*******PLEASE FORWARD TO A HUDSON CATHOLIC GRADUATE AND ANY INDIVIDUAL, SMALL BUSINESS OR CORPORATION INTERESTED IN DONATING TO ASSIST HUDSON CATHOLIC*************


To the HUDSON CATHOLIC FAMILY,

We need to raise approximately $400,000 by MAY 7th.

In support of the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION's efforts to raise funds by May 7th, we've developed a subcommittee of alumni members from the class of 1988 to 1991 to concentrate on raising the initial funds that the ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK is requiring.

The subcommittee's main objective is to share information provided by the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, bridge overlaps and assist the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION with it's communication to the Hudson Catholic community, particularly the ALUMNI from the Class of 1988 to 1991.

We've created a community message board system we can all use and share with others to read messages and post messages. It also allows for file attachments and the ability to be notified by email if someone has made a reply to a post you are interested in "watching." Additionally, we've created a directory of publicity related to the Archdiocese of Newarks plan to close Hudson Catholic and links to websites such as FACEBOOK, HUDSON CATHOLIC MAIN PAGE, OFFICIAL HC ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, YOUTUBE etc. Please see http://www.helpfulsoul.com/hawks


This link is to complement what the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION already has in place and meant to galvanize everyone's efforts, connect the HC community and collectively meet the HUDSON CATHOLIC COMMUNITY's objective raise $400,000 by May 7th.


So if you are from the class of 1988 to class of 1991, below are members of the volunteer team who you can reach out to directly to ask questions or assist to raise funds. We are all donating our time and expertise to get the message to classmates from your respective years. If you are not from any of these classes....it's ok. The message is the same for everyone.......donate and find people to donate.

Ernest Ceberio-1990 - FOCUS ON CLASS OF 1990

Orlando Soler-1991 - FOCUS ON CLASS OF 1991

Marco Poisler-1988 - FOCUS ON CLASS OF 1988

John Caton -1990 FOCUS ON CLASS OF 1990

John Mulkeen- 1989 FOCUS ON CLASS OF 1989

Eduardo Pena-1990 EXTERNAL FOCUS - CORPORATIONS
Joe Pagetta- 1990 EXTERNAL FOCUS - CORPORATIONS

Steve Cappiello-1988 COMMUNICATIONS: Bulletin Board, Weblinks
***Author and current keeper of record


WHAT

Hudson Catholic Alumni Association has a two phase mission to assist Hudson Catholic HS. PHASE ONE will be to raise $400,000 by May 7th and PHASE TWO will be to devise a long term plan for Hudson Catholic to remain open.

Archdiocese of Newark has set a deadline on May 7th, 2008 to raise $400,000. Once we meet that objective, we are required to provide a long term plan to sustain Hudson Catholic operation and preserve its existence.

If we do not raise the money, 790 Bergen Ave will no longer be home to HUDSON CATHOLIC REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL.



WHEN

DONATE NOW.

Deadline is MAY 7th and we've provided a critical path leading to the end date.
Thursday, April 24th - Gather the CORE team
Friday, April 25th- Conference call scheduled for members of Class of 1988 - Class of 1991 who may have questions. Opportunity for dialogue.
Sunday, April 27th-Conference call for CORE team to evaluate feedback, changes etc.
April 26, 27, 28, 29, 30-Fundraising.......
May 1,2, 3,4,5,6-more Fundraising.............continued
May 7 - Wrap up and reconvene
NOTE: CONFERENCE CALL IN # will be provided. Please advise if you have interest.


HOW

All checks should be mailed to Hudson Catholic High School, c/o Alumni Association, 790 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

Checks should be made out to the Hudson Catholic Alumni Association with the notation, SOS in the memo field. The Alumni Association is a not-for-profit organization pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Alumni Association will keep all donations received for the SOS account in a segregated bank account reserved exclusively for the purpose of saving the school.

For alums who work at large companies, you may want to consider using your company's matching gift program if its available. If you want to use your program, you probably will have to make your check out to Hudson Catholic High School with the notation, SOS in the memo field for your company to match your gift. Each matching gift program is a little different so you should check with your HR department. Checks made out in this way will also be sent aside for the SOS account.

Any questions or if detailed information is needed, please contact Brother Pat King or Alumni Association President, Larry Basinski, address: 790 Bergen Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306, contact number is 201-332-5970 and can be emailed at hudsoncatholicalumni@hotmail.com

Additionally, please visit http://www.helpfulsoul.com/hawks to view the YAHOO GROUP site created by the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION.


Thank you for your consideration and support.



Sincerely,



HAWK ALUMNI

Eduardo Pena, Class of 1990 - Cell Phone # 973.900.2427
Ernest Ceberio, Class of 1990
Joe Pagetta, Class of 1990
John Caton, Class of 1990
Steve Cappiello, Class of 1988
Marco Poisler, Class of 1988
John Mulkeen, Class of 1989
Orlando Soler, Class of 1991



"St. John Baptiste De La Salle Pray for Us, Live Jesus in Our Hearts Forever"

Sent to me....

To challenge the closure, the Alumni Association along with Parents associations have established meeting times next week to discuss this event. We'd like to forward invitations to the two meetings scheduled this week and ask that you take notice of the event taking place in Jersey City, NJ. ( SEE EMAIL FROM LARRY BASINSKI BELOW)

Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00 PM
Meeting for HC ALUMNI
Hudson Catholic Library
Larry Basinsky, Class of 1970

This is important to many of us and ask that you assist by either attending or sharing with others that this is taking place. Thank you for taking the time to read and look forward to your support.

If there are any questions, please forward directly to hudsoncatholicalumni@hotmail.com and the Alumni Association will respond appropriately.


Sincerely,


Members of Class of 1990

I believe there is one on Garfield Ave near Communipaw Ave. Nice building. I had to drop a friend off.

Otherwise, you can try Dr. Medrano's office on the corner of Van Vorst Park (Jersey and York).

It is a private practice but he often takes charity cases because he knows many of the old timers and their families(but ask the office manager first - there's a form). He's there only part of the time so his clients line up outside.

The entrance is on the 1st floor on Jersey Ave.

There were 2 types: a private clean up company for hazardous spills and one that said EPA.

There were about 4 or 5 emergency vehicles for hazardous materials on Jersey Ave between 3rd and 4th Streets. Normally an oil tank removal occurs in front of a house. The workers were digging up the street. Does anyone know why?

Which link is the link to sign the petition? Is it an online petition?

Also, what time will Kucinich be at New Jersey City University? I want to make sure I'm there.

THANKS!

I am returning to college after 19 years to complete my degree at NJCU. I highly recommend people who don't have the time to pursue their MBA to attend this session. The classes are geared around working professionals. And there are so many perks to the school. I wish I would have taken advantage of the tuition reimbursement while I was working.

For those who are even considering law school, they also have affordable LSAT prep courses.

This is at a great location and easy to get to.

So check it out....

Hello...I read another thread on this a few weeks ago and decided to fight 2 tickets. One for cleaning and the other, for parking on the red. I was excused for both. So it's definitely worth it. Please have photos to hand in or any documentation. I said that there may have been construction and that's why I couldn't find any parking. The street cleaning one, I said I was not able to go out due to my son. At least, the court can reduce the fine.

Thanks for all who posted about this in the other thread.

Shelley has organized many parents throughout Jersey City to have an online discussion about the public school system. She has also been able to enlist the input of City Council members as well as Board of Education members. The Jersey City Families for Better Schools (JCFBS) group varies in their opinion about matters which is important in this discussion. Shelley also has managed to get professional assistance in evaluating the bigger picture of our school system. If you are a parent, its important to join and learn how you can make a difference.

Hello all! I could use at least 2 more volunteers for the patrol tomorrow night. Please email downtownjcwatch@gmail.com.

We will cover VVP, Wayne Street, Brunswick Street, Pathmark, and Bright Street.

The Guardian Angels will also be walking with us as well.

Thanks!

Response from William Frasca PART II

Top Three Priorities,

1. End Corruption and increase accountability of all financial expenditures.
Did you
know part of the school budget goes to the monthly rental of (11) different facilities for various educational functions? Complete desk audits of all administrative personnel, proving their necessity to the Jersey City School
District. Unjustified high salary positions are choking the budget.

2. To remove the State of New Jersey from it's strangle hold on the children of Jersey City. Complete elimination of school lotteries.

3. Increasing school board/parent/guardian/child involvement and participation in the educational process by holding open school board meetings in central locations throughout the city, making the Board of Education meetings more accessible to the public. Limiting the amount of closed sessions. This will administer more pertinent information to parents and guardians, with nothing to hide.
Encouraging the establishment of information forums, groups and meetings in each of the Jersey City wards.

Again, I am deeply saddened and disappointed that I missed the candidates forum on April 5, 2007. My absence was unavoidable and I hope not insulting. If I sound a little winded, it's because I have so much to say with so
little time. Again I must stress, I lived in Jersey City all my life. I received no endorsements, I received no contributions, I had no money to spend, I made no pack with any other candidate, I am a member of no political organization or club, I am retired, I have no political
job, my loyalty is to the parents and especially to the children of Jersey City. I hope you will at least see it in your hearts to grant me a fair and equal
evaluation.

Thank You for your cooperation and patience

William P. Frasca

Response from William Frasca PART I

To: Jersey City Families For Better Schools

To the first question, Why am I running for the school board?

1. I am tired of the corruption.

2. I'm tired of the children of Jersey City being used as financial and
educational pawns.

3. I'm tired of individuals stepping on the backs of our children to advance
their own political agenda and selfishly using the board for their own
personal gain.

4. I'm tired of the State takeover of our school system.

5. I'm tired of the State hand picking the Jersey City school superintendent,
and giving him an outrageous salary and perks.

6. I'm tired of our school system being used as a political dumping ground to
repay individuals for political favors.

7. I'm tired of highly paid over crowded administrators, who milk the Jersey
City school budget dry.

8. I'm tired of the school board having no voice in the hiring, firing and
discipline of
employees.

9. I'm tired of the taxpayers and parents of Jersey City having no right to vote
on a school budget.

10. I'm tired of school lotteries, and parents waiting on long lines just to
take a number, for having their child attend the school of choice, with no
guarantees of selection.

11. I'm tired of children getting left behind and lost in the system

12. I'm tired of increasing truancy.

13. I'm tired of little or no accountability of expenditures.

14. I'm tired of seeing parents frantic in having to seek alternative
educational institutions, or home schooling, because they don't trust the
educational process of the Jersey City Public Schools

15. I'm tired of selfish political intervention.

This I pledge, I will remain as an independent voice to improve the Jersey
City educational system. If elected I will become easily accessible to all.
My total allegiance is to the parents and children of Jersey City. I'm not
afraid to fight against injustice. I'm not afraid to speak my mind. I'm not
afraid to go against the status quo. I am my own person. I will be a loud
voice for the children, I will keep all of you informed, especially of the
abuses. So together we will have strength in numbers. I will not seek any
other political offices. I will uphold my position with respect and dignity.
I will not disappoint and never falter. It is said individuals must know
their limitations, lucky for me, to this date, I haven't found my
limitation.

Response from Moses Ballon
Question 1.

I'm running for school board to be a voice for our children and community. As a Board Trustees I will bring oversight and accountability to Jersey City School District. The Abbott vs Burke ruling, began in Jersey City as Robinson &
Jersey City vs Cahill and resulted in a court order mandate. Jersey City stands to lose 100's of millions of dollars if we don't speak up and out as to our rights in this Abbott ruling; and I am up to this challenge.

Question 2.

1. I will initiate the development of a Focus Group (s)throughout the city, to include parents, teachers, students and local Officials that would seek positive and long-term solution for our failing school system.

2. There are currently billion of dollars in construction and road bill work in the NJ/NY area. I will go after the 7.5 million dollars of outreach and training Abbott funding (PL 1975/C127), that will be use to address the
concerns and needs of those young men and women who have fell threw the cracks of our failing school system.

3. I would work to ensure that the board meetings were being held more conveniently at a time and place when parents, teachers, student and Officials
could attend. Several of the current trustees are retired and are not available or unwilling to meet in the evening or some Saturday mornings.

Response from Jenny Garcia

Why are you running for the board?

I am running for the board to ensure that the voice of our parents is heard. As
a parent with five children in the system my husband and I like many families have a
vested interest that not only our children, but all children receive the best
education possible. I am running because if I did not then I would not be doing
what I believe I should do which is to help others in the community. We all have
to do our part in making where we live a better place.



What are your top three priorities if elected to the Board?

Early childhood education is fundamental to our children. It is imperative that
we begin a quality education, with a curriculum that supersedes our current
standards as early as possible. Our curriculum in our high schools is
antiquated as well, and needs to be modeled to present needs. We need to include
in all grade levels, music and the arts. Were students can be given the ability
to apply learned techniques and discipline into all areas of study. Extra
curricular areas of study are of great interest to me as well, with special
emphasis on science and mathematics. Our children score generally low in theses areas of study. As well as an
athletic program, were "all" of our students are allowed to excel in a
sport, which aides in building self esteem. Safety for all children is crucial,
especially in our high schools and is a major priority.


Sincerely,
Mrs. Jenny Garcia
Parent Advisory Council
Special Education
(201)386-9873

Response from Jenny Cambell

1. I am running for the school board to continue pursuing my efforts to provide
our children with a quality education. By empowering parents and the community
to help in this struggle, the prospect of our children?s educational success
becomes much brighter.

2. My first priority if elected to the school board will be to use my recent character smear to highlight
the destructive nature of politics. If politics continue to be mixed with
educational issues, our children and our school system will continue to suffer.
My second priority will be to be an avid student of state and city laws
regarding our school system and use that information to empower parents about
their power and influence in helping to create a successful school system. My
third priority will be to serve as a general conduit of information and support
for parents, teachers and concerned citizens so that I can help bridge the gap
of communication between the school board and our community.


Jenny E. Campbell
H - 201-309-1381
C - 201-208-4196

Questions asked by CJ FAMILIES FOR BETTER SCHOOLS
ANSWERS TO BE POSTED


Dear Candidate-

The Forum on April 5th has generated a tremendous amount of interest in the
Board of Education Elections on Tuesday. Many people in the community who could
not attend the Forum, or who are not members of JC Families For Better Schools,
are eager to hear your views on the following questions:

1. Why are you running for the Board of Education?

2. What are your top three priorities if elected to the Board?

I know this is very last minute but your participation in the Forum have
inspired many people in Jersey City to get out and vote.

If you would like to write no more than five or six sentences for each question,
the answers will be posted on JC List, JC Families For Better Schools and Jersey City Family Alliance. If you are unable to do this, with your permission, we could post appropriate parts of your prior written statements.

We did not have current emails for all the candidates so several were contacted
by phone.

Thank you. Again our apologies for the short notice, we honestly didn?t expect
to have such a demand for more feed back from all of you.

With all good wishes,

Shelley Skinner
Founder JC Families For better Schools

Hello Randolph Ave! I patrolled with your group last year. Another group is the www.embankment.org. they have a great understanding of the system. Align yourself with the others who are fighting as well....

good luck!

!If anyone is interested in participating with the CCTV Citizen Commission, please email me at downtownjcwatch@gmail.com with your contact info. They meet monthly on Central Avenue. Thanks!

Below are the candidates' names. I'm looking for their bios.

Gerald McCann
Moses Ballon Jr.
Angel Valentin
Michael Esposito
Jenny Garcia
Jenny Campbell
Terry DeHere
William Frasca
Ben Lopez
Aida Sanchez
Arnold Williams

Is anyone familiar with Parents in Action?

Well it's listed on the BOE site as this

Tuesday, 3/27 - NJQSAC Public Forum, PS #11, 6 p.m.

but last week, there was an entire paragraph explaining the event.

NJQSAC is NJ Quality Single Accountability Continuum
Does anyone know what this is?

I will call them and ask them how to get on their Speaker's list

Isn't the JC Family Schools Public Forum on Thursday, the 29th?

Pam

On the website, www.jcboe.org, there was a post about a public forum meeting on March 27th where the BOE will be reviewed by an independent commission from the State of NJ. THis is no longer on the website. Does anybody have this information?

Hi, I hope this thread remains alive because many of you have so much experience in this area. Our 1st issue is the BOE meeting, 2nd is the Public Forum held by the State, and 3rd is the Parent's Forum for BOE candidates.

On Thursday, March 15th, the Board of Education will have it's monthly meeting. This will be the last Board of Ed meeting before the elections in April.

Many parents have come together and will be speaking at the meeting. We need more people to come and support our voice.

We need to let the Board Of Education know that there are many parents concerned about the lack of Educational Facilities, failing standards, lack of process among faculty selection among other concerns. If you can, please join me and a couple of other parents who will speak at the next meeting on Thursday, March 15th about issues, please call, Board Secretary, Annemarie Carbonito at
201-915-6074. We will need people to hold up signs. If you cannot attend, please call 201-915-6074 and ask for their fax number. Fax them a letter that "we need more schools to accommodate the growing toddler poplulation" or that the Board should follow proper procedures in hiring Faculty by opening the process.

Thanks again for any support you can provide us and please join JC Schools yahoo group by emailing me. Thanks!

I just attended the Pre-K Workshop the BOE sponsored at School #17 and met 1 lead teacher from #28 in the heights. She spoke highly of the school and had a slide show of what to expect in the classroom and schedule.

I really enjoyed meeting the teachers and seeing the several presentations. I felt better knowing what to expect in the schools.

It was a shame that this workshop was not known to others. I asked them if they could come again. I will post again on a different thread.

Hello fellow Mom!

I really think Webster has come a long way. I used to live on Sherman Avenue between Griffith and Bowers back in 2000. There are so many great people in the area including some new moms like yourself.

As a co-founder of the Downtown JC Neighborhood Watch, I still agree with the former poster that sometimes its best not to follow the crime statistics unless you have been a victim or have specific crime issues on your block like drug dealing. I don't like to alarm people unnecessarily especially new moms (that sensitivity meter really goes up!)

For connecting with other moms in your neighborhood, check out www.jcfijc.org which is a family organization with a yahoo group board. You will find the support you need in your new home. They will also be hosting their annual Family Stir Crazy event on Sunday, March 4th, at the Golden Charter School.

Hope to see you!

There are some really good points that are discussed above and should be addressed by the Mayor.

As one of the founders of the Downtown JC Watch, I've learned a lot from our meetings with the police in the past 3 years.

*it's necessary to let the Police know specific location and crimes and issues on a regular basis as a group
* the JCPD has a system just like most workplaces and many times, we are not aware of that system (who do we call, when should we call with a phone tree, what should we say or not say, how to report a crime)
*contact the Captain or the Community Relations officer in your district if there's a problem
*Narcotics unit need specific information like vehicle description/lic. plate, name, address instead of "there's drug dealing on my block"
*a block patrol or "hanging out at front and chatting" creates presence and discourages criminal activity
*talking with the police and not "at" the police helps
*asking for more police, is like preaching to the choir. there's not enough graduates to match the number of retirees.

Still, it's important to have outcry and to rally and to discuss in all forms of media. It's good to question and there are some "big picture" issues that are not always discussed.

But, I just want to mention that our group, Downtown JC Watch was not contacted about this rally. Thanks to Bright Moments, I was made aware of the rally. Who is this group organizing this event?

Also, the JCPD and the former Chief Troy began a Community Policing group last June where citizens from each area of Jersey City meet with the police every month. The aforementioned issues are discussed but in more detail.

This group rep. would be an asset to have at these meetings. When I brought the rally flyer to the attention of the Community Relations Officer and Heights member, they were not familiar with this group. So my question is, did this group reach out to their Council Person or their Community Relations person about working on their issues?

I just think it's important that people know that there are exisitng outlets for this so I hope they are being used.

Good luck and hope to see you all at the rally....

downtownjcwatch@gmail.com

FROM East District JCPD with attachment below:

As many of you are aware - there is a homeless issue
within this city, your district, and your
neighborhood. Many of you and/or community members
have voiced concerns and complaints on the homeless.

The JCPD, East District, is currently working with
city and local agencies in dealing with and assisting
the homeless.

I ENCOURAGE each of you to particpate with the HCAEH
(Hudson County Alliance to end Homelessness) on
January 25, 2007. The Alliance needs donations
(please see attached) as well as volunteers
(information attached). The volunteers for the
On-Site at Project Homeless Connect (10:00 a.m. - 7:00
p.m.) will assist with the event at the Jersey City
Armory, located on Montgomery St. between Summit and
Jordan Ave. (main entrance is located on Jordan Ave.).

Again, please read, print and distribute the attached
to all community members, neighbors, family and
friends. The homeless issue is a state, city and
community issue.

Regards.

P.O. Dina Reilly


Below if the attachment, cut and pasted in text form:

On January 25, 2007 the Hudson County Alliance to End Homelessness will be linking the HUD mandated Point in Time Survey, to assess the number and needs of the homeless in our community, with the statewide Project Homeless Connect effort, a one day event to be held at the Jersey City Armory, that will provide those without a permanent residence, and experiencing Homelessness with services, food, and clothing.

January 25, 2007

To make this event a success, we will need support and involvement from the entire community in a variety of ways.

Donations:
Provision of a unique service at the Project Homeless Connect Site
Donations of Prepared Food
Clothing (i.e. Jackets, socks, underwear)
Useful Items (i.e. Flashlights, Toiletry Packs)

Volunteers Needed to Administer Point in Time Survey:
Unsheltered/Street Count (Morning & Evening Shifts)
On-Site at Project Homeless Connect (10am -7pm)

If you are interested in donating items, or volunteering to participate in this event, please contact:
Susan Milan, JCECDC at (201) 604.2600 x. 310 or SMilan@jcecdc.org, or
Jacob de Lemos, Hudson County, (201) 795. 6493 or jdelemos@hudsoncountynj.org

Confirmed! Blockwatch tonight at 7pm!

Please stop by one of the meeting areas and meet your neighbors and at the same time create presence on your street. Just 10 minutes of your time!

Below are our meeting areas:

7pm
2nd and Brunswick (Jim/Suzanne/Rob)
235 3rd Street between Erie and Jersey Ave (Dale)
Bright Street and Jersey Ave (Leila/Tammy/Allison/Jimmy)
8th Street and West Hamilton (Kelly/Phil/Jan/Alfred)
Coles Street btwn 4th and 5th Streets (Marie/Al/Jeff/Carolina)7:30pm
SE corner on Wayne Street and Barrow (Abe/Brian/Steven)

Thanks!

Thanks Outtadodge for your post.

First of all, yes, you did more than the average citizen and were wondeful in helping scare the 2 actors away from completing their crime. It is the actions of concerned citizens such as yourself that make a difference in building a better neighborhood. I'm not sure if you are the witness I spoke with but if you are then you read the police report yourself and told me that it was incorrect.

If you are not the witness I spoke with then you did not see the police report they sent out. At any rate, the police sent out a description of the 2 suspects and when the additional witness read the description, the clothing was interchanged and the age was incorrect. So the complete description was lost at the moment such as calling in a juvenile unit. If the police are looking for a hispanic 20-something male with a black shirt instead of a black male juvenile with a numbered red shirt, there is a very big discrepancy. The victim was probably terrified in remembering all the details.

It is important but very difficult in the moment of reporting a crime, to follow up with the police department specifically the Captain's office or the Community Relations Officer. At the time of a crime or report, information can be distorted by the time it's filed. And, as you said, the attending police were rushing the victim away and did not seek your witness account. Something that we will bring up at the next Downtown JC Watch meeting. That has been our experience in working with the Police Department. If possible, handing the attending police officer a piece of paper and your number would greatly help. I know it may seem like a special trip to the police precinct but you can also call the East District at 201.547.5470.

I don't want to discourage those who've helped but I want to make sure that your help is fully appreciated and utilized in an efficient manner. This info can be used in all districts of Jersey City.

Thanks for making a difference, others would not have gone so far. And if you are the witness I spoke to, good luck in your new ventures!

Yes,...yes... JC INSOMNIAC, it is the Police Dept.'s Job to officially investigate. I did my own investigation as a concerned neighbor so this is just an example of how a resident can collect better information than the police. I'm a known resident, it's not really hard to ask around for info. Jersey City is really a small town...as you know.

This is what I did and what others can also do:

First of all, I'm a dogowner. So I took my dog to Hamilton Park that day with the print out on the 3 robberies where I met the better witness who was walking her 3 dogs. She was already talking about the incident with another dog owner.

This investigation took only 5 minutes and I called the Community Relations Officer with the correct information.

So, I'm using the word "investigation" freely here....

Sorry!