9/5/2008 Update:

With the heavy rain and wind from Tropical Storm Hanna pretty much certain for tomorrow and tomorrow night, you might want to think ahead a bit.

Don’t forget the Hoboken flooding photo contest either!

Common sense prevails

I would imagine most of us are bright people. However, in case you want a reminder, here’s a few simple tips:

• Decks or balconies - secure or bring inside any items that may blow off; flower pots, etc.
• Brownstones - Check your drainpipe on the roof. Clear any debris.
• In case of emergency, avoid 911. Instead, call Hoboken Police directly at 201-420-2100. 911 often mis-communicates key things like town and address. So memorize, or program in your phone.
• If you encounter flooding while you drive, DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH! Often times, manhole covers blow off, and your car can be damaged.
• You might want to avoid parking your car in areas prone to flooding. (see map below).

Avoid parking in these areas

I just highlighted some areas that I can recall off the top of my head. If there are any others I forgot, then email me to let me know.

View Larger Map

What the flooding might look like

And in case you want to see what the downtown Hoboken looks like after a big storm, see a video and picture slideshow below.

That made me think… wasn’t flooding a big campaign platform during the elections last year? Along with open space, and living conditions in the projects… has progress been made with those? Haven’t heard much… Hmmm.

9/5/2008:

Want to help save the Neumann Leather building from becoming more high-rise condos?

If you’re not totally flooded out tomorrow, swing by Maxwell’s for a preview!

Neumann’s Leathers teams up with Maxwell’s

Hoboken’s legendary music venue, Maxwell’s, will play host in September to the largest fundraiser yet for the Neumann Leathers Tenants Association (NLTA), in an effort to save the city’s last large arts complex from being demolished.

The NLTA is comprised of over 100 artists, artisans and light industry, all located in the Neumann Leathers complex, which is currently under threat of complete demolition. As part of its efforts to save the site, the NLTA will soon present an alternative plan which saves most of the buildings and includes new construction in a feasible redevelopment.

Exhibits A & B

The first event will be an art opening of Neumann artists on Sept. 15 at 7pm, titled “Exhibit A,” which will feature figurative, representational works and photography. The show previews Sept. 6 and runs through Sept. 26.

The second Maxwell’s event will be another art opening of Neumann artists on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m., titled “Exhibit B,” which will feature abstract works. The show will run through Oct. 17.

Yo La Tengo and others to perform

The third event will be a benefit performance at Maxwell’s, also on Sept. 29. Performers will include Yo La Tengo, Outpost, The Jeremy Wallace Trio and Bob Burt’s Five Dollar Priest. Doors open at 7 p.m. and tickets are $25.

Extensive information on the entire issue is available at www.neumanntenants.org.

9/5/2008:

New entry to the directory today, as well as an Open House event on September 27th.

WeeCare Occupational Therapy provides innovative, child-centered and individualized occupational therapy (OT) services designed to achieve functional outcomes for our pediatric clients.

WeeCare expands service offerings

New groups include social skills, writing camp, therapeutic yoga and much more and will be celebrated at an open house on September 27 from Noon-3:00 PM ET

What/When: WeeCare Occupational Therapy to host an open house on September 27 from Noon-3:00 PM at 720 Monroe Street, Suite C408, Hoboken NJ 07030. WeeCare will also be hosting an inservice on Handwriting Without Tears on October 1st at 7:00 PM.

Why: WeeCare Occupational Therapy will be celebrating the expansion of its space to 2500 square feet in the Monroe Center. Occupational therapists will be on hand to discuss new service offerings including: The Wee Club (social skills group), Pre-School Group (sensory motor based play group), The Write Camp (Pre-writing to cursive), Much Bunch (feeding group) and Peaceful Bodies… Peaceful Minds (therapeutic yoga inclusion program).

About: WeeCare Occupational Therapy provides child-centered and individualized comprehensive therapy services combining both basic techniques with the latest advances in therapy. Just as every child is unique, every therapy program at WeeCare is tailored to the individual needs of the child and designed to achieve the most optimal functional outcomes. We welcome children between birth and 18 years of age in our newly expanded sensory gym.

For more information or to make an appointment call 201-656-8800.

WeeCare Occupational Therapy provides innovative, child-centered and individualized occupational therapy (OT) services designed to achieve functional outcomes for our pediatric clients.

Description: Occupational therapy for children.
Services: Sensory integration, Oral motor therapy, Handwriting training, Miller Method principals, TAMO, Solutions to compensate for visual perceptual deficits, Therapeutic listening, Parent/educational consultations
Address: 720 Monroe Street, Suite C408, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Phone: 201-656-8800 Fax: 201-656-8801
Web: http://www.weecareot.com
email: mduarte@comcast.net

9/5/2008 Update:

Charges Dropped

Hoboken’s YouTube bicyclist is off the hook!

Today a Manhattan Criminal Court Judge dismissed charges against 29 year old Christopher Long, who was body-checked and knocked to the pavement by a New York City policeman YouTube video seen round the world. At the prosecution’s request charges of resisting arrest were dismissed after the video of officer Patrick Pogan putting the hurt on the “Critical Mass” biker was put up on YouTube. Before the video police said Long had deliberately steered into the officer, but the video showed otherwise. Without the video, he would have likely been prosecuted and the policeman still be on the street (as opposed to behind a desk and under investigation.)

See more from the NY Times.

7/29/2008:

I suppose this story is more interesting because there’s a (bruised) dotted line to Hoboken (the victim lives here). And of course, that it involves a member of the local law enforcement community.

From ABC News:

Video shows officer shoving cyclist

A police officer shown on video body-checking a bicyclist who was riding as part of a demonstration was stripped of his badge and gun Monday.

The video, posted anonymously, shows the officer standing in the street as bikes whiz past. He moves toward a cyclist and violently knocks him to the ground in front of crowds of people.

The officer in the video was placed on desk duty pending the outcome of a police department investigation, chief police spokesman Paul Browne said. The officer’s name wasn’t released.

Long’s next court date was set for Sept. 5.

9/5/2008:

You know fall is around the corner when yummy treats like this pop up!

Starting today, and for a limited time, you can dive into a delicious Pumpkin Pie Cream Ice over at Rita’s Ice, so stop in after work for a taste!

9/5/2008:

If what forecasters are saying comes true, then Hoboken has a fairly decent chance to become flooded on Saturday.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for the entire area:

“HEAVY RAIN ASSOCIATED WITH THIS TROPICAL STORM WILL SPREAD WELL AHEAD OF THE MAIN LOW LATE TONIGHT INTO SATURDAY NIGHT… WITH THE HEAVIEST RAIN EXPECTED SATURDAY AFTERNOON INTO SATURDAY NIGHT. TROPICAL STORM HANNA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE ANYWHERE BETWEEN 3 TO 6 INCHES OF RAIN WITH SOME POSSIBLE HIGHER AMOUNTS ACROSS THE WATCH AREA. THESE RAINFALL TOTALS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO PRODUCE FLOODING ACROSS HIGHLY URBANIZED AND POOR DRAINAGE AREAS AND CAUSE SMALL STREAMS AND CREEKS TO FLOW OUT OF THEIR BANKS.”

Dinner and a Massage

If Hoboken does end up under water, send your photos, video clips, or anything related to the flooding and Tropical Storm Hanna, and I’ll post on 411.

I’ll pick my favorite submission, and the winner will receive a free massage at Spa H, and a gift certificate for Helmers’ Restaurant.

Rules:

• You should be a registered Hoboken411 reader (please supply username when entering)
• You can Photoshop or edit the photo, but the picture must be of any actual flooding that happens on Saturday

PS, if Hoboken does NOT flood, then well, I look like an idiot for hyping it up…

9/5/2008:

You might be able to kayak anywhere in Hoboken this weekend!!!

Dear Supporters of the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse:

HCCB will make a decision on Sunday morning based on the conditions in the Maxwell Place cove, and post an update on Sunday by 9AM on our website, or you can also call 610-780-2395 for a status message.

9/5/2008:

From the Mile Square Theatre:

2 hilarious show at new theater space

After 5 years as a floating theatre, MST has found a home! In an arrangement with Monroe Center for the Arts, MST will begin producing in the Monroe Theaterspace.

Spread the word and we look forward to seeing you there!

9 Public performances:

• 9/26, Friday, 8pm
• 9/27, Saturday, 8pm
• 9/28, Sunday, 5pm
• 10/3, Friday, 8pm
• 10/4, Saturday, 8pm
• 10/5, Sunday, 5pm
• 10/10, Friday, 8pm
• 10/11, Saturday, 8pm
• 10/12, Sunday, 5pm

9/5/2008:

Oh my god.

As I was taking a brief 20-minute power-nap the other day, I had this horrific nightmare: People living in Hoboken didn’t know we actually had a few parks in town!

You know, the ones where you can lay out, toss a Frisbee 30 feet, walk with your strollers along the water, etc. Then, my dream got even worse. All Hoboken residents suffered from “Park Amnesia” and needed to be constantly reminded that yes, we have parks.. and it’s my job to show you what they look like!

Startled awake in a panicked sweat, I had to, HAD TO perform my duty and take pictures of these precious parks! What in god’s name would people do without Hoboken411 reminding them?

So look carefully, and try to memorize these pictures, and where these parks are.

Gosh, I hope this isn’t a recurring nightmare.

The famous Pier A Park

Don’t you dare ever forget we have a Pier A Park! Movies, sunbathers, people fishing, walking, running, etc. Hard to believe, but true. Amazing, eh?

SEE MANY MORE IMPORTANT PARK REMINDERS AFTER THE JUMP!!!
(you’ll be tested next week…)

[Click to continue reading the rest….]

9/4/2008:

Many Hoboken411 readers often ask: “What’s a good place to catch a football game?” (either NFL or College)

Well, one of the secret great places is uptown’s Carpe Diem bar!

Carpe Diem is a perfect venue for football

Some may say it’s “off the beaten path,” but that is no reason for you to say it’s too far away.

Located on the northern border of Hoboken at 14th and Grand Streets, Carpe Diem is considered by many to be a hidden gem in town. Fantastic layout, great bartenders, good food, and perfect atmosphere; you can’t go wrong!

Last year, Carpe Diem featured both NFL and College NFL action, but only had five TV’s. This year, they’ve added three more screens for your viewing pleasure, so you can pretty much catch any NFL game that is on each week!

In addition to the $15 buckets of Miller Lite you can snatch up, they also offer free buffalo wings at halftime of each game. Economical beer, and tasty chicken wings cannot be beat!

Also offered is outdoor seating if you’d like to take a break from the football action!

Hoboken411 will be featuring other local NFL and College Football bars over the coming weeks.