A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines — local stores to return to mask mandates, Jersey City’s Italian Festival to return this month, New Jersey to Launch Newborn Home Nurse Visit Program, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Hudson Tavern Announces Closure
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Hudson Tavern has announced its permanent closure. The local establishment has been in business for 36 years. The Instagram post to the community said: “To Our Loyal Customers, Last Saturday night was Last Call at Hudson Tavern. After 36 years at this location, both at Lady Jane’s and Hudson Tavern, it’s time for me to move on.
I’d like to thank the Managers and Crew throughout the years, especially Jess, Omar, Eddie and those of you who have been so loyal during the pandemic. Together, we have had the the honor of sharing in the lives of our customers and making them feel like this was their place, too.
And to those regular customers, over the decades, I say, Thank You. It has been so gratifying to be that home away from home to several generations in Hoboken. I am touched and proud that for many of you, when you look back on some of your happiest occasions, they have taken place here.
See you around the neighborhood, Tom”
2021 Wellness Crawl Scheduled for September 19, Tickets Available NOW
Our Annual Hoboken Wellness Crawl Event is back in person — happening September 19th from 11AM to 4PM in Hoboken. This year, we are focusing on brick-and-mortar businesses all around Hoboken as a celebration of all things wellness — think of it like a ‘bar crawl’ but for wellness businesses in our area. You’ll get a map, bracelet, bag, and then walk or bike all around Hoboken at your leisure to visit different wellness businesses locally that all are giving away freebies, class passes, samples, and more.
We have a huge lineup of awesome businesses and a portion of every ticket sold goes to @hobokencommunitycenter food pantry more info and tickets can be found on HobokenWellnessCrawl.com
NJ Stores Return to Mask Mandates
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NJ.com announced this week that shops are returning to previous mask mandates. The Instagram post said, “In New Jersey, all 21 counties now are considered high-risk or substantial risk areas, and shops are changing mask mandates as a response. The link in our bio has more information regarding these new regulations.”
Lanternfly Bugs Come to Hoboken: Here’s What to Do If You See One
Be on the lookout! Spotted Lanternflies, an invasive species that can harm local plant life, have been sighted in Hoboken. If you see one, please report it to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture at https://t.co/zuXnbRpaB0 pic.twitter.com/tvC7VsE9mr
— City of Hoboken (@CityofHoboken) August 9, 2021
Wildlife spottings are increasingly common in our area, and not all of them are welcome. The New Jersey Agricultural Department’s ‘report immediately’ (and destroy) list includes lanternfly bugs, which are invasive planthopper bugs. The insect has been spotted in Hoboken and is detrimental to plants and the local ecosystem. Click here to read more about lanternflies and their impact.
Local Teachers Share Classroom Wishlists for Upcoming School Year
With the new school year quickly approaching, we want to assist local teachers in spreading the word about their classroom wishlists, which are online lists of classroom items like notebooks, pencils, and cleaning products that teachers need help acquiring for the academic year. If you’re interested in supporting these Hudson, Bergen, and Essex County educators, click here to discover what their classrooms are in need of this year and donate an item or two!
Jersey City Unveils Largest Mural Yet
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The Jersey City Mural Arts Youth Summer Program (JCMAP), made up of young artists ages 14-24, has completed a 100 foot long mural that can be seen across the city. The mural can be found at Ferris High School, located on Christopher Columbus Drive between Merseles & Brunswick Streets in Jersey City. The mural can also be seen from the turnpike when passing the school and from downtown depending on where you’re standing. Click here to read more about the mural and its artists.
Jersey City’s Italian Festival is Back this August
Jersey City’s longest-running Italian street festival, La Festa Italiana, is back after being canceled last year due to the COVID pandemic. The summer staple, that draws in thousands from the surrounding areas, will take place from August 11th – 15th in downtown Jersey City. Click here to read more about the Italian Festival located at 344 Sixth Street in Jersey City.
New Director Announced with Reopening of Hoboken Public Library
Jennie Pu
The Hoboken Public Library has been closed for four weeks due to some major construction work in the main branch of the library. As of August 9th at 10AM, the library has reopened to the public with a new director at the helm. The first floor’s Children’s Collection, the Media Collection, and the Adult Lending Collection are all open, as are the Public Computer Area and Main Reading Room on the second floor. The Local History Collection will be accessible by request. And the basement, home to the Large Program and Garden/Small program room, will be available on a limited basis. Click here for the full details of the library’s reopening.
Hamilton Park Restaurant, Chickie’s, Opening Soon in Jersey City
A new Italian restaurant called Chickie’s is expected to open this fall in GP’s former location in Hamilton Park. Located at 236 Pavonia Avenue in Jersey City, Chickie’s has been in the works since January 2020. Hoboken Girl has the details of what residents can expect from this new neighborhood eatery. Click here to read more about Chickie’s in Jersey City.
Cafe Alyce Now Open on Montgomery Street in Jersey City
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A new restaurant, Cafe Alyce, is now open in Jersey City. The Instagram post via JCFamilies says, “Attention JC Foodies!🥑@cafe_alyce is a new cafe now open at 641 Montgomery Street. The BYOB restaurant is formerly the Medical Center Luncheonette which is located right across from the Beacon.”
Jersey City’s Groove on Grove Returns for Weekly Live Entertainment
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The live music event, Groove on Grove, has returned to Jersey City for weekly installments of local talent. Located just outside the Grove Street PATH station, Groove on Grove takes place every Wednesday night at 6PM. Full details are available via Facebook.
Lincoln Park to Host Pride Event, Ball in the Park, August 15th
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In honor of Hudson County Pride, the first-ever Ball in Lincoln Park will take place on Sunday, August 15th at 4PM. The Hudson Pride Center post says, “There will be an exhibition battle between the Hall of Fame House of Old Navy and the Marvelous House of Giorgio Armani, a mobile stage with pop up drag and queer performances, and we’ll also have categories for YOU our neighbors to walk!”
The categories include Vogue, Runway, Pride Eleganza, Haus Mom, and Junior Divas.
New Jersey to Launch Newborn Home Nurse Visit Program
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Local officials have approved a new statewide program that includes a nurse’s visit to new mothers and babies within the first two weeks post-delivery to help with lactation needs and to assess the health of both mother and baby. Jersey City Mamas said, “Did you know that the majority of maternal deaths happen during the postpartum stage? To combat this, Governor Murphy announced the new Statewide Newborn Home Nurse Visitation Program this week, which will provide in-home well visits for both mama and baby within the first two weeks of a newborn’s birth. The program will also apply to adoptive parents. We are SO excited about this news.”
Stevens Institute of Technology to Require Vaccines
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At the Stevens Institute of Technology, classes begin on August 30th and students are required to be vaccinated, per Patch. The announcement that vaccines were required was made in April, and Monday, August 16th is the deadline for submitting evidence of a vaccine. If a student fails to comply, they will be unenrolled.
Jersey City Sisters Donate Thousands of Bottles of Hand Sanitizer
Young Jersey City residents Ruhie and Reya Mehendale have donated 92,000 bottles of hand sanitizer to the city to be distributed to schools, homeless shelters, and other places where it is needed, according to NJ.com. Last year, the two young sisters put together hundreds of care packages for the homeless during the height of the pandemic. The Mayor and Office of Emergency Management officials were there when two truckloads of hand sanitizer arrived.
Hoboken Councilmembers Ask for Investigation into Newly Created Position
Last week, Councilwoman Vanessa Falco was appointed to a newly created City Hall position, leaving some council members wondering about the legality and ethics of the move, according to Tap Into. The newly created position, running the City of Hoboken’s new Division of Housing, is designed to provide greater accessibility and more resources. Hoboken City Council Vice President Jen Giattino and 2nd Ward Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher have both called for an investigation.
Jersey City Councilmen Call for Solid Waste Fee Repeal
Two Jersey City councilmen are calling for a repeal of the solid waste fee that drew criticism, per NJ.com. In a press conference on Tuesday, Rolando Lavarro Jr. and James Solomon called for elimination of the fee and outlined a proposed resolution. The city imposed the fee in January, meant to pay for the city’s trash and recycling pickup, and based on resident’s water usage.
Heat Wave Hit New Jersey This Week
The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for most of the state this week as temperatures approached 105 degrees or higher, per Patch. Maximum temperatures occurred between noon and 8PM each afternoon, with forecasters predicting “dangerously hot conditions.” The excessive heat warning was in effect until Thursday night.
Jersey City Celebrates August Pride Month
The Jersey City LGBT Pride Festival, Hudson Pride Center, and other Jersey City organizations continued the Pride Month celebrations this week, reports NJ.com. These events included a Light-Up Pride Night Ride, a Drag Queen Story Hour, A Jersey City Pride Bar Crawl, a Silent Disco, and a Vogue Ball in Lincoln Park.
Navy SEALS Honor First Responders of COVID-19 Pandemic
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The Jersey City Medical Center was honored to have a team of Navy SEALs visit the hospital to meet with first responders and pay tribute to the 20th Anniversary of 9/11. The Instagram post by Jersey City Medical Center said, “The SEALs performed “Honor Pushups” to acknowledge the selfless work of the entire staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured is Michael Prilutsky, President and CEO of Jersey City Medical Center expressing his admiration for the SEALs and the entire medical staff.”
Crosswalk Painted in Progress Pride Flag Colors
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The Hudson County Pride Center celebrated its Pride month by painting the crosswalk in front of City Hall in colors of the Progress Pride Flag, according to Patch. Elected officials, police officers, and volunteers teamed up to paint the crosswalk and celebrate Pride.
Jersey City Free Public Library, Catalina Aranguren Team Up for New Exhibit
Catalina Aranguren, founder of Walk-Bye by Argia Photography, will open her new public art exhibit, “we are everywhere,” at the Priscilla Gardner Main Library on August 13th, according to Hudson Reporter. The exhibit is a Pride exhibit featuring eight local queer artists, together forming the original Pride flag design. The exhibit is designed, curated and organized by Aranguren, and sponsored by the Jersey City Free Public Library.
Governor Phil Murphy Cuts Ribbon on Largest Film Studio in State
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On August 6th, Governor Phil Murphy cut the ribbon on the largest film studio in the state, per Tap Into. The new studio, Cinelease Studios at Caven Point, has 70,000 square feet of stages, workshop and flex space, and 40 feet high ceilings. The project was made possible in part because of the reinstatement of tax incentives that were abolished by previous officials.
Residential and Retail Development Seeks Approval
The Jersey City Planning Board has scheduled a virtual hearing for Tuesday, August 10th, to hear the proposal for Monticello Lofts, Jersey Digs reports. The proposed project is another 22-unit mixed-use development just a few yards away from another announced Monticello Avenue project. The development would be five stories tall, including four studios, eight one-bedroom units, and 10 two-bedroom units.
Hoboken Planning Board Approves Cannabis Lounges
The Hoboken Planning Board approved cannabis lounges, making them it the fourth municipality in the state to approve the idea, according to Hudson County View. Cannabis lounges are being limited to an enclosed indoor area separate from where the cannabis is sold, and the space must be well-ventilated. No manufacturing cultivation or distribution licenses will be allowed, but cannabis lounges, adult-use, and medical retailers, delivery companies, and wholesalers will be.
Comedian Bailey Pope Returns to Hoboken
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Bailey Pope will return to Hoboken for a live stand-up show on Wednesday, August 18th, per NJ.com. The show will be held at Milligan’s Pub and she will be joined by Chris Kinback, Vanessa Jackson, Sally Pineda, Time Rager, Mike Bramanta, and host James Mac. The show is free, but reservations are encouraged.
No Vaccinated Hobokenite Currently Hospitalized for COVID
Mayor Ravi Bhalla and the Hoboken Health Department reported that no vaccinated Hoboken resident has been hospitalized for COVID-19, reports Patch. There were 58 new COVID-19 cases reported in Hoboken between August 3rd and August 8th, with Friday bringing 21 new cases. As of Monday, seven people have been hospitalized with COVID, none were vaccinated.
Advocate Launches Campaign for Jersey City Council
Jersey City’s Ward D Candidate Danielle Freire of the Heights is seeking a seat on the Jersey City Council, per Hudson Reporter. Freire is a community advocate and seeks to “Restore the independent voice of the Heights.” She wants elected officials to be accountable and responsive to the people living in the community.
Two New Murals Unveiled in Jersey City
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Two new murals were unveiled in Jersey City on Monday, one celebrating the city and its young artists, the other a statement on gun violence, NJ.com reports. A group of artists 14-24 years old worked with professional artists in creating a 100-foot salute to Jersey City’s sister cities. International artist Kyle Holbrook created the other mural, titled “Peace”.
Hoboken Spaghetti Dinner Block Party Requiring Vaccinations
The City of Hoboken is now requiring Spaghetti Dinner Block Party attendees to be vaccinated, Hudson County View reports. The event, which will take place on August 26th, will have a significant number of seniors attending, and Mayor Ravi Bhalla said it was important to protect the most vulnerable population. Children under 12 should wear a face mask.
Mile Square Theatre, Hoboken Business Alliance Team Up for Live Performances
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Mile Square Theatre teamed up with the Hoboken Business Alliance to bring back live performances in September, Tap Into reports. With the Hoboken Business Alliance supporting the effort financially, Mile Square Theatre will present two performance events, marking the return to live performances and celebrating that “Hoboken is back in business.” Performances will begin on September 16th.
