I am in JSQ, but not looking for kickboxing. I prefer tae kwon do, jujitsu, karate...
There is a Shotkan Karate place on Elm St I was thinking about checking out.

Wegmans is THE BEST! It's a shame that they won't consider having a Hudson County location.

My dad, a retired accountant, has worked in one of their stores down in Virginia for close to four years now. He really enjoys being employed there and they treat him wonderfully.

The quality and selection of their goods still astounds me whenever I visit one of their locations -- it's always a multisensory smorgasbord and an overall awesome experience.

Even way back when I went to college in Pennsylvania, the grocery store of choice among my friends (once they finally opened nearby my junior year) was always Wegmans.

Their Market Cafe ROCKS! Yum yum yum!

Though it makes me sad that they probably won't be moving into this immediate area anytime soon, it's a smart business decision for Wegmans to focus their expansion on Maryland and Virginia (as mentioned earlier by Bill463).

According to Forbes.com, that's where the money is these days!

AMERICA'S 20 RICHEST COUNTIES (BY MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME) - 10 OF THE TOP 20 ARE IN MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA

1. Fairfax (VA) - $100,318

2. Loudoun (VA) - $99,371

3. Howard (MD) - $94,260

4. Hunterdon (NJ) - $93,297

5. Douglas (CO) - $92,125

6. Somerset (NJ) - $91,688

7. Morris (NJ) - $89,587

8. Montgomery (MD) - $87,624

9. Arlington (VA) - $87,350

10. Nassau (NY) - $85,994

11. Stafford (VA) - $85,014

12. Calvert (MD) - $84,891

13. Forsyth (GA) - $83,682

14. Putnam (NY) - $81,907

15. Marin (CA) - $81,761

16. Williamson (TN) - $81,449

17. Santa Clara (CA) - $80,838

18. Prince William (VA) - $80,783

19. Alexandria (VA) - $80,449

20. Charles (MD) - $80,179

Source: Forbes America's Richest Counties full article and complete list (2008)

Hi JCList, I'm looking for some advice about finding an apartment in Paulus Hook.

I've been obsessively watching craigslist and the few apartments in the neighborhood that aren't high rises seem to fly really quickly. I'd like to hear any success stories or recommendations for getting a good place (between $1500 and $2300, if it's relevant) in the neighborhood, and doing it without a realtor!

Thanks for your help.

K-9s are nothing short of amazing. True heroes in the purest sense of the word.

I, too, hope that Froto is OK.

FYI: Jersey City has an outstanding K-9 unit. One officer is assigned to each district but all districts cooperate in the event of an emergency. The Unit consists of P.O. Louis Mecka and Froto, P.O. Darren Sorrentino and Max, P.O. Donald Williams and Samu, and P.O. Robert Farley and Joker.

The program was reintroduced into Jersey City by former JCPO Edward Martinez, himself a K-9 handler and highly respected K-9 training instructor with more than 12 years of K-9 training experience. The program was approved and established through private donations and funds from Homeland Security and made possible through a collaborative effort between Holmdel Township Chief of Police Raymond P. Wilson, Jersey City Director Sam Jefferson and Chief of Jersey City Police Thomas Comey, and the respective Mayors of Jersey City and Holmdel Township. Officer Martinez was in charge of the training. He was assisted by retired JC K-9 Officer Thomas Cox.,

The dogs were imported from the Czech Republic, where they received basic obedience training. Before they were paired as partners, the potential team of dog and police officer spent a month together in the police officer?s home, with his family, to see if they could establish a bond. If the pair bonded, the officer and his K-9 then spent more than 6 months in intensive training that included narcotics and explosives detection; tracking; evidence, field and building searches; and, patrol activities such as criminal apprehension and handler protection.

The training is tough, on both the dogs and the officers; but it needs to be, given what these dogs may be subjected to when they apprehend a suspect. Witness the abuse Froto received when he grabbed the suspect. But if the training is tough on the dogs, it is equally hard on the officers. The officers take turns role-playing the villain and have to experience the full impact, and bite, of a dog in pursuit. Although the officers are well protected in these sessions, I saw one training session where 65 lbs of rock-solid dog caught and knocked-over a 215 lb 6?3? officer, with the dog barely breaking his stride.

I was also privileged to see the very deep love and trust that forms between the dog and the officer. And when all the work and training was over, I was delighted to see the dogs revert to the ?goofy, funny, beautiful fur-covered balls of devotion? we all know and love.

Hats off to all the remarkable Jersey City K-9 Unit Officers and their outstanding K-9 partners!!! They deserve our support and respect.

Sam should run for Mayor!!!

06/17/2008
A multi-media adventure

Art House presents the original play 'Sea Story' in JC
Diana Schwaeble
Managing Editor

ON THE HIGH SEAS ? In ?Sea Story,? the crew finds plenty of adventure when they run into a severe storm miles from land. Photo by Steve Gold.
Fans of Art House Productions who witnessed the stunning adaptation of Tennessee Williams' "Camino Real" last year are in for a real treat with this year's multi-media production of "Sea Story."

The play features all the colors one has grown to expect from the acclaimed company (such as dance, film, and music aspects flawlessly incorporated into a piece), yet takes it to another level as the audience is part of the action.

But even if you haven't seen previous work, "Sea Story" is an outstanding work of truly innovative theater that has classical themes such as a sea adventure, yet pushes the boundaries by incorporating contemporary issues like homosexuality, bigotry, and more.

This original, collaborative play was written by the talented members of Art House Productions including: Katherine Damigos, Christine Goodman, Jack Halpin, Richard Kirkwood, and Judy Nunez.

The play, which opened last weekend in Jersey City, runs Thursday to Saturday until June 28 at 8 p.m. at Art House theater at 1 McWilliams Place, near Hamilton Park.

An adventure in theater

At the start of the show, ticket-holders are invited to find seats, which turn out to be in the middle of the theater. The fabulous set design by Tommy Halpin, Jack Halpin, Nyugen Smith, and Lynn Maffessoli, which is constructed as areas on a ship, gives one the feeling that they are on open water as they view the prow of the ship and the crow's nest from the inside.

Adding to that feel is the staging and direction of the actors by Director Jack Halpin who has wisely put the audience in the center and directed this piece as theater in the round.

The action takes place in every imaginable space and gives the audience a chance to test their own sea legs as they are invited to stand or spin their chairs around the place to view all angles.

A sea worthy cast

The tight-knit ensemble cast is delightful in this production. The crew of the ship - all misfits in their own way - has signed on "for adventure" and travel wherever the whims of their captain takes them.

Christine Goodman, founder of Art House Productions, stars as Margaret Mayfair St. James, the captain and owner of the 17th century vessel.

The crew features First Mate McKenzie (played by Helene Taylor), Billie (played by Janice Ducate), Evelyn (played by Jen Ponton), Hopper (played by Katherine Damigos) and Malachy Orozco as "Bob" the only male among the all-female crew, who all wear provocative sea wench outfits - complete with the bodice and boots. The talented cast members each bring to life their varied characters. There is the innocent Evelyn; Jersey girl Billie, who leaves behind a husband and drudgery; the hyper, hostile, yet fiercely loyal Hopper; straight forward and sharp-eyed McKenzie; and the poet Bob, who likes to wear women's clothing and talk in rhyming verse.

While at dock in Crabcake Bay, Valerie (played by Maggie Cino), answers an ad that asks for crewmen "looking for adventure." Although seemingly down on her luck and walking with a slight limp, Valerie says that she is more than capable to handle the heavy lifting requirements.

She is delayed however, when the Harbormaster (played with aplomb by Ron Leir) tells McKenzie that the boat has to shove off since Crabcake Bay doesn't allow "whores."

Captain Margaret glides down from the prow of the ship to correct the Harbormaster, who becomes apologetic when he realizes that the captain is none other than Margaret Mayfair St. James, the famous inspirational writer.

Goodman literally commands attention as Captain Margaret with her sonorous voice and sweeping Victorian dress. She is perfectly cast as the confident captain. Part healer, part guru, and part crazy, Captain Margaret tells her crew that they "are all sisters" and orders members to "testify" each time before they cast off for sea.

Fast-paced

The show comes in under 90 minutes with no intermission, but chances are you won't notice the time as there are no wasted minutes. The script is fast-paced and moving and is sure to keep audience members engrossed in the unfolding drama.

Other members of the cast and crew include: Judy Nunez, David Ribyat, and Carlo Fiorletta.

This event was made possible with the generous support of their sponsors, Exter Properties and Hamilton Square.

"Sea Story" runs June 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, and 28, with all performances at 8 p.m. at Art House theater at 1 McWilliams Place, Sixth floor, in Jersey City.

The cost per ticket is $20 and discounts are available for seniors. Tickets are limited so reservations are recommended. For more information, call (201) 915-9911 or visit: www.arthouseproductions.org.



http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?br ... v_sec=68514&nr=1&nostat=1

Now you all know how bad it REALLY is.

This is interesting news - I did not know. I'll certainly take a look but I have worked at Wegmans in Woodbridge now for the past 5 years and just always bring stuff home with me after work to Hamilton Park. Wegmans is expanding through Virginia and Maryland for the next few years. They would do well of course here in JC - tis not to be.

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Have you been to A&P in the last year since they renovated the place? I would hardly call it filthy.

Just went again last night, had the jerk chicken, plantains, yellow rice with some of that secret sauce, and golden krust ginger beer...whew..that was good.

Coles and Columbus:



1st and Brunswick:



Took a different route to work this morning so I could go "Cart Watching" Found these two bad boys.

great, can she get something done about zoning for parking?

The pricing is right on par with the (filthy) a & p.
The parking is free w validation up to 2 hours. Also it is covered (on the first level of the parking garage) with a direct entrance into store so you don't have to get wet on a rainy day going to and from the car.

I was there last night - really. really nice store. Real tile floors instead of linoleum. Definitely worth a visit.

I think Skinner will make a good candidate especially against that idiot Junior who might run again.

What if Fulop decides he wants to keep his seat and not go for mayor? People also think he's just going for an at-large slate...doubt it though.

I'm starting to believe that Manzo's idea of bringing in the National Guard was a good idea...

i never understood why criminals are stupid enough to do things as speed or run through red lights if they have things like drugs or guns on them. i guess they're not the brightest of the bunch. i hope the dog's ok

Do you have to pay for parking there?

JC is more like Atkanta, Post Sherman,?but with, of course, way more Philipinos.

Dont worry too much about the hystrionic offense people take at comparisons between JC and other places, atsushi. People on this board do dearly loved to feel the rightous anger.

Renovations, big smiles for Storms Ave. seniors

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Gettie Williams, an 86-year-old resident at 111 Storms Ave. in Jersey City, is loving her renovated apartment.

"The place is beautiful," said Williams, showing off the new floors, kitchen, paint job, and upgraded lighting fixtures in her one-bedroom unit.

"They (the contractors) did a wonderful job," added Williams, a retired factory worker who has lived at the seniors building for 18 years. "I went to the doctor and when I came back I had a new kitchen."

Williams is one of 79 lucky tenants at the Storms Avenue Apartments, where a ribbon-cutting was held yesterday to celebrate the 11-month rehab effort by the building's new owners, the Housing Trust of America Company, based in Columbia, Md.

HTA spent roughly $19,000 to perform a "moderate rehab" on each unit, said HTA President Wallace Scruggs.

In addition to the units, HTA spiffed up a lounge area on the first floor with carpeting, sofas and a high-definition TV, and added a new coat of paint, along with outdoor furniture on a seventh-floor outdoor patio.

The construction loan for the project was provided by Wachovia Bank and the state Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency kicked in a nearly $7 million loan to be paid back over 40 years.

The city of Jersey City also played a key role by granting the project a 40-year tax abatement.

"You have a wonderful finished product," Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy said yesterday. "Part of the deal is that it will stay affordable housing for another 40 years."

Ward F Councilwoman Viola Richardson, who represents the area, told the seniors that she's no fan of 40-year abatements.

"But for my seniors, it's worth it," Richardson said. "We are in dire need of affordable senior housing."

Police dog's jaws halt fleeing suspect

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
By PAUL KOEPP
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

A Jersey City police dog scored his second takedown in a month Monday night, stopping a man who ran from a car holding a gun after a traffic stop, police reports said.

Cops pulled over a Honda Accord after it ran a red light at Clendenny and Bergen avenues at 11:40 p.m.; they were approaching the car when Marquis Moses, 23, of Union Street, jumped out of the passenger side, reports said.

Moses was carrying a fully loaded six-shot .357 Magnum as officers chased him east down Atlantic Street and then into an alley on Bramhall Avenue, police said.

Police dog Froto, a German Shepherd, followed him into a yard and latched on to his left arm, right calf and left calf in succession, as Moses threw the gun over a garage and then punched and kicked the dog, reports said.

An officer was finally able to cuff Moses, who was charged with several weapons offenses, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest and injuring a law enforcement animal. The gun was recovered in an Atlantic Street driveway and traced as stolen out of Virginia, police said.

Last month, Froto helped catch a man on Armstrong Avenue who was wanted on several outstanding warrants.

'I just did a robbery, I think I killed her'

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
By MICHAELANGELO CONTE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Grim images of a bloodied Jersey City bodega owner slumped behind her counter were seen by her family for the first time yesterday as they listened to graphic testimony at the beginning of the trial of the man charged with her Oct. 30, 2006 murder.

"He was kind of shaky and nervous and he told me he just robbed the bodega and shot the clerk," testified Richard Salcedo, the prosecution's key witness in the trial of Antwan Shannon, who is charged with killing Fidelina Claros, 47, of Roselle. "He had blood splatters on his legs. I asked him 'Did you kill her?' He said 'Yes.'"

Salcedo has already pleaded guilty to his role as getaway driver in the robbery of the G&P Deli & Grocery, at Webster Avenue and Ferry Street, and faces 10 to 20 years in prison in a deal that compels him to testify.

Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Sal Rozzi's first witness was Jersey City Police Officer Robert Campbell, the first officer to arrive at the deli on the robbery call. While Campbell testified, Rozzi showed the jury a bloody image of Claros slumped on the floor behind the store's counter with her back against boxes of candy bars and other merchandise.

Prosecutors say she was shot twice in the head and once in the back. Campbell testified that she had no pulse when he got there.

"It's hard to see this - it brings it all back," said Mario Avelar after seeing the pictures of his murdered wife. "It's shocking."

Shannon's ex-girlfriend, Madeline West, also testified yesterday, saying they lived in an Academy Street rooming house at the time of the murder.

West said Shannon returned in a panic that day. He had blood on him and he threw money on the bed and told her to count it because he had to share it, West said.

"I just did a robbery - I think I killed the b - - - - because I had to shoot her again," West quoted Shannon as saying.

West said Shannon told her to check if "Rich" was still waiting for him. She said she looked out the window and saw Salcedo waiting in his car. Salcedo also testified that after the robbery he took Shannon home and then waited for him in the car.

But defense attorney Scott Finckenauer cross-examined Salcedo and West and suggested to the jury that both had motives to pin the murder on Shannon. Salcedo's deal gets him off the original charge against him of felony murder, Finckenauer pointed out.

It was information from West that led police to Salcedo and Shannon, but she didn't tell police until January 2007, when she was filing a stalking charge against Shannon. Shortly before that, she filed a complaint saying Shannon assaulted her. It was also noted that she has a 2004 conviction for burglary and a 2006 conviction for drug possession.

At times West appeared confused on the stand and jumbled facts. When asked if she ever socialized with Salcedo, and she replied "Not to my knowledge." She gave the same answer when asked if she'd spoken to police about the case after January 2007.

After getting some important dates wrong, Finckenauer asked West if her memory of events was better today or in 2007.

"Today," West answered. "It was better then and it is even better now because he is out of my life."

Superior Court Judge Kevin Callahan told the jury to disregard that remark.

The prosecution will continue presenting its case at 11 a.m. today.

Ex-Sen. Kenny's son facing drug charges

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
By AMY SARA CLARK
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

The 24-year-old son of former state Sen. Bernard Kenny, D-Hoboken, was arrested and charged with cocaine possession Thursday after leading police on a foot chase that ended in the Wallace School courtyard, police said.

The arrest of Bernard Kenny III began when cops got a call that someone needed medical attention on the 1000 block of Bloomfield Street, police said, adding that when police arrived a woman said the man had run up 11th Street.

Police spotted someone on 10th Street near Garden Street matching a description provided by the woman, police said. The man was later identified as Kenny III.

When Kenny saw the police car drive up, he took off, leading cops on a chase that ended in the yard of the Wallace School at 1100 Willow Ave., police said.

There, Kenny ran up to the school and shoved plastic bags into a hole in the building's wall, police said.

After Kenny deposited the bags, he tried to run again, but cops caught up with him at the north end of the yard and arrested him, police said.

Cops found a small bag of white powder on Kenny that appeared to be cocaine and another bag in his wallet that was empty but had residue, police said.

In the wall, cops found two more empty bags with residue and one full bag.

Former Sen. Kenny did not immediately return a message left on his cell phone seeking comment, and when a woman answered the phone at Kenny's home, she declined to comment.

Kenny III was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, tampering with evidence, and possession of narcotic paraphernalia (the bags) and was released on bail, police said.

Kenny refused medical attention, police said.

Cops: Shooter and victim are both in the hospital

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

A Jersey City man was arrested yesterday afternoon after he shot a man in the leg on Communipaw Avenue between West Side Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City, police said.

But the shooter, Edward Neals, 28, of 16th Street, ended up in an ambulance and may have been the more badly hurt of the two. Police believe Neals may have fired the shot at 1:30 p.m. only after being badly beaten by the victim, also of Jersey City, reports said.

A search of Neals turned up 16 grams of suspected crack cocaine, police said. He was charged with aggravated assault, weapons offenses and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Both men were taken to the Jersey City Medical Center with non-life-threatening wounds, police said.

Schools chiefs would lose big if caps get OK

Wednesday, June 18, 2008
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Departing school chiefs in Hudson County stand to lose hundreds of thousands of dollars if a bill passed by the state Assembly capping the amount they can be paid for unused vacation and sick time becomes law.

Passed by a 76-4 vote on Monday, the bill would cap payouts on unused vacation pay and unused sick time to $15,000 apiece. But the provision in the bill that's making school bosses nervous is the clause that would apply the caps retroactively to existing contracts.

This provision would affect virtually every schools superintendent in Hudson County, said Robert Osak, executive superintendent for the county, who has been reviewing contracts in the county in the wake of a $740,000 severance package for a superintendent in Keansburg coming to light.

Union City Superintendent of Schools Stanley Sanger, who would stand to lose more than $100,000 in payments for unused sick time if this bill became law, questioned its fairness and legality.

"They (the administrators) have been working under a set of rules and regulations and to change those rules and regulations after 30 years would be professionally devastating to anyone in the public or private sector," said Sanger, who took the reins as superintendent five years ago and has been with the district for 35 years.

Sanger also raised questions about the legality of passing a law that would nullify existing contracts.

Representatives of the Office of Legislative Services refused to say yesterday if the bill's author, Joseph Cryan, D-Union, asked for a legal opinion or if one has been rendered.

Cryan, chairman of the Assembly Education Committee, where the bill was introduced, couldn't be reached to comment; and Assemblyman Ruben Ramos, D-Hoboken, a member of that committee, didn't return phone messages left for him.

Another big loser if the measure passes would be Jersey City Superintendent of Schools Charles T. Epps Jr., who inked a new three-year deal with the district in April - the terms of which were reviewed and approved by state Education Commissioner Lucille Davy.

Epps accumulated 4931/2 "carry over" sick days with the district prior to his appointment as superintendent on July 1, 2002. According to his contract, he is to be paid $71,365 for those days when he departs.

He will also earn $15,000 for unused sick time he accrued after he became superintendent.

Davy has defended Epps' contract, arguing Epps was legally entitled to the sick days and other compromises were made to hold down the costs.

Epps earns $250,700 annually.

Former Hoboken schools superintendent Patrick Gagliardi retired last year with a nearly $600,000 severance package.

Constantino Scerbo, the schools chief in Secaucus, is scheduled to retire on Aug. 31. His office didn't provide a copy of his contract yesterday.

The Assembly bill now moves on to the state Senate.

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That is the work of a 70's artist by the name of Charles Simonds.

LINK

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the worst.

...because when you think of Jersey City postal service, you think "great public servant."

Anybody ever check out the mini stone castles in the swamps??

flick here

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Like everything else in Newport.

what part of jc are you from homie?

if downtown, try jc taekwon do on newark ave near grove st.

edit - obviously this is a tae kwon do school and not karate.. but close enough