September 10th september 20th, 2013 river view observer

Volume 17, No. 7

September 10th - September 20th 2013 FREE PUBLICATION

riverviewobserver.net

201-349-4336

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On the Cover

Frank Hague, Hague, FDR FDR Frank & A. A. Harry Harry Moore Moore &

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Shop Bayonne Card

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Jersey City Fashion Week

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At Tales of Our Cities 2013 Authors will present Books on Hague, Memoirs, Poetry, and for Kids: SOUP TO NUTZ

I

By Sally Deering f you’re a fan of the HBOTV series BOARDWALK EMPIRE and you’re from Jersey City, it’s likely you sit on the edge of your seat whenever the character of Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague appears on screen. From 1917 to 1940, Hague was a complex figure who ruled Jersey City with an iron – and gloved – hand and almost 100 years later, he continues to be a mystical figure that authors – and readers – like to deconstruct in the hopes of understanding his power and mystery; like Toto pulling the curtain aside to reveal the real wizard of Oz. On Sunday, September 15th from 10 am-to-5 pm, authors Steven Hart who penned AMERICAN DICTATORS about Frank Hague and Nucky Johnson, and Bill O’Dea who wrote THE LEGACY OF HAGUESVILLE will present their books at the Tales of Our Cities 2013. This is the 6th annual book festival sponsored by the Jersey City Free Public Library and the city’s Division of Cultural Affairs and it will be held at the beautiful Victorian Van Vorst Park across from the Main Library at Jersey Avenue and Montgomery Street in downtown Jersey City.

Hart and O’Dea are part of a group of 30 authors presenting new books that include former NBA basketball star, Luther Wright whose memoir A PERFECT FIT describes his rise and fall in the NBA and his journey back again. con’t pg. 2

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on the cover . “Staging a book festival is one way that the Library works to increase the awareness of the importance of reading,� Assistant Library Director Sonia Araujo, who chairs the book festival committee says. “Tales of Our Cities brings together authors and readers to Jersey City, shining a light on the talent we have in New Jersey.�

O’Dea’s book, THE LEGACY OF HAGUESVILLE takes place in a city called Hudson City but based on Jersey City. It’s about a politician and banker who dies and leaves his wealth to his son on one condition: that his son runs for congress against his arch political rival. The novel reveals the falling out of the two political rivals and the coming of age of a 30-something into the world of politics, O’Dea says.

A Hudson County Freeholder for the past 17 years, O’Dea grew up in Jersey City and used a lot of real Jersey City tales to pen his book. “I’ve had the idea for 20 years

..

By Sally Deering

wanting to take characters I met, H[SHULHQFHV ,¡YH KDG DQG ÀJXUH a way to put them into a novel,�

O’Dea says. “I’ve always wanted to write a story that I think might inspire young people who want to get into public service and use the town I grew up in as the backdrop.�

Here’s an excerpt: “Joe Davis, Jr. prayed for a sign as to whether or not he should run. His father’s estate was worth tens of millions of dollars but that was not the type of motivation that inspired him. He was tempted to even go speak to Congressman Dover but Simon talked him out of it. It bothered Joe that he must have let his dad down while he was alive. Most of the people he sought advice from either laughed at him or suggested that he get a psychological examination.

One of his pals from college who was a lawyer said that he should challenge his father’s mental

capacity when he made the will out. Joe could never do that. He kept thinking back to the good old days when his father was a councilman that helped out so many people. That was alot of fun.

He remembered as a kid going with his dad to deliver turkeys to poor families at Thanksgiving and bringing toys to the churches and public housing sites during each winter holiday season. He never knew exactly what happened that changed his father so much.

Money was part of it for sure.

There was no bolt of lightning or YRLFH IURP DERYH EXW -RH Ă€QDOO\ decided that if this was what his father’s last wish was then he QHHGHG WR IXOĂ€OO LWÂľ Tales of Our Cities is a great opportunity for both authors and readers. O’Dea says: “Obviously the city has a lot of really talented

Page 2 - September 10 - September 202013 , 2013 – River View Observer Page 2- September 10th-September 20th, River View Observer th

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writers and a lot of great stories to tell.�

6WHYHQ +DUW¡V Ă€UVW ERRN THE LAST THREE MILES is about Frank Hague and the construction of the Pulaski Skyway in Jersey City. His new book, AMERICAN DICTATORS: A DUAL BIOGRAPHY OF FRANK HAGUE & NUCKY JOHNSON is a sideby-side comparison of two political bosses who were colleagues and co-conspirators, Hart says. “If you put Hague and Nucky Johnson side by side, they complement each other and Ă€OO RXW DOO WKH FRQWUDGLFWLRQV of a political boss,â€? Hart says. “Hague was a Democrat and Nucky was a Republican. People are surprised that they each had political machines. They were contemporaries and occasionally colleagues and co-conspirators.

That made it all the more intriguing.�

Here’s an excerpt from AMERICAN DICTATORS: “For Frank Hague, politics was the last and most lucrative of a series of career choices, one he pursued with notable skill and resourcefulness, embracing and discarding mentors, allies, and causes as need dictated.

For Nucky Johnson, political power was the family birthright, the legacy of a father who saw politics as the means to escape the endless work and worry of farming. If any boss can be said to have been born rather than made, it would be Nucky Johnson.

It is one of the great ironies of history that these most ruthless and venal bosses were brought to power with the unintended help of a reform-minded governor, Woodrow Wilson, con’t pg. 4

SMALL CARD, BIG SAVINGS

Shop Bayonne Card Entices Bayonne Residents to Shop Locally

By Sally Deering If you live in Bayonne and buy a discount manicure with the new “Shop Bayonne” card, you may go home with more than just gorgeous nails. With the city’s new Property Tax Reward Program, Bayonne residents now receive property tax credits or a rebate just by shopping locally.

Initiated by Mayor Mark Smith, Shop Bayonne is overseen by the office of the Bayonne Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), an area designated by the State UEZ Authority to revitalize critical shopping districts and industrial centers.

The Shop Bayonne initia

tive premiered just a few weeks ago and, so far, 29 local businesses have signed on and the number is growing, says the city’s CFO and UEZ Coordinator Terrence Malloy. Smartphone users can also download the free Shop Bayonne app which just became available.

“The Shop Bayonne initiative is to get people to shop locally,” Malloy says.

“It’s an excellent promotion for small businesses, a creative marketing tool to get people to try their business.”

So how does Shop Bayonne actually work?

Shop Bayonne allows

Bayonne CFO ,UEZ Coordinator and former Bayonne Mayor Terrence Malloy Bayonne homeowners to purchase discounted services and items promoted by businesses registered with the Property Tax Reward Program. The discount is

then credited to the homeowner’s Shop Bayonne account – paid for by the business offering the discount – and at the end of the year, the cardholder’s discounts are tallied and the total deducted from the homeowner’s annual property tax bill. Shop Bayonne does not exclude apartment dwellers. Cardholders who rent receive an annual check.

This is an innovative program that helps the local business community and provides a strong motivation for residents to shop in town, Malloy says. It provides an opportunity for homeowners to lower their out-of-pocket expense on property taxes through purchases of necessities and goods. It’s also another venue for businesses to Cont’d on page 6

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Con’t from page 2 Deconstructing Frank Hague

and kept that power partly through some of the first great governmental reforms of the twentieth century.”

Tameka S. Raines of Bayonne wrote the book of poems under the title I AM POETRY. A self-described youth advocate, Raines says some of the poems were written expressly to inspire young people, like her poem “The Youth.”

“It’s about serious everyday life, kids shootings, dying, dropping out of school, every kind of circumstance they are challenged with, I put that in the piece to show adults that the youth need us and some of them are misdirected and we have to take

a moment and look at that,” Raines says.

Here’s an excerpt from Raines’ poem “The Youth” in her book I AM POETRY: “Do you hear them?

Listen... Can you hear them? It’s the inner voices of the youth. The truth of abandonment is evident. It is true we abandoned our youth... Just a statistic they say, but we ain’t no saints in no way because we busy leaving them behind. No time for dealing with the hard times but the truth of our neglect lays in them.”

At Tales of Our Cities 2013, kids will have their own author presentation area in the park with 10 children’s authors presenting their books along with face-painting and storytelling. Kids authors include: Cherese Bracey (STORY

TIME FRIENDS and THE CASE OF THE WITHERING BOOKS), Craig Howard (PLUMSTER BUNNY 2: BULLIES IN PLUMSTERVILLE), Jeremiah Kleckner (CAPT. JAMES HOOK AND THE CURSE OF PETER PAN), Clarence V. Matthews (SCHOOL DAYS), Lara Saguisag (CAT EYES / CHILDREN OF TWO SEASONS) and Rick Stromoski, who writes the award-winning comic strip SOUP TO NUTZ. For the adults, other featured authors include: Jemmie Adams (RUNNING WITH NO FEET, PARTS 1 & 2), Mark Baird (THE IDIOM MAGAZINE), Saideh Browne (LIFE REMIXED), Vincent Czyz (ADRIFT IN A VANISHING CITY), Debra A. Daly (THE MARRIAGE PROPOSAL),

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Joe Del Priore (PLOWED IN), Elliott Fant (THE EXECUTION OF REVOLUTION), Jacqueline Hallenbeck (POEM-ATIC), Yvonne Hernandez (3 MONOLOGUES), Jamal Hinnant (ENCORE), Valerie Angelina Mitchell (EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER: A DEPICTED MIND), Joe Montaperto (THE EDGE OF WHITENESS), Hank Quense (FALSTAFF’S BIG GAMBLE), and Ramon Terry (DEFINED MENTAL STATE).

Every year this book festival gets bigger and bigger.

It’s a great way to meet up-and-coming authors, purchase a book or two and hear tales of our great cities and the world beyond.

If you go:\ Sun, Sept. 15 10am- 5pm Tales of Our Cities 2013

Van Vorst Park Jersey Ave & Montgomery St (across from the main branch of the JC Free Public Library) Jersey City (201) 547-4501 www.jclibrary.org

Send us your Community Event Listings 2 weeks prior to event: Newport Financial Center 123 Town Square Place #321 Jersey City, NJ O7310 or Email to: Rivervivew observer@gmail.com Attention: Events Dept

Attentio Events

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SMALL CARD, BIG SAVINGS

Celebrating Our 15th Year Serving Hudson County September 10th, 2013

Shop Bayonne Card Entices Bayonne Residents to Shop Locally -Cont’d from page 3 promote themselves.

Let’s say a restaurant is jam-packed on Friday and Saturday and not as busy during the week. Malloy says: “The restaurant can shift part of its business by offering a discount Sunday through

Thursday nights. This way, it’s likely some of the Friday and Saturday customers will shift to those nights for the discount.”

People who sign up for the card receive emails to introduce participating

McLoone’s Bayonne Grille just one of the restaurants participating in the “Shop Bayonne” program businesses, too. And for those residents who don’t have a computer, updated lists of businesses are mailed to them.

Malloy says more and more people seem to be choosing businesses participating in the program.

“It’s like that old Christmas Club that you would pay into at the end of the week,” Malloy says. “The money is accumulated and you receive it in one lump sum at the end of the year. This discount isn’t a lot of money, but if it’s accumulated and applied to your property tax bill, it becomes significant.”

For more info: Bayonne UEZ 630 Ave “E” Bayonne (201) 858-6357 www.shop.bayonnenj.org

River View Observer Serving Hudson County Since 1998

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We would like to thank our readers and advertisers for all the wonderful support over the years.

Now in Print • Mobile • Digital

LOOKING FOR A FOREVER HOME FOR DOMINO

Domino is about 5 months old and is looking for his forever home. He is very loving and is looking for his forever lap to curl up on. He will entertain you with his playful antics and will curl up to watch your favorite show or while you read your favorite book.

For more information on Domino please call the Hudson County Animal League @201-200-1008

Page 7-September 10th-September 20th, 2013 River View Observer

Puttin’ On the Glitz

Big Name and Up-and-Coming Fashion Designers to Strut Their Stuff at Jersey City Fashion Week

By Sally Deering

Jersey – the hardest working fabric besides denim. It stretches, swings, sways and can make any figure look fab especially the curvy kind and that’s why Jersey City fashion designer Douglas Says enjoys working with Jersey fabrics.

Local fashionistas will have the opportunity to see Says’ creations up close when models adorned in his colorful and stretchy designs take to the runway at Jersey City Fashion Week (JCFW) happening in venues throughout the city from Wed, Sept. 25 through Sat, Sept. 28. This is the second year founder Desha Lang Jackson, Esq. presents Jersey City Fashion Week with funds raised by the four-day events

Community Foundation.

Fashion designers Gadol Wilson, Franklin Rowe, Marco Hall, and Rafael Perez are just some of the designers showing throughout the week.

They will share the spotlight with local designer Douglas Says, a Jersey City resident whose creations have been featured in BETs annual fashion show RIP THE RUNWAY in Manhattan.

Born and raised in Newark, Says moved to Jersey City in 1990 because, he says, he liked the area. He grew up in an ‘artsy’ family, his cousin was an artist and his aunt sewed, crocheted and painted and this had a strong influence on him, Says says. He attended the Fashion Institute of Technology and working in

Designer Douglas Says’ Evening Gown in White and Black fashion, Says has developed close relationships with many of the models who have walked the runway in his designs.

For Jersey City Fashion Week, Says will be showing his new line of evening wear.

He says: “I’m calling my show ‘Black and…’ which means black and red, black

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Designer Douglas Says’ Purple Evening Gown and purple –it’s basically a whole collection of black with color inserted, color blocking, patchwork, that’s my line.”

Says shows his designs usually once a year in February at the Newark Public Library.

“Primarily, I’m working in Matte Jersey and Jersey

fabrics,” Says says. “I have a corps group of women I design for, many have worn my designs (on the runway) and they continue to wear my clothes. I also create custom designs; one of my clients is a jazz singer. Normally, we collaborate on what she’s going to wear. That’s basically what I do. I tell her if I’m going to come out and see an artist, I want to see something I can’t see on the street. I really want you to give me that fantasy, be elegant, and be over the top.”

The author of two books, Says sees his fashion designs as “leaving my footprint in the sand,” – similar to Jackson who, as founder of the Jersey City Fashion Week – hopes to leave her imprint in Jersey City. Jersey City Fashion Week shines the spotlight on many imaginative and talented designers. Throughout the week, industry insiders and fashionistas will have a glimpse into Jersey City’s vibrant social and cultural scene.

Opening night Wed, Sept.

25 takes place at VB8, a hip restaurant and bar just a short walk from the Pavonia/ Newport PATH Station, and Hudson-Bergen Light Rail’s Newport stop.

The VIP Super Celebration Women of Influence Fashion Show follows on Thurs, Sept 26 at the Liberty National Golf Course. Designer Marco Hall is one of the designers to be featured with proceeds from the event to benefit Rising Tide Capital in Jersey City, which helps women – and men -- achieve their business goals.

The Children’s Fashion Show takes place Fri, Sept. 27 at New Jersey City University’s Student Center Cont’d on page 15

A Federal Trade Commission survey revealed that 8.3 million Americans had been victims of identity theft. Properly disposing of personal documents is a necessary step in safeguarding and protecting your personal information and credit and preventing identity theft.

 YOUR IDENTITY... 

Hudson County residents are invited to have personal confidential and/or sensitive documents shredded at free, on-site, mobile paper-shredding events:

Saturday, September Saturday, September Saturday, September September October 5

7 14 21 28

-

Secaucus Recreation Center Parking Lot - 1200 Koelle Boulevard

DPW in Hoboken

Willow St. & Observer Hwy.

Lincoln Park in Jersey City Parking Lot by Running Track

Braddock Park in North Bergen

Parking Lot - Use 79th St. & Bergenline Ave. Entrance

West Hudson Park in Kearny Parking Lot by Duck Pond

9 AM to 1 PM (Rain or shine)

IMPORTANT: • Remove large binder clips (staples and paper clips are okay) • No plastic binders • Recycle magazines and non-confidential paper curbside • Residents only – no businesses In an effort to accommodate all those wishing to participate please limit your documents to no more than 40 lbs.

Documents will be commercially shredded safely, privately and properly by trained, licensed and bonded document destruction specialists. Residents may bring documents in whatever type of container they wish.

Participants may stay and watch the process if they wish.

For further information, contact the HCIA’s Environmental Hotline 201-324-6222, press 1 then ext. 3219 or visit www.hcia.org.

Thomas A. DeGise 

Norman M. Guerra  John L. Shinnick 

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Page 10 - September 10th - September 20th, 2013 River View Observer

Historic Downtown Jersey City’s 3rd Annual “All About Downtown” Street Fair Sat. Sept. 21 Featuring Live Entertainment, 100 Vendors, And Food & Drinks.

The Historic Downtown

Special Improvement District (HDSID) has reprised one of largest free festivals in Downtown Jersey City for

Saturday, September 21st, 2013.

This event will take place along Newark Avenue from the Grove Street PATH Station down to Mercado Park at the Southeast corner of Jersey

Avenue and Newark Ave. A number of in-district businesses will be participating in this all day event.

At Last year’s event there were over 14 food trucks, a hefty music roster and over

75 handmade artists. An estimated 30,000 visitors enjoyed the second event of its kind downtown.

This year over 100 vendors will dot the streets offering art, jewelry, housewares, clothing, and other treasures for visitors to peruse and purchase. Food truck favorites such as Korilla BBQ, Wafels & Dinges, Nuchas Empanadas, and Red Hook Lobster will be serving up tasty treats with seven other trucks catering to a variety of palettes.

If You Go: Sat., Sept. 21, 2013 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM On Newark Avenue between Grove Street & Jersey Avenue Featuring Live Entertainment, 100 Vendors, And Food & Drinks To find out more about this event go to www. riverviewobserver.net

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naturally occur. For example, a rose in a bright blue shade will not convey the same amount of charm as a dusty pink.

For more fun projects to liven up your home décor, visit www. joann.com/projects.

Create Budding Home Updates (Family Features) Bring the garden inside to add a romantic and softer touch to your home décor.

Though real flowers are always a gorgeous addition, they can be costly and, unfortunately, they will expire. Due to their permanent and authentic nature, more decorators are turning to their faux counterparts when glamming up interiors.

Boasting an incredibly realistic look and feel, faux flowers are available in many varieties and colors. So, no matter what type of décor appeals to you – from contemporary to colonial – you can find the perfect petals to match your look and style.

Here are tips for using artificial flowers in your home: •When shopping, choose the best you can afford within your budget. You’ll be happy you spent the money on quality blooms

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Floral Lampshade

you’ll treasure for years to come.

•In doubt of your decorating skills? Simply tuck one stem of your favorite variety in a glass vase for a classic, chic look.

•Faux petals are easy to care for and clean with the use of a handheld vacuum, a steamy shower or a soft, dampened cloth.

•Add one or two accent pieces that feature artificial flowers.

From pillow cases to lamp shades, this look is everywhere and will add a cheerful glow to any room.

•Stay away from colors that don’t

Some experience necessary Approximate Crafting Time: 3-5 hours Supplies and Tools: Scissors, 26” Hydrangea Sprays Jolee’s Jewels Bicone/Pearl Combo: White Offray 1/8” Black Ribbon Offray 7/8” Oatmeal Ribbon Black Tassel Fabric Lampshade: Cream Sewing needle Thread 1. Remove individual blooms from hydrangea sprays.

2. Sew crystals and pearls to centers of blooms.

3. Hot glue blooms onto lampshade, slightly overlapping to cover the entire surface of shade.

4.Add a ribbon bow and tassels, if desired.

IN THE CLUBS -Drinking Games

Barcade in Jersey City Mixes Arcade Games with its Drinks

By Martin Ramone Delossantos Barcade is an adult toy land with a great selection of classic arcade games like Miss Pacman, Teenage Ninja Turtles, Tapper and much more. At the old school cost of 25¢ per game you can play all evening if you are skilled, and without going broke like in the casinos, and much more fun. With their large selection of American Craft Beers on tap, a full bar, and sandwiches that border on gourmet you have a winning evening. It is accessible by PATH train, stopping off at Grove Street and walking a few blocks.

FASHION WEEK Cont’d from page 8

and features three children’s wear designers. This is also the Night of Lights where fashion show attendees are encouraged to dine at participating restaurants and shop at participating stores.

Barcade is a welcoming night spot because it can be a relaxing place if you’re alone, or a pumped up night competing with friends.

If you are going to unwind grab a game machine, a comfy seat, and order up a tasty treat…don’t forget the cash.

The place looks very casual, and the ambiance reflects it. The wooden bar is the focal point where you can have your drinks, and meet new people, or just hang out with old ones exchanging who has the best scores.

Barcade is the dream child of Paul Kermizian, and four close friends. Barcade first opened in Williamsburg, Brooklyn in 2004 because the partners lived there thus making the location a practical choice. Since boyhood On Sat, Sept. 28 the Emerging Designers show will take place at Liberty Science Center where the designs of several up-and-coming designers based in Jersey City and New Jersey will be modeled on the runway. Before the show celebrity stylists

The Barcade formula is successful because it is a fun place for an adult to be a kid again.

Paul loved playing arcade games. After seeing an ad for an old game for sale he purchased and was hooked.

A few arcade machines later his apartment became his personal arcade. Soon he noticed at his parties the guests were lining up to play his games. Kermizian and his friends realized combining classic arcade games with

good beers could be a fun business. nvesting all their savings, and maxing out credit cards while doing all the renovation they were able to open their first Barcade.

It seems to be a wise investment at the right time.

In 2011 the partners decided to open two more Barcades: one in Jersey City, and another in Philadelphia.

will offer show-goers style advice.

“We are glad to be back and look forward to giving back, great fashion and fun,” Jackson says. “We look forward to people coming out

If you go:

and enjoying the week’s activities.”

Wed, Sept. 25-Sat, Sept. 28 Jersey City Fashion Week Various locations throughout Jersey City Wed, Sept 25: VB8 Restaurant Thurs, Sept 26: Liberty National Golf Course

If you go: Barcade 163 Newark Ave Jersey City, NJ 07302 (201) 332–4555 www.barcadejerseycity.com Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4 pm–2 am Fri, Sat: 12 pm–3 am; Sun, 12 pm–2 am Must be 21 or over to enter Upcoming Events: “Beer Nights” Southern Tier Brewing Co: Thurs, Sept.¬ 12, 4 pm Kane Brewing Co: Thurs, Sept. 26, 6pm Oskar Blues Co: Thurs, Oct. 10, 5pm Inside photos Flickr © all rights reserved Barcade Jersey City

Fri, Sept 27: New Jersey City University’s Student Center Sat, Sept. 28: Liberty Science Center For more info,: www.JerseyCityFashionWeek. com or contact: jcfw@dljsec.com.

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restaurant VIEWS HARD GROVE CAFÉ RAISES THE BAR

Delicious Cuban/Latin Cuisine Ranks High Above the Norm

By Sally Deering

When the Hard Grove

Café’s original owner Domenic Santana opened the Jersey City restaurant on Grove Street in the early 1990s, the neighborhood was not as affluent as it is today and Santana offered locals more of a diner menu where you could get a peanut butter & jelly sandwich for a buck ninety-nine.

Times have changed and the restaurant has changed hands a couple times. In 2005, Evelyn Padin and Carmen Mendiola—two practicing lawyers and Jersey City residents – decided to try their hand at running a restaurant and purchased the Hard Grove Café. They kept on Chef Rafael Valdespino and the trio created a menu of Modern Latin Cuisine

that is refined and delicious. Instead of the soupy

and sticky yellow rice typically found at many local

eateries, the Hard Grove Café’s beans are light, the rice is fluffy and both dishes are seasoned gently.

“Carmen is CubanAmerican and I’m Puerto Rican and we were looking for something,” Padin says.

“When we saw this place, Carmen didn’t want it closing down. Like everybody in the neighborhood, we’d known Domenic for years.

So Carmen said let’s give it a go.”

And they did. Similar to how they run their law practices, Padin and Mendiola oversee every detail of the restaurant while working double-duty at their law offices.

“Every place has its checks and balances,” Padin says. “You have to hire the right people.”

The food has to be great, too, Padin says, and Hard Grove Café has definitely raised the bar with a menu that features Starters, Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, Burgers and Entrees. Soups are the Cuban Black Bean and Grandma’s Chicken Soup; salads include the Shrimp, Chicken, Mango-Avocado Salad with cilantro dressing; the Crazy Hemingway Skirt Steak Salad; and the Gloria Estefan Salad of romaine lettuce, sweet plantains, Cont’d on page 18

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restaurant VIEWS Hard Grove Cafe

matter how messy they can be, kids are always welCont’d from Page 17 come here,” Padin, who is grilled chicken, and meltalso the mother of a four ed cheddar cheese with year-old, says. “Everything creamy lime & cilantro is fresh. When customers dressing. sit down, we give chips and For entrees, customers salsa, and our salsa is made can choose Chicken, Beef from scratch every day. We or Seafood dishes like the make our own chips fresh Lemon Salsa Chicken; the every day, too.”

Herb-Roasted Chicken The Cocktail menu with Chimmichuri Sauce; features a section of Skinthe Crispy Fish Tacos; ny Drinks all under 200 Seafood Paella; and Ropa calories like the Coconut Vieja, slowly- braised Strawberry Daiquiri. Hard shredded beef with onions, Grove Café’s Signature red and green peppers Drink is the Mojito with and Latin herbs. There’s a This Mojito is refreshingly vegetarian menu and a kids’ tasty because the mint is menu, too. muddled and the lime juice “We offer vegetarian dishes is freshly-squeezed and not with a Latin twist and a a store-bought mix. The kids’ menu because no

drink comes with a real stick of sugar cane and it’s likely one of the best Mojitos you’ll ever taste.

“We thought how are we going to brand this restaurant? It has to be the Mojitos,’ Padin says. “The public knows these Mojitos are banging.”

To spice things up, a salsa band entertains on Friday nights and Hard Grove Café hosts a weekend brunch where for $20 customers can enjoy unlimited Mimosas and Bloody Marys when they purchase an entrée. The thoughtprocess behind Hard Grove Café’s Latin Menu, stellar service and hip atmosphere is to give customers

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Inside Hard Grove Cafe’s Dining Room If you go: something they’re not goHard Grove Café ing to get somewhere else, 319 Grove St Padin says.

“Food has to be original Jersey City and creative and it has to be 201-451-1853 www.hardgrovecafe.com sexy,” Padin says. “UltiOpen Daily: Mon-Wed, 11 mately, when you’re in the am - 11 pm restaurant business it’s all Thurs and Fri, 11 am to about the service. I can go 1 am home and cook a burger Sat 10 am to 1 am myself, but I come to a Sun 10 am to midnight restaurant because I want service.”

STARGAZINE Aries March 21 - April 19

Friends may be inquiring about your every move .The astral advice suggests you not allow the many of these minor annoyances to knock you off your stride. The good news may be your work projects are so demanding you might not notice.

Focus on the positive events in your progressive life and pay little attention to issues designed to diminish you power.

Taurus -April 20 - May 20

There are times when even the most stubborn of Taurus natives must realize that to persist any longer is useless. This is one of those times .It is only by letting go of the past, moving forward, and taking a risk that we are offered the potential of a better future. Evaluate your current situation and ask yourself if you really desire more of the same. If your answer is no please be assured that this is the best time period to make changes.

Gemini May 21 - June 20

Someone may try to involve you in a scheme. The astral energies caution you not to lend yourself to any situation that causes doubt or concern .You have nothing to lose by staying free of questionable ventures. Your reputation could be tarnished if you involve yourself with persons of negative design. Remember to a certain degree your character is your fate!

Cancer June 21-July 22nd

Taking charge of your life, feeling better and more directed are the beneficial astral energies of this month. Decide what you wish to accomplish over this time period.

Molding yourself into the true person you are will give you ultimate happiness. The astral advice simply suggests that you remain true to that person within your soul .Remember to be yourself and the rest is easy!

Leo-July 23 - August 22

The territorial Leo native may be feeling even more possessive of people and things in your environment now. You have allowed a part of your nature to get out of control.

Focus on and consider your positive traits that include loyalty, courage, and that strong animal magnetism.

The latter of which enable you to attract attention from the opposite sex.

Enjoy but harness and control all the parts of your dynamic persona.

Virgo-August 23-September 22

Be extra nice to all those you encounter this month. Everyone cannot live under the same pressure to be perfect as you seem to enjoy. Your luck and happiness are dependant on your ability to control your moods and avoid confrontations. A smile can go a long way to reduce tensions.

Be aware of your facial muscles and make sure you don’t smirk. Virgo, you are in a positive time and the Universe is working with you for success. Don’t waste this time of opportunity.

Libra – September 23 - October 22 This is a time when you cannot lose in affairs of the heart . You must always be true to yourself and work thru any indecision. A suitable relationship is on the horizon but you need to clarify what you want! Is it a business partner or a life mate?.

Don’t confuse the two or some hard feelings may be in store for you.

Your ruler, Venus is on the sideline guiding you to a happy future.

Sept.2013 J Banta Lewis

Astralcomunications@aol.com

Sagittarius-

November 22 - December 21

Give up trying to convince loved ones of your intentions. They find it hard to understand your philosophy of life. Your true friends will love you all the same.

The others will let you be and Sagittarius you will win on both counts. Your ideals are not easily communicated to those that spend their lives worrying about events that never even occur. You have decided a long time ago that freedom from fear is a part of your birthright as a Sagittarius and you won’t give it up due to pressure from negative souls.

Capricorn -

December 22 - January 19

A close friend does not want to deceive you but you are certain that they have. It seems that they are living under some type of cloud of deception. You have the tolerance and strength to overcome anything but when they interfere with your work schedule or professional reputation its time for a change. The astral advice suggests you take them aside and state your case. You will be surprised how agreeable they may be and how happy you will be to solve the problem.

Aquarius-

January 20 - February 18

The astral energy suggests you may be experiencing a feeling of being chained to a condition. In the next few weeks your normally optimistic nature returns and you will be filled with exciting ideas . Make sensible plans and then act. The stars are working in your favor.

Scorpio -

Pisces-

You have noticed a problem with a friend. It is your desire to help but you don’t want to pry. Your love and concern are evident. Although you really haven’t done a thing your interest in their well being has been a catalyst for change. Common sense and good feelings have returned .You have realized that just listening can be a powerful remedy !

You are not a victim although you may have been playing that part of late.

Your life is not as bad as you have been portraying it to others. Listen to what your are saying about your situation! Words are powerful as they start in the sub-conscious then flow to the conscious mind and then oft times are blurted out the mouth. Someone once said “don’t say anything if you have nothing good to say.” Sound advice, even if you are speaking about yourself!

October 23rd -November 21st

•ASTROLOGY •TAROT •HYPNOSIS Individual Parties Corporate Events Phone and SKYPE Consultation J Banta Lewis Astralcommunications@aol.com 201.486.4555

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Page 19- September 10- September 20th, 2013 River View Observer

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