In case some of you didn’t know, besides the food, bands and fireworks, the big tradition of the annual Hoboken Italian Festival is the carrying of the Madonna Dei Martiri statue all around town.

Here’s a photo that Sean took today of the procession walking up First Street. You can see the rest of his pictures on his Flickr Account.

Oh, and here’s a video of how they do it in Italy:

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If you’re reading this now - you might want to head down to the waterfront to check out tonight’s firework display.

Here’s last years if you’re stuck at home.

9/4/2008:

Starts tonight!

Here’s some pre-festival photos (with commentary)

See the rest, plus last years video after the jump!

8/22/2008:

Or otherwise called the “Feast of Madonna Dei Martiri.”

With the unofficial end of summer coming soon, get your livers ready for a four-day gluttonous food, drink and entertainment extravaganza in Hoboken! That, and a perfectly frenetic time to break up with your summer squeeze!

Mark your calendars, because starting Thursday, September 4th, and running through Sunday, September 7th is the 82nd annual Hoboken Italian Festival, held in the area of Frank Sinatra Park (and the new WWII memorial. Yikes, what are we going to do now that beer garden space is gone?)

Heart-attack inducing cannoli’s, sausage & peppers, deep fried zeppole’s, booze, bands, eating contests and much much more than you can digest. To get the full nauseating effect, be sure to swing by a couple times, and drink on an empty stomach. Two things to definitely check out: The fireworks on Saturday, and return of “Krystal” on Sunday!

Here’s last years Feast of the Madonna Dei Martiri.

SEE THE FULL SCHEDULE AFTER THE JUMP!!!

FOR MORE, CLICK BELOW…

(2008 Hoboken Italian Festival, continued…)

Thursday, September 4, 2008

• 6:00 Centerfold (Hoboken Band reuniting, covering songs from the ‘80s)
• 7:15-8:15 Temporary Grace
• 8:30 pm Pizza Eating Contest
• 9:00 pm Temporary Grace
• 10:00 pm Italian Chicks Comedy Tour

Friday, September 5, 2008

• 5:00-8:00 The Pythons
• 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm The Motown Memories Revue - Nationally acclaimed 11-piece band doing music from the entire Motown catalogue
• 10 pm – 11 pm The Motown Memories Revue

Saturday, September 6, 2008

• 1:00 pm I Paesani – Italian Cultural Group
• 2:30 pm Gino Di Napoli
• 4:00 pm I Paesani
• 6:00 pm Tre Bella
• 7:30 pm Mirage
• 8:30 pm Cannoli Eating Contest
• 9:00 pm Fireworks
• 9:30 pm Mirage

Sunday, September 7, 2008

• 12:30-3:00 Dive, Reverse Order
• 3:30-4:30 Krystal
• 4:45 pm Grape Stomp Contest
• 5:30 pm Tenor Michael Tota
• 6:30 pm “The Bronx Wanderers”
  (The ultimate tribute to Dion, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Johnny Maestro, and The Brooklyn Bridge and more.
• 8:00 pm “The Shirelles” (Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow, Soldier Boy, Dedicated To The One I Love) Rock N Roll Hall of Fame
• 9:15 pm “The Bronx Wanderers”
• 10:00 pm Grand Raffle Drawing

Hope you have a good time!

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A fun play on words from Hoboken411 reader Colonblow:

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What flooding? National politics was again the big topic of discussion in Hoboken last week. With less than 60 days left before the Presidential Election, have you made your mind up for who you’re voting for?

Besides Palin, McCain, Obama, Hanna and (soon) Ike, what other subjects made the Top 10 most discussed Hoboken411 entries for the week ending Sunday September 7th, 2008?

Hottest topics of the week

Even though McCain’s VP selection of Sarah Palin was published over a week ago, it was by far the most discussed entry on Hoboken411 this week, with well over 600 user comments. What made the top 10 list otherwise?

1. Is an Empire falling?
   I just don’t get why health clubs get people so dang angry.
2. Dickhead NYPD cop
   The “charges” filed against a Hoboken resident in the viral YouTube video of the week are dropped.
3. Hoboken sees the light
   Verizon FiOS services finally begin rolling out in town.
4. Jets Hottie from Hoboken gets interviewed by 411
   NY Jets Gameday host Jenn Sterger chats with Hoboken411.
5. New Orleans spared
   Lots of hype and preparation for last week’s hurricane Gustav.
6. We Want 2 Cut Ribbons
   411 looks at the long-delayed WWII memorial.
7. Money pit pier
   Hoboken411 details the trail of mismanagement with the 9/11 memorial project off Pier A.
8. That’s Amore!
   The Annual Hoboken Italian Festival wraps up today. Don’t miss the fireworks!
9. Touchdown!
   NFL football is back! Will our local teams make it to the post-season?
10. Republicans gather at a local bar
    To drink alcohol and watch John McCain accept his nomination for President.

Noteworthy

• The cool flooding photo map from yesterday!
• New watering hole
  McCarthy’s Pub is set to open near the Hoboken Police station later this year.
• 2008 Hoboken Raspberry Awards
  A Hoboken411 reader whips together a list of dubious awards for Hoboken public officials.
• Went for swim, causes ruckus
  A depressed guy goes for a dip in the Hudson. Helicopters and emergency vehicles cause a scene near Pier C.

This week

Some upcoming events in Hoboken:

• Neumann Leathers fundraiser Maxwell’s
• Also, don’t forget about the Heaven, Hell or Hoboken exhibit opens on the 7th
• And the famous Hoboken Italian Festival Fireworks TONIGHT!
• Get Jersey Fresh produce at the Hoboken Farmers Market (Tuesday’s through October)

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One last batch of flooding photos taken last night by Hoboken411 reader hobojoe.

SEE MORE AFTER THE JUMP…

(flooding reflections, continued…)

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“Questionable water quality” postpones today’s free kayaking uptown at the Hoboken Cove Community Boathouse:

From HCCB President David Downs:

Sewer overflow stinks

“Good morning Hoboken Boathouse supporters:

Thanks for your understanding with this short amount of notice. As always, we will send out updates for any upcoming programs.”

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The “eye” (or what would have been the eye if it ever gained official hurricane status) is now to our east, it appears that the heavier rain is done for the night. That is, if you believe my meteorological skills of course.

Judging from recent radar images, the worst of the “sheets of rain” seem to have subsided. How much more impactful rain that comes southeast from the north or west remains to be seen. My “guesstimate” is that we should be OK for the most part.

I’ll update this entry if I’m wrong. Then I’ll go to night school to get my “weather degree,” so I don’t look like such a buffoon.

Also, we didn’t get any strong winds… what’s up with that? And I suggested that folks “secure” their patios or decks? Jeez.

Although, I do have to say I am hearing some wind gusts now… The forecast said that bigger wind gusts were coming around this time.. so peek outside from time to time.. help me out a bit!

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Hoboken411 reader “moondancer69″ send these pics in from her swampy backyard! Yuck!

See the rest after the jump!

A few other random pix

Oh, and another reader, Pete, sent this little pic in… Not quite drastic enough for it’s own entry… but here it is anyway!

Location: 13th and Jefferson.

And another reader sent this from: 3rd and Grand

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A Hoboken411 reader sent these photos in from downtown. I’m happy to report they didn’t almost break their neck getting these images..

These photos have been added to the Hoboken flooding map.

SEE THE ENTIRE GALLERY AFTER THE JUMP…

(downtown flooding gallery 1, continued)

PHOTO GALLERY (HOLD MOUSE OVER IMAGE TO NAVIGATE - 10 PHOTOS IN THIS SET)

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As I get flooding photos in, I’ll add them to this map for easy reference.

Hoboken map of flooding photos

Tips for those unfamiliar with interactive maps like this:

• See the (+) and (-) buttons on the upper left? Use the (+) button to zoom in for better detail.
• You can move the map around by just “Clicking and Dragging” it.
• Single-Clicking on one of the push-pins expands the image.
• Keep in mind this is just a cumulative display of all the images that come into Hoboken411. Each set of pictures will eventually have it’s own entry you can see them full size.

View Larger Map

Stay dry everyone, seems like the worst may still be on the way!

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Started to snap a few pictures this afternoon before I flipped over and nearly broke my neck in the flood waters. Thank god I have bones as strong as titanium.

Here a one in the vicinity of ShopRite (more after the jump).

As I get more pictures, I’ll add them to a flooding map for easy reference.

See the rest before I nearly died after the jump!

(Hoboken Flooding, continued…)

But it seems as if 14th Street, near the Clearview Cinemas construction site is not so bad!

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Seems as if some areas in Hoboken are “starting to go under” according to police. 4th and Jackson & Harrison, 9th near Shoprite (badly), and other areas such as Park & Newark “Water blowing out of the manholes…”

It also appears that despite having a front page article about a “emergency meeting” in today’s local paper, that the Office of Emergency Management is having some issues. Police seem frustrated that they cannot find barriers, and communication seems mis-directed. Later, it was then said that there are indeed barriers, and “they’re on the way.”

They’re trying out there, but seem more than just a little disorganized.

9/6/2008 3:45pm Update:

Despite the pending storm, I had tons of work to do on the server this morning..

However, it seems like we’re just getting started with the rain.

Police on the ball, plus free parking!

While I was tinkering with computer code, I overheard how “prepared” Hoboken Police were on the Live Hoboken Police and Fire Scanner. They have barricades ready, and are constantly checking the known flood areas.

Additionally, if you really need to move your car, Bill Bergin and John Corea were nice enough to open up Garage B (2nd and Hudson) for free parking today. How nice of these gentleman!! You might want to check if parking is still available.

9/6/2008 9am Update:

It may not be raining right now, but should pick up again this afternoon.

We’ll have to wait and see how much rain Hoboken gets, as it all depends on how far east the storm passes off the coast.

As of this morning, here is what the National Weather Service had to say:

“THERE WILL BE TWO PERIODS OF HEAVY RAIN THIS WEEKEND. THE FIRST HAS ALREADY OCCURRED EARLY THIS MORNING WITH GENERALLY ONE HALF TO ONE INCH OF RAINFALL… WITH LOCALLY HIGHER AMOUNTS. THE SECOND… AS HANNA PASSES NEARBY… WILL OCCUR FROM THIS AFTERNOON INTO TONIGHT… RESULTING IN AN ADDITIONAL 4 TO 6 INCHES OF RAIN. HIGHER ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS ARE POSSIBLE WHERE RAIN BANDS ARE THE MOST PERSISTENT. THIS AMOUNT OF RAIN WILL LIKELY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT RISES ON AREA RIVERS… STREAMS AND CREEKS… AS WELL AS MODERATE FLOODING OF LOW LYING… POOR DRAINAGE AND URBAN AREAS.”

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

See videos from last year after the jump…

(Hanna, continued..)

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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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…

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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.

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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

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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…)

(Important Hoboken Park Reminders, continued…)

Maxwell Place Park

This is an important multi-function park. With a bit of open space, fenced in grassy areas, and even a miniature beach!

Stevens Park

Stevens Park is a rather small and boring park, but it contains a smidge of green grass, a dog run, some playground equipment, pathways and benches. A nice spot to finish up your iced coffee or have a smoke. Lots of shade.

Elysian Park

Elysian Park is one of my favorites. The back area is one of the best areas to relax. A big dog run, basketball court and kiddie area make it a great place for people of all ages. People forget it’s here, no doubt about it…

Pier C Park

Rest assured, you will not be required to memorize this one. It hasn’t been finished yet. But time will come!

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