Friday, March 23, 2012

Mayor Dawn Zimmer Announces New Leadership Team

Office of the Mayor announces:

MAYOR ZIMMER ANNOUNCES 
NEW ADMINISTRATION LEADERSHIP TEAM

Mayor Dawn Zimmer announced the hiring of Quentin Wiest as Business Administrator and Stephen Marks as Assistant Business Administrator.

“I am very excited about this team and the strong backgrounds they bring,” said Mayor Zimmer. “They will be a great asset to the City of Hoboken.”


Mr. Wiest has served as Business Administrator of the Borough of Closter, Executive Director of the Bergen County Improvement Authority, Director of Public Works for Bergen County, and Mayor of Ridgewood. He brings extensive finance, construction and facilities management experience.

Mr. Marks was most recently the Planning Director for the Hudson County Division of Planning and has broad project management experience from nearly 20 years in County government. He is a licensed professional planner, member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and certified LEED Green Associate. Along with assisting the Business Administrator, Mr. Marks will manage several important projects including acquisition of land for new parks, the $2 million grant for converting Observer Highway into “Observer Boulevard,” and waterfront repairs at Pier A, among other projects.

Mr. Wiest will begin on a transition schedule through April, while Mr. Marks will begin full time on April 10th. Their resumes are available on the City website:

http://www.hobokennj.org/docs/mayor/Resume-Wiest.pdf

http://www.hobokennj.org/docs/mayor/Resume-Marks.pdf

My Comment: I had once mentioned to someone close to the Mayor that they really need some project management expertise to handle all the projects in the City. The hire for the assistant Administrator fills that need.  My comment in this case was followed through on and I believe this skill set will help the City move more projects along at the same time. ◦
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Thursday, March 22, 2012

City of Hoboken Playground Improvements Begin this Spring City Wide

The latest update on playground improvements from the City of Hoboken. These playgrounds are are scheduled for renovation this spring....

CITY-WIDE PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS BEGIN IN HOBOKEN


Jefferson Street Park Hoboken - 1
Jefferson Street Park

New playground equipment and safety surfacing is being installed at three Hoboken parks. Construction is currently in progress at Jefferson Street Park and Jackson Street Park. Work is scheduled to begin next week at Legion Park on Willow Avenue. Parks will be temporarily closed while construction is in progress. The scheduled completion date is April 15, however the City and contractor are working aggressively, including working on weekends, to complete construction sooner.

Jackson Street Park Hoboken -2
Jackson Street Park

Legion Park Hoboken - 1
Legion Park

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Letter to the Editor on the 2nd Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act - from Ruben Ramos

From the desk of Assemblyman Ruben Ramos:


To the Editor:

In 1999, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Thankfully, I was able to navigate the system and am in my eleventh year of remission. Unfortunately, millions of Americans are not as lucky. The federal government spends an extraordinary amount of money on healthcare. Individuals and families were often left without coverage due to “pre-existing conditions,” administrative errors, and clauses that allowed companies to suddenly discontinue coverage. The system was broken.

In 2010, the federal government finally took action to solve this growing crisis. On March 23, America will mark the second anniversary of the signing of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. The protections established in this law represent the fundamental obligation of our government to ensure fair treatment of all of its citizens. For too long, corporate healthcare profits have outweighed the medical needs of those they covered, and the Affordable Care Act has already started to resolve these problems.

In 2000, I delivered a keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention that addressed our country’s dire need for healthcare reform. While I acknowledge some criticisms of the Affordable Care Act, a reform of this scope represents one of the single most important advances in healthcare reform in fifty years. The provisions enacted through this law will create an environment that expands accessibility to healthcare, provides basic patient protections, and penalizes abusive corporate practices.

Since its enactment, the Affordable Care Act has already expanded and enhanced coverage for millions of Americans; just last year the ACA restored coverage to nearly 800 New Jersey residents who had been dropped due to pre-existing conditions. The days of dropping coverage for the terminally ill and denying coverage to individuals with pre-existing conditions are behind us. Greater shares of premiums will be reinvested into providing better care instead of corporate bonuses and lobbying efforts. These measures are helping us fulfill our moral duty to help our fellow citizens when they are most in need.

Over the next two years, as more provisions of the Affordable Care Act go into effect, the reforms will benefit each American in a variety of ways. There will be a reduction in overall out-of-pocket healthcare costs to individuals, and new bans on lifetime dollar limits on benefits - freeing cancer patients and survivors like myself from having to worry about rationing health care. At least 3 million individuals have already been freed of lifetime limits on their health care. Fewer patients will need to rely on emergency rooms for primary care and millions of previously uninsured citizens will gain access to comprehensive and affordable care via a benefits exchange.

In fact, I am proud to have joined my colleagues as a primary sponsor of Assembly Bill 1081, New Jersey’s Health Benefit Exchange Act, which will allow individuals, families and small employers to browse and purchase coverage plans that best suits their own individual health needs. It is critically important that state and local government bolster and enhance the federal government’s efforts to reform our healthcare system.

The ability of every citizen to see a doctor, receive quality treatment, and overcome illnesses are fundamental American rights. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is designed to ensure that these rights are preserved for us and for all future generations of Americans.

Very Truly Yours,

Ruben J. Ramos, Jr.
Deputy Majority Whip
Assemblyman, 33rd District ◦
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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Peter Schweizer at Hoboken Republicans Dinner March 28th, 2012

Peter Schweizer is the featured guest speaker at the
Republicans of Hoboken Lincoln Day
Annual Speaker Series Event
Wednesday , March 28, 2012


Throw Them All Out paints a very ugly picture of legislators enriching themselves through earmarks and unpunished insider trading, politically connected companies being shoveled billions of dollars in stimulus funds and public money intended to help the environment, plus all manner of kickbacks and favors. “This book may put a damper on his Washington cocktail party invites this holiday season, but Mr. Schweizer has performed a valuable service to his country.” - W. James Antle III Special to The Washington Times

Details:
  • Amanda’s Restaurant 908 Washington Street Hoboken, NJ
  • Welcome Reception 6:00-7:00 Dinner—7:00 PM March 28th, 2012
  • After dinner—Presentation by Peter Schweizer followed by book-signing
  • Price: $65 per person
  • Includes: Hors d’oeuvres, three-course dinner, presentation, book will be available for purchase signing "THROW THEM ALL OUT".
  • Advanced reservations required as space is limited

Peter Schweizer is the William J. Casey Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University and a best-selling author. Three of his books have been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.. He is a partner in the Washington, D.C. firm Oval Office Writers providing speechwriting and communication services for corporate executives and political figures. Mr. Schweizer also served as a member of the Ultraterrorism Study Group at the Sandia National Laboratory. He has appeared on ABC News, NBC News, CBS News, FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, BBC.

Please make check payable and mail to:
Republicans of Hoboken
P.O. Box 5041
Hoboken, New Jersey 07030
201.927.8395
republicansofhoboken@gmail.com
include form with check


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Monday, March 19, 2012

Video and Photo Highlights of New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade 3-17-2012 (Extensive)

I covered this year's NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade for TheBoken.com this Saturday. The weather was near perfect and the parade was quite majestic. The bands were all top notch and the shear amount of service men, police and fire officials in the parade was amazing.

NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade 2012

The Boken.com went into New York City to cover the Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Below is an extensive set of video and photos from the parade. Weather wise it was a perfect day and the crowd was reportedly close to 3 million people. The majority of footage that I took was from 60th and 5th Avenue in the City. For those who could not make the parade perhaps this video and photo slideshow will give you an idea of the extensiveness of the shear pageantry. Again, What a great day!

Video and Photo Highlights of New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade on YouTube and Flickr:

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Photo of the Day - Elysian Cafe in Hoboken via HDR

Here is a photo of the day segment I just posted on www.TheBoken.com. I am reprinting it here to keep The Hoboken Journal somewhat up to date while I consider what to do with this website going forward which will include periodic updates. I am not just sure yet as to the frequency and content.

Elysian Cafe from across street Hoboken HDR

The experiment with HDR continues at TheBoken.com  with another Hoboken visual treasure, the Elysian Café at 10th and Washington Street. I will likely be re-visiting this place once the outdoor portion of the  café opens up. The flowers and plants are quite beautiful when they are set up and make for a great weekend brunch spot when the weather is nice.  Just for comparison sake here is the same photo below with an artistic cloth effect applied.

Elysian Cafe from across street Hoboken HDR 1 -touched up cropped with cloth effect

And below is an Instagram version I did by cropping the photo and applying a few more effects. Just last week I opened up and account for TheBoken on Instagram and we already have 62 followers.  From time to time I will use this account to feature photos other than the photo of the day or different versions.

Elysian Cafe HDR Instagram
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Thursday, March 15, 2012

City of Hoboken Promotes Two Police Superior Officers

The latest police promotions from Hoboken...

CITY OF HOBOKEN PROMOTES TWO POLICE SUPERIOR OFFICERS

Police Sergeant John T. Orrico was promoted to the rank of Police Lieutenant and Police Officer Steven Aguiar was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant at a ceremony in City Hall this afternoon. Congratulations to Lieutenant Orrico and Sergeant Aguiar and their families on their well-deserved promotions.



Pictured [left to right]: City Clerk James Farina, Police Chief Anthony Falco, Police Sergeant Steven Aguiar, Police Lieutenant John T. Orrico, Mayor Dawn Zimmer, Public Safety Director Jon Tooke

Note: Or should the headline read- "City of Hoboken Promotes Two Superior Police Officers"?




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Hoboken Irish Cultural Festival Recap 3/14- Photos and Videos

Republished from www.TheBoken.com  .....


Hoboken Irish Cultural Festival

When Chris Halleron came up with the idea to have Hoboken's First Irish Festival, it was borne out of the notion that he was disappointed that there would be no Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year. Rather than try and assign blame or point fingers in this politically charged town, Chris a proud Irishman, decided to do something positive about it and the idea of the festival went from inception to reality. When the current Administration in Hoboken heard about this plan to host the event they were supportive and helped spread the word. Chris in no way was trying to replace the Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day Parade with this event but rather start perhaps a new tradition focused on Irish tradition music, sport, beer and food. Kudos to Chris Halleron for taking a chance and putting this event together.

Yesterday on March 14th 2012 , perfect weather helped garner a good sized turnout for the event . Absent were many of the normal political figures from the opposition to the Mayor but the beer area was pretty full nonetheless. Some members of the Cunning family, the originators of the Hoboken St. Patrick’s Day Parade were also in attendance at this event. Earlier in the day there were more kids and family and as the evening progressed more adults joined the beer area and listened to the bands.

TheBoken.com spoke to one couple later that night at the Elysian Café that attended and they said liked the festival and heard about it through friends. They said both had a couple of beers and liked the musical acts especially the final one which was The Pale Boys. Earlier in the day there was a hurling demonstration (of the sporting and non-barfing kind which is nice for a change) on the Little league field and Traditional Irish Step Dancers from the Garden Street School of Performing Arts. The bands were The Will O’Connor Band, Paddy, George Murphy from Dublin and the Pale Boys and they all gave quality mostly Irish musical performances. George Murphy threw the crowd a bit of a curve with a Bob Marley song but it proved to be a good sing a long and they stuck to mostly Irish tunes after that.

All proceeds from beer sales from last night will go to Hoboken Shelter and the American Legion Post 107′s Adopt-A-Soldier program. Vietnam veteran and long time Hobokenite and Irishman Jon Cary gave a quick speech about the successes of the Adopt-A-Soldier program as well as Jaclyn Cherubini about the Hoboken Shelter. There was also a very good food vendor which had fish and chips and another selling Irish souvenirs. If this event is held next year it would seem there could be a good opportunity for several more vendors to be added. Below are photos and videos from the event….

Hoboken Irish Cultural Festival Photos from 3-14-2012:



Video- Highlights from Hoboken Irish Cultural Festival 3-14-2012:



Video- Will O’Connor Band at Hoboken Irish Cultural Festival 3-14-2012:


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PSA- Buzzed Driving Could Cost You $10,000 – Six Tips to Prevent Driving Buzzed on St. Patrick's Day

Here is a public service announcement about encouraging people not to drink and drive on st. Patrick's Day as well as any other day. In Hoboken, with all the public transportation options available there really is no excuse for driving buzzed or drunk.....

Buzzed Driving Could Cost You $10,000 – Six Tips to Prevent Driving Buzzed on St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and driving buzzed on the holiday could cost you a pot of leprechaun’s gold – like up to $10,000 in legal fees, court costs, and increased insurance rates.

For many Americans, St. Patrick’s Day has become a popular night out to celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, due to the large number of drunk drivers, the night out has also become very dangerous.


Here are six ways to help prevent buzzed driving in your community this St. Patrick’s Day:
  1. Post the NHTSA new St. Patrick’s infographic (attached) on your blog or Facebook page
  2. Before drinking, plan ahead and designate a sober driver
  3. If you’re impaired, call a taxi, sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely
  4. Use your community’s sober ride program
  5. If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate, contact local law enforcement
  6. Remember, Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. If you know people who are about to drive or ride with someone who is impaired, take the driver’s keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely
NHTSA needs your help in keeping the roads safe for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day by spreading the word that Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving.

Follow NHTSA on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about the financial and life threatening implications of buzzed driving.

Remember: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Don't rely on dumb luck this St. Patrick's Day. Plan ahead and designate a sober driver and ask your loved ones to do the same.

Links:

Website: www.buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/buzzeddriving
Facebook: www.facebook.com/buzzeddrivingisdrunkdriving

Posting notes like this demonstrates that TheBoken.com supports responsible partying. Be safe out there people.
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Hoboken Irish Festival is Today 4-10pm Great Weather Predicted





According to organizer Chris Halleron the “Beer permit has been secured! Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s on draught thanks to Peerless Beverages. All proceeds from beer sales will go to Hoboken Shelter and the American Legion Post 107′s Adopt-A-Soldier program.” The flyer for the event has also been released as shown above.
The itinerary is as follows:
  • 4pm- Hoboken Guards Hurling Exhibition (this type of hurling is actually a real sport)
  • 6pm- Traditional Irish Step Dancers from the Garden Street School of Performing Arts
Musical Performances by:
  • Paddy and the Pale Boys
  • George Murphy from Dublin
  • The Will O’Connor Band
To read the original announcement from the City of Hoboken go to: City-of-Hoboken-Inaugural-Irish-Cultural-Festival

The link to the Facebook event is here: http://www.facebook.com/events/353842537988783/
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Photo of the Day - First Street Barber Shop

In case you missed it on TheBoken.com here is the photo of the day. This photographic technique is HDR where photos of differing exposure are combined to give a high dynamic range in the photo. The First Street Barber Shop seemed like good subject for this technique.



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