major, Sgt. McGillis and his team, the engineers, and the construction workers.

Cont’d from Page 4 and the new heatingventilation-air conditioning (HVAC) systems as important features of the new range. Director Kubert said it was “very expensive” to transport officers elsewhere for training before the completion of the new range. He thanked Mayor Davis, the City Council Members, and the Bayonne Finance Department for their efforts to complete the new range. In addition to thanking those Director Kubert cited, Police Chief Robert Geisler expressed thanks to several others who helped make the new range possible. They included Assistant

Rev. John Fencik, the former 9-1-1 Coordinator, closed the ceremony by blessing the new facility.

River View Observer Serving the Hudson Community Since 1998 For Information & Advertising Rates 201-349-4336

Art House Productions Announces Raanan Hershberg and Kasaun Wilson as Headliners for 2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival

With so much stress in life, don’t you agree we should all laugh more? In June, you can do just that, because Art House Productions (Executive Artistic Director Meredith Burns, and Jersey City Comedy Festival Co-Producer Rich Kiamco) recently announcd that Comics Raanan Hershberg and Kasaun Wilson as the 2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival headliners.

The Jersey City Comedy Festival kicks off on Tuesday, June 10th with a headlining performance by Raanan Hershberg. The Wednesday, June 11th performance features a headlining set by Kasuan Wilson. Ranaan Herschberg first performed at JCCF in 2020 as part of “The Roast of Harry Potter” which was presented virtually during the pandemic. Kasaun Wilson is a Jersey City-native who has worked extensively writing for Jon Stewart and opening for him on tour.

The Jersey City Comedy Festival features a standup competition. From more than 375 submissions, 48 comedians from 10 states and Canada have been selected to perform in this year’s competition. From June 12th to June 13th, four showcase competitions will feature 12 comics each, eading up to the Best of the Fest Final on

June 14. lAwards include $1,000 in cash, bookings at major comedy clubs, and the Best of the Fest title.

2025 JCCF Schedule

●June 10 @ 8:00 PM –Raanan Hershberg | Art House Productions

●June 11 @ 8:00 PM

–Kasaun Wilson | Art House Productions

●June 12 @ 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM – Stand-Up Competitions.

1 & 2 | The Laugh Tour Comedy Club at Dorrian’s Red Hand

●June 13 @ 7:00 PM & 8:30 PM – Stand-Up Competitions 3 & 4 | Art House Productions

●June 14 @ 8:00 PM –Best of the Fest Finals | Art House Productions Festival Locations

●Art House Productions

–345 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ (June 10, 11, 13, 14, 2025)

●The Laugh Tour

Comedy Club at Dorrian’s Red Hand –555 Washington Blvd, Jersey City, NJ (June 12, 2025)

Tickets

●Headliner Shows: $40

●Competition Showcases: $25

●Best of the Fest Finals: $45

For Tickets https://jerseycitycomedyfestival. com/

About the Headliners

Raanan Hershberg is a loud, neurotic Jew from Louisville, KY. He has performed his highenergy, joke-packed comedy on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late, Late Show with James Corden, and Comedy Central. His latest special ‘Jokes from the Underground’ was just included in the New York Times ‘Best Comedy of 2022’, where critic Jason Zinoman called it the funniestYouTube Special of the year, and said ‘his punchy and deliriously funny club comedy made me laugh after second and third viewings.’ His first special ‘Downhill Ever Since’ has nearly 200K views on YouTube. Raanan performs all over the world and is a regular at The Comedy Cellar.

Kasaun Wilson is a comedian and writer whose work on THE PROBLEM WITH JON STEWART was recognized in Rolling Stone and nominated for an Emmy and 3 WGA Awards. He has also written for LeVar Burton and Jenifer Lewis. Wilson began his comedy career during his time at Howard University with the urging of his professor, the legendary Al Freeman Jr. Since then, he has appeared on NBC’s LAST COMIC STANDING, TruTV’s LAFF TRACKS, and TVOne’s NewsOneNow with Roland Martin. He’s featured for Jon Stewart, Wanda Sykes, Donnell Rawlings, Michael Blackson, and Michael Yo; and performed on stage at The Apollo Theater, The Kennedy Center, the 2024 Netflix is a Joke Festival, and 2024 JFL Vancouver Comedy Festival. At his core, he’s just Tiffany’s husband and still that sheltered church kid from Jersey City, NJ!

Stand-Up Comics in Competition Anjelica Scannura, Chris Scopo, Ivi Demi, Himanshu, Nick Astor, Olivia Hill, Ben Rosenfeld, James Tanford, Ryan Roman, Sean Conrad & Denham Demac, Cathy Zhao, Olivia Carter, Bryan McKenna, Cam Phoenix, Cansu, Christian Escoto, Mike Shanks, Nina Phan, Philipp Kostelecky,

Anne Stesney, Ramsey Daniels, Jon Bander, Travis Grossi, Vishal Krishnasami, Andre Malhotra, Andreas Loizou, Bobby Pelligrino, Jaclyn LoreEdwards, Matt Dundas, Ryan Lodge, Shubh Panda, Maximillian Lowe, Phillip Bramwell, Ryan Shipley, Gretchen Hah, Brian Rabadeau, Carly Polistina, Dillon Krause, Dylan O’Keeffe, Alex Grubard, Bret Raybould, James King, Igor Martinez, and Jamal Russell.

Sponsors

The 2025 Jersey City Comedy Festival is proudly sponsored by Art House Productions, The Laugh Tour Comedy Club, Dorrian’s Red Hand, The Canopy by Hilton Jersey City, NJ Beer Co, West Side Comedy Club, and Manhattan Comedy School.

Accessibility

Both venues are wheelchair accessible and offer ASL interpretation and audio description by request (2 weeks’ notice).

●Art House: info@arthouseproductions.org / 201-579-0532

●Dorrian’s: thelaughtourcomedyclub@gmail.com 551-227-5995

If You Go

Two Venues

June 10th-June 14th

Art House Productions

345 Marin Blvd, Jersey City, NJ

Dorrian’s Red Hand

555 Washington Blvd. Jersey City, NJ

Preparation

Introducing Signia Activehearing aids, which offer superior sound in convenient, stylish earbuds.

Your hearing aids

Comprehensive hearing evaluation

Professional counseling

•Get a thorough test using precisely calibrated equipment to help determine the nature, type and severity of your hearing loss.

•Referral for additional medical care if necessary.

Your trusted partner to:

•Explain your hearing test results

With a pocket-sized charging case and Bluetooth connectivity, we’ve taken the typical hearing aid and added a fresh, modern twist. Plus, they’re available in two versions to fit your budget and lifestyle needs. Active hearing aids empower you to live limitlessly.

•Listen and understand your needs

•Help you set goals

Skilled hearing care professional to:

Hearing aids fitting

Fine tuning & follow up

Ongoing care, service & education

•Tailor the physical fit of the aids to ensure proper fit and comfort

•Personalize the programming of the aids to match your unique hearing needs

•Ability and expertise to personalize the hearing aid to precisely match your hearing loss and needs including ability to reprogram the aids as hearing or patient needs change.

•Continuous care from a dedicated professional to support you throughout your hearing care journey.

•Backed by an experienced professional for routine maintenance, repairs, and other hearing services.

HUDSON HAPPENINGS

As a special preview for the Hoboken My Way Sinatra SingOff, Ironstate and the Hoboken Historical Museum are pleased to present a Concert in Shipyard Park with Zack Alexander and Tony Corrao! These sensational singers were previous winners of the Sing-Off.

Alexander is an award-winning jazz vocalist. He specializes in the style of Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack.

Tony Corrao is a gifted singer renowned for his elegant sense of swing and timeless style, effortlessly transporting audiences back to the golden era of sophistication. Join in for this musical evening!

If You Go Shipyard Park, 13th Street & McFeeley Drive

Wednesday, June 4th 630 PM Free Admission

Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival

The City of Hoboken is proud to announce that internationally renowned artist Brenda K.Starr will headline the annual Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival scheduled for Sunday, May 18. The artist, celebrated and known for her Grammynominated #1 pop ballad “I Still Believe,” has captivated audiences with her Spanish albums, including Te Sigo Esperando (RIAAcertified Gold and Platinum), No Lo Voy a Olvidar, Pétalos de Fuego, and the critically acclaimed Temptation, which earned two Latin Billboard Awards in 2002.

“We are excited to welcome Brenda K. Starr, an internationally renowned artist, to headline this year’s festival and bring her incredible talent to the City,” said Mayor Ravi S.Bhalla. “From live music to local artisans and great food,

the Hoboken Spring Arts & Music Festival has something for everyone and highlights what makes Hoboken such a special place to live, work, and visit. I encourage residents and vendors alike, to come and experience this wonderful cultural celebration.”

The highly anticipated event attracts over 30,000 visitors each spring and showcases the City’s vibrant cultural scene, on Washington Street from Observer Highway to Seventh Street. It features live musical performances on two stages, a variety of eateries, and over 300 artists, makers, crafters, and vendors.

If You Go

Hoboken Arts & Music Festival May 18,2025 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Website: https://www.hobokennj.gov/departments/ cultural-affairs

A new nonprofit, From Educators to Innovators, LLC will be

their very first Culture Day Festival in Bayonne on Saturday May 31st at 16th Street Park. This festival is meant to highlight all the wonderful and various cultures that reside in Bayonne. It will be a

spectacular event showcasing music and dances from other countries, delicious cuisines from around the globe, and an array of vendors displaying their multicultural creations for the community to enjoy and purchase! Let’s not

forget about the various kids’ activities from face painting to arts & crafts to a gaming truck and more! What a great way for Bayonne to celebrate their people!

HUDSON HAPPENINGS

REAL ESTATE

Jersey City Breaks Ground on Historic Redevelopment Project with 80% Affordable & Workforce Housing

Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), and City

Council Members joined Bayfront Development Partners, LLC — a

Spring Sale

a joint venture between Pennrose LLC and Paths — to officially break ground today on the first building in the longanticipated Bayfront Redevelopment Project on May 14, 2025, marking a historic milestone in Jersey City’s largest mixed-income community initiative to date.

Located on the Hackensack River Waterfront, the six-story Bayfront Promenade building will feature 210 residential units, of which 167 units are set aside for lowand moderate-income households:

74 affordable units designated for lowincome families earning 60% or below AMI.

93 workforce units designated for moderateincome families earning at or below 120% AMI. 80% of affordable and workforce units in total at Bayfront Promenade.

“This is more than just a groundbreaking — it’s a promise kept to our residents to

Ground Breaking

Photo Courtesy of Tony Compano

put people before profit and bring much-needed investments beyond the waterfront,” said Mayor Steven M. Fulop. “When we acquired the Bayfront site from Honeywell, we committed to transforming this once-contaminated land into a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally resilient community.

Today’s groundbreaking represents that bold vision becoming reality.”

“This is a victory for every family that has longed to plant roots here and share in our city’s growth with equity,” said Uche Akpa, a member of the Bayfront Advisory Board and Jersey City Together, two entities that played critical roles in getting to this point. “Today’s groundbreaking is a major moment for Jersey City – a triumph decades in the making. Through tireless organizing and advocacy –first by ICO and now by Jersey City Together –we fought to turn Bayfront into something affordable and just.” To read the entire story on www.riverviewobserver.net if You Are a Business Owner and Looked Here So Will Your Potential Customer To Advertise 201-349-4336

www.exitonthehudson.com

If You have been thinking about selling a property –this is the ideal time to do it! We have qualified Buyers ready to purchaseJust not enough properties to show them!

Market values are at very favorable levels right now, and our well trained, professional agents are here to help guide you through the process. Let our experience and reputation for success work to your benefit. Call our office for a no-obligation appointment to discuss the possibilities with you. That noise you hear is Opportunity knocking!! Page 17 May 15-May 31, 2025 River View

The New Jersey Real Estate laws have recently changed how business is done!

There have been so many changes in the way Real Estate transactions are handled –it can be very confusing and a little overwhelming. Our agents are trained to help you understand and feel comfortable that you are being represented properly.

We look forward to the opportunity to assist you with your goals in Real Estate.

Whether it’s selling or buying a home, increasing your portfolio, or placing new tenants in your property … we are ready to provide you with a high level of service and a smooth transaction!

Our office has been serving the Hudson County communities and the surrounding areas with pride for over 18 years – and we want to share our expertise with you!

Please call our office for an appointment to discuss your goals and dreams!

www.exitonthehudson.com

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
MAY15 2025 MAY31 River View Observer by Ad Vantage Publishing Inc - Issuu