Summer camp brings invaluable benefits for campers, regardless of their interests. It creates an opportunity for participants to develop socially and emotionally in a fun stress-free environment. Above all, summer camp is where camp attendees create lifelong memories and experience personal growth. This summer, local non-profit Whole Spectrum Autism is hosting a free summer camp program for individuals on the autism spectrum of all ages. Read on for more about Whole Spectrum Autism’s summer camp.
About the Program
Whole Spectrum Autism will host a free summer camp program for individuals on the autism spectrum, which started on July 8th and will run through August 9th. The camp runs daily from 9AM to 1PM at Explorer Middle School, located at 180 9th Street in Jersey City. This program provides campers with enriching activities designed to help build connections within the community. Campers can look forward to a day filled with recreational activities, arts and crafts, and other tailored resources. Lunch will be provided, and campers are welcome to bring their own snacks.
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How to Sign Up
Availability for the Whole Spectrum Autism camp is limited, so enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign up, please email [email protected] and include the following information:
- Full name and age of the camper (the program is open to all ages)
- Full name of the parent/guardian and/or therapist/health aide who will accompany the camper (please note that campers cannot attend without a parent, guardian, therapist, or aide).
After sending the email, one should expect a notification from the camp confirming the registration and attendance slot. Please note that guardians or those attending as the camper’s chaperone must bring the camper’s IEP and birth certificate with them to attend.
About Whole Spectrum Autism
Whole Spectrum Autism is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization founded by CEO + Board President Sherry Singh in 2016. The organization’s mission is to champion autism acceptance and inclusion by facilitating community engagement and serving as a voice for families whose loved ones are on the spectrum.
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11 Hoboken + Jersey City News Stories You Missed Last Week
We might’ve taken a break over the holidays, but the Hoboken + Jersey City news cycle stops for no one. It’s officially back to reality (on a snowy Monday, no less), so we’ve compiled all the local headlines you might’ve missed. From business closures to fare increases and the ongoing drone saga, keep reading for 11 Hoboken + Jersey City news stories you missed while we were gone.
New Coffee Shop, Cafexico, Opens in Hoboken
After much anticipation, Cafexico, a Mexican-inspired cafe, officially opened its doors on Saturday, January 4th. Located at 515 4th Street, the shop pays homage to Mexico with themed menu items — including drinks and pastries — and decor. Learn more about the shop in our article here and get a sneak peek at Cafexico’s Instagram.
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H+S Giovanni’s Closes in Hoboken After 23-Year Run
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On Christmas Day, Hoboken said goodbye to a longtime favorite. H+S Giovanni’s, a family-owned pizzeria that’s served the community for 23 years, permanently closed its 603 Washington Street location per an Instagram post on December 24th. The restaurant shared it was “unable to agree to terms on a new lease,” but thanked the community for its support over its two-decade run. While Giovanni’s absence will undoubtedly be felt here in Hoboken, some family members also work at Imposto’s just down the street, and “will be happy to take care of [locals] going forward.”
FAA Introduces More Drone Flight Restrictions
The New Jersey drone saga continues. On December 19th, The Hoboken Girl reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued several operational updates prohibiting the use of drones in many New Jersey communities. Over the holidays, the FAA “temporarily banned drone flights in another nine New Jersey towns” until mid-January, according to Patch. The restrictions were issued over “critical infrastructure facilities” out of an “abundance of caution,” a Homeland Security spokesperson shared with the outlet. NJ residents can see the newest restrictions here, which include Atlantic Highlands, South Kearny, and more.
8 Incidents of Theft at Hoboken Lululemon Result in $39k Loss
On Friday, December 27th, the City of Hoboken and Hoboken Police Department requested public assistance identifying multiple suspects in shoplifting incidents that took place over several months. According to the press release, multiple individuals stole over $39,000 worth of merchandise from the Hoboken Lululemon at 313 Washington Street. There have been at least eight incidents of shoplifting at the store from August 30th to November 26th, 2024. The cases are being investigated by Detective Connor Milne and Police Officer Joshua Campoverde — anyone with information is asked to email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 201-420-2100 ext. 3126 or 3139.
Hoboken Resident Killed in New Orleans Attack
25-year-old Hoboken resident William “Billy” DiMaio — a beloved brother, son, and friend — was tragically killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack that occurred on January 1st, 2025. Per AP News, Billy was originally from Holmdel and grew up in Long Island, New York before attending Chesnut Hill College in Philadelphia where he was on the lacrosse team and earned his Master’s degree. A GoFundMe has been set up for Billy’s family to support them.
Blue Eyes Temporarily Closes in Hoboken
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Hoboken Italian restaurant Blue Eyes — located on the waterfront at 525 Sinatra Drive — is temporarily closed from Monday, January 6th through Thursday, January 16th. The team took to Instagram to share the news, saying “Please be advised we will be CLOSED from Jan. 6-15 ❄️ See you on Thursday, January 16!”
New Medspa, fillir, Opens on Washington Street in Hoboken
An award-winning medspa has made its debut in the ever-growing Hoboken beauty scene. fillir is a Pittsburgh-based medspa that opened its doors this December at 720 Washington Street in the Mile Square. The spot is hosting its grand opening today, Monday, January 6th. fillir is led by a Double Board-Certified Physician and a team of expertly medically trained injectors and provides the same services as its Pennsylvania counterpart including Botox, Dysport, fillers, microneedling, laser hair removal, and skin treatments. Read more about fillir in our article here.
MOJO Coffee Opening Jersey City Location
Local favorite MOJO Coffee Company will expand its Hudson County footprint in 2025 with a Jersey City locale. While the exact location is yet to be revealed, the team shared with The Hoboken Girl back in December 2024 that the new outpost will be located in downtown Jersey City close to the Grove Street PATH station, and is aiming for an early 2025 opening. The MOJO website also lists a new Jersey City location as “coming soon.” MOJO serves up all of the classic coffee drinks as well as seasonal specials and has two Hoboken locations, at 230 Willow Avenue and 801 Bloomfield Street.
Attack Near Exchange Place PATH Station in Jersey City Leaves Local Dad With Life-Altering Injuries
Local resident Matt Hobbs, a father of two, was brutally attacked near the Exchange Place PATH Station in Jersey City on Saturday, December 28th, 2024. Per a GoFundMe set up for Matt and his family, the attack left Matt with multiple serious injuries including a traumatic brain injury, low-grade bilateral brain bleeds, and impaired vision. Port Authority Police have since arrested 35-year-old Michael Perez of Staten Island and charged him with aggravated assault, per Patch Hoboken.
Revised NYC Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect
Back in 2021, NYC’s ‘Congestion Pricing Plan’ was introduced — which planned an additional toll for commuters headed into New York City’s business hub, south of 60th Street. After pushback from NJ officials and residents, including NJ Governor Phil Murphy attempting to block the new toll, the plan was indefinitely halted in June of 2024. A revised plan of $9 to enter the congestion zone was announced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in November 2024, and the plan officially went into effect on Sunday, January 5th, 2025 — despite New Jersey’s last-ditch effort to block the plan. Governor Hochul claims that the toll will be enough to raise $15 billion for the MTA. Read more about the new congestion pricing plan in our article here.
Port Authority Announces Toll + PATH Fare Hikes for 2025
The Port Authority of New York + New Jersey (PANYNJ) announced increases to bridge and tunnel tolls as well as PATH fares for 2025. According to a PANYNJ press release, PATH fares will increase from $2.75 to $3 starting on Sunday, January 12th, 2025. All existing multi-trip and discounted fares will be maintained with appropriate adjustment. Bridge and tunnel toll increases took effect on Sunday, January 5th and raised the auto peak E-ZPass tolls by $0.43 and truck peak E-ZPass tolls by $0.58 per axle.
