Volume 18, No. 3
March 28th - April 11th 2014 FREE PUBLICATION
riverviewobserver.net
201-349-4336
Pg. 2
Fleming at HCCC
Pg. 3 Raven Gallery Riverwalk Outdoor
Pg. 5 Market to Open Pg. 6
Pg. 17
On the cover
Brightside Tavern
Pgs. 20 - 24 TURN YOUR UNWANTED JEWELRY INTO CASH See page 5
Jewelry & Watch Repair
Convention at Stevens Institute of Technology to give Anime Lovers a Day to Remember
E
By Sally Deering
van Lewis studies biomedical engineering at Steven’s Institute of Technology in Hoboken and after spending long hours poring over textbooks and staring into the abyss of his computer screen, Lewis gets down with Japanese Anime. A self-proclaimed geek, Lewis and fellow members of the Anime Club at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken will be continuing a unique tradition: the 8th annual Castle Point Anime Convention (CPAC) to be held Sun, April 6th on the school’s campus. The fun begins early and runs from 9 am to 9 pm with films,
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workshops and panels featuring anime filmmakers and voice actors from POKEMON and other films and TV shows. “At the convention we largely show anime, but it’s more than that, it’s the culture,” Lewis says. “We have Karaoke which is large in Japan. We have a big name, Crispin Freeman, we’re flying him in from California. In addition to the guests, there are convention-goers who do anime and video-related panels. Someone is doing a panel on “THE AVENGERS.” cont’d pg. 6
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Famed Historian’s ‘Encounters’ With Those Who Made History By Ricardo Kaulessar Thomas Fleming has lived a charmed life as not only the acclaimed author of over 50 books but also as someone who has had the opportunity to meet some great figures in history. The Jersey City native returned to his hometown on March 18 to make his presentation, “Encounters with History,” to an audience at Hudson County Community College.
Thomas Fleming speaking at Hudson County Community College
The 86-year-old Fleming, who resides in Manhattan, shared about his first brush with a historical figure when as a young boy his politically connected father introduced him to the legendary Jersey City Mayor Frank Hague, the political boss who ran the town from 1917 to 1949, at the old Roosevelt Stadium. “I held out my small hand. Frank Hague mashed it in a stevedore’s grip,
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glaring as if he just caught me scalping box seats,” said Fleming about the late politico, who then greeted the young Fleming with “Your old man is a hell of a guy!” Fleming would grow up to become a newspaperman and eventually embark on a successful career as a fulltime writer with the publication in 1960 of his first historical book, “Now Cont’d on page 4
Raven Gallery and Boutique: Obscurity “Nevermore”
Artists Open Storefront in Jersey City featuring Fine Art, Jewelry and a Fondness for Poe -By Sally Deering
Artists Andrea McK-
enna and Javiera Rodriguez met at an art show, bonded immediately and entertained the idea of opening their own gallery and boutique. Instead of dreaming, the women dived into the pool and just a few weeks ago, opened Raven Gallery & Boutique, a charming shop that sells artist-made works on Newark Avenue in Jersey City. “We met at an art festival in 2011,” McKenna says. “I was drawn to her jewelry and we started talking and realized we had so much in common. I always wanted to have a gallery and Javiera wanted a boutique. The more we talked about it, the more we
of Newark Avenue lined with lots of cozy eateries, Raven Gallery & Boutique is a wonderful little place, inviting and artistically interesting. One walk through and you can name sevAndrea McKenna and Javiera Rodriguez eral items are the co-owners of the new Raven Gallery – paintings, on Newark Ave. in Jersey City. collages, sculptures, dolls and jewelthought we should do ry – that you’d love to take something about it.” Right in the heart of the home. And the prices are terrific too. Monmouth Street section
nature. “It represents who we are,” McKenna, a Jersey City resident, says. “I studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. I’ve been a painter my whole life and the furniture came out of that.”
Painting “The Navigator” by Raven Gallery co-owner Andrea McKenna.
McKenna and Rodriguez named their mini art space Raven because Rodriguez is an Edgar Allen Poe fan and when the two women did a little research – they felt a connection to the bird’s independent
Handmade jewelry by Raven Gallery co-owner Javiera Rodriguez is for sale at the gallery.
“I make jewelry,” Javiera of North Bergen says. Cont’d on page 7
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Famed Historian’s ‘Encounters’ With Those Who Made History Cont’d from page2 We Are Enemies,” about the Battle of Bunker Hill. A few years later, the former World War II Navy sailor became a writer-in-residence at West Point where he conducted research on the history of the US Military Academy that would become his 1969 bestseller, “West Point: The Men and Times of the U.S. Military Academy.” He then recalled during his address that some of his time at the academy was spent in the company of Leslie Groves, the military man who oversaw the Manhattan Project in the 1940’s that produced the first atomic bombs in
the United States, whom Fleming described as being initially unimpressed with the writer’s effort to chronicle life at West Point until Fleming regaled Groves with tales of his father as a decorated Army officer during World War I. “So he sat back in the chair and looked at me for about a full minute and he said, ‘Well, I guess you’ll do’,” Fleming said. But it was after his time at West Point that he met the person that had an incredible impact on him as a historian, Harry Truman. Fleming looked back on his meetings in the early 1970’s with the 33rd President of the United States,
his New Deal policies. Fleming, himself, would explore Roosevelt’s flaws as a wartime president in
ist, especially when dealing with the legacy of her husband, notorious for his political backroom dealing. The author’s moments with seminal figures impressed many of those who heard him including Bianca Szklaruk, 24, a business major at HCCC. “I liked his whole thing about idealism versus realism and kind of looking at history from a different perspective,” Szklaruk said.
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Eric Friedman, Vice President of Academic Affairs; Joseph Sansone, Vice president of Development; Thomas Fleming, Author/Guest Speaker; William J. Netchert, Esq., Hudson County Community College Board Chair; James Egan, Hudson County Community College Foundation Chair.
who sought out Fleming to help Truman’s daughter Margaret write a biography of her father. Fleming remembered Truman’s candor about his predecessor in the White House, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, with Truman calling FDR “totally cold” yet a “great president” who changed the country with
his 2001 book, “The New Dealers’ War: FDR and the War Within World War II.” Fleming would also recall with fondness a few days spent in the 1990’s with Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of President Lyndon Johnson, whom he singled out for her kindness and for finding a way to be both a realist and ideal
Ricardo Kaulessar
River View Observer Serving Hudson County Since 1998 for information & Rates
201-349-4336 Page 4- March 28th -April 11th, 2014 River View Observer
RIVERWALK OUTDOOR MARKET AT PORT IMPERIAL OPENS SEASON TWO WITH A FREE FIVE BAND MUSICAL EVENT Music from local bands plus a clown and face painting for kids round out what Is expected be a stellar showcase of music and a great shopping extravaganza. River View Staff Writer
T
hank You Scientist, Blue Food, Kill Her Smile, A Touch of Sinatra, The Jon Abel Project; sounds like the musical line up at a Madison Square Garden concert, but it isn’t. It’s the line up at the second season opening of the Riverwalk Outdoor Market & Festival this April 5th. Located between PF Chang’s Restaurant and the A&P on Port Imperial Blvd in West New York, the Riverwalk Outdoor Market at Port Imperial will be opening up
for its second season with a rip roaring line up of rock & roll and cover bands, a NYC based Alternative Rock band, a local Sinatra Tribute Band, “A Touch of Sinatra” and a relative newcomer to the scene, Latin Jazz Pianist The Jon Abel Project who will be playing Salsa, Top 40’s, R&B and Latin Jazz. In between the acts DJ Ray will be playing your favorite radio and club songs. All the above, plus vendors offering great deals on jewelry, clothing, antiques, art, collectibles, cosmetics, free ten minute therapeutic massages by a NJ Licensed Therapist and a clown and fun and games for kids should make this a great outing for the whole family. Everyone is welcome but the lucky folks are going to be the residents
One of the acts appearing at the Riverwalk opening A Touch of Sinatra is a musical show about the life and music of Frank Sinatra, narrated by Joe Gilligan and performed by Donnie Farraro.
along the Hudson Waterfront near PF Chang’s and the A&P on Port Imperial Blvd in West New York where the market is held every year. They are in walking distance. “This year the Riverwalk Market is not only going to bring in vendors offering Cont’d on page 14
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ANIME FEST DRAWS FANS
Convention at Stevens Institute of Technology to give Anime Lovers a Day to Remember
Cont’d from cover Japanese animation has become hugely popular. At Stevens Institute of Technology, the day-long event was started in 2006 while Evans was still a student at Verona High School and the convention was a big reason he chose to attend the university. Anime has become popular throughout the world especially with the advent of the Internet, Lewis says. It’s a particular obsession for those who are similar to the characters on TVs THE BIG BANG THEORY – smart at science and fans of science fiction. “Stevens’ campus in particular there’s a high populace of nerds,” Lewis says, “a lot of computer
science students and engineering students. I’m not surprised the convention is held here. We’re one of the biggest conventions for colleges in New Jersey and a lot of our support comes from Anime Next, the largest anime convention in New Jersey. A lot of people who previously headed this convention have gone on to head Anime Next”. About 100 volunteers oversee the convention which was started by the school’s Anime Club to promote anime, “manga” which is anime literature, and Japanese culture, and to provide a fun experience for attendees who have increased in number from 500 the first year to an estimated 3,000
this year. The convention will have anime screenings, panels with anime voice artists and anime manga. Vendors will be selling merchandise and refreshments and special guests will be on hand to sign autographs, take pics with fans and share their insights into the world of anime. Special guests include Michele Knotz from POKEMON. Knotz returned as the voice of TEAM ROCKET’S Jessie and she voiced May, Nurse Joy and the Pokedex. She also voiced Misty for POKEMON’s 10th anniversary special, THE MASTERMIND OF MIRAGE POKEMON. Crispin Freeman, a voice actor who’s been portraying characters in animation and video games since 1997 is another special guest. Freeman has worked on a myriad of anime shows including HELLS ING, EUREKA SEVEN,
GHOST IN THE SHELL, WOLF’S RAIN, WITCH HUNTER ROBIN, CHOBITS, REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA, SLAYERS, THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA, DURARARA!!, FATE/ ZERO, MIYAZAKI’S HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, and others. Freeman has played animation roles in Marvel Comics-based productions, and several video game roles. In addition to his career as a voice actor he is also a teacher, offering voice acting classes in Los Angeles and online; he hosts a podcast, too. The convention welcomes Costume Play where people dress up like their favorite characters from anime, video games and western comics and another special guest is a student at Steven’s Institute of Technology, Katie Tiedrich who has a web comic called AwkwardZombie.com;
and, Ian Ruben, who does sketch comedy and improve. Ruben will be hosting a panel teaching improvisation. “It’s the largest event on campus,” Lewis says. “It’s impressive how much we get done considering how much we have. We’re one of the smaller organizations with an active membership of 60. We have 23 convention heads and this year we’re expecting 2,500 to 3,000 people. We double the size of the campus for the day. We don’t put up signs and the freshmen wake up and there are a thousand people here on campus. It’s always fun to see their reaction. The Castle Point Anime Convention was largely a grassroots movement, now it’s advertised on the PATH and at Newport. Mainly local kids attended the first year, then word of mouth, and networking on Facebook and Twitter increased its popularity. “It’s a lot like ComicCon, but instead of focusing on western comics, it’s eastern,” Lewis says. “I don’t know why I love it so much; it’s just something I loved as a kid and stayed in touch with over the years. Maybe it’s a fascination with a culture outside your own.” If you go: Castle Point Anime Convention (CPAC) Sun, April 6, 9 am to 9 pm Stevens Institute of Technology Hoboken Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 day of convention For more info: www. castlepointanime.com
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Raven Gallery and Boutique: Obscurity “Nevermore”
Artists Open Storefront in Jersey City featuring Fine Art, Jewelry and a Fondness for Poe By Sally Deering Cont’d from page 3
“I’m a full-time social worker. I wanted to do something on the side. It started as a hobby and now it’s my passion.” On display now, the gallery/boutique boasts a wonderland of items like handmade dolls, a sculpture made of doll heads, collages, paintings, wall-hangings and jewelry. Large furniture pieces refinished by McKenna are used as temporary display cases until they sell. Many of the items are consignment pieces by other artists; some are made by McKenna and Rodriguez. Every couple of months they stock the displays with new items and the walls with new works. It’s important to keep everything affordable, McKenna says, and items sell from $5 to $800. “We wanted it to focus on
the artists and art,” Javiera says. “You think of a gallery and its painting, photography. We can be more artistic, we wanted to embrace that. We treat it as a gallery, not a jewelry store. The artists come first.” For sale right now are the painting “Jeweled priestess” by Vera Vixeness; colorful Mermaid wall-hangings by the Bat Factory; the collage “The Minstrels Prophecy” by photographer Stephanie Guillen; and a sculpture of little doll heads titled “The Tree of Life” by Stitch Witch Me. Rodrigues has a lovely collection of necklaces and earrings she created and McKenna’s painting “The Navigator” is also on display and for sale. Before opening their gallery/boutique Rodriguez and McKenna did a trial run at a two-day event called “Once upon a Market”.
right away,” Javiera says. “It fit our vision.” “From the phone call to moving in, it was such an easy transition,” McKenna adds. “The neighborhood loves it. They’ve been very welcoming and the artists are very supportive. We wanted a shop where everything is artistmade. Everything, including the furniture.”
If you go:
Artist Stitch Witch Me is selling their sculpture of doll heads “The Tree of Life” at Raven Gallery in Jersey City. “We turned the space into a boutique for two days,” McKenna says. “Then this space popped up and we just called spur of the moment. Before you knew it we signed the lease.” “We fell in love with it
Raven Gallery & Boutique 304 Newark Ave Jersey City Contact: theravengalleryandboutique@gmail.com Open: Fri, Sat, Sun: 12 noon to 6 pm Look for their new website: theravengalleryand.wix. com/the-raven-gallery River View Observer Print-Digital-Mobile for rates & information 201-349-4336
The Readers’ Circle book group next meets Thursday, April 24 to discuss the provocative and controversial novel BLINDNESS by Jose Saramago. Meetings are held at 7:00pm inside All Saints, 701 Washington Street. Free coffee and cake is served. The Readers’ Circle is a community event open to all book lovers. Bring a friend! Free coffee and cake is served. This Spring the Readers’ Circle will discuss three great books. Check it out: April 24 BLINDNESS Jose Saramago May 15 HEAT AND DUST Ruth Prawer Jhabvala June 19 DEMIAN Hermann Hesse
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STARGAZINE
Aries March 21 - April 19 Our birthdays signal the beginning of our new year with the return of the Sun to the same position it was at our birth. Make a conscious effort to start this new season of opportunities with a clear head. Accept your shortcomings and vow to do better. Someone may tempt you with promises of greatness but it will be a deception. Come now, you are smarter than that and you won’t become an April Fool!! Taurus -April 20 - May 20
A Taurus Moon as we enter the month indicates that emotions are running high. Like a ticking time bomb you are ready to explode if just one more person says something stupid! Sit back relax and count to 10. Human nature being what it is you will have your full of dumb people making offhand remarks. Don’t take the bait! You are better than the old Bull you once were. Laugh and realize you have changed. Yay!
Gemini May 21 - June 20
Financial matters are highlighted with activity to the 2nd house of your solar chart. Does the word “save” mean anything to you? All Gemini’s have the ability to conserve and be thrifty. The astral advice suggests you begin some new habits. July is a month when you will have great opportunities to make a major purchase and with the greenbacks you put on the side now you could jump in and make an abundant move.
Cancer June 21-July 22nd
The astral advice suggests that you accept all opportunities to advance during this period. Put fear aside and take a leap of faith. The positive results might not be evident for another six months or so as sometimes the Jupiter effect is delayed but be sure that you can set up your future success with decisions made now. Go forth with confidence.
Leo-July 23 - August 22
Prepare Leo!! Right around your solar return Jupiter leaves Cancer and moves to the sign of the Lion. It stays overhead for a year and dispenses gifts wherever is indicated in the chart. It may be love or money or just a general feeling of wellbeing. However just be sure that ‘Happy days are here again!
Virgo-August 23-September 22
It may be time to remind you that to focus on those issues you don’t desire only brings them closer, as of the law of attraction. The astral advice suggests you contemplate the life you want and be specific! You will be able to manifest miracles if you only take control of the most powerful energy in the Universe, your mind. Think Venus and Jupiter thoughts!!
Libra – September 23 - October 22
Yes, you are light and airy and your favorite color is pink! You avoid conflict, and cry at sad movies but lest anyone forget you are a cardinal sign and when pushed can fight back. Someone has taken advantage of you for a long time. This month you give as good as you have received and then some. You are finally truthful and clear the air and you know what they say about truth?
Scorpio -
October 23rd -November 21st You are a survivor and have almost finished with this Saturn return. Although it leaves Scorpio in 2015 many have dealt with its lessons already and have become stronger. 7th house activity suggests you focus on relationships of all types. Develop a line of communication with loved ones and set new goals for your future. The aftermath of Saturn is wisdom and lack of fear. Nothing can frighten you now so use this newly found confidence to make the future bright. You deserve it.
April
2014
J Banta Lewis
Sagittarius-
November 22 - December 21 The Sag native at times attributes their character to others. Giving romantic and/or business partners the extreme benefit of the doubt without checking facts leaves one wide open for hurt. Romantic partners want to be desired and can be tempted if ignored. Some business partners will find it hard to resist if left with the moneybox wide open! So, as it has been said “trust but
Traditions & Transitions New Exhibition Hob’art Cooperative Gallery
Capricorn -
December 22 - January 19 Activity to the 8th house governing other people’s money and inheritance among other things as we enter April’s tax season indicates a need for extra caution. Double check all forms and you will find some errors to be sure. Allowing for mistakes and using extra vigilance you may come out with a small financial windfall. It’s worth the work.
Aquarius-
Your sign is certainly the mother of invention. Resourceful and dynamic are code words for Aquarius in April. Making lemonade out of lemons? You will do better than that. You will make a citrus circus out of the peels. Given a chance to use your skills this month you will astound yourself. Observe your dreams and allow your ideas to grow. This is your time.
Pisces-
The astral advice suggests that you don’t poke the bear in April. Stories abound of persons tempting fate and living among wildlife successfully for years. One day the animal, true to it’s nature eats it’s master. Lay back and don’t interact with mean people as you will have lots to lose. Please follow this simple rule. In this world there are good people and bad people. Keep away from the bad!
•TAROT •Hypnosis •Individual Parties •Corporate Events Phone and SKYPE CONSULTATION J Banta Lewis Astracommunications@aol.com 201.486.4555
Maya Erica Forester, “Ayahuasca Vision,” Tempera & Oil on Masonite, ©2014 media artworks convey “Traditions & Transithe subject of her works tion,” an exhibition featurwhich express aspects of ing photographs by Ann the transformative, visionKinney and paintings by ary and deeply personal Maya Erica Forester. process she has been exTradition suggests a notion of holding on, while periencing, often through iconic imagery. transition defines a peGallery information can riod of changing from one be obtained on the website condition to another. Both www.hob-art.org and from tradition and transition are the director, France Garreflected in the art of two dynamically different styles rido, at 201-319-1504 or director@hob-art.org. and mediums. In her most Free parking is available at recent photographs, Ann the rear of the building on Kinney explores the timeJackson Street. lessness of the traditions If You Go: we embrace. She looks at April 4 to April 27, 2014. the overarching forces of hob’art cooperative gallery, nature, where change is as Monroe Art Center, constant and enduring as 720 Monroe Street, E208, waves hitting the shore. Floor 2, Hoboken, NJ, Her imagery also explores the times and places Artist’s Reception is Saturday, April 5 at of our lives, the icons that we hold on to, and the plac- 6:00 to 8:00 PM, and a Gallery Talk will be ofes that we frequent. Maya fered on Sunday, Forester’s recent work utilizes traditional techniques April 20 at 3:30 PM. The from the early Renaissance gallery is open Thursday thru Sunday, combined with a modern sense of color and esthetic. 1 to 5 PM, and by appointment. Ms. Forester’s mixed Page 9- March 28th-April 11th, 2014 River View Observer
Page-10 March 28th- April 11th, 2014 River View Observer
Bayonne Studies Expanding Broadway Redevelopment Area Mayor Mark A. Smith announced that the City Council approved an Administration proposal to expand the proposed Broadway Redevelopment Area. That area is bounded by the west side of Broadway, West 23rd Street, West 24th Street, and Del Monte Drive. At its meeting on March 19, the Council backed a resolution proposed by the Administration to add a City-owned parking lot to that area. The parking lot is located to the rear of the properties Cont’d on page 15
GFWC Peninsula Women’s Club of Bayonne To Hold Spring Clothing Drive on April 12th
GFWC Peninsula Women’s Club in Bayonne, New Jersey will hold a Spring Clothing Drive. The public is asked to donate items such as:Business Clothing for Dress & Suits for Success Inc. Prom Dresses and accessories, Communion dresses and
suits. If You Go: Saturday, April 12th 9:00am-12:00pm Ice Rink behind Bayonne High School, located at Ave A & 29th St in Bayonne. Visit https://www.facebook. com/GFWCPeninsulaWomensClub
Send us your community items to appear in the River View Observer-2 weeks prior to event email to riverviewobserver@gmail.com
Page 11- March 28th-April 11th, 2014 River View Observer
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RIVERWALK OUTDOOR MARKET AT PORT IMPERIAL OPENS SEASON TWO Cont’d from page 5 great deals on jewelry, clothing, antiques, art, collectibles, cosmetics, free ten minute therapeutic massages by a NJ Licensed Therapist and a clown and fun and games for kids should make this a great outing for the whole family. Everyone is welcome but the lucky folks are going to be the residents along the Hudson Waterfront near PF Chang’s and the A&P on Port Imperial Blvd in West New York where the market is held every year. They are in walking distance. “This year the Riverwalk Market is not only going to bring in vendors offering all kinds of upscale items at bargain prices, but live entertainment, informational spaces about local services and activities for children every
weekend,” said Raul Vicente Jr., operator of the market. Vicente said that the market and festival has no cover charge and there is plenty of reasonably priced parking available at the Port Imperial Ferry Parking lots just one block away. Vendors have free parking on site. Vicente added that there is still time to be a vendor and to apply, you only have to send an email to riverwalkoutdoormarket@mail. com and an info package will be sent back right away. The Market is open from April through October from10am to 6pm every Saturday and some Sundays depending on vendor participation. The Riverwalk Outdoor Market & Festival Line-Up for April 5th, 2014:
Thank You Scientist: is a seven-piece progressive rock band from Bergen County, New Jersey. Featuring a violinist and horn section, the rock group was formed in 2010 by guitarist Tom Monda. Blending genres such as progressive rock, funk, metal and pop.
Blue Food:Funk for the
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21st century, Blue Food is a combination of high energy progressive rock and intricate grooves. The band was formed in 2008 in Fort Lee, NJ and has been flattering audiences since ever since with their dynamic stage presence and unique sound.
Kill Her Smile: is a New York City based, Post-Hardcore Rock band that has plenty to offer! With founder/front woman JennyMonster Torres’ brutal, gut wrenching screams evened out by her
sweet soft singing voice & teaming up with awesome acts Susan Therancy the bass master, stinging guitarist, Jonahan Gonzalez and Pat Cancian Mr. Killer drum machine.
The Jon Abel Project: Jon Abel is an up and coming Piano soloist specializing in Latin Jazz, Top 40’s, R&B and Salsa. His blend of chords and riffs will keep you mesmerized and pleased throughout his performance. Also during the Riverwalk Outdoor Market event Callahan’s Famous Hotdogs of Bergen County will have their food truck on site.
An intimate conversation with legendary actor Paul Sorvino
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Bayonne Studies Expanding Broadway Redevelopment Area Cont’d from page 11
that front on the west side of Broadway between West 23rd and 24th Streets. In January, the Council approved an Administration initiative to ask the Planning Board to study whether the originally proposed area was in need of redevelopment. Since that time, the Administration has received several inquiries from prospective developers about the possibility of adding the parking lot to the redevelopment study. Mayor Smith said, “Our Administration heard from several real estate developers that adding the existing parking lot to the proposed redevelopment area would make the properties a more attractive combination for them. Since we are eager to jumpstart development in that part of Broadway, we recommended to the Council that it add the parking lot to the redevelopment study. I would like to thank the Council for supporting that proposal.” Mayor Smith said in January, “There are compelling reasons to concentrate on this particular portion of the Broadway corridor. Several of the buildings there have been damaged by fire and severe weather events, and
have fallen into disrepair. The block contains some empty commercial units, and two parcels consist of vacant land. We want to work with property owners in the area to maintain their buildings properly and to revitalize the neighborhood. The redevelopment designation gives us many tools to use to encourage investment in the area, including the possibility of condemnation.” Smith continued, “For buildings in that square block, we would like a redevelopment study to investigate the viability of combining retail businesses on the ground floors, office space on the second floors, and residential units on third, fourth, and fifth floors. Our goal is to work in partnership with the existing property owners and a qualified redeveloper or a redevelopment group.” Mayor Smith concluded, “Now that the parking lot has been added to the redevelopment study, it will allow prospective developers to consider the best use for the additional space. We will continue to encourage the redevelopment study process towards a successful conclusion.”
Hudson Theater Ensemble of Hoboken Presents As Bees in Honey Drowns
makers with modules in screen writing, directing, producing and editing. If You Go: Thursday, April 10th, 6:30 pm The Duncan Family Sky Room Mac Mahon Student Center. General admission:$50
Students with a School ID: $15 Private VIP reception with Paul Sorvino: $150 (limited availability for VIP reception; includes general admission ticket, start time 5:30 p.m.) For information or to register, visit alumni.saintpeters.edu/event/sorvino. Photo by John Crittenden/Show Me Your Faces; left to right: Florence Pape of Hoboken, Michael Edmund of New York City, Jessica Sherr of New York City, Peter James of Jersey City, Catriona Rubenis-Stevens of Jersey City, Jere Williams of New York City.
A comedy romp… with a sting by award-winning playwright, Douglas Carter Beane Poster by Susan Newman If You Go: Hudson School Performance Space 601 Park Ave. Hoboken $20 General Admission; $15 Seniors/Students Info/Reservations: 201-377-7014 or reservations@hudsontheatreensemble.com Fridays @ 8PM: April 4 & April 11, 2014 Saturdays @ 8PM: April 5 & April 12, 2014 Sunday Matinees@ 2PM: April 6 & April 13, 2014
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restaurant Views Jazz, Laughs and “Murderous Mayhem” At The Brightside Tavern in Jersey City Customers Enjoy a Side Dish of Show Biz with their Burgers and Brews By Sally Deering
O
wner of The Brightside Tavern on Bright Street in Jersey City, Tommy “2 Scoops” Parisi serves his customers a delicious side dish of entertainment almost every night of the week. On Monday nights, its Jazz where musicians and singers cozy up to the mic in the dining room and get things sizzling hot, a nice compliment to Parisi’s easy-going menu of sandwiches, entrees, draft beers and cocktails. Once a month, it’s comedy at the Brightside and the show Laughspin will be happening Fri, April 4 at 6 pm. On Sat, April 5 all hell breaks loose at 7 pm with “Murder at The Brightside” an interactive
murder mystery that takes place over the course of a huge meal and drinks ($50 per person). “The murder mystery is new to us,” Parisi says. “It’s been around for years like the (Off-Off Broadway show) ‘Tony & Tina’s wedding.’ It’s going to be a good night for us, I hope it’s something that takes off.” Parisi, who also owns Tommy 2 Scoops gelato, sandwich shop and café on York Street in Jersey City, opened Brightside Tavern in August 2011, and isn’t shy to admit he once sang ala Louise Armstrong on stage at the Apollo Theater in New York City. With his dining room set up with a Baby Grand and drum kit, it’s not unusual to seem Parisi get behind the mic and
almost a year now and it has gotten to be a runaway train of talent. I get over 20 musicians and singers regularly. We have a flutist, trumpet players, trombone players, piano players – and the singers are outrageous.” And while the show thrills the crowd from the stage, Parisi serves a menu of hearty dishes from the kitchen to entertain the palate. Tommy “Two Scoops” Parisi, owner of The Brightside Tavern in Jersey City. sing an Armstrong tune or two. “Fifteen years ago I was on national TV, I did Louis Armstrong,” Parisi remembers. “I’ve always appreciated people’s talent. I personally love to see
people do their thing. They’re on a mission with their talent and I love being there for them. We kicked off a very successful Monday night open jazz night. It starts at 8 pm and ends at 12 midnight. It’s been
From the Starters selections on the menu, Cont’d on page 18
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restaurant VIEWS Cont’d from page 17
customers can choose the Hummus Trio, Fried Pickles, Mozzarella Wedges, Crab Cakes, and Meatballs ($6-$11); salads include the Classic Caesar, the Black Bean and the Gorgonzola Apple ($8-$10). There are sandwiches like the BBQ Pulled Pork, the Brightside Cheesesteak and Fish Tacos ($10-$12); and burgers including the Texan with BBQ Sauce and the Too Hot Burger with spicy chipotle mayo ($11-$12). Entrees feature the Meat Loaf, Grilled Salmon, Fish & Chips and BBQ Baby Back Ribs ($15-$18). The bar – a long, beautiful two-sided affair has lots of stools and room to stretch out – and the bar menu features a vast selections of beers – including local craft beers – wines and cocktails. If you get to know Parisi, he may show you his red yearbook from Lafayette High School and the famous member of his class, Rhea Perlman who played Carla on TVs CHEERS. You might say Parisi’s Brightside is an homage to the show – a big, open bar, lots of neighborhood regulars and Parisi, himself, who is as likeable as Norm and as friendly as Sam. The only difference between Brightside and CHEERS might be all the flat screen TVs on the walls including the “80-inchers” on either end of the bar. This YELP.com review of the Brightside Tavern from Shaina M. of Jersey City is a trifecta rave on the food, service and entertain ment: “Had my birthday dinner here on Sat night in the dining room and it was the best birthday yet.
Bright side has by far one of the best staff in the area. When I made reservations on the day of for a large group I spoke to the owner himself, Tommy, who was so welcoming and friendly like I’d known him for years. They have live singing and piano on Saturdays and Tommy informed me that the talent playing that night was excellent. But he was too modest because they were more than excel lent! Not only did Tommy personally sing ‘What a Wonderful World’ to me but both our waiters sang lovely songs to us as well. They
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took good care of my party making sure we had drinks and they even got one of my friends to sing on stage. Such a lovely place with lovely people. Will definitely return in the near future. Also the calamari and buffalo chicken strips were to die for!” No need to throw yourself under the bus for Brightside’s Calamari and Chicken Strips, they’re always on the menu. And for that extra special side dish, one that’s not offered in many establishments these days, try the jazz on Mondays, the comedy on Fridays
and the new murder mysteries on Saturdays. If the shows give customers a great time, Parisi is all for it. “We have a lot of entertainment here,’ Parisi says. “Nobody in Jersey City uses his entertainment license as much as I do.” If you go: The Brightside Tavern 141 Bright Street
Jersey City www.brightsidetavern.com Open: Mon-Sun at 11:30 am for lunch, dinner and Happy Hour Kitchen closes around 11 pm during the week; and 1am on weekends. Sat, April 5 at 7 pm Murder at the Brightside Tickets: $50 includes prix fixe dinner.
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