Hoboken Journal Stats

I figured this would be a good checkpoint to assess where my site is in terms of traffic and let the readers know where we are at. Projecting out to the end of November my site is averaging about 9,600 visits and about 20,000 page views per month. Certainly modest in size but also the moniker "hardly read" doesn't apply anymore either.

More importantly, over the last three weeks comments have averaged about 150 per week. On my best day of over 100 comments that  would project out to 52,000 comments per year which is on par with another well trafficked blog that has not been much of a news site lately.

Considering my status as a part time and politically oriented blog (i.e.niche) those numbers are not too bad. However, there is always room for improvement.

Here are some ideas that I would like to eventually get to do to improve this site:

1) Go to WordPress for publishing. It is simply more robust than Blogger.
2) Go to three columns. One for main news and two columns for useful links and RSS feeds from other sites.
3) Go to tabbed columns. In addition to the main news there could be some with other topics.
4) Improved Commenting Signup Process. That would help drive traffic.
5) Most Recent Posts. Find or develop a widget to display those in a better way than the current archival method.
6) Most Recent Comments. I have that now but need a better widget.
7) Improved design elements. I want to stay with a similar green theme but make the site look flashier.
8) Add a Hoboken Journal logo. Ideas welcome on a volunteer basis.
9) More robust analytics. More for me but will allow me to better see traffic trends.
10) Better linkage to other social media.

Those are the aggregation of the possible improvements I have heard so far. Please email me at kurt.gardiner@gmail.com for any other constructive comments or comment below this thread.

BOE Audit Results - More than Two Dozen Irregularities

Today here is a story from Hoboken Now's Amy Sara Clark on the recently released BOE Audit. Here is an excerpt:

Scathing audit of Hoboken Board of Education shows more than two dozen irregularities

Auditors released a scathing audit of the Hoboken Board of EducationTuesday that cited more than two dozen irregularities, including themisuse of candy-sale funds, incorrect approval of overtime and thepayment of administrators out of funds meant for instructors.

“It was just shocking,” said Board of Education trustee Maureen Sullivan.

In a random sampling, auditors found two cases in which funds raisedby students through candy sales and other activities were used toreimburse teachers for stolen iPods – to the tune of $400 each.

In addition, overtime was being improperly approved by consultants, instead of employees, auditor Dieter Lerch said at Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting.

Auditors also found that stipends to several employees were either notapproved by the board or did not have other necessary documentation.Sullivan said in most of those cases the work was likely being done,despite the lack of documentation, but that interim Superintendent Peter E. Carter said he would conduct a thorough investigation to make sure.

To read the whole story click the link below:
http://www.nj.com/hobokennow/index.ssf/2009/11/scathing_audit_of_hoboken_boar.html

To see Donna Antonucci's analysis on her local blog click here. Kudos to Donna for being the first I know of to make it available online:
http://www.donnaforhoboken.com/2009/11/hoboken-boe-2009-audit.html

Below is the Management Assessment and Full Audit Report on Slideshare:

Hoboken Public Schools 2009 Management Report

View more documents from The Hoboken Journal.

Hoboken Boe 2009 CAFR

View more documents from The Hoboken Journal.

Beth Mason on the Last City Council Meeting

Below is the latest email from Beth Mason on the key issues of the last City Council meeting:

Dear Friend,

I am writing to you today with a recap of Monday night's City Council meeting, which lasted over seven hours. Below are a few of the major issues covered at the meeting.

Hoboken University Medical Center

During the meeting we were given the opportunity to question representatives of Hoboken University Medical Center. As many of you are aware I have always expressed great concern over the hospital's finances. I am even more concerned after Monday's meeting. Last year the hospital lost $22.3 million and is projected to lose another $11 million this year. When I questioned CEO Spiros Hatiras about how he plans to keep the hospital running with such a disastrous financial picture, he explained that he expects the hospital to receive $10.7 million is "stabilization funding" from the state. Unfortunately, Mr. Hatiras said the hospital does not have a contingency plan in the event the state does not provide the hospital with that amount of funding. I truly believe the only way to save the hospital is to make serious budget cuts and start at the top.

4th Ward Council Seat

When Councilwoman Dawn Zimmer was elected Mayor she resigned her 4th Ward Council seat. Last night the City Council appointed Michael Lenz to be the new 4th Ward Councilman by a vote of 4-3-1. I abstained last night from voting for Councilman Lenz and would like to take this opportunity to explain my vote. First and foremost, my vote was not against Mr. Lenz, but rather a vote against the process in which he was appointed. I do not believe the selection process was as open, transparent and inclusive as it could have been. I truly do believe that the residents of the 4th Ward deserve a representative on the City Council, which is why I proposed holding a Special Meeting in their ward, and allowing residents who were interested in the position to be able to submit their resumes and have the opportunity to speak to City Council and their fellow residents. This also would have allowed many of the residents who are too busy to attend City Council meetings at City Hall to attend one right in their own ward. Several residents who spoke also felt this way. However, Mayor Zimmer and the Council majority rejected this idea and called for a vote instead and unanimously supported Michael Lenz. I look forward to working with him on the City Council.


Salary Cuts

Also on the agenda was an ordinance, which I sponsored, that would cut the salaries of the Mayor, City Council, and City Directors by 15%. However, the ordinance was voted down by my City Council colleagues. The residents of our city were hit last year with the biggest tax increase in Hoboken's history. The only way to provide serious tax relief is to make budget cuts and start at the top. Currently many of our City Directors are paid salaries that are scaled for Manhattan rather than Hoboken. In a few weeks the Mayor is expected to present her budget to the City Council and I will continue to fight for more cuts, so taxpayers get the relief they deserve.

My Comments:

The HUMC:

Beth and her husband Ricky were right about the HUMC all along. They were convinced that the Hospital Plan was not a good business plan and let the public know very early in the process. Ricky Mason, being a bankruptcy attorney in one of the nation's most prestigious law firms did research and using his judgement and experience knew the plan to restore the Hospital wasn't on sound footing from the get go. This I feel must be said by me as the editor of this blog since credit must be given where credit is due. Earlier today I posted a video of Peter Cammarano castigating the naysayers of the HUMC plan including Beth. Beth Mason was right all along and "Patronage Peter" was downright gullible or lying through his teeth all along. .

Beth is also conceptually correct in that cuts needs to be made ASAP especially at the the top. The problem is that the contracts need to be reviewed since I will be willing to make a bet that the Roberts Administration gave the Hospital Authority a very generous contract and probably has poison pills all over it. I hope I am wrong. One way to get rid of the current management would be to see if there is a failure to perform clause in the contract. Pretty standard stuff but do you think the Dave Roberts Administration included it? We shall see. That would give the city an out to possibly bring in another management team to unwind the assets and perhaps preserve the parts that are working. The Hospital in its present form can't exist.


4th Ward Council Seat:

On the other hand, I have no issue with the City Council vote putting Michael Lenz in the 4th Ward seat temporarily until the next election. If the shoe was on the other foot I am sure Beth Mason had she won the election woudl have expedited putting Ines Garcia-Keim or one of her other political supporters in the Second Ward Seat as expeditiously as possible. To the victor go the spoils. The 4th Ward special election will allow the public to give their input by voting in the 4th Ward Council person until the expiration of that term in 2011. It should not necessarily be the same process that appoints Directors. The City Council has statutory authority to make temporary appointments and it has the right to do so expeditiously. The 4th Ward deserves representation. If you don't Michael Lenz then that is fine. I know in that past he has ticked of many who have opposed reform and quite frankly that is to be expected. I judge him to be quite informed on the issues and his expertise on the budget should be a help to the City Council.

Salary Cuts:

The mayor's salary down to $87,000 a year? That is what Beth Mason recommended in the last meeting. Absolutely nuts I tell you my readers. At $103K , Dawn Zimmer's Mayoral salary is already down $26K from the zenith of the nice bump up Peter Camamrano gave himself at $129K just this last July. It is already lower than every fire and police captain, the City Clerk and probably some sergeants too. First of all if the goal to cut employee expenses by 25% you don't need to cut salaries 25%. You can trim benefits like Health Insurance and Hoboken is self-insured so that cut is a no-brainer. You can also use attrition as well.

While I am all for additional tax relief you can't cut Director's salaries too much or you won't be able to attract the appropriate talent. This reads as sour grapes and an attempt to handicap the Zimmer Administration in getting the help it needs. Peter Cammarano created additional Director positions and Beth Mason had no problem then.

If Beth wants to truly help the taxpayer, she can re-open the Church Square towers PILOT issue and have those who can afford to pay more into the PILOT that goes back to the City. That would be a good start.

Peter Cammarano - Blast from the past on the HUMC

This week the HUMC presented to the City Council and the news wasn't very good indeed. They apparently only have a 9 day cash position and no contingency plan if they don't get state emergency funding. Thanks to Eric Kurta for this video treat from he past. In it Cammarano ridicules residents who didn’t buy the hospital’s “good news” report back in June 2008. He goes on to thank hospital officials for their good work. Seems pretty funny now except for the fact the the taxpayers will likely be footing a huge bill.

"Hoboken Volunteers" Launches Web Site

"Hoboken Volunteers" Launches Web Site to Help Connect Volunteers to Worthwhile Organizations

Community Organization Seeks to Expand Volunteerism Throughout Hoboken

Today, Hoboken Volunteers, a non-profit organization founded to provide an online clearinghouse where residents can connect with other organizations, foundations, and groups who require the assistance of volunteers, announced the launch of its web site, http://www.hobokenvolunteers.com/.

Hoboken Volunteers will be hosting a launch party for its web site, on Tuesday December 1st from 6-9 p.m. at the Black Bear Bar & Grill. The event is open to the public with special pricing for attendees.

Founded by 4th Ward resident Timothy Occhipinti who now serves as Executive Director, Hoboken Volunteers’ mission is to strengthen the community by making it easier for residents to donate their valuable time to worthwhile organizations.

“I wanted to volunteer in Hoboken but struggled to find any resources online that provided a comprehensive list of organizations that sought help from area volunteers,” Occhipinti said. “The board of directors for Hoboken Volunteers was formed by similarly-minded residents who I am proud to partner with to fulfill our goal to increase volunteerism in Hoboken and give back to the community we love.”

Whether you have been volunteering in Hoboken for years or just want to volunteer when you have the free time, this site is for you. If you have recently moved to Hoboken you will find a wide variety of organizations to volunteer for and an opportunity to meet like-minded members of the community that share your values.

Hoboken Volunteers is currently partnering with 10 organizations, listed on the organization’s website.

“We feel these first 10 organizations are just the beginning,” said Ryan Orabone, a member of Hoboken Volunteers’ board. “The web site offers a convenient portal for any individual, business or organization interested in participating in Hoboken Volunteers to utilize. On the site you will find contact information about the organization and how you can volunteer.”

The website includes a user-friendly calendar of events where organizations can post upcoming volunteer opportunities. Individuals can also sign up to become a member through the web site and receive newsletters and updates from Hoboken Volunteers.

Dean Kemph - One Last Comment - He promises

Further Reflections by Dean Kemph

Dean Kemph has yet another letter to the editor to share his thoughts to the readers of the Hoboken Journal. I for one was not surprised by the selection of Michael Lenz to temporarily fill the Fourth Ward council seat vacated by Dawn Zimmer. You had a number of promising reform minded candidates but ultimately one candidate was chosen with experience, skill at a conference table and above all a shared vision of 4 members of the current council and the current Mayor Dawn Zimmer who acted as the tie breaking vote. There will be a special election to fill that seat and then the voters can decide who will best fill the vacancy permanently. Here is Dean Kemph in his own words......

“That’s why they pay me the pretty lousy bucks. To sit through this….”

- City Attorney Steve Kleinman, unaware that his microphone was on, during the Fourth Ward vote on 11/16.

OK, sorry, THIS is my last one. I have to flush the system.

My, what a lively time! Even without the recuperating Lane Bajardi, this one was a humdinger! I really missed Lane at the last council meeting; I could almost hear echoes of his paradoxically shrill baritone firing an endless barrage of accusatory smug salvos at his favorite stalkee. I could allow him ONE meeting off, maybe, of lick-your-wounds retreat; perhaps to go into a despairing huddle with Perry Klausen to rework the numbers for a Mason victory. But TWO? With his Great White Whale in attendance to cast a deciding vote that would seal, at least temporarily, the irrelevance of the clunky, misfiring wanna-be Mason Machine? Sure, Lenz the Enlivener is now on board, but that makes Lane even more invaluable! I prevail upon this council to bring him back! With six hour meetings now the norm, couldn’t you use a Council Mascot? It would cost next to nothing, perhaps a small stipend for a brocaded jacket with epaulets and a tassled cap. I can see him wildly jumping up and down, re-setting his infamous watch, and booming “Time’s up!” when speakers exceed their allotted five. Come on people!

Well, I’ll put that dream aside for the moment and talk about the council meeting. Since I only browse through the recaps, I was lucky to catch Kleinman’s unexpectedly hot mike at 1:37:20 of Part 2. It stayed that way through the next break, with Steve grumbling about the council’s bull-headedness in ignoring his advice and commiserating with Nino about the speed of the new majority freight train. And things were happening quickly. For a while there, any bathroom break might cause you to miss at least one oath of office. Nino was more typically reserved, but the rest of what is now a clearly delineated minority were squawking like wet hens. President Pete paid scant attention to their complaints, including one particularly deft deflation of a bombastic Beth bubble when he forced her into condensing her “all kinds of questions” into a simple concise pair for the potential appointees.

The Lenz choice surprised me, despite the reported out-of-town back-room diner sightings of Michael & Marsh huddled in apparent strategy sessions. Some like to call him a polarizing figure, but you really need two sides for that. He’s more of a unifying figure, since he seems to annoy allies and enemies pretty equally. I’ve sighed through my share of his pregnant pauses of pontification, and I know that he’ll always loudly and unhesitatingly fill any thought voids left hanging perilously in the air. But I always regarded these as little more than more pronounced examples of the nettlesome quirks we have all demonstrated, to one degree or another, during campaign efforts. I learned quite a bit from him and emphatically rejected at least as many of his theories, too, so I don’t really understood the rants of the fervent anti-Lenzites and their solemn pledges to avoid future gulps of the kool-aid that they begrudgingly acknowledge had so befuddled them in the past. While they continue to blame Michael for their unthinking thirsts of yore, I prefer to focus on the one enduring aspect of this guy that I’ve recognized over 20 years. Despite his cringe-worthy zeal for the tiresome machinations of political intrigue; despite the not entirely unfounded claims that he’s frequently positioning himself for public employment opportunities; when it counts, Michael invariably lets integrity get the best of him and winds up on the right side of things. And that comparative rarity in these parts forgives (or, at least, proportionately minimizes) a multitude of style sins. He is unquestionably qualified for the seat, and, although critics will claim that Zimmer et al have once again been mesmerized and hoodwinked by his Merlinesque maneuvers, his appointment bespeaks the growing confidence of an entrenching majority willing to absorb some potentially negative perception for the greater goal of fair and knowledgeable government.

I won’t spend much time on the hospital here, one of the supposed showpieces of Monday’s dysfunction fest. I just don’t know what to say. David Roberts’ Most Enduring Monument To Fiscal Irresponsibility And Lasting Tribute To The Misguided Effort To Please Everybody, the University Medical Center without a University, lost $23,000,000 in 2008. No one argued that this was good. It may only have lost $11,000,000 in 2009, assuming state officials spend their holidays filling Hoboken’s stocking with once-promised grant money. No one argued that this was good, either. Cash on hand was expected to last, maybe, through the end of the council meeting. No one thought that was good news. However, the CEO generously agreed to keep the doors open for at least a couple of hours after the meeting for any taxpayers seeking treatment for sickening feelings in the pit of their collective stomach.

Bulletin. Old Beth is dead folks. I have no idea what New Beth did with the body and/or soul, but it appears unlikely that we’ll see her again short of a soap-opera-styled denouement which reveals that an evil twin has been standing in for her long-comatose sister. Shortly after the election, I had conversations with a couple of Mason supporters, disheartened by the tenor of the absurd campaign conversation and lamenting that there wasn’t some way to repair fences between erstwhile reform allies. I started to ponder this possibility in increasingly warm and fuzzy ways; convincing myself that maybe the insanity was only temporary, and a return to good sense would ultimately be irresistible to the sparring parties. But here comes New Beth. After a necessarily subdued day-after council meeting, she resumed the obstructionist mantle with renewed vigor Monday night. Armed with pages of research highlighting electoral technicalities, she dismissed the opinion of counsel to trumpet her superseding alternative, assuring her colleagues and the public that a late December Fourth Ward election is actually the way to go. As usual, her finger was firmly on the pulse of the townsfolk clamoring for yet another election to enjoy during the holidays. Her sanctimonious insistence on swearing in speakers at a moment’s notice at the podium actually kind of appealed to me; I wouldn’t mind asking Beth a few questions under oath myself about the widely rumored hazard-filled late-night mission assignments apportioned to the denizens of Camp Mason, that kiddie corps of giddily overpaid children dominating her campaign landscape.

Not that Beth shouldn’t feel deservedly looney. During a 10 month odyssey of self-destruction which would make Lindsay Lohan blush, she managed to somehow litter her rose-petal-covered runway-light-illuminated path to City Hall with a series of increasingly powerful homemade land mines. Perhaps, Beth, the reason things didn’t fly so well was that the voters you were imploring to recognize your OBVIOUSLY SUPERIOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS were the same ones watching the contradictory image of you blowing close to a million bucks on two vulgar and spectacular failures that left you in a much worse place than where you started. And now Beth and her gutted influence get to writhe in the self-created irony of spending every Wednesday fortnight two seats away from the ultimate representation, cavorting happily with the majority, of the “old” reform movement remnants of inconvenience she so brusquely attempted to excise. Well done, Ms. Mason, and don’t think twice, it’s all right.

So now the Majorityettes have a free year to twirl some magic. I know that power corrupts; I know that County influences are omnipresent and generally malevolent; I know that personalities and agendas even of allies inevitably clash. The current challenges paired with the clean-up demands are almost unfathomable. Still, on the surface, this looks like the most conscientious, determined and unified ruling class in my memory, and they’re complemented by a school board majority to boot. Cunningham looks good with the gavel as an efficient diffuser of minority grandstanding. The Fourth Ward election next fall will be problematic, as always, but that’s a year away. If it’s lost, barring other defections it can probably be recouped in the Second a few months later over the now eminently deposable Mason. And if someone strong gets out early enough (which they never, inexplicably, seem to do), and people see at least the foundation elements of progress, the incumbents in the First, Sixth, and even the Third will be scrambling for cover. So start preparing candidates in those wards now, reformers! Have a plan! This may be the best chance you’ll ever see to substantively alter the paradigm of patronage and profit that has stolen, from your fair city and from you, far too much for far too long.

Best of luck to my beloved and adopted Hoboken!

Dean Kemph

Dawn Zimmer Inauguration Saturday November 21st at 2PM

Hoboken Mayor Zimmer's Inauguration Committee Releases Final Details for Saturday's Event

This Saturday at 2:00 PM at Hoboken High School (800 Clinton Street, Hoboken, NJ), Dawn Zimmer will be publicly sworn in as the City of Hoboken’s 38th Mayor. The ceremony is open to the public and seats will be available for all who wish to attend on a first come, first served basis. Numerous state and local elected officials are expected to attend the event, which will last about one hour.

A reception will follow in Columbus Park (900 Clinton Street, Hoboken, NJ), featuring hot apple cider, dessert and a special inaugural cake provided by Hoboken’s own Carlo’s Bakery, better known as “The Cake Boss” on TLC.

For those who cannot attend, the ceremony is scheduled to be streamed live on http://www.zimmerinauguration.com/. After the event, the ceremony will be available for online on-demand viewing and will air on Cablevision Local Access Channel 78.

Ms. Zimmer is the first woman to be elected as Mayor in all of Hudson County. She was elected on November 3 by a wide margin. Zimmer’s election completes Hoboken’s transition following the corruption scandal that resulted in the resignation of Peter Cammarano on July 31st, just one month after he had been sworn in as Mayor. Ms. Zimmer, former City Council President, had served as Acting Mayor since Mr. Cammarano’s resignation, helping to guide Hoboken through a difficult and tumultuous time.

Mayor Zimmer has requested that, in lieu of donations to her Inauguration Committee, those who wish to express support contribute what they can to the Adopt a Hoboken Soldier, a foundation that provides necessities and comfort to Hoboken soldiers serving overseas. Additional information is available at http://www.zimmerinauguration.com/

Hoboken High School Flea Market this Saturday

Hoboken High School Flea Market November 21st 9AM-5PM

Benefitting the Hoboken High School class of 2012

Get a jump on your holiday shopping by stopping in at our City-Wide Flea Market at the Hoboken HS Gym (900 Clinton Street, Hoboken, NJ), November 21st. 9:00am to 4:00pm. About fifty vendors will be on site offering a wide range of wares, toys and baby clothes to custom cakes and pies to gift baskets to gently used books. There will be at least one door prize at the end of the day so don't miss this fun and exciting shopping experience.

Not the Swine Flu - but it knocked me off of my feet

Two days of rest were what was needed. I have been sidelined by flu-like syptoms and I am fairly confident it is not the swine flu. No squealing from me! :) I feel better today even though I still have a lot of congestion.

Hopefully, I can resume blogging activities soon. You know the old adage, "the bigger they are, the harder they fall" . This round of microbial activity got me pretty good but when I fall down I get up again.... Oh well , you get the idea.

Hoboken BOE Meeting Tonight November 17th at 7PM

Here is information on the upcoming Hoboken Board of Education Meeting Tuesday November 17, 2009....



Tuesday, November 17, 2009
7:00 p.m. Stated Session
Board Meeting Room, 1115 Clinton Street
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030

AGENDA
1. Board President Report and Board Committee Reports.
2. Approval of minutes.
3. Report of Interim Superintendent.
a. Personnel: postings, resignations, reappointments, appointments, program staffing, transfers, full and part time staff, training, stipends, substitutes.
b. Curriculum and Instruction: Curriculum and instruction matters; field trips
4. Business Administrator: financial reports and actions; payment of bills and payroll; food service program; facility matters; grants; student placements and services; workshops.

Any matters relating to the above items that may come before the Board. Please be advised that the Board may be required to go into closed executive session during this meeting to discuss litigation, negotiations and personnel items. Action may be taken on all agenda items.

City Council Meeting Tonight! at 7PM

Here is the live streaming for tonight's Hoboken City Council meeting. You will be able to watch the meeting from within this blog tonight starting around 7PM. One of the important issues that will come up tonight will be what to do with the vacated seat 4th Ward Seat left open by Dawn Zimmer's ascension to duly elected Mayor on November 3rd.

The other important topic will be the HUMC being available to the City Council and hopefully the public to let us know the state of finances at the Hospital. Based on the last report they are not very good at all. Hopefully, for once, the taxpayers will get the real assessment of the situation and what the Hospital does going forward to recover or at least protect the public from further losses.

Normally, City Council meetings are every other Wednesday. This Monday date was scheduled well in advance.

You can read the agenda at http://hobokennj.org/docs/council/agenda09/ccm-11-16-09.pdf
and the resolution pack at http://hobokennj.org/docs/council/respack09/respac-11-16-09.pdf.

City Council Meeting 11/4/2009 at 7PM - Live! Tonight!:

Fire Data For New Jersey 2008

The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety has recently released their state-wide report for 2008 which provides statistics on incidents and many other aspects of fire-fighting.

The full report is located at this link:

http://www.state.nj.us/dca/dfs/fire_in_nj08.pdf

For Hoboken in 2008, there were a total of 3,388 incidents/calls and here is the breakdown:

• 218 Fires
• 9 Overpressures/Explosion/No fire
• 307 EMS
• 360 Hazardous Conditions
• 506 Service
• 187 Good Intent
• 1,784 False Alarms
• 17 Other

The number that stands out the most is the 1,784 false alarms. Almost 53% of all incidents were related to false alarms in Hoboken in 2008. By policy the fire department must respond to all calls as if they were real but it would seem to me a reduction in the number of these false alarms would be effective in cost cutting for the department.

Below are the number of Fire incidents in Hudson County summarized reported for 2008:

Photo of the Day - Corzine Kitty Litter

One reader ss1959, sent me this photo of how to re-use a Jon Corzine for Governor campaign sign. I am pretty sure he voted for Christie. I would comment further but it would appear that the cat has got my tongue.

Tony Soares on the 4th Ward City Council Vacancy

Now that Dawn Zimmer has been duly elected Hoboken Mayor perhaps for the second time, she has had to vacate her 4th Ward Council seat. This has prompted much discussion on who would be voted in by the City Council to fill that seat until the next election. Some of the names that have come to mind are Tony Soares, Michael Lenz , Jake Stuiver, and Rami Pinchevsky who all live in the 4th Ward and have supported Zimmer along the way. Or perhaps another candidate will be given strong consideration. I as the editor of the Hoboken Journal do not have any idea on who the front runner is at this point. I will keep it that way since I know all four candidates and do not care to take a position that would show favor towards any one of those mentioned or whoever else is under consideration unbeknown to me.

Here is Tony Soares in his own words as to why he feels he should be considered for the temporary appointment. Tony cites his civic record as well as the fact that he promises not to run for election after his appointment comes up. Tony in his own words:

Dear Hoboken Journal

Many people have emailed me, called me or stopped me in the streets this week to express their support for the appointment to the 4th Ward City Council Seat currently sitting vacant. All of the prospective names out there are outstanding citizens and are worth considering.

I would like to offer some insight as to who I am and what I have done since landing here in 1991.

Also, I am not looking to run in 2010, I think that would be a major distraction for a councilperson who really needs to focus on working for the citizens rather than my own re-election efforts.

Here are some responses that I have submitted to various council members and media outlets regarding my unique proposal not to run in 2010.

“I believe I am the only candidate offering not to run in 2010 so I can focus on my duties as a council person, rather than cast each vote based on how it will effect the outcome of the 2010 special race.

By appointing me The Mayor and Council can continue their search for a candidates who can begin campaigning for The permanent seat in Nov 2010 - giving them time to campaign free of an elected officials obligations or taxpayer funded salary.”
"I am willing to serve without running next November so I can do a real job as councilman without the distraction of running for office. Also by not running next year I will be casting votes to benefit Hoboken, not my electability "

"When one is in fear of being elected, their votes are often more about them, than the citizens. Back in 2005 Carol Marsh and I warned people that this financial mess would come. it has and I know how to help resolve it without the concerns of my electability "

"I hope the city council asks me to join them as I know that I can offer them 6 years of previous experience, historical knowledge, planning experience, parks and open space advocacy, tax payer focused budgeting and an unwavering dedication to deploying the reform government detailed in Mayor Zimmer's platform."

- Tony Soares


Below are some highlights of Tony's public life here in Hoboken (from Tony):

1/09-Present: Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment Commissioner (2nd Alternate)
Noteworthy discussions, motions and rendered decisions.

• Approved Northwest’s 1st Live/Work Complex
• Appealed to voting commissioners to reject application for 901 Washington Street- this application will create a 100% lot coverage extension and 25’ property line wall against neighboring properties.
• Appealed to Fellow commissioners to reject application from Trammell Crowe Residential.
-An application that would have displaced local artisans and local commercial enterprises.
• Sponsored motion to dismiss application on 920 Castle Point Terrace.
• Voted against motion to approve 920 Castle Point Terrace.
• Objected to participation of 2 Commissioners on application for 920 Castle Point due to conflict of interest.
• Often speaking on behalf of public disclosure, while frequently challenging commissioners on their conflicts of interest.

Nov.’99-July’05 Hoboken Councilman At Large.
July ‘01-July’02 Hoboken City Council President.

Supported ordinances for the innovative designs on Pier C
Co-Sponsor of resolution to commission new city master plan
Supported density reduction ordinance for infill housing
Supported ordinance increase setbacks on Block C Hotel more than 30ft.
Appealed before the North Hudson Sewage Authority in Fall of 2001 to block sewer connections for a high-rise noted by engineers to cause major flooding.
Supported ordinance and lawsuit to overturn 101 Marshall St Variances.

Community Service since arrival in 1991:

Soon after arriving in Hoboken in 1991, I was active supporter and participant in the vote to stop high-rises on Pier A
Other pro community activities (not in chronological order)
• Member of the Light Rail Task Force to move the train off of our waterfront
• Participated in the successful battle to block Millennium Towers
• Supported CBW and Jersey City Heights Neighborhood Associations in the protest against 800 Jackson (Metro stop)

1992-93: Coalition for a Better Waterfront volunteer.
Worked throughout the 2nd referendum with members to defeat the original Port Authority Proposal.

1993: Ira Karasick for Mayor Volunteer (4th Ward team)

1994-95: Founding Member Guardians of The 4th Ward, community action committee.
• Helped defeat county jail transitional home
• Planted 16 trees
• Attended all zoning board hearings IN SUPPORT of new west side development projects in scale with Hoboken’s character
• Built and designed the gateway park at Hoboken’s Southern Entrance.
• Participated in Annual 4th Ward Clean up Days.
1994-1995 Mayor’s Cable Advisory Committee.
•Worked with a team of 5 members to assist in negotiating with Cablevision and Mayor to obtain Public access channels, wiring of all public schools and obtain a $100,000 fund to equip Hoboken High with TV studio technology and hardware.

1995-1996: Go West Committee
• Worked closely with steering committee to gather thousands of signatures for the re-direction of Light Rail to the West side of town —thus spurring development and TWO transit hubs.

1995-1999: Supported The Shipyard development project. Participated in several meetings with community groups such as the Hoboken Environment Committee, The Hoboken Alliance for Lower Taxes and Applied Companies. This lead to a consensus of many who supported the plan and brought our waterfront it’s very 1st NON ABATED mixed use development.

1995-1999: Hoboken Alliance for Lower Taxes (HALT)
• published a quarterly newspaper on the taxes, development and education

1999-2001: Volunteered and donated to St. Ann’s Feast
• Sponsored food and dinners for V.I.P.’s at The Rectory
• Donated Council Income towards event

1998: Defeated Millennium Towers 55 story twin towers at the Hoboken Border
1999-2005: Elected Hoboken City Councilman at Large: served 6 years.
Committee assignments and accomplishments: Uncovered illegal longevity payments to City Directors, Co-Sponsor of The Mayor’s Master Plan, Co Sponsor of Pier C Park, Served on Transportation, Education, Parks and Recreation and Council President.

Attributes and Talents: Defender of the Public, Open to working with those of differing opinion, supports historic preservation, affordable and mixed use housing, Supporter of open space and Strong leader as proven during my term as City Council President and Campaign Manager for Councilman Ramos.

Viewpoints on Development:

• Preserve the Past
• Seek Concessions
• Contemporary Design and experimental designs
• Build density where needed according to Master plan-while maintain Hoboken’s neighborhood Character
• Seek increased Commercial/Office Space, Hotels and or Urban Bed and Breakfast Inns.
• Flooding remediation
Supports SW6 Design
• Feels heights can be increased if appropriate.

Public Inauguration for Dawn Zimmer - Saturday November 21, 2009

Here is some information on the Inauguration of Dawn Zimmer, first elected female Mayor of Hoboken...

PUBLIC INAUGURATION FOR DAWN ZIMMER

WHAT: Public Inauguration for Mayor Dawn Zimmer
WHEN: Saturday, November 21 @ 2 pm
WHERE: Hoboken High School Auditorium - 800 Clinton St.

Join Mayor Dawn Zimmer as she is publicly sworn in as the 38th Mayor of Hoboken. Hear from community members and distinguished speakers as we celebrate Mayor Zimmer taking office. Reception to follow in Columbus Park (9th and Clinton).

Seating is limited and on a first come basis.
Please RSVP to reserve seats: (201) 357-0038 or RSVP@ZimmerInauguration.com

Discussion on Rent Control - Delivered Vacant Screening

Update 11/13/2009: Rent control is a very emotional topic for some and I implore my readers to show restraint from making personal attacks regardless of what side of the issue you are on. Remember the adage: "Don't feed the Trolls". While I don't believe in free markets running unfettered and uncontrolled, my own experience as a condo owner highlights some deficiencies in the current rent control system. Let me be clear that the statewide protection for seniors in a condo conversion from being evicted is a very good thing from a social perspective. However there are some real disincentives built in that penalize sponsors in such conversions. I guess that makes me somewhat of a "middling" on this issue.

I know some may be annoyed by the anonymous comments but I have decided for now to leave the comments open so that newer readers can participate. It does make it better for the conversation to get people to sign up so here once again is a tutorial I created to assist in that process.

http://thehobokenjournal.blogspot.com/2009/05/site-tutorial-sign-up-for-comments.html

As for me, my story as the first purchaser in a Condo conversion from the Sponsors can be best described as "Delivered 5/9 ths Vacant". I was the first buyer in a partially vacant condo (9 units total) conversion and purchased my modest 800 sq. ft. condo in 2005. Before I signed on the dotted line, I had some concerns about the partial nature of the conversion. The hallways and exterior needed much work as well as the electrical needed an upgrade from PSE&G. The Sponsors sandblasted the front and upgraded the electrical and at my urging funded the Condo with a capital improvement fund for the rest of the work I had estimated. At that point I was ready to close.

After about 10 months of gut rehabilitation I was finally able to move in to my new condo in June of 2006. The process should have been quicker but between a bad contractor and numerous inspections I was finally able to get my "Certificate of Occupancy" and move in. This process is not for the faint of heart, I can assure you. Once I moved in, as Condo President with help of two other owners and I was able to focus on the remaining capital improvements from new lights, smoke detectors, security cameras, hallway floors redone, hallways repainted, back of building repainted and reappointed, chimney repairs, new cellar windows, new door buzzers intercom, new locks, new roof and other minor repairs. The building has since went from poorly maintained to well maintained and everyone, whether owner, investor/sponsor or renter has benefitted from these improvements.

The Sponsors were able to sell 5 units of the 9 in the building. Due to current rent control rules and the way they filed the tenants are allowed to stay there until they move out. In other situations tenants can stay for 3-4 years if non-seniors. For those remaining four units, the sponsors can recoup improvements made to individual units but can't recoup increases in maintenance or increases in taxes. Perhaps the sponsors are not aware of what is available to them for relief but that is how it was explained to me. I am lucky in that the Sponsors of my unit have been responsive in accepting maintenance increases and a special assessment for the roof, but I feel they should be able to pass on tax increases as well as maintenance increases to the tenants. After all, the tenants have benefitted from the improvements in the building. I wonder if other owners in partial conversions have had similar luck with their sponsors.

I don't have all the answers but just wanted to add that perspective into the mix. In my situation no one has been forced out on the street, owners have recieved value, sponsors have at least broken even ( in my estimation), renters have improved conditions, and the City of Hoboken has more tax revenue. So it seems like a win-win-win-win. However, in a down market, can this sucess story repeat itself? Rent Control has some merit but needs to be looked into. That is the pragmatist in me coming out.

Update 11/9/2009: Just this last Saturday night, at around 7:40PM, the documentary "Delivered Vacant" was shown at Stevens Burchard Auditorium to a packed house. Congratulations to Geri Fallow for organizing this screening as well as her success in fundraising for next year's "Movies under the stars".

Filming for this movie began in 1984, several years after the ring of arson fires in Hoboken. The movie focuses on the political and social aftermath of those fires and the effect it had on Hoboken citizens as well as developers. The documentary is very well done as it gets many points of view and puts them together in a cohesive chronological narrative. The issue shown in this film are still very relevant today albeit perhaps with a different demographic and housing stock than was in the film at the time it was made.



Nora Jacobson, the film's director and creator was available after the screening for a Q&A session. One of the revelations from her answers was that she did not have a difficult time getting access or cooperation for the most part getting her footage. She also stated that the film took long to make due to funding problems. The film was shot in 16 mm film and was finally released in 1992.

Nora currently lives in Vermont and has several documentaries she is working on at this time. Below is information on how to get a dvd copy of the movie.

Here is Nora Jacobson's website: http://offthegridproductions.com/index.htm

Link to purchase the film Delivered Vacant: http://offthegridproductions.com/pages/films/index.html I have ordered the movie via this method over the summer but waited to view the movie for the first time during this screening.

Original Post:Below is information on the screening of the documentary Delivered Vacant which probes into the gentrification and fires in Hoboken during the 80's.

Projected Images of Hudson County presents

Delivered Vacant
a film by Nora Jacobson

Sat. Nov. 7th, at 7:30pm (Tonight!)
Burchard Auditorium
Campus of Stevens Institute of Technology
6th & River Terrace

Admission is $10.
Proceeds will go to support
the Hoboken Movies Under the Stars series for 2010.

for more info call 201-217-4077

Hoboken is accessible by PATH, NJ Transit trains and buses, NY Waterway ferries
and the Hudson Bergen Lightrail. Burchard Auditorium is just 7 blocks from PATH.

co-sponsored: by Stevens Institute of Technology
and The Hudson County Division of Cultural & Heritage Affairs

Funding has been made possible in part by a Block Grant from the State/County Partnership Program for the Arts administered by the Hudson County Division of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Tom DeGise, County Executive & the Board of Chosen Freeholders

Delivered Vacant, an eight-year chronicle of housing gentrification in Hoboken. An intricate and deeply human portrait of the city and the people that lived there, the film went on to play at the New York Film Festival, Sundance, and the San Francisco Film Festival where it garnered a Golden Gate Award.

Naples on the Hudson to some, a square mile of prime real estate to others. From boom in the 80s to bust in the 90s, this dramatically engrossing documentary features a real-life cast of long-time residents, newly arrived yuppies, tenant organizers, real estate developers, street people & immigrants from around the world including the wackiest Mayor in America.

Hailed by Vincent Canby of The New York Times as "a fine, rich film ... an urban epic."

This award-winning documentary chronicles 8 years of housing wars in Hoboken, NJ, a mile-square city across the river from Manhattan.

-New York Film Festival
-Sundance Film Festival
-Golden Gate Award, San Francisco Int'l Film Festival

REVIEW EXCERPTS:

Fred Lombardi, Variety, October 19, 1992:
"Producer-director Nora Jacobson keeps this bit of social history vibrant with a lively assortment of characters and an involving battle over displacement of residents."

Vincent Canby, The New York Times, October 10, 1992:
"Delivered Vacant' is a story of greed, hope, political action, bewilderment, free enterprise, idealism and rampant opportunism...an urban epic"

Dave Kehr, NY Daily News, August 6, 1993:
"...Nora Jacobson's 'Delivered Vacant' is a documentary that puts many Hollywood epics to shame in terms of its scale, substance and intricacy of storytelling."

Gene Seymour, New York Newsday, October 10, 1992:
"...we now have one of the best and most touching histories we may ever get of what happened to America in the last decade....this richly detailed saga of urban transition...comes close enough to be ranked with books like J. Anthony Lukas' 'Common Ground.' It's that good."

Amy Taubin, The Village Voice, June 1, 1993:
"An '80s gentrification saga with the scope and detail of a 19th century novel, Nora Jacobson's Delivered Vacant has the charm but none of the smart-ass posturing of Roger and Me....more involving than the most impassioned agitprop or well-balanced PBS documentary....Jacobson has an amazing ability to get people to reveal themselves on camera..."

My comment: Sources I have indicate that Dave Roberts during his tenure of Mayor for 8 years never wanted this film to be shown in Hoboken and it wasn't. That fact alone makes it a must see for any reform minded citizen of Hoboken.

Ravi Bhalla in the NY Daily News - Inspired by Obama

Below is an excerpt of NY Daily News story Hoboken's Newly elected Sikh Councilman at Large Ravi Bhalla.....

Sikh councilman inspired by Obama beat the odds in Hoboken
Karen Angel
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Thursday, November 12th 2009, 3:42 PM

It was after Obama was elected the United States' first black President that Ravinder Singh Bhalla decided Hoboken was ready to elect its first Sikh councilman.

"That election made me believe the country has reached a phase where qualifications matter more than race," said Bhalla, 36, who, according to the Sikh Coalition, is one of just two Sikhs holding elected office nationwide.

Bhalla ran on acting Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer's ticket and was elected councilman at large by a wide margin in June, taking office July 1. He received the most votes of 11 other candidates — despite the fact that Hoboken's registered voter population is less than 1% Asian and the city is home to only about 10 Sikhs, including his wife, Navneet, a human rights lawyer, and their 2-year-old daughter, Arza.

"I think residents are looking for honest, competent and professional individuals in government, and I think that desire supersedes other considerations such as race, religion and gender," Bhalla said.

...........

Read the whole article below:

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/your_neighborhood/2009/11/12/2009-11-12_sikh_councilman_inspired_by_obama_beat_the_odds_in_hoboken_.html

Hoboken Thanksgiving Awards 2009 - November 12th

Later this week, the fith annual Thanksgiving Awards for civic contributions will be held by the Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition. Details below......

The Hoboken Thanksgiving Awards 2009

Hoboken Quality of Life Coalition’s
Fifth Annual Hoboken Thanksgiving Awards
presented on
Thursday, November 12, 2009 starting at 7:30 p.m.
at the
Hoboken Historical Museum on Hudson Street at 13th

Here is the list of those recieving honors from the QLC:

• Lawrence Henriques receives the Community Awareness Award.
• John De Palma In Memoriam for the Community Service Award.
• Antoinette Tomarrazo will be presented the Civic Award.
• Ron Hine receives the Renee Steinhagen Public Advocacy Award .
• Dan Tumpson will take the Citizen Activist Award.

A reception will follow the presentations.

Reservations are NOT required. A donation of $5 will be requested at the door and there will be a beer/wine cash bar.

Pier C Photos - Not Quite Finished

Here are some photos of Pier C from Saturday November 7. Pier C, Hoboken's soon to be newest kidney bean/fetus shaped park appears to be even closer to completion after all of these years, but still.....

Taste of Hoboken - A Few More Photos

Here are a few more photos from the annual "Taste of Hoboken Event". The Hoboken YMCA is in the middle of a $4.2 million dollar capital drive to renovated the existing facility and provide the following upgrades:

- Separate entrance for YMCA members.
- Renovated men's and women's locker rooms.
- Family and handicapped locker rooms.
- An elevator and new stairwells.
- Air conditioning in the YMCA building.
- Expanded yoga and exercise rooms.
- More multi-purpose rooms from pre-school, senior and family programs.
- New ramp and observation deck.
- New entrance and check in area.

So, even if you didn't make it to the event last night, The Hoboken YMCA could still use your help. You can send your tax deductible contribution to the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA 1301 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030.

www.HobokenYMCA.org

"We Were Downtown": Chapbook features Marie Totaro November 15 at 4PM

Here is a Hoboken centric event coming this Sunday aNovember 15th at 4 PM at the Hoboken Museum located at 1301 Hudson Street....

"We Were Downtown": New Oral History Chapbook Features Marie Totaro

Marie Totaro, legendary Hoboken baker and past chairwoman of the Feast of St. Ann, details histories of her former dessert café, Le Jardin, and the development of the Feast for the latest in our series of Hoboken Oral History Project chapbooks, "We Were Downtown, Recollections of Marie Totaro." The interviews also yielded lovingly evoked memories of downtown Hoboken, with humor and an eye toward detail. This chapbook offers a rich portrait of a way of life that has almost entirely disappeared from her old neighborhood.

On Sunday, November 15, at 4 p.m., the Museum and the Friends of the Hoboken Public Library will celebrate the release of this booklet at the Hoboken Historical Museum. The event is free and copies of the chapbook will be distributed to all who attend. Refreshments will be served.

Editor Holly Metz and designer Ann Marie Manca have shaped Marie's stories, as told to volunteer interviewer Pat Samperi, for the Hoboken Oral History Project, sponsored by the Museum and the Friends, and printed with support from John Wiley & Sons.

Taste of Hoboken Underway

Good turnout so far for the Taste of Hoboken benefit for the YMCA. One of the organizers is hoping for at least 500 to show up.

Hoboken Citizens Rights and Responsibilities Survey Released

Hoboken Citizens Rights and Responsibilities Survey Released

The Hoboken residents and members of the Citizens’ Campaign today unveiled the results of the “Citizens’ Rights and Responsibilities Survey” that explores opportunities for improving civic community in the City of Hoboken.

The Citizens’ Campaign is leading a Jersey Call to Service, a public service initiative to inspire citizens to participate in the leadership of their communities. This survey is designed to provide an overall sense of the community’s civic strengths and weaknesses and identify opportunities for stepped-up civic involvement.

John Branciforte, Hudson County Chair of the Citizens’ Campaign and Hoboken resident said, “The results of the survey proves that there are opportunities for everyone to get involved. It will also be a useful tool for our government to improve it’s community outreach.”

Hoboken residents interested in learning more about Hoboken’s leadership opportunities can attend a free Call to Service Forum on Tuesday, November 17th, at 7pm at Our Lady of Grace School at 5th & Willow. For more information contact John Branciforte at johnbranciforte@aol.com.

Survey Results

The survey evaluates civic health in Hoboken in 16 separate areas. It shows that Hoboken is doing a good job on eight of the components, has four missing components and needs to strengthen an additional five.

Eight positive civic attributes of Hoboken are: (1) requiring developers to disclose political contributions; (2-3) protections against “pay-to-play” practices in government contracting and redevelopment; (4) open application process for citizens to apply for board & commission positions; (5) a procedure for citizen input at City public meetings; (6) the Board of Education’s website maintains an updated list of meeting times and dates, agendas, and minutes; and (7) the Hoboken Democratic Committee bylaws that provide representative powers to its committee people, and a very low number of vacancies within the Hoboken Democratic Committee.

Four components of optimal civic health are missing in Hoboken. They include: (1) local party constitutions that provide for input from registered party voters on the Committee’s platform; (2) a very high number of vacancies within the Hoboken Republican Committee, as well as the bylaws information not being readily available to members of the public; (3) a City ban on political fundraising in government offices; and (4) adult civics education classes are not offered on citizen’s rights and opportunities for participation in local government and politics.

Five areas of civic health in Hoboken that exist but need strengthening. Needed improvements include: (1) controlling levels of campaign spending for local elections to bring them within the reach of average citizens; (2) improving the list of City boards and commissions to include all information required by the Citizen Service Act; (3) listing the vacancies on City boards and commissions in an up-to-date fashion; (4) a more current listing of minutes for City Council, planning board and zoning board meetings, as well as making agendas available in a sufficient amount of time before such meetings; and (5) expanding the civics curriculum in the high schools to deal with the powers of local government and citizen participation.

Background

The survey was conducted by Hoboken citizens with support from the Citizens’ Campaign. Similar surveys have been conducted in Jersey City, Newark, Paterson, Plainfield, Trenton, and Hamilton. The Citizens’ Campaign is a non-partisan organization which promotes citizen leadership in government and politics and reforms which open up access to such opportunities.

Below is the full survey on Slideshare:

Hoboken Rights & Responsibilities Survey

View more documents from The Hoboken Journal.

"A Taste of Hoboken" YMCA Benefit - Tonight, 6-9:30 PM

Here is an upcoming fundraiser this Tuesday (tonight!) for a very good cause:

The oldest social-service organization in Hoboken and our area, the Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA, will be hosting its largest yearly fundraiser, the 22nd annual “A Taste of Hoboken”®, this Tuesday evening, the 10th of November at the Schaefer Center at Stevens Institute from 6 – 9:30 pm.

The talents of our local dining industry will shine once again along with wine and spirit samplings and the creative stylings of Swing-a-Delic. Due to the generosity of all involved, 100% of the ticket price is tax deductible ($ 80 for champagne preview admission at 6pm; $ 60 for general admission at 7pm). Thanks to Toll Brothers, discounted parking is available at the new garage at 15th and Bloomfield Streets with shuttle van service to and from the event.

Tickets may be purchased at our front desk, or on our website through Brown Paper Tickets at: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/85376, at Prudential Castle Point Realty, the Hudson Reporter or at the event itself.

For over 140 years, we have been part of Hoboken and the north Hudson community’s history and our dedicated employees and board are working very hard to be a relevant part of its future. But we can’t do it without you. Every community YMCA must be self-sustaining. A very common misconception
is that we receive financial support from the National YMCA – this is not the case.

Yet even in these troubled times, we have continued to provide services to all segments of our community’s population every day of the year. Whether it’s after-school and summer-camp programs for our kids; “Silver Sneakers” for our senior citizens; teen-nights for our adolescents; residency program for low-income adult males as well as our ongoing health club facility; no other charity in Hoboken or our area does what we do in terms of the depth and breadth of the local citizenry we serve and your attendance and support makes the continuation of these and other programs possible.

We will all be besieged with requests for donations as the year winds down and it can be wearying to know which ones to choose, but please consider contributions to our noble institution which has quietly stood on the corner of 13th and Washington Streets for 80 years as investments in the community we all love. Your philanthropy can also be expanded by getting involved either directly with us, or with the recently formed “Friends of the Y” which can be reached at friendsofhobokeny@gmail.com.

If you cannot attend, please consider donating the cost of your tickets to those who are not financially able to go but wish to take part in this great evening, where Hoboken, through its destination restaurants, does what Hoboken does best.

Sincerely,
Paul J. Somerville
President, Board of Directors
Hoboken-North Hudson YMCA

Hoboken Cove Community Fundraiser 11/22/09 4-7PM

Now that the political season has dies down for a little bit in Hoboken, focus can begin on the many charitable events there are in Hoboken. Here is another.....


HOBOKEN COVE COMMUNITY BOATHOUSE
FUNDRAISER

Sunday, November 22
Lua Restaurant, 1300 Sinatra Drive North
4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

PIRATES - TAPAS - COMEDY - COCKTAILS - RAFFLES

JOIN US for a special night to raise funds for new kayaks for the Hoboken Boathouse!

Your $25 ticket supports the Hoboken Boathouse to buy new equipment for FREE KAYAKING DAYS and other programs, and also includes

- Comedian Soul Joel live entertainment
- Pirate Circus children's games & activities (kids 12 & under are FREE)
- Tapas & a drink (half-price drink specials available)
- Raffle ticket for Local Business Gift Certificates & Services (see our website for daily updates)

For other questions or event sponsorship opportunities:
Email: info@hobokencoveboathouse.org

Purchase your tickets online via PayPal:
Website

Or send your check to:
HCCB, 1204 Washington Street #4N, Hoboken, NJ 07030


EVENT SPONSORS (list in formation)
Shannon Lounge - W Hoboken - Hudson Place Realty - Lua Restaurant - About Face - Carlo's Bakery - Club KO - Tom DeGise Civic Association - Garden Wine & Liquor Store - Councilman Nino Giacchi - Hoboken Brownstone Company - Lepore's Chocolates - Liberty Bar & Grill - K.E.B. Insurance Benefits - Miami Rice - Outside New York - Sandy Sobanski Massage - Truglio's Meat Market - Turning Point Restaurant

Join HCCB on Facebook
Follow HCCB on Twitter

Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization (34-1974845)