This article is a few years old...

http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2006/01/19/raw/index.html

only Three shows left!

Tonight (6.26.08), Friday & Saturday.

TICKETS $20 general admission
To purchase, visit www.arthouseproductions.org
or call (201) 915-9911

(Adult show, suitable for 15 yrs+)

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

Set sail on high seas with 'Story'
Jersey City troupe testing the waters with original work
Friday, June 13, 2008
By JEFF THEODORE

JOURNAL ARTS EDITOR

W ith summer well on its way, it's a perfect time to embrace all things nautical.

For its first original piece of work, Art House Productions, a Jersey City performance company, is summoning water lovers to see "Sea Story," a play that runs through June 28.

The play, which has been in development for about a year, will have its audiences seated in a simulated ship on a journey to Crabcake Bay. There, Val, the main character, answers an ad promising adventure. Other elements of the play includes a secret society of women, a busted ham radio and mythological creatures that come to life.

Christine Goodman, founder and artistic director for Art House, says she imagined the show in her mind a year ago.

"This has been a beautiful labor of love," Goodman says. "I brought in people that Art House has worked with in previous productions, and then we started writing the script as a team. As it turns out, everybody in our development team had various relationships with the water, having lived around it or had experiences. We all had a personal investment and really connected to the theme."

The production will feature an actual ship, although not full-size, with a bow, canvas featuring aquatic scenes and a crow's nest. The audience will sit in an in-the-round setting as the actors perform.

It's the first time Art House has done in-the-round and also the first full-scale production in its new space at Hamilton Square.

"This is the first of hopefully a lot of projects we're excited about," Goodman says. "This has definitely been an ambitious undertaking but everybody has been game for it and put their all into it."

Goodman, who also has a role in the show, says it was intimidating to take on creating an original play. Generally, Art House has presented their version of plays and musicals already on the theater circuit.

"I didn't know if people would agree with my idea," Goodman says. "But as soon as we sat down and started writing it, the energy was remarkable. We have a tremendous cast and a visionary director."

Jack Halpin is the director, while the cast also includes The Jersey Journal's own intrepid reporter, Ronald Leir.

Goodman says the play came to fruition because she's always been an avid fan of water.

"I'm captivated by the mythology of the sea and the stories surrounding it," she says. "This play will be a great way to kick off the summer. I hope people will come and see what we've created. Great theater is happening on this side of the Hudson and Art House is proud to be part of the movement."



Sea Story is NOW PLAYING! I saw the play and it is really great!
http://arthouseproductions.org/calendar.html

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The point is, city vehicles should be moved for street cleaning, and city employees should obey parking regulations.

Check out the BOE election results at:

http://www.hudsoncountyclerk.org/cgi-bin/election.pl

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Get your facts right before posting, Omar. Barney Franks had
an affair with a male prostitute, not a male page (see the link below for more information).

The unsuccessful attempts to expel Frank was led by Republican Larry Craig. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barney_Frank

YOU?RE INVITED TO OUR NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING:
WEDNESDAY APRIL 2, 2008 7:45 PM
The Cordero School
0n Erie between 9th St and Pavonia Avenue

Police Report Note: Captain McDonough of the East District is now holding monthly meetings open to the
public which will replace the regular crime reports from the police at neighborhood meetings. Meetings are held
the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm at M.S. 4 (107 Bright Street). The Jersey City Police Department has a
new website, www.njjcpd.org that provides extensive Department Information as well as Preventive Tips. You
can reach the East District via their new email address policeeast@jcnj.org. Please note the non-emergency police
number: (201) 547-5477.
Meeting Agenda

7:45 - 8:00 Welcome and Neighborhood Updates
Membership information, updates on local development, the Hamilton Park renovation, and the
upcoming June Park Festival (scheduled for Saturday, 6/14).

8:00 ? 8:10 Grace Church Senior Programs
A director of senior programs at Grace Church will discuss outreach efforts to local seniors
including a daily hot lunch, dance classes, and social opportunities. This program is funded by
community donations and powered by volunteers.

8:10 ? 8:20 City Council Considers Additional Erie Street Stop Signs
Additional stop signs along Erie Street were considered by the City Council on 3/26/08 and
tabled until further review by Traffic and Engineering. Jersey City is about to launch a city-wide
traffic circulation study, which the HPNA hopes to provide input for as a stakeholder. Come list
problem intersections in the Hamilton Park neighborhood for us to include as needing attention.

8:20 ? 8:50 Public Schools Discussion
Wed, April 15th is the Board of Education Elections for the Jersey City School District. After
nearly 20 years, the city?s school district is being transferred from state-control to local-control so
these elections are extremely important. With historically low turnout in the past, these elections
have been decided by just one vote ? so EVERY VOTE MATTERS!
Come learn about the Jersey City School District and what these elections really mean for the
future of our local public schoolchildren with this discussion headed up by Shelley Skinner,
founder of Jersey City Families for Better Schools. Read more about the candidates at the JCFBS
website: www.jerseycityschools.org .

8:50 ? 9:00 Community Concerns and Comments

9:00 ? 9:30 Neighborhood social time, chat with presenters

hamiltonpark.org

Thanks for another asinine April Fools article.

Info on adopting house rabbits is available at

http://rabbit.org

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Thanks for finding it. The Reporter article didn't come up in my search.

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Not exactly. This is a game for Sal. He is attempting to receive gratification by having Fulop respond to his posts. I think the councilman knows better.

Sal wrote:
I asked (Fulop) a direct question about this abatement because I had seen him use JCList to promote his Erie Street Stop Sign proposal that very day, and figured he could give some answers. I wouldn't think any less of Councilman Fulop if he chose not to communicate with a small segment of his constituents on JCList and GetNJ...

If Sal really cared about the issue he would contact Fulop directly, but of course he won't. Sal is a troll, and the best way to deal with trolls is to ignore them.

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Fulop voted against the abatement for the Beacon, where you claim to reside. This shouldn't come as a surprise since Fulop has consistently rejected abatements that are not needed.

Tax break intro for Med Center

Originally appeared in the Jersey Journal on Thursday, July 14, 2005

By KEN THORBOURNE

City Council members in Jersey City voted yesterday to introduce a measure that would grant a precedent-setting tax break for a project that would transform the old Jersey City Medical Center properties on Baldwin Avenue into a swanky condominium complex with screening rooms, rooftop restaurants and hot tubs.

The proposed tax abatement would last 30 years and require the developer - Metrovest Equities of New York City - to pay the city 10 percent of annual gross revenue. The standard for tax abatements in Jersey City has been 20 years, with a 16 percent return of annual gross revenue.

Deviations from the standard abatement agreement have normally been tied to the creation of affordable housing units, city officials said. But the Metrovest Equities project - known as the Beacon - involves all market-rate housing.

City officials said the unique abatement is necessary because of the complexity of the Beacon project, and its potential to jump-start development in the center of the city, in much the same way the massive Newport development rejuvenated the waterfront.

"A couple years ago, no one wanted to touch it (this property)," said Ward D Councilman William Gaughan on Monday, defending the tax abatement. "A lot of people will be part of a brand-new neighborhood."

The City Council will take a final vote on whether or not to grant the tax abatement at their meeting next month.

The lone vote yesterday against the tax abatement was Steve Fulop, the newly elected City Councilman from Ward E, who said the developer seemed to be getting "three bites at the apple." Fulop said the developer purchased the properties at a discount and initially claimed he could finance the $350 million project himself.

Jersey City resident Lavern Washington also felt the tax break was an unnecessary give-away.

"We gave that property to them (Metrovest Equities) and those people will have nothing affordable in that complex," Washington said.

http://www.jcedc.org/new/jj071405.html

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Abatements are good or bad, depending on how they they are implemented. A major issue that many of us have with abatements is that the city has left too much on the table when offering abatement to developers. I don't think that Fulop has ever said that he would unconditionally vote against all abatements in ward E.

Sal, what ward do you live in and what is your council person's voting record on abatements? Can we assume that unlike Fulop, your council person has voted for nearly every abatement that was offered? Do you have an ulterior motive for suggesting inconsistencies in Fulop's voting record?

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There wasn't much debate or information provided on that ordinance. It was a light agenda, and it is seems that this and other ordinances were not discussed at the Monday caucus meeting. Mariano Vega suggested that they table it to get the opinion from Traffic Engineering. Don't expect Traffic engineering to be of much help, since they are part of Public Works (on record as opposing slowing traffic on Erie) so their assessment won't come as a big surprise.

My opinion - I'm not yet convinced that the stop signs are a good idea. There IS a problem, and the ordinance appears to make sense and I appreciate Fulop's efforts, but if Erie traffic is slowed down the problem may shift to other streets. What we could really use is the unbiased opinion from a private Traffic Engineer.

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It is unlikely but worth trying. Even a 802.11b wireless router has more than sufficient bandwidth.

Creativeconquests should run the speed test with the wireless and then connected to ethernet to rule that out.

Quote:

Test your actual speed at:

http://www.speedtest.net/

and compare the result with what Comcast promises to provide.

Good luck!

Perth Amboy's bid to go wireless a winning wager
Home News Tribune Online 03/22/08

Perth Amboy Mayor Joseph Vas announced an agreement this week that will convert the city into one of the nation's first digital wireless municipalities, a coup for this Colonial-age community celebrating its 325th year of existence.



Vas noted that no other New Jersey municipality he knows of has yet to take this step. Plenty are sure to follow, though, if the technology's advantages are as numerous as they appear. Perth Amboy stands to be a winner almost immediately in terms of simple convenience and cost.

Digital wireless microwave technology is what makes cell phones, pagers, wireless local area networks and global positioning satellites possible. Valued for its ability to transmit large volumes of information in a secure fashion with quality reception by stationary or remote receivers, digital wireless eliminates the need for land-line connections as a means of transmitting voice and digital data. Besides versatility and efficiency, costs compared to land lines are far lower as well.

The plan is to eventually construct a broad enough array of digital connections throughout Perth Amboy to create a wireless canopy over the entire city, enabling government and schools and residents to enjoy access to broadband services no matter where in Perth Amboy they might happen to be ? heady latest-technology stuff for a city whose roots go all the way to the nation's founding, a period when its Proprietary House served as home to the last royal governor of New Jersey, William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin.

Ol' Ben, he of the lightning rod, inventor of bifocals, and creator of the odometer, would have brimmed with pride and no doubt amazement over these latest scientific advancements.

City Hall has enlisted the Breaker Group Inc., a digital wireless company based in Mount Holly, to perform the wireless integration in three stages. Initially, Perth Amboy will link its 18 municipal buildings and its public schools through wireless microwave, followed by an expansion to city businesses and redevelopment areas, capped at last by delivery of wireless connectivity to all of its residents.

The initial cost, including equipment, is an estimated $370,000, but Perth Amboy has been pledged $500,000 toward that bill by Morris Cos., the redeveloper of Amboy Corporate Center, offsetting any expense to taxpayers. Better yet, city government anticipates an approximate $10,000 monthly savings in communications infrastructure expenses once the network is up and running, a noteworthy financial bonus for taxpayers.

Perth Amboy is a city long in search of its economic footing, and major strides have been made in that direction in recent decades. This latest step toward the most modern of communication networks should greatly assist that push, not only by virtue of its promised savings to the city, but because of the distinct advantage it gives Perth Amboy in its quest to lure the next generation of cutting-edge industry.

More efficient operations and enhanced revenues: What more could Perth Amboy hope for?

http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art ... /OPINION01/803220400/1079

McDonald jury receives more instructions from judge
by Michaelangelo Conte
Wednesday March 19, 2008, 12:50 PM

Jurors in the Edward McDonald murder trial today asked to be re-instructed a second time on the law regarding reckless manslaughter. McDonald was summoned to the courtroom for the short hearing in which Superior Court Judge Kevin Callahan explained the law to the jurors.

Yesterday the jury asked for and received instructions on the charges of aggravated manslaughter and reckless manslaughter.

The jury is in its 10th day of deliberations. McDonald is charged in the murder of Hossam Armanious, 47; his wife, Amal Garas, 37; and their daughters, Monica, 9, and Sylvia, 16, in their Jersey City home on Jan. 11, 2005. He faces up to life in prison with no chance of parole if convicted.

To convict on the charge of reckless manslaughter the jury must find McDonald caused a death recklessly by his own actions or by the actions of an accomplice with a shared criminal intent. They must find he acted recklessly with a knowledge that his actions created the possibility of the victim's death.

That contrasts with the charge of aggravated manslaughter, in which jurors would have to find McDonald acted recklessly with the knowledge his actions created the probability of the victim's death. To be convicted of murder, the jury would have to find McDonald purposely and knowingly killed the victim.

http://www.nj.com/hudsoncountynow/ind ... ury_receives_more_in.html

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2DogDoll, I'm flagging your post and have notified the webmaster. Hopefully he'll ban someone that actually deserves it.

Quote: The renovation work in Hamilton Park will start as soon as May.

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The new residents WILL be eligible for zone parking permits to park on the street. Good observation, and I'll leave it at that.

The Arnold Diaz investigation was instigated by a person on JCLIST - CapnJon

Interesting how in Ricardo Kaulessar's interview of Ms. Flood in the JC Reporter she blames Fulop.
"Flood said she believes Fulop was the person who contacted Diaz about doing the story, but Fulop denied that he was responsible when interviewed recently."

See:
http://jclist.com/modules/newbb/viewt ... id=133971#forumpost133971

WFMU listeners (you know who you are!)

This is it! The final weekend of WFMU's 50th anniversary fundraising marathon. HELP WFMU meet their goals by making a secure online pledge at http://www.wfmu.org or call 800-989-9368 and show your love for WFMU. The 50th Anniversary Marathon concludes Sunday night 3/9/08 from 7pm to Midnight with the Hoof and Mouth Sinfonia Grand Finale Show.

The Black Hollies will play at the Hamilton Park Festival on June 14, 2008, along with Bryan Beninghove and 3 other bands.
The complete list will be posted soon.

http://www.myspace.com/theblackhollies

From the link above:

This is the seventh Citizens? Rights & Responsibilities Survey performed in New Jersey by local citizen volunteers coordinated by the Citizens? Campaign. Newark, Paterson, Trenton, Plainfield, Hamilton, and Morristown also completed Surveys. The 16 components of civic health were developed by the Citizens? Campaign with input from top academics, legal experts, and citizens concerned about improving the civic health of their communities. The Survey is continually being revised based on comments and suggestions from local volunteers.

Civic groups rate political health of Jersey City
Saturday, February 23, 2008
By KEN THORBOURNE
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

Jersey City might be a "Destination City" for the up and coming. But when it comes to regular citizens playing a role in government, it's still a backwater town, according to a survey released this week by two watchdog groups.

According to the survey by the Citizens' Campaign and Civic JC, Jersey City measured up well in four of 16 categories examined in assessing the city's civic health, but fell short in three other areas, and failed to address nine other components.

"I don't view the survey as the end of the process, but as a blueprint directing us to Jersey City's best resource, the residents," said Norrice Raymaker, a Heights resident and activist with the Citizens' Campaign.

The groups applauded Jersey City for the fact citizens can speak at City Council meetings, the city's Web site is regularly updated, public schools offer classes in civics, and the Jersey City Public Schools Web site lists meeting dates and agendas.

But the Democratic and Republican parties have several vacancies on their committees; it costs a lot to run for municipal office; and several commissions and boards in the city have vacancies, according to the survey.

The nine overlooked areas included no local ban on political fundraising for government officers, no municipal requirement for developers to disclose political contributions, and no regulations to protect the public against pay-to-play abuse.

City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill responded that state laws govern fundraising for government officers and requires political contributions to be disclosed.

"The Citizens' Campaign should be commended for taking the time to study civic involvement in Jersey City," Morrill added. "Like the Citizen's Campaign, the City of Jersey City is committed to improving our residents' access to government, city services, and the political process."

? 2008 The Jersey Journal
http://www.nj.com/jjournal/stories/in ... 20375064397960.xml&coll=3

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"ongoing surge" -- you just got a ticket from Grammar PO RabbitRabbit for poor word choice.

(bump)

Two dozen officers under suspicion.

Jersey City Police Launch Internal Steroids Probe
WNBC-TV
updated 11:04 p.m. ET, Wed., Feb. 20, 2008

NEW YORK - Jersey City police are investigating officers in their department to see if they were improperly using steroids, WNBC.com has learned. A police spokesman confirmed the ongoing probe.

"There is an internal affairs investigation within the Jersey City police department," the spokesman said, but declined to give details. One law enforcement source said numerous officers are being questioned but said the investigation is in its early stages.

No officers have been charged and the police spokesman said no officer has faced disciplinary action at this time. A spokesman for the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said Wednesday, "There is no criminal investigation presently active."

This steroid probe comes weeks after the New York City Police Department launched its own internal affairs investigation into several officers' alleged use of steroids.

That investigation started as a result of a raid on a Brooklyn pharmacy last year.

WNBC.com is told NYPD officials recently alerted Jersey City officials that some of its officers might also be linked to improper steroid use.

Please be advised the following items will be heard at the next Regular Meeting of the Jersey City Board of Adjustment, scheduled for Thursday, February 21, 2008, 6:00 p.m., in the 14th Floor Conference Room of 30 Montgomery St. Jersey City, New Jersey. Parking is available along Christopher Columbus Drive.


6. Old Business:
Case: Z07-065 ?A? Appeal
Applicant: Historic Paulus Hook Association, Inc.
Attorney: John Beyel, Esq
Address: 67 Greene Street aka 60 Sussex Street
Block: 68 Lot: A.1
Zone: Paulus Hook Historic District
For: An appeal of the Zoning Officer?s decision to approve the issuance of construction permits for renovation and rehabilitation of an existing carriage house based on plans materially inconsistent with plans reviewed and signed by the Historic Preservation Officer as part of a previously issued Certificate of No Effect.
Hearing continued from January 17, 2008
---------------------------------------------------------------

The Zoning Board approved permits for a renovation that was "materially inconsistent" with what the Historic Preservation Officer approved, and the local neighborhood association is appealing the decision.

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Here are some more suggestions:
*Hand out menus in the Grove Path area during evening rush, and and provide free samples - pierogis and kielbasa...
*Vegetarian offerings - I find myself agreeing with Grovepath on this one. Offer meatless borsht and the non meat/cheese pierogies daily.
*Sign up with the restaurant delivery service.
*Offer omelette's - kielbasa, spinach, etc.
* Focus on weekend breakfast and brunch. These are the times we frequented Tanias, and it was always packed.
Offer table service on weekend mornings.
*Soften the decor - the florescent lights are harsh, maybe paint the walls earth tones.
*Exhibit work of local artists (there are two folky Polish paintings there now)

BTW, the new site is awesome!
http://savapolishdeli.com

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That would be great if you can show her the comments in this thread, since she doesn't access the internet. BTW, there's an error in my post- Sava's is located between the former Tania's and PostNet. DJ's is next to PostNet.

Tomorrow - Monday she said she *may* open late due to the Holiday. She's open 7 days a week and I'm sure she could use the rest.