Pronto to Toronto: A Reporter’s Trek Up North By Ricardo Kaulessar What do you do when you’re underemployed, have a nonexistent love life, and have nothing really to call your own? Sometimes, it’s leaving the place that reminds you of all those setbacks. In my case, it was taking an impromptu trip recently out of Jersey City and up to the land of the maple leaf, hockey, Molson’s beer and people finishing their sentences with ‘eh.’ Oh, Canada! Specifically, I went to one of its major cities, Toronto. The hometown of the CN Tower, Rob Ford and Drake. But I figured going there was more than just an option. Visiting my late
The iconic CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, where several of Toronto’s professional sports teams play. chalenges, which brought grandmother’s old home, attending my cousin’s wed- to mind my mother’s adage, “You got to pay to ding, and taking in the Canadian National Exhibition learn.” I also found that I never would help take me away from all my problems, per- completely left Jersey City as I was reminded twofold sonal and professional. of my birthplace: way too Well, it turned out the excursion across the border much construction for my liking in the Downtown achieved its goal in ways area and a diverse populaI hoped for and in ways I tion spread throughout didn’t expect. And yet, it Cont’d on page 4 had its own series of
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Let the Fun Begin
4th Annual ALL ABOUT DOWNTOWN Jersey City Street Fair Kicks Off Sept 20th
River View Staff Writer The Historic Downtown Special Improvement District (HDSID) will turn Newark Avenue & Grove Street Plaza into a lively festival of all that’s great about Historic Downtown Jersey City when ALL ABOUT DOWNTOWN brings local retailers, restaurateurs, artists and entrepreneurs out into the streets for a day of food, food and pizzazz. On Sat, Sept. 20, from 11 am to 6 pm, Grove Street Plaza & Newark Avenue will be bustling with 125 local vendors; over 15 food and fashion trucks;
live music performances; fun activities for kids, cool trinkets from local retailers, and art from area artists. It’s a little bit of everything that makes Historic Downtown Jersey City a very exciting place to be these days. The event is hosted by HDSID led by executive director Rachel Sieg. “Basically the downtown businesses, artists, vendors, and food trucks all come out to enjoy Downtown Jersey City,” Sieg says. “It’s our biggest event of the year. For one day, between 20-30,000 people come to Jersey City; people from Brooklyn, Newark,
All About Downtown Jersey City Street Fair’s 2012 and 2013 Photos courtesy of Facebook
New York City, Hoboken. We’re trying to get people to see that Jersey City is a great place to hang out, have dinner, go to art shows, and buy clothes. There’s so much to do down here. Its 20 minutes on the PATH train from New York, which makes it is easy to get here.” The HDSID is a public/ private partnership that
brings together property and business owners to ensure they have an impact on Historic Downtown Jersey City neighborhoods and their development. HDSID works with local businesses, property owners and neighborhood associations, and City government, to promote Downtown Jersey City and improve the quality of life.
This year’s participants in All About Downtown include Golden Grille, Hard Grove, L.I.T.M., Downtown Hardware, Capital One, TEDxJerseyCity, The BIG Straw, BCB Bank, Dominos, Union Republic, Roman Nose, Barcade, My Gym Hoboken, Morlees, Indiegrove, PNC Bank. Cont’d on page 5
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Pronto to Toronto: A Reporter’s Trek Up North
Cont’d from page 2
a town that was as vibrant in the worst parts as it was in the best parts. With that said, what words of wisdom can this reporter impart to readers who may have a yearning to go north? Here are some tips for that future visit: •The CN Tower is considered Toronto’s iconic structure as well as one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world. It is the Canadian version of the Empire State Building and worth visiting if you are into paying over $30 for access. However, there are other sights to check out that don’t even cost a dime including the Power Plant Art Gallery, part of the 10-acre Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), Riverdale Farms (201 Winchester St.), and Toronto Sculpture Garden (115 King St. East). •If you are not sure where to visit, get a map, make your way to one of the city’s various neighborhoods (St. Lawrence, Cabbagetown, Roncesvalles, etc.) and then walk in any direction within a five to ten-block radius to take in sights that you may not normally get to see when going with a tour guide. •Use taxis only if absolutely necessary as they are pricey. You’ll think the ones in Manhattan are a grand bargain. •Don’t stay in just one hotel or motel unless you got an
exceptionally good deal and have no special love for relocation. I stayed in three and a college residence, which gave me a better idea of where to stay the next time I come through.
•The recent news about Burger King taking over Canadian food chain Tim Horton’s made me want to venture into one of numerous branches that seemed to be at every street corner. My recommendation: go to Tim Horton’s as often as possible to partake in the honey dip mini-donuts (four for $1) and the frozen ice tea ($1.49). •Be aware of the 13% accommodation tax on most items. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The crowd that visited the Canadian National Exhibition, the major fair held during the month of August. All Photos by Ricardo Kaulessar
Festival in September. Next summer, the city will play host to the Pan Am Games. •Unless you have a cell phone that can used anywhere in the world, there’s a good chance your I-Phone or Android will be useless
north of the border. Get a $2 or $5 calling card to make any calls back to the U.S. •Please, please, please, make sure you try some poutine, the common Canadian dish that consists of
fries with gravy and cheese curds. Sounds icky until it’s in your mouth. C’est magnifique! •Be as polite as possible as most Toronto folks possess the well-known Canadian courteousness, and it makes you look less like the ugly American even if you run into the occasional Canadian ass or hoser. To learn more about Toronto, visit http://www.toronto. ca/ or you look up some of the places and events mentioned in this story. HOW ARE WE DOING? We would love to hear from you, our readers. Let us know what type of articles you would like to read in the River View Observer riverviewobserver@gmail.com
•Toronto’s reputation as one of the cleanest cities in the world is not overstated. Trash cans seem to be everywhere and recycling receptacles are prevalent in the subway. Avoid being the lone American litterbug and dispose properly. •Take advantage of its great public transit system, which consists of buses, trains and streetcar. Yes, I said streetcar and I’m not referring to a Tennessee Williams play. The $3 price may be off-putting but its transfer system is hard to beat. •Travel in the summer as during the time of the year Toronto is chock-full of events from the Caribana Festival in July to the Toronto International Film
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Ricardo Kaulessar
Let the Fun Begin Cont’d from page 3 All About Downtown Helen’s Pizzeria, CoolHaus, IndrediBalls, The Style Cruiser, Uber, Park and Sixth Comfort Food, Orale Mexican Kitchen, Left Bank Burger Bar, Pole Position Raceway, Zipcar, Dark Side of the MOO, Choc O Pain, BBQ @ Legal Beans, Goldman Sachs, Gymboree, WORD Bookstore and Two Boots Pizza.
Another Man’s Treasure vintage clothes; organic home-made ice cream from Milk Sugar Love; and unique jewelry and collectibles by Vera Vixenness of Union City will also be at the fair. This is the 3rd year Vixenness will be selling her special jewelry designs and vintage clothes, and she fondly remembers her first year at the festival and how it became the launching pad she needed to start her own business. “All About Downtown was the perfect place for me to test my product,” Vixenness says, “and it was very profitable. That first
festival was successful for me; I got a solid brand.” A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Vixenness repurposes jewelry and vintage clothes she finds at estate sales and thrift shops. “I specialize in bohemian aesthetic,” Vixenness says. “At All About Downtown I’ll be selling vintage clothes, collectibles and repurposed jewelry like my rock and roll rosaries, and ‘native’ jewelry made from bones and stones. I’m going to have $5 and $10 racks of vintage clothes and $5 bins of cuffs and stuff.” Fair-goers can find Vixenness’ booth on Newark Ave, close to Grove Street. All About Downtown is great for entrepreneurs like Vixenness who “flies solo” and calls herself a “mobile boutique” because her business can pop up anywhere. At the fair, she also gets to reunite with friends. “All About Downtown is a blast,” Vixenness says. “I love Jersey City and I get to see friends all day. It’s a great time.” If you go: Sat, Sept 20, 11 am to 6 pm All About Downtown Jersey City Street Fair Grove Street Plaza & Newark Avenue Jersey City For more info, www.jcdowntown.org
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City, Union City to Host Fall Film Fest SUNDANCE EAST JerseyIs Hudson becoming the new Sundance? Cont’d from Cover
On Tues, Oct. 14 through Sat, Oct. 19, it’s the 7th annual NoHu International Short Film Festival in Union City; and on Fri, and Sat, Dec. 5 & 6, the Union City Film Festival presents its 5th annual weekend of short films. All four festivals are independently run by grassroots groups that want to see the movie industry thrive here in Hudson, where there are great locations to film, lots of professional actors to play roles, and tax credits for filmmakers. Here are previews of the festivals as Hudson gets ready for its close-up.
Tues, Sept. 16, Tommy Hilfiger’s Kick Off, 7 pm Thurs, Sept. 18-Sun, Sept. 21 GOLDEN DOOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (GDIFF) Now in its 4th year! Nephew to actor Paul Sorvino and cousin to Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, Bill Sorvino of Jersey City has been at the helm of the Golden Door International Film Festival since its inception 4 years ago, and it seems the event just keeps getting bigger and better. “It’s amazing how in our fourth year we have doubled in size in terms of film submissions, film screenings, donor and community
support,” Bill Sorvino says. This year, superstar designer Tommy Hilfiger will kick off the film festival at a special ceremony at the Loew’s Jersey City on Tues, Sept 16, and then on Thurs, Sept. 18, the Golden Door film festival begins and runs through Sun, Sept. 21 with screenings of more than 90 films from 76 countries. This year there’s a special autism category with several films based on that theme including THE ODD WAY HOME starring Rumer Willis – daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis – and Chris Marquette, who once lived in Hudson before moving on to an acting career in
Hollywood. “THE ODD WAY HOME is an amazing film with excellent acting and direction,” Sorvino says. “We are so totally impressed with the quality of films we have received from high functioning autistic adults. They are some of our best films.” Other autism-related films include HANDS TO THE SKY, CATCH THEM & THEY’RE YOURS, directed by Kimberly Townes, and ACCEPTANCE by Gene Galagher
GDIFF and Sensory Kids & Social Minds also partnered to host an Autism Awareness Event with seminars and workshops on Sun, Sept. 21. GDIFF is also screening the JUST LIKE YOU FILM series, which consists of short films dealing with subjects like cancer and Down’s syndrome directed by Jen Greenstreet. Other must-see films include the South African AFRICAN GOTHIC, Cont’d on page 7
At The UNIVERSAL WARRIOR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY 250 Broadway in Bayonne (10th Street) 201-437-1820 1683 John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City 201-360-0951 www.bayonnemma.com www.uwa-martialarts.com
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Sundance East Cont’d from page 6 directed by Gabriel Bologna, RAIN, directed by Kristen McGary, RYE COALITION: THE STORY OF THE HARD LUCK 5, directed by Jenni Matz, DESTRESSED, directed by Garry Pastore, WAITING FOR A TRAIN, directed by Uladzimir Taukachou and Alex Vetrov, and DANNY AND THE WILD BUNCH, directed by Robert Rugan. The festival calendar is jam packed with screenings, seminars and fun activities, such as making your own mini “animated” movie book with Flipbooks at the Kickoff party at the Loew’s Jersey City. Other screening venues include Panepinto Gallery, Panepinto Studio, Brightside Tavern, The Westin and Hudson County
Community College. If you go: For tickets to the Tommy Hilfiger kick-off, opening night gala and film screenings go to: www.goldendoorfilmfestival.org Sept. 24, 7 pm, Loew’s Jersey City JERSEY CITY INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION & FILM FESTIVAL (JCITFF) THE JERSEY DEVIL film premiere gets things rolling. The Jersey City International Television & Film Festival (JCITFF) rolls out the red carpet on Wed, Sept. 24, at 7 pm, for the premiere of the film THE JERSEY DEVIL by JCITFF producers Jarl and Michael Billy of Jersey City who are also producing the film festival which
Michael Billy & Jarl, the producers of the JC International TV & Film Festival
runs Oct. 17-19. THE JERSEY DEVIL features Chris Mulkey, who played Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague in the acclaimed HBO series BOARDWALK EMPIRE. Jarl and Billy’s plans for the JCITFF in October are to give aspiring and up-and-coming filmmakers opportunities to meet directors and producers in the film industry who can help them move their film careers forward. “Our goal isn’t only a weekend of glam and red carpet,” Jarl says. “We’ve planned panel discussions,
debates, and invited directors and producers from the film and TV world to come to Jersey City and meet with new filmmakers in the business.” Three film genres will be highlighted and Jarl and Billy are looking forward to entries in Indian film; Horror film; and LGBT films. The TV part of the festival will feature TV shows and pilots, and the chance to meet directors and producers. New Jersey City University is playing a big part in the film festival, too. “Our emphasis is on the community and filmmakers, that’s why we’re offering networking events so that people who are entering the business can make connections,” Billy says. “The industry is opening itself up to people of all walks of life with all stories
to tell. You can make a great film on your iPhone and that’s why we’re doing workshops. Let’s train you and market you in the business process. If you network with the right people, you can make a living at it.” If you go: Tickets to the film premiere: $10 (The JCITFF itinerary for October will be available at the screening.) For more info: www.jcitff. org Tues, Oct 14 – Sat, Oct. 17 The 7th annual NoHu International Short Film Festival in Union City Deadline for entries, Wed, Oct. 1, 2014 The City of Union City will host the Seventh Annual NoHu International Short Film Festival from Oct. 14 – 18. Cont’d on page 11
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Bayonne’s “Feet to the Street” September 21st Event Aims to Keep Bayonne Clean By Ricardo Kaulessar Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis’ performance as well as of his city council slate in the June 10 election were described by some political pundits as achieving a “clean sweep.” On September 21, Davis and other city residents plan to do it for real by taking to the streets with Bayonne’s Feet To The Street Clean-up Event, sponsored by MayorDavis and City Hall. The event will begin at City Hall Park (26th Street and Avenue C) at 9 am and will finish up at Gorman Field (1st Street and Humphrey Avenue) with a celebratory picnic with music and games. Chris Piechocki, a longtime Bayonne resident who helped organize the event with Bayonne City Hall said the cleanup will take place from 9 am – 12 pm and go down major thoroughfares including Avenue C, Avenue E and Kennedy Boulevard. The
picnic will follow afterward until 3 p.m. with participants welcome to bring food. Piechocki said the event, in its first year, is taking place for an important reason. “I think it’s a very good first step by the new mayor to show that he can change the way that Bayonne residents see their town,” Piechocki said. “It’s also going to educate the children on not to litter and to keep the streets clean.” He admitted that Bayonne is not as clean as it was 10 years ago and efforts like Feet To The Street could help bring back the town to what it was before as well as help make it more attractive to newer residents. Anyone intrested in taking part in the cleanup can visit the Facebook page for the event: https:// www.facebook.com/ events/764832340244445/ or call Chris Piechocki at (201) 978-1110. IS YOUR INSURANCE AGENT FREE TO GET YOU A BETTER DEAL?
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Page 8-September1st-September 15th, 2014 River View Observer
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 13 Saturday, September 20 September 27 October 4 October 11 -
DPW in Hoboken
Willow Avenue & Observer Highway
Lincoln Park in Jersey City Parking Lot by Running Track
Gregg Park in Bayonne
37th St. & Kennedy Blvd. Entrance (Event Near Running Track)
West Hudson Park in Kearny Parking Lot by Duck Pond
Braddock Park - North Bergen Parking Lot (Use 79th Street Entrance)
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, call the HCIA’s Environmental Hotline 201-324-6222, ext. 3257 or visit www.hcia.org.
Thomas A. DeGise
Norman M. Guerra John L. Shinnick
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SUNDANCE EAST Cont’d from page 7
This year’s five day festival will include four evenings of screenings and a red carpet Awards Ceremony on the fifth day. Submissions are being accepted in all categories.
Films should be no longer than fifteen 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 Avenue, Union City, NJ, 07087, Attn: Film Entry. For more info: http://www.unioncitymuseum.org/nohu.html Fri, Sat, Dec. 5 & 6 UNION CITY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (UCIFF) The Union City International Film Festival (UCIFF) will show 60 shorts by up-and coming directors. Jon Faber is the Executive Director of the festival now in its 5th year. “The majority of work we get is from Mexico, Spain, Germany, England, Denmark, and across the U.S.,” Faber says. “We are the grandson of the Holly Shorts Film Festival in Los Angeles.”
In the years the festival’s been going on, Faber and his crew have screened films by Kristen Duntz, Josh Brolin, Demi Moore, and other stars. “The festival is free to the community; there’s no admission charge and there are no submission fees,” Faber says. “When we first started we received 300 submissions, now we get an average of 900 short films. It proves to us, that festivals like ours inspire filmmakers to make films for the sake of making art.” Faber says many of the films screened have an afterlife post festival. He remembers MAROONED, a short black-and-white film with a twist on the science fiction genre. “We did that the first year and it still stands out in my memory,” Faber
says. “The film got a major contract with a director.” Submissions for the festival will be accepted from Sept 15 through Nov 16th, and the length can be from 30 seconds to 15 minutes. Make sure your entry is on a DVD. Send entries to: UCIFF, 550 35th St, Union City, NJ 07087. For more info: www.facebook.com/pages/Union-CityInternational-Film-Festival/10 6718932729260?sk=timeline
Washington Park LIVE! A one day celebration of Art, Music and Community will be held on Saturday, September 20, (Rain date: September 27th) PalisadesAvenue bet. Paterson Plank Road & 2nd Street Starting 10 am
Page11- September 1st-September 15th, 2014 River View Observer
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restaurant Views Traditional Taco House on Grand & Grove By Sally Deering
In less than 10 years,
Andrea and Phillip Barraza went from serving tacos on a truck outside City Hall in Jersey City to owning two successful Mexican restaurants – Taqueria Downtown on Grand & Grove and Taqueria Lower East Side in Manhattan. The original Taqueria Downtown is a cozy 65-seater (including the patio), decorated in 1970’s and 80s pop culture pics and posters and the outdoor patio has picnic tables shaded with big umbrellas and Mexican memorabilia hung on its wooden fence walls. At Taqueria Downtown the vibe is relaxed, casual and puts you in the mood for a house Margarita served only two ways, straight or on the rocks. You won’t find a fruity frozen Margarita at Taqueria. The Barrazas are purists when it comes to serving
Taqueria Downtown in Jersey City serves Mexican Cuisine like Mama Used to Make
traditional Mexican fare. What you will find on their menu are comfort foods steeped in their love of Mexico. “A lot of the recipes are from our mothers, it was a bunch of this, a pinch of that,” Andrea says. Customers will also discover traditional dishes that you won’t find in other Mexican restaurants. Along with the pork and steak tacos they sold originally from their taco truck – and other typical taco fare – the Barrazas serve the Suadero (beef flank), Lengua (beef tongue), Cabeza (beef head) and the Buche (pork stomach) tacos. “These are all dishes you could find in a Mexican household, everyday dishes,” Phillip says. “We do Mexican comfort food. Our flautas, tacos, enchiladas, rice and beans are very traditional. Our chicken soup, too. We’re Mexican traditional with rock and
roll music. If you look at our décor inside, its Mexican traditional crafts, with rock and roll posters, 70s and 80s pop culture. We grew up in the 70s and 80s and you have to be true to yourself.” Andrea grew up in Mexico City; Phillip in Los Angeles and they both watched their moms cook in their family’s kitchens. A lot of the dishes at Taqueria come from their mother’s kitchens, only perfected so that they are consistent for the demand
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of a restaurant open 7 days a week, 12 hours a day. Taqueria’s menu features other Tacos, too, including Carnitas (pork), Bistec (steak), Pescado (fish), Nopalitos (cactus), Chorizo (sausage), and Picadillo (ground beef) ($3); Tamales: Rojo (pork), Verde (chicken) and Rajas (jalapeno) ($3); Tortas (sandwiches): Carnitas (pork), Bistec (steak), and Milanesa (breaded steak) ($6.25); and Enchiladas, chicken or cheese in red or green sauce ($8.95).
Taqueria also serves Burritas: Picadillo (ground beef) Huevo y Chorizo (sausage & egg), and Machaca (egg with beef) ($8.95); Soups: Pollo (chicken) and Tortilla ($5-$6); and Quesadillas Gringas: Bistec (steak), Chorizo (sausage), Queso (cheese), and Sincronizada (ham & cheese) ($3.95$5.95). There’s also a Mexican Brunch on weekends. (“Great for Hangovers!” the menu states.) From 11 am to 4 pm, customers can enjoy a choice of Mimosas & Sangria to go with: Huevos Rancheros, fried eggs over tortilla with salsa; Huevos a la Mexicana, scrambled eggs with onions, tomatoes and peppers; Huevos con Chorizo, scrambled eggs with Mexican sausage; Huevos con Machaca, scrambled eggs with shredded beef; Chilaquiles, tortilla strips with chicken and green onion; Homemade Pozole, Cont’d on page 15
restaurant Views
Taqueria owners Andrea and Phillip
Taqueria
Cont’d from page 14 hominy & pork soup; and Torrejas, Mexican French toast. Along with the Downtown and Lower East Side locations, the Barrazas are opening a business just down the street for delivery and catering to Jersey City’s historic downtown and financial districts. With so many businesses to run and plates in the air, the couple seems to keep their recipe for a balanced work
and home-life consistent, too, never losing that very special ingredient: fun. “It’s still fun, but in a different way,” Phillip says. “There’s always fun in growth and we keep growing and that keeps things exciting.” If you go: Taqueria Downtown 236 Grove Street @ Grand Jersey City (201) 333-3220 Open 7 days: 11 am to 11 pm
A Comedian And A Dog Walk Into A Bar… 5th Annual Hoboken Comedy Festival Supports the Liberty Humane Society for Seven Days.
Photo- Festival Coordinator Dan Frigolette shares a brew with Luigi at Pilsener Haus Biergarten. Photo by: Chris Langston
through Sunday October 5th over ten shows with
zero repeated comedians. Each show features its own amazing lineup of comedians. All told the event will showcase nearly 100 jesting giants. To read this entire article go to Riverviweobserver. net For more information and Ticket Buying please see www.HobokenFestival. com.
Curb your dog and your sense of humor this Fall as the Hoboken Comedy Festival takes over Hoboken, New Jersey for the Fifth year in a row to bring consummate funny makers and raise money for a local dog shelter. Comedian and Dog Lover Dan Frigolette started the festival in 2010 with the hopes to bring Comedy to Hoboken for one laugh filled weekend in town. Since 2010 the Festival has exploded, with aspiring comedians submitting for the festival in the hundreds, and the event has grown from three days to seven in 2014. The Festival takes place Monday September 29th
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Business Boot Camp – Business After Sandy Seminars in Bayonne on September 23
Mayor Jimmy Davis announced that the City of Bayonne invites local business people and others to attend Business Boot CampBusiness After Sandy, a free program of seminars set for Tuesday, September 23, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Building, 669 Avenue C. The event is presented by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Corporation. Mayor Davis said, “I would like to encourage business people and those interested in establishing a local business to attend this event. The sessions will offer advice on strategic planning to expand existing businesses or to begin new careers in private enterprise.” Sessions will include topics on: Marketing Your Way to a Growing Business; Methods to Finance Your Business; Creating a Home-Based Business; Employee-Based Customer Service Workshops; Sales Strategies; and Social Media for Business. The program will offer three sets of seminars: sessions of general interest, a business growth track, and a new business track. Each set will offer three seminars. Registration for the event is required. Please register online at http://www. wcecnj.org/seminar-details. aspx?ClassID=918.
TAKING IT TO THE STREETS Downtown Jersey City’s Pedestrian Plaza which opened on August 19th initiatied by Mayor Steve Fulop and his Council is part of the plan to convert a portion of Newark Avenue into a pedestrian plaza to enhance the City’s vibrant downtown commercial and cultural district. Newark Avenue from Grove Street to Barrow Street and Erie Street from Newark Avenue to Bay Street will be closed from 3 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday and between 12 a.m. and midnight, Saturday and Sunday. With tens of thousands of people passing through the adjacent Grove Street PATH plaza daily, dozens of restaurants and shops in the downtown Newark Avenue area and a thriving arts and cultural scene, Mayor Fulop wanted to expand the district’s useable area by closing the roadways to vehicular traffic and designing a pedestrian plaza. The ordinance establishing the Pedestrian Plaza on Newark Avenue was authorized by the City Council on July 16, 2014.
For more information, please call 973-507-9700.
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River View Observer Serving Hudson County Since 1998 For Rates and Information 201-349-4336
STARGAZINE Aries March 21 - April 19
As we enter the month many an Aries native seems engrossed in deep thought. Activity to the 12th house governing the subconscious is highlighted with the North Node and the planet Uranus. This process is positive as it aspects the benevolent planet of Jupiter. The action and motivation to change your life comes later in the year. Contemplation then growth, the gifts of this time period are waiting to serve your will.
Taurus -April 20 - May 20
Your personality is highlighted! A grey mist of depression has hovered over you. At times you seemed chained to a certain behavior that has brought only distress. The clouds have lifted and you are no longer bound to this self-destructive pattern. A blessing of positive energy has arrived. In a spin on the mantra like auto suggestion of Emile Coue’ “Every day in every way you will get better and better.”
Gemini May 21 - June 20
You can be quite resourceful with money and this is the time when your careful ways pay off! There is a possibility of a major purchase that will enhance your pleasure. A new car or home may be in store but whatever you spend your hard earned cash on, satisfaction and a great price are assured. Shop for specials and negotiate as you possess the successful sales gene, especially now. So the stars decree!
Cancer June 21-July 22nd
Short journeys are highlighted as activity to the 3rd house indicates. If these getaways are for business the stars assure success. If for personal pleasure you will have an enjoyable time. When you return to your home base you are filled with contentment and memories of great events. As a Cancer native these little jaunts away make you realize that home truly is where your heart resides.
Leo-July 23 - August 22
Jupiter and Venus in your sign indicate good luck with some sweetness also attached. Wherever in your natal chart your Leo Sun is positioned is where these benefits are showered. However, since Jupiter is expansive one must watch one’s weight during its transit that lasts about a year. That being said luck and an ease in attaining benefits are yours. Enjoy!!
Virgo-August 23-September 22
Mercury and the Sun positioned in the 5th house are beneficially aspected! If you gamble you may win. Also dealings with young children or romantic interests go without a hitch. Be aware of trends and flows of energy and never overdo, as gambling luck is fleeting and only when indicated in your chart. There is no such reality as something for nothing! So bet, as they say, with your head not over it!!
Libra – September 23 - October 22
Soon the time of Libra, the balance arrives. You experience your solar return and the beginning of your new year. Self-reflection of where you have been and where you choose to be must be considered. Activity to the 6th house governing health and the service that you provide suggests medical checkups and career renewal. This gives joy and security as it eases your mind and increases your finances in the future.
Scorpio -
October 23rd -November 21st Saturn and Mars conjunct in the 7th house of partnerships indicates some stress. The astral advice suggests that you hold back any action in the weeks to come. You could cut away from a loved one or career position and have cause for regret. More information will be available shortly that may soften your aggression so hold tight and relax. The better energies of you solar return will arrive soon.
September2014 J Banta Lewis
Sagittarius-
November 22 - December 21 Emotions are at a high point and relations are beneficial as the Moon in your sign transits the 7th house of partnerships. You could be smitten with someone and yes, they return the glow of romance back to you. If attached that spark of love is renewed. Happiness is yours in the month of September. Relax and allow yourself to enjoy this radiant energy of love.
Capricorn -
December 22 - January 19 Learning does not end with higher education. It is a dayto-day activity from birth until ones final breath. Activity to the 9th house of the higher mind indicates opportunities to expand and grow intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. The astral advice suggests that you go forward and accept these gifts with a happy heart. Your benefits will be great but some effort must be applied. Luck is yours.
Aquarius-January 20 - February 18
You may be offered a promotion on the career front as activity to the 10th house indicates. You have never been shy but it seems that you are lacking confidence and holding back with your reply. Remember this simple fact. You can achieve anything that you put your mind to, Aquarius. So times a wasting, say yes to your future.
Pisces-February 19 - March 20
This month you will be offered some opportunities that may change your life for the better. You may view them with a negative mind. Write a list of the pros and cons of the situation. The only energy contrary to your success is between your ears. Think constructively and happiness will be yours. This is a time to leave the negativity of the past and move forward with confidence.
•TAROT •Hypnosis •Individual Parties •Corporate Events Phone and SKYPE CONSULTATION J Banta Lewis Astracommunications@aol.com 201.486.4555
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How to Trick the Eyes with the Magic of Home Improvement (BPT) - From disappearing acts to mind games and sensory illusions, the art of magic is all about making your audience believe what they are seeing, taking a seemingly impossible task and making it possible. This timeless art can inspire you to perform some magic of your own using simple home improvement tips to fool the eyes and transform small, drab spaces into ones that will surely astound and amaze. Seeing is believing Paint color is an easy and inexpensive way to create an optical illusion. When used properly, certain paint colors can actually make a room look larger. Take white, for instance. Using very light colors or whites, like Ultra White from Dutch Boy, can help
reflect natural or artificial light, making the walls seem to disappear and creating a space that looks bigger. Picking the perfect neutral can give the illusion that your walls are receding. This subtle DIY secret keeps eyes focused on the colors and patterns of the furnishings and accessories in the room, rather than on the size of the room itself. Embracing your dark side Most people believe dark colors shouldn’t or can’t be used in small spaces, but that’s not the case. If you use the color on everything - the moldings, cabinets and walls - the unified, seamless look makes the room appear larger. Paint the room with a dark color, like Dutch Boy’s Mosaic Tiles or Chanson Bleu in a semi-gloss finish, and light
will bounce off the shiny surface, creating the appearance of a brighter, larger room. Conversely, if you have a room that is overwhelmingly large, the opposite principals can be applied to make it look smaller. Use dark colors, but this time in a flat finish, to minimize the appearance of the room. An alternative way to trick the eye with paint - and add a level of sophistication and luxury to your home - is by using a faux finishing technique, replicating the appearance of materials such as brushed suede, granite or old world plaster. A disappearing act Another way to keep costs and clutter down is by making trim and other decor items vanish. Instead of overfurnishing, accessorize with multi-purpose pieces like a decorative storage chest that can double as a coffee table
or a set of nesting tables that can be easily stored when not in use. Place large furniture against the walls to open up the space. Paint pieces like
armoires and shelving units the same color as the walls and hang matching draperies to help them blend. Opt for furniture with open arms and exposed legs to keep your eyes flowing through the room. Introduce glass or glass alternative tables, which are almost invisible. Mirrors are also a great, inexpensive way to open up a space, giving the illusion of depth.
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