The Village Neighborhood Association
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (Please see the map below)

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located on Merseles Street.

AGENDA

7:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Introductions
Rob Crow
President, The Village Neighborhood Association

7:45 pm – 8:15 pm
Special Guest: Councilman Steven Fulop
Ward E councilman Steven Fulop
Steve will address the group on the state of the City budget, and the looming tax hike. The budget will not be ready for passage until later this month, so this is a perfect opportunity to let your voices be heard!

Steve will also update us on the proposed gas line to service New York that could possibly run through Jersey City, as well as Jersey City’s quest to be the pilot city for Google’s “Fiber for Communities” experiment program.

8:15 pm – 8:25 pm
April 2010 Jersey School Board Elections
Carol L. Lester
Sterling Waterman
Anthony Sharperson

Three candidates for the upcoming Jersey City Board of Education elections on April 20th will discuss their qualifications.

8:25 pm – 8:30 pm
Village Park Update and Hudson County Open Space Fund Petition
Rob Crow & Michelle La Monica Egar
Rob & Michelle will update you on the status of the park project, including the progress of the HCOS grant application, and what you can do to help.

8:30 pm – 8:40 pm
Community News Update
Newark Avenue Streetscape • Second Street Quality of Life • The Village Mural

8:40 pm – 8:55 pm
Open Discussion and Coffee
Coffee donated by Starbucks!

Finding the school:

The Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund grant application submission deadline is quickly approaching, and we need your support.

Please click on the image above to be redirected to an online petition in support of available HCOS funds being granted to the renovation for the First Street Park in The Village section of downtown Jersey City.

The petition contains all of the background material about the park, so I ask you to please read it over and sign.

Support from the entire downtown Jersey City area is vital, so PLEASE spread the word!

PROPERTY TAXES – to increase or not increase. The subject is often used as a political “line in the sand” for many voters. Putting politics aside, this Wednesday the Jersey City Council will be debating a proposed 25% property tax hike. Regardless of how your feel about taxes, an increase of this magnitude may be worth your time and energy to attend the Council meeting and witness your government in action. For some background on the proposed taxes, check out this article from NJ.com.

For those who are unable to attend, but want their voices heard, an online petition has been circulating to oppose the tax hike. Follow this link to learn more about (and sign if you feel so inclined) the petition.

The Village Neighborhood Association, a non-political neighborhood association, have invited many city officials to speak at our monthly meetings. Little did we know that when the Chief City Tax Assessor Ed Toloza spoke to our members in December that within a few weeks the City would propose one of the largest tax increases in its history.

A few weeks back, taxes were again the issue as Esther Winter spoke at our January meeting and laid out her plans for organizing a group that is in opposition to the increase. Esther gave a passionate speech at last month’s Council meeting which you can check out below.

You can contact her at deltafoxm249@yahoo.com to be a part of her organizing initiative. Below is her group’s announcement about the February 24th Council meeting rally.

CON VIVO: Bach Festival (mostly free, mostly Jersey City)

Saturday 2/27 8 PM
Concerto for Oboe d’Amore & Cantata
“Ich Habe Genug” Grace Church Van Vorst, 39 Erie Street

Sunday, 3/28, 5 PM
Trio Diurusculus
Saint Paul’s church, 44 Hoboken Avenue

Related event:
Saturday, 2/20 8 PM
Brandenburg 5th Concerto,
Concert with Cantigas Women’s Choir and
United Synagogue of Hoboken Choir
115 Park Avenue, Hoboken, $15 suggested donation

Past events:
Saturday, 2/13 8 PM
Duo Figer-Khanina
Grace Church Van Vorst, 39 Erie Street

Friday, 2/19 8 PM
Guitarist Dan Lippel
Presented by ArtHouse Productions, 1 McWilliams Place

Celebrate Winter with a Chili Cook-Off

Residents and Restaurants Compete for the Title of “Best Chili in Chilltown”
Sunday, February 21, 2010 @ Parlay Studios 161 2nd Street, Downtown Jersey City

(Jersey City, NJ—February 2010)—What’s better in winter than a big ‘ole bowl of steaming hot chili? A whole TON of chili, that’s what! On Sunday, February 21, 2010, 4th Street Arts is heating up the community with a Chili Cook-Off, featuring more than 10 chefs who will be practicing their hand at one of America’s most beloved spicy dishes. The event will take place at the newly opened Parlay Studios, 161 2nd Street (at Provost) in downtown Jersey City, NJ. Doors open at 2 pm, with judging starting around 4 pm, and wrapping at 6 pm. Proceeds to benefit the 4th Street Arts & Music Festival, taking place on October 2, 2010.

Similarly to last year’s tasty and wildly successful 4th Street Arts Mac & Cheese Bake-Off, the Chili Cook-Off will be a multi-layered event with competitors in two categories: area restaurants ($50 to enter) or individual, chili aficionados ($20 to enter). The two categories will be judged separately:

1) by a panel of “celebrity” judges, including Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop, Pete Genovese of the Star Ledger, Michelle Weber of NEW Magazine and The Jersey City Independent, and Program Coordinator at the Jersey City Museum Brendan Carroll; and

2) via general popular vote. Attendees will pay a nominal $5 fee to taste the various spicy concoctions and vote on their favorite ones. Winners in the restaurant category will receive free ad space in NEW Magazine, Jersey City’s guide to culture, lifestyle, and the arts, as well as other surprises. Individual chefs will receive a free year-long membership to the Jersey City Museum, in addition to fun bonuses.

Other features for the event include:

• Mission:Remission—The not for profit organization dedicated to cancer research and awareness will have a table selling grub and art works in support of their cause.
• Not Yo Mama’s Affairs—This local production group will have corn bread and other related treats for sale to promote the upcoming Not Yo Mama’s Craft Fair, taking place at Parlay Studios on April 17. Music and More—Chill tunes to be spun by DJ Chuck Daly and more!

Special thanks to the Jersey City Museum and NEW Magazine for providing prizes for the winners. Thank you also to Sam Adams for donating beer for the event. This year, Sam Adams celebrates their 25th Anniversary in producing fine American brew.

About 4th Street Arts: 4th Street Arts is a local organization that hosts a variety of neighborhood events in support of the annual 4th Street Arts & Music Festival and 4th Street Arts Fund. The Festival is an annual event, held in tandem with the Artists’ Studio Tour in Downtown Jersey City, designed to celebrate the area’s creative community. This open forum allows residents to gather to view the latest works of the city’s finest artists and artisans and listen to up-and-coming bands while learning more about what the thriving localarts public has to offer. The Festival truly brings the neighborhood together and provides unprecedented exposure for businesses and artists alike. The 4th Street Arts Fund benefits a local child or youth group related to arts or music.

About Parlay Studios: Located minutes from the Grove Street Path station in downtown Jersey City, Parlay Studios is a brand new space that doubles as a photography and film studio and a massive event venue. At 13,000 square feet, Parlay is the perfect canvas for a variety of needs. For more information, visit parlaystudios.com.

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (Please see the map below)

AGENDA

7:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Introductions
Rob Crow
President, The Village Neighborhood Association

7:45 pm – 8:00 pm
Village Park Update and Hudson County Open Space Fund Petition
Rob Crow & Michelle La Monica Egar
Rob and Michelle will update the members on the Village Park progress and the Open Space Grant Application process. The Village Park Committee will have a petition for VNA members to sign in support of the project and funding from “Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund” HCOSTF.

8:00 pm – 8:15 pm
Embankment Preservation Coalition
Christina Donnelly
Christina will give a brief update on the progress of the 6th Street Embankment and will also present a petition for funding from the Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund for the VNA members to sign in support of their efforts.

8:15 pm – 8:30 pm
“Tax Revolt” Discussion
Esther Winter and Irene Barnaby
Esther and Irene will address the group to discuss the recent Jersey City tax increase and how that will impact homeowners and the City and what our options are in reversing the tide.

8:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Open Discussion and Coffee
Coffee donated by Starbucks!

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Finding the school:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (Please see the map below)

AGENDA

7:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Introductions
Rob Crow
President, The Village Neighborhood Association

7:45 pm – 8:00 pm
The City of Jersey City Tax Assessor
Eduardo C. Toloza, CTA, Chief City Assessor
Mr. Toloza will be on hand to discuss the tax appeal process and guidelines. There will be a short Q & A.

8:00 pm – 8:10 pm
4th Street Ball at City Hall
Mike McNamara
As the lead organizer for The 4th Street Art & Music Festival, Mike will give a rundown of the upcoming “4th Street Ball at City Hall” slated for December 10th.

8:10 pm – 8:15 pm
VNA Bylaws
Rob will briefly discuss the VNA bylaws, and how we are working with our neighboring associations.

8:15 pm – 8:20 pm
The Village Park: Update
Rob will provide a brief update regarding this intricate and ongoing project. The latest revisions to the site design will also be on display.

8:20 pm – 8:25 pm
The VNA Holiday Toy Drive
The VNA will be collecting toys for the Annual Holiday Toy Drive for the Jersey City Police Department, East District Annual Children’s Party. Please bring unwrapped toys to the meeting.

8:25 pm – 8:40 pm
New Projects for 2010: Suggestion Box
As we walk around our neighborhood, all of us have ideas about how things could be better. Why are things the way they are? More than likely, they are the way they are because YOU haven’t changed them yet. As we look forward to 2010, this meeting is your opportunity to voice your ideas, organize with like-minded members, and turn your thoughts into actions.

8:40 pm – 8:45 pm
Coffee and treats with your neighbors
Coffee donated by Starbucks! Baked Goods donated by Carmen Rosa’s Bakery!

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Finding the school:

There aren’t many things cooler than a new art school opening in Jersey City. With the exception of one opening up right here in The Village! If you had ever considered dusting off some of those art skills from years gone by, or looking to just have some fun, this school is for you. Check it out  at  www.jcartschool.com

Their grand opening and art sale is on Friday, December 4, 2009. Stop on by, welcome them to the neighborhood, and buy some art while you’re there.

GRAND OPENING AND ART SALE!

Friday, December 4th 2009 12pm to 10pm.

Thomas John Carlson Art Studio
326 5th St. Jersey City, NJ 07302
(btw. Coles and Monmouth)

Fund-raising art sale by instructors of the school.

All are invited to check out the school and meet the instructors.
Sign up for our 6-week classes for January and receive a $20 gift certificate to Hudson County Art Supply.

6-week classes meet one day a week, 3-hour sessions and cap at 8 to 10 students.

Classes offered in January-

Introduction to Painting and Drawing

Introduction to Stained Glass

Weekly figure drawing will begin in the space Thursday, December 17th
email Thomas if you are interested in getting on the list jcartschool@gmail.com

Event Lineup

5:30 pm – Manouche Bag (Featuring Mattias Gustaffson – gtr, vox, kazoo, Jim Kaz – gtr, Joe Bussey – upright bass Bryan Beninghove – melodica, saxophones)

7:20 pm –  Films by Joel Friedrich and Pat Byrne

8:00 pm - Fashion Show by Another Man’s Treasure
http://www.amtvintageblog.blogspot.com

8:20 pm - Slow Learner –
http://www.myspace.com/slowlearnerjc

9:00 pm – Thomas Francis Takes His Chances
http://www.myspace.com/thomasfrancistakeshischances

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: PS #5 (Please see the map below)

AGENDA

7:30 pm – 7:45 pm
Introductions
Rob Crow
President, The Village Neighborhood Association

7:45 pm – 8:00 pm
The Jersey City Parking Authority
David Weiss
JCPA Representative
David will be on hand to discuss some of the responsibilities and services the Parking Authority provides, as well as answer any of your parking related questions.

8:00 pm – 8:10 pm
Newark Ave. Phase III: Update
This is your first chance to view comprehensive plans for the Newark Avenue streetscape courtesy of John Mucha, P.E, Jersey City, Division of Engineering. Having just been submitted to the NJDOT this past Monday, these plans are truly HOT OFF THE PRESS!

8:10 pm – 8:20 pm
The Village Park: Update
The winning concept drawings will again be on display, as well as full details about this intricate and fast moving project involving the VNA, the City of Jersey City, GothamWest Devlopment, The Jersey City Parks Coalition, and the JC Landmarks Conservancy.

8:20 pm – 8:30 pm
The VNA Holiday Toy Drive
Irene Barnaby
VNA is joining forces with the Jersey City Police Department, East District, for the Annual Holiday Toy Drive for under-privileged children in the area. Please bring unwrapped toys to our December 8th meeting or feel free to drop them off Weichert Realtors, 273 Grove St (corner of Montgomery), open Mon-Fri 9am to 9pm, Sat & Sun from 9am to 6pm.

8:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Open Discussion and Coffee

Coffee donated by Starbucks!

General Meeting Information:

The Village Neighborhood Association holds their monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of the month in the Auditorium of the Dr. Michael Conti Public School (PS #5). Meetings begin at 7:30pm and are open to the public. Please use the school’s main entrance located at 182 Merseles Street.

Finding the school: