Sunday roundup means it’s time to sit back, relax, and catch up on all the news you didn’t hear this week in Hoboken and Jersey City. Among the headlines — Riverside Medical Group will serve as a vaccination site for New Jersey healthcare workers, ice skating is open at Pershing Field, a community fridge has popped up in the Heights, + so much more — keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond:
Top Hoboken Girl Articles of 2020
It’s been quite a year here at Hoboken Girl. We’ve reported all of the local COVID-19 happenings, started a jobs platform, an online shop, debuted a Hoboken Girl seltzer, and also launched our bridal directory — as well as of course reported on local news {both good + bad} and even more on local businesses and events in Hudson County. Here’s a look back on the top articles of 2020 {thanks to our readers}. Click here for the full roundup.
The City of Hoboken Expands Access to HIV Prevention Drug for Employees
As of January 1st, employees of the City of Hoboken will have expanded access to the most common and essential drug used in preventing HIV. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication prescribed to HIV-negative individuals to help reduce the risk of contracting HIV. This modification will ensure more inclusive health benefits for city employees.
Autistic Student Receives $25K in Hoboken BOE Settlement
Parents of a student with autism at Wallace Elementary filed a lawsuit in 2019 which alleged discrimination and unabated harm and abuse, causing emotional and psychological injuries to the student. The Hoboken BOE settled the claim for $25,000 on December 23rd. The money will be divided to pay $3,625 to the plaintiff’s attorney and $18,800 will reimburse payment of services for Dr. David Dean, MD, according to Hudson County View.
Riverside Medical Group Opens Vaccination Site
Photo credit: Twitter via @RaviBhalla
As one of the first locations to offer rapid testing for COVID-19, Riverside Medical Group is still ahead of the game by being the first site in Hoboken to offer the Moderna vaccine. “We’ve been taking on the pandemic from the beginning, opening the first testing sites in New Jersey; drive-thru testing sites, walk-thru testing sites. So, it just makes sense we were still a part of it when it came to the vaccine because no one more than us wants to see this pandemic over,” Dr. Raj Brahmbhatt shared. Click here for more info.
Plans Progress for Bike Path Connecting Jersey City to Montclair
The City Council of Jersey City is slated to vote on a resolution supporting the development of the Old Boonton Line into the Essex Hudson Greenway. This path stretches 8.6 miles and connects 8 towns from Jersey City to Montclair. The rail line has been out of service since 2002 at which point the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition started garnering support for this transformation, per Jersey City Times.
Newark Ave Pedestrian Plaza Redesign to Begin Spring 2021
The two blocks of car-free pedestrian access on Newark Avenue in Jersey City is scheduled for a permanent upgrade in the Spring of 2021. The current space is blocked off to traffic with green-painted pavement but the renovations would bring the two-block stretch up to sidewalk level and feature granite pavers. Calling the pedestrian plaza an “economic and cultural boom,” Press Secretary Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione says the city’s latest investment in the plaza will improve aesthetics and create additional room for foot traffic and restaurant seating, per Jersey City Digs.
My Gym Hoboken Celebrates 9-Year Anniversary
Photo credit: @mygymhoboken
My Gym Hoboken is celebrating their 9 Year Anniversary! They opened on January 2, 2011 and have become an integral part of the community in Hoboken. For parents of little ones who have lots of energy, My Gym is one of Hoboken’s best-known fitness centers for children, offering a variety of classes for the little runners, jumpers, and tumblers in town.
Monroe’s Hoboken Opens Speakeasy
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Monroe’s in Hoboken has opened a speakeasy called The Sinatra Room which is currently available for private events. The vintage-inspired décor is reminiscent of the prohibition era with dark leather and stone accents. Read more here.
Ice Skating Open at Pershing Field
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Ice skating at The Charlie Heger Skating Rink is now open through March 7th. Face coverings are required and social distancing rules must be followed. The rink is located in Pershing Field at 800 Summit Avenue in Jersey City. The full schedule is available at jcrec.recdesk.com.
Feel-Good Stories from Hoboken Girl Readers
2020 was many things, and it can be difficult to find the positives in a sea of sadness, fear, and frustration, but the happy stories are out there, and with the help of our wonderful Hoboken Girl readers, we’ve compiled a list of short feel-good stories from 2020. Click here to feel more optimistic about the past year.
Ally Bird Vintage Opens Hoboken Shop
Locals may recognize Ally Bird Vintage from appearing at local flea markets and pop-ups such as the Artist + Makers Market in Jersey City or through her Instagram account. Now, however, Hudson County residents can shop Ally Bird Vintage in-person and all year round. On November 1st, Alessandra opened her first brick and mortar location inside 6th Street Vintage on 408 6th Street in Hoboken. If you missed it, click here for an in-depth look into the shop.
Play! Hoboken to Feature Chess Open Play
This Wednesday come to @PlayBokenChess weekly beginner’s class at 6 pm! Weekly Open play for all skill levels at 7 pm! #hoboken #chess pic.twitter.com/UnWDqkP54u
— Play! Hoboken (@PlayHoboken) December 28, 2020
Popular TV show, The Queen’s Gambit has chess becoming more and more popular. Hoboken is no exception to the trend. Every Wednesday at 6PM, Play! Hoboken will now host open play for chess matches. All levels are welcome and there are no associated fees.
F45 Training Gym Celebrates Its 1st Anniversary in Hoboken
The grand opening for the first F45 functional training gym happened on January 4th, 2020 which means F45 will celebrate their first year in Hoboken this month. The grand opening for F45 celebrated the Hoboken North gym at 720 Monroe Street. The gym offers HIIT classes, team training, and high efficiency one-on-one personal training sessions.
Battello to Donate 50% Revenue to Employees Before Temporarily Closing
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With plans to close in January, Battello announced via Instagram that 50% of revenue from January 1st and January 2nd will go directly to their employees. Considering current circumstances relative to the pandemic, the business has decided to temporarily close in an effort to protect their employees, clients, and guests.
Community Fridge Available for Donations
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As of a few weeks ago, residents will find a community fridge located in the Jersey City Heights by Webster Street between Congress and North Streets. Residents and businesses alike are welcome to drop off any food items {refrigerated or not} to the community fridge. The winter shelter recently built, includes shelves to the side of the fridge for non-perishable items.
Tampa Bay Tight-End Rob Gronkowski Visits om.life in Jersey City
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Rob Gronkowski, Tight End for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, stopped in for a 60-minute float and infrared sauna sweat session before playing against the NY Giants. Gronkowski said he “had the best float of his life,” according to om.life.
HSID Farmers Market to Open January 2021
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The winter/spring Farmers Market is scheduled to open on Thursday, January 21st from 12 PM – 4PM at the Grove Street PATH Plaza. The Historic Special Improvement District is currently accepting vendor applications. The market will run through April 29th, 2021 — which is an exciting addition to the winter season, as the market usually runs May through December only.
New Jersey Raises Minimum Wage
NEW: Beginning TOMORROW, New Jersey’s minimum wage will rise to $12/hour. https://t.co/M2ckD060eb
— New Jersey (@NJGov) December 31, 2020
Governor Phil Murphy has signed into effect ‘A Path to the Middle Class’ which will effectively put New Jersey on the track toward a $15/hour minimum wage. Starting on January 1st, 2021 the minimum wage is $12/hour with the plan to increase by $1 each year until 2024 when the minimum will reach $15.
Doner Xpress Coming to Hoboken
Photo credit: @Ikeyes
According to a sign on the door of the old Bucket and Bay restaurant, Doner Xpress is coming soon to Hoboken. Located at 153 1st Street, this Mexiterraneo restaurant will be serving home-style Mexican and Mediterranean cooking. The menu will feature items like a grilled chicken mozzarella sandwich, hummus with whole wheat pita, gyro, falafel, tacos, churros, and chimichangas.
