This gloomy weather will for sure make all of the May flowers much more appreciated when they arrive. Another busy week has passed in Hudson County, and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up. Among the stories: Hoboken unveils an improved and renamed baseball field in time for Little League opening day; a Jersey City eighth-grader wins the Hudson County spelling bee for the second year in a row; the Hoboken Public School music department wins a national award. Keep reading for all the news in Hoboken + Jersey City for the week ending on April 21st, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for the full stories):
- Introducing The Hoboken Girl’s Spring Into Self-Care Guide 2024
- Hoboken’s St. Ann Italian Festival is Back for 2024
- New Luxury Residential Building on Jersey City-Hoboken Border Now Leasing
- Parmagianni Pizza Pop-up at Hoboken Anthropologie
- Six Detectives Provide Life-Saving Treatment To Man At Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office
- Owners of The Franklin Open New Taqueria in Jersey City Heights
- Gotan Opens at 7 Seventy House in Hoboken
- Leonardo DiCaprio Rumored to Play Frank Sinatra in Biopic Directed by Martin Scorsese
- Hoboken Southwest Fest Postponed to Fall
- Groundbreaking Ceremony for Jersey City’s Cole Street Underpass Project
Introducing The Hoboken Girl’s Spring Into Self-Care Guide 2024
Now that we’ve settled into spring, the temperatures are warming up, and we’re waiting for these April showers to become May flowers, there’s nothing like a little refresh as we look ahead to the summer season. To help you with just that, we’ve put together a guide to local Hoboken, Jersey City, and Northern New Jersey businesses — ranging from nutritionists, therapists, and fitness spots to cafes, salons, skincare studios, and more, so our readers can be acquainted the local businesses in the Hudson County area and beyond to kick off spring using a code exclusive to The Hoboken Girl readers. Click here for more.
Loew’s Theater Features Student Artwork While Under Renovation
A $100 million renovation project is not the only reason Loew’s Theater is looking better these days: student artwork is currently prominently displayed while the historic theater undergoes restoration. Friends of the Loew’s, the nonprofit organization that manages and operates the theater, installed artwork from Jersey City Arts High School program students. Per NJ.com, the school district and Friend Of Loew’s have a longstanding tradition of collaboration.
New Luxury Residential Building on Jersey City-Hoboken Border Now Leasing
Photo Credit: The Devan
The Devan, a new 336-unit luxury rental building in Jersey City, is now leasing. May 1st, 2024 is the earliest that occupants — who will be the first to live in the eight-story building with amenities galore — can move in. Located along the border with Hoboken, monthly rental rates start from $2,615. Shuttle service to public transportation will be provided to residents. More information can be found here.
Credit Card Skimming Device Found at Bayonne Walmart
On Tuesday, April 9th, a credit card skimming device was found attached to a credit card reader at the Walmart in Bayonne. The skimmer was found at a self-checkout kiosk; these types of devices are typically difficult to detect. Bayonne Police Captain Eric Amato told NJ.com that shoppers who recently used the self-checkout feature at the 500 Bayonne Crossing Way location should take caution and check their credit card and bank statements. At the time of writing, there have been no arrests.
City of Hoboken Unveils “Sergeant William Fesken Memorial Field” at Stevens Park
^ Local elected officials + Hoboken youth joined Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla in cutting the ribbon on the newly revitalized Sergeant William Fesken Field for opening day. Photo Credit: City of Hoboken.
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla and the City of Hoboken unveiled the newly renovated “Sergeant William Fesken Memorial Field” at Stevens Park. Mayor Bhalla, alongside local officials and Little League and RBI Softball participants, ceremoniously cut the ribbon on April 13, following the opening day parade of the Hoboken Little League and RBI Softball League. Per a press release from the City, renovations included several upgrades aimed at providing the community with reliable recreational facilities. The project involved removing the existing turf, replaced with a new synthetic turf field designed to optimize durability for infield and outfield performance. New field underdrains and drainage inlets have been installed, providing better water management and field preservation.
Parmagianni Pizza Pop-up at Hoboken Anthropologie
Popular Asbury Park pizza shop Parmagianni will host a pop-up at Hoboken Anthropologie, located at 412 Washington Street, on Sunday, April 21st from 12PM to 5PM. Guests can enjoy four vegan Detroit-style pizzas at Parmagianni’s pop-up including Two Stripe Life (classic Margherita style), Cheesy Garlic Sticks, Nashville Hottie, Meatball Ricotta, + a limited supply of vegan cannolis from Humble Roots. Three of the four pizzas can be made gluten-free and pre-orders are recommended. To learn more, click here.
Six Detectives Provide Life-Saving Treatment To Man At Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office
Five Detectives with the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office and a Jersey City Police Department Detective are credited with saving the life of a man who became unresponsive while visiting the HCPO’s Jersey City office. On Thursday, April 11th, 2024, shortly after 9AM, an individual became unresponsive while in the lobby area on the sixth floor of the Hudson County Administration Building, according to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. Detective Stephen King, Detective Salvatore Benanti, and Jersey City Detective Scott Rogers found the individual did not have a pulse. Detective Risheem Whitten, Detective Kristen Mikulak, and Detective Daniel Bellini quickly joined their colleagues to provide immediate, life-saving medical assistance. Within minutes of rendering aid, the individual regained a pulse and was transported by Emergency Medical Services to Jersey City Medical Center for additional treatment.
New Location Approved for Jersey City Charter School
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Kindle Education Public Charter School received approval from the Jersey City Planning Board to move from its current location at 373 Communipaw Avenue to 35 Journal Square. The school started operations for the 2023-2024 school year and currently has just under 150 students in sixth and seventh grades, per the Hudson County View. School leaders say the Journal Square location will better serve students and families, many of whom use public transit to commute to and from school.
Hoboken Public School District’s Music Education Program Receives National Recognition
The Hoboken Public School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education for the 4th year. https://t.co/gPXk4CgjbZ #HereWeComeHoboken @CityofHoboken
— Hoboken Public School District (@HobokenSchools) April 5, 2024
The Hoboken Public School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. This is the fourth time the district has received the recognition, according to a press release from Hoboken Public Schools. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Hoboken Public School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Plan for Municipal Pickleball Courts Approved in Jersey City
An unused municipal basketball court at the corner of 16th and Erie Streets in Jersey City will become pickleball courts, according to a plan approved by the City Council at its April 10th meeting. Per the Jersey City Times, Jersey City Municipal Council President Joyce Watterman and Councilmembers James Solomon and Daniel Rivera have been pushing for this work since 2017. Work is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
Owners of The Franklin Open New Taqueria in Jersey City Heights
Jersey City residents and visitors have a new taco spot to enjoy on Taco Tuesdays and every other day of the week. La Milpa Taqueria will open at 45 Franklin Street in the Heights later this year. The chef behind the project is Jamie Ramirez, the chef and owner of nearby neighborhood favorite The Franklin. Click here for more.
Gotan Opens at 7 Seventy House in Hoboken
Hoboken residents have eagerly awaited their outpost of Gotan, an NYC-based coffee shop and cafe with another location in Jersey City. The official opening date was Friday, April 19th at the Hoboken location, which is located at 770 Jackson Street inside 7 Seventy House. Click here for more.
You Can Now Play a Wordle-Style Guessing Game with Hoboken Restaurants
Hoboken locals now have one more game to add to their morning lineup. Meet Hoboken Eatle, a Wordle-style guessing game centered around Hoboken restaurants. The app was created by resident Matt Carlo (not affiliated with NYT) and gives users ten tries to guess a designated Hoboken restaurant. Click here for more.
Jersey City Eighth Grader Wins Hudson County Spelling Bee Second Year in a Row
Congratulations are in order to Kavya, who WON the Jersey City District spelling bee earlier today! Nationals here we come! #FalconPride #JCPSSpellingBee #SoaringHigh pic.twitter.com/8ieHM01FPq
— Frank Conwell (@FrankConwellMS4) March 23, 2024
In honor of her second-year-in-a-row victory at the Hudson County Spelling Bee, Jersey City eighth grader Kavya Jakasania met with Hudson County Executive Craig Guy. Kavya is a student at Frank R Conwell Middle School #4 per TapInto Jersey City. Kavya will now go on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is May 26th.
Leonardo DiCaprio Rumored to Play Frank Sinatra in Biopic Directed by Martin Scorsese
Photo Credit (from left to right): Creative Commons 1, Creative Commons 2, Creative Commons 2
With biopics being the “it” genre of movies this year, it was only a matter of time before a Frank Sinatra biopic emerged in the headlines. And now, it’s Ol’ Blue Eyes’ turn, with Martin Scorsese rumored to be directing the project, with Leonardo DiCaprio potentially portraying Sinatra. Click here for more.
Hoboken Southwest Fest Postponed to Fall
In 2023, the Hoboken Southwest Fest was created to have a family-friendly celebration of the neighborhood, and many looked forward to its return this summer. But, per TapInto Hoboken, the festival will not take place in the summer, and has been postponed to the fall. Hoboken Councilman Ruben Ramos, who represents the neighborhood, said that staffing changes in the Mayor’s office made it impossible for the team to plan the event in time for summer.
Jersey City Mobilizes Community Efforts for 6th Annual Great Jersey City Cleanup
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The Jersey City Department of Public Works and Office of Cultural Affairs will host the annual “Great Jersey City Cleanup,” scheduled for May 18 from 10AM to 2PM at locations in all six wards. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to join this city-wide endeavor. Participants can engage in various activities, including litter pick up, graffiti removal, park maintenance, and more. To learn more, click here.
Hoboken Based Non-Profit Computers4People Opens Massachusetts Location
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Computers4People is a Hoboken-based non-profit with a goal of connecting computers and other technology equipment to people in need in order to bridge the digital divide. It was founded by Hoboken teen Dylan Zajac, who shared with The Hoboken Girl that the organization has opened a second location in Waltham, Massachusetts. “This expansion opens up new avenues for us to make a positive impact in communities beyond our current scope. We are eager to continue our journey of making a difference!” Dylan said.
Additional Charges Made Against Jersey City Trio Accused of Theft
Three Jersey City defendants now face additional theft charges in an ongoing investigation by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Special Investigations Unit. According to a press release from the Prosecutor’s office, the three defendants were first arrested in December 2023 on theft charges amounting to approximately $200,000. As part of an ongoing investigation, six additional victims were identified. Viral Patel, 38, of Jersey City, Priyanka Patel, 33, of Jersey City, and Pratik Patel, 35, of Ramsey were arrested on Tuesday, April 9th, 2024, at the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office in Jersey City and released on a summons complaint.
Jersey City’s Sage Veterinary Center Earns Accreditation from Top Veterinary Association
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Sage Veterinary Center announced that it has achieved the highest level of veterinary excellence following evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Sage earned AAHA accreditation after a rigorous review of over 900 standards of the hospital’s protocols, medical equipment, facilities, and client service, and becomes the sole accredited hospital in the Jersey City area, according to a press release from the clinic.
Hoboken Public Library Wins National Grant
The American Library Association (ALA) has awarded a grant to the Hoboken Public Library. According to a press release from the ALA, the Hoboken Library is the first New Jersey library to win this national award. The $2,000 “Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant” will help HPL strengthen their programs surrounding food security and addressing homelessness in the community.
Hoboken Board of Education Approves Budget
The Hoboken Board of Education approved a preliminary budget that includes a 14.99% tax increase. The vote was unanimous, and the total budget is $88.3 million, per the Hudson County View. The next budget hearing will be on April 30th, with a final vote scheduled for Tuesday, May 14th.
Skin Laundry Opening in Hoboken Later This Spring
Photo Credit: Skin Laundry
Skin Laundry, a laser facial chain, will be opening soon in Hoboken at 56 Third Street. A representative for Skin Laundry confirmed with The Hoboken Girl on April 17th that the skincare spot will still be opening in the Mile Square soon, with plans to open its 1,500-square-foot facility in mid-May. Click here for more about this incoming beauty spot.
Groundbreaking Ceremony for Jersey City’s Cole Street Underpass Project
A groundbreaking ceremony was held this week to kick off work on Jersey City’s Cole Street Underpass Project. The Coles and 12th Street project underscores Jersey City’s commitment to sustainable urban development and inclusive growth, according to a press release from the City, incorporating the city’s broader goals with Vision Zero elements, resiliency and sustainability goals, pedestrian safety, and expanding outdoor public space. The upgrades aim to fix the poorly lit area and fragmented sidewalk and create a canvas for more programmed public space—all within a single streetscape initiative. Click here for more.
New Medspa Coming to Park Avenue in Hoboken This June
Hoboken resident Kacey Cangialosi is the owner of the incoming Honey Medspa, which will be located at 640 Park Avenue in Hoboken. After several years of working in the medical aesthetics industry, Kacey is stepping out on her own. The Hoboken Girl got to chat with Kacey and learn about her plans for Honey Medspa. Click here for more.
Interim School Superintendent Approved in Secaucus
The Secacus Board of Education has voted to approve Charlie Voorhees, currently the athletic director, as the new interim superintendent for the remainder of the school year. The vote comes after the school district’s previous superintendent, Erick Alfonso, has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the board, according to Patch Secaucus. Mr. Voorhees has been a high school math teacher and football coach for the district and is a graduate of Secaucus Public Schools.
New Name, New Location for Jersey City Hair + Makeup Studio
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The makeup and hair studio formerly known as Pressure Beauty has rebranded to Viva la Bella. Makeup artist Brianna Pesce says that the shop also has a new location at 611 Washington Boulevard, Suite # 161 in Jersey City. Brianna said, “This new name reflects our commitment to celebrating beauty in all its forms and embracing the vibrant spirit of our clientele.”
Two Members of Jersey City Gang Indicted
Kenneth Harrigan, aka “Kenny,” aka “Kenny OGM,” 27, and Darion Canary, aka “Goon,” 31, both of Jersey City, New Jersey, are charged with a racketeering conspiracy that included a murder, a shooting, and narcotics distribution. Per a press release from the US Attorney’s Office, both men, members of a gang associated with the Wilkinson neighborhood, were already in federal custody on previously filed charges. This investigation was conducted as part of the Jersey City Violent Crime Initiative (VCI). The VCI was formed in 2018 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Jersey City Police Department, for the sole purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Jersey City.
Hoboken’s St. Ann Italian Festival is Back for 2024
No summer in Hoboken is complete without a visit to St. Ann’s Festival, and the dates for 2024’s event have just been announced. This year’s festival will take place from July 24th-28th, and mark the 114th anniversary of the celebration. Click here to learn more about this iconic Hoboken event.
Jersey City Man Charged With Selling Firearms to Undercover Officer
Emerson Deline, of Jersey City, was arrested on Thursday, March 28th by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force. He is charged with several firearms offenses after selling weapons to an undercover officer twice in January 2024, according to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation was a joint effort by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Jersey City Library’s New Jersey Room Awarded Grant
Jersey City Free Public Library’s New Jersey Room has been awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, joining libraries nationwide in receiving support through the Humanities Collections and Reference Resources grant program. According to a press release from the library, this grant will help to fund the New Jersey Room’s effort in digitizing scrapbooks compiled by the city in the 1960s and volumes of municipal records dating back to the 19th century.
Hudson County Teen Launches Art Show for Charity
19-year-old Sinmi Ajao Maspina will host a solo art show on Saturday, April 27th from 2PM-6PM at the Monroe Center, located at 720 Monroe Street in Hoboken. Sinmi is a long-time Hudson County resident and a student at NYU. She previously hosted an art show that raised funds for the Hoboken Shelter, and this show will also be a fundraiser. There will be 14 original art pieces on display for purchase. Admission to the show is free with beverages available to purchase.
