A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines — the summer food program has been announced, Mission50 has opened following a rebranding, cases of COVID-19 remain low in Hoboken, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Jersey City Medical Opens Cancer Infusion Center
Jersey City Medical Center opened a new center that expands the services the hospital is able to provide for comprehensive cancer care this month, according to RWJ Barnabas. “This new infusion center provides community residents with convenient and unparalleled access to outstanding cancer care, right here in Jersey City,” Michael Prilutsky, president and CEO of JCMC said in a statement. “We would like to thank the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for the vision and generosity that made this Infusion Center possible.”
Bayonne-Based Cafe Coming to Jersey City
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The coffee culture in Jersey City is alive and well – and ever-growing. The newest cafe to open in Chilltown is a popular Bayonne-based shop, Perk Up Cafe that is be located at 197 Van Voorst Street. The cafe is known for specialty coffees and espresso as well as a menu inspired by American classics and is aiming to open towards the end of July or the beginning of August. Click here to read more about Perk Up Cafe’s new location in Jersey City and what to expect.
Windsor Wax Building to Undergo Proposed Renovations
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Following a fire in the 1930s the Windsor Wax building was still operational for a number of decades, reported Patch. Now, the City of Hoboken is proposing the building serve a new purpose as a redeveloped mixed-use site which would include 60 residential units. The building is located on Newark Avenue in Hoboken.
Camp Bow Wow Now Open in Hoboken
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Another pet daycare, Camp Bow Bow has opened in Hoboken as of June 25th and hopes to take care of your little furry one when you’re unable to. Click here to read what we know about Camp Bow Wow located at 1414 Grand Street in Hoboken.
Via Rideshare Program to Expand
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Since its inception in 2020, the rideshare program Via has taken off, per NJ.com. As demand continues to rise local officials have approved an expansion of the current fleet. More than 340,000 rides have been completed so far. In the fifth quarter alone nearly 124,000 rides were completed which has also increased wait times. The additional vehicles will hopefully curb that delay.
Eligible Students Can Receive Extra Year of Special Education
In the wake of the pandemic, Governor Murphy signed a bill that will provide a temporary one-year extension of special education and related services to students with disabilities, reported Tap Into. Students who currently or will in the future exceed the current age of eligibility for special education and related services will qualify for additional services to help bring them up to speed.
Local Firefighter Places First in Bodybuilding Competition
Jersey City firefighter, Theron Jenkins, used downtime during the COVID-19 pandemic to work out. Eventually, he competed in the OCB competition in May in Atlantic City and won first place in the novice category, per NJ.com.
“I only did this so I can learn how to lose weight and be happy and comfortable when I go to the pool, look at myself in pictures, and when I put my clothes on each day,” said Jenkins. “Those things are first place to me, that’s the real win, not the trophy.”
Litzky Announces Grant Program
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Litzky Public Relations, the Hoboken-based boutique agency, has announced an all-new grant program called LOVE. Litzky will provide a grant of $25,000 to support businesses that work to better the lives of children and families. LPR has proudly chosen PunkinFutz, a NY-based company creating sensory play products for kids that make play accessible for every child, as the first recipient of the ‘LOVE, Litzky Grant Program’ for 2021.
‘The Mile in the Eye’ Documentary Featuring Hoboken Airs at Movies Under the Stars
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Ar Movies Under the Stars this week, a 16-minute documentary was played before the feature film was produced entirely during the lockdown in Hoboken. “The Mile in the Eye” is a short story of how Hoboken, the fourth-most densely populated city in the country, less than a mile from NYC, the ground zero of the pandemic outbreak, overcame the incredible challenge and was called a “model” for the rest of the country. Click here to view the trailer.
Twin Boro Physical Therapy to Open New Practice
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Twin Boro Physical Therapy has recently merged with Hoboken-based Craft Physical Therapy. The practice is located at 1422 Grand Street. The new merged practice will open on Monday, June 28th. The owners of Craft PT, Caroline Jolly and Sandy Pietrewitz are longtime Hoboken residents.
Cafe Vista is Expanding to Jersey City
After opening its first location at 527 Monroe Street in Hoboken in the summer of 2020, Cafe Vista garnered much-deserved attention for its good quality coffee, tea, and pastries, as well as its unique design and Instagram worthy vibes. Now, a year later, the cafe is set to open its second location in Jersey City next month. Click here to read more about Cafe Vista’s new Jersey City location at 177 York Street.
Hoboken Public Library Gets New Director
The Trustees of the Hoboken Public Library announced on June 23rd the board’s months-long search for a new library director has come to a conclusion. The search for a new director began early this year when Library Director Lina Podles announced her retirement effective June 1st.
The Trustees engaged Bradbury-Miller Associates, an executive search consultant specializing in helping libraries find leaders who are an excellent fit. After what turned out to be a nationwide search, four finalists were identified the trustees voted unanimously to appoint Jennie Pu, currently the Dean of College Libraries at Hudson County Community College, to be the new leader of Hoboken’s public library. Click here to read the full story.
Hoboken Food Pantry Raised $11K in May
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The Hoboken Food Pantry recently announced that the fundraiser held in May resulted in $11,330 in raised funds. “With this money, we can continue our mission to fight food insecurity in and around Hoboken as well as helping families secure other basic items. Thank you so much to our incredible donors and a special shoutout to Dr. Kansky at Eyeshapes Hoboken for matching all donations up to $5,500! We have such an incredible community and are continually blown away by the amount of support we have received,” the announcement said.
2021 Summer Food Service Program Announced
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To ensure all Jersey City Youth have access to free, healthy meals during summer break, Mayor Fulop and the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services announced this year’s Summer Food Service Program, according to Insider NJ. This program will provide free, healthy meals to children ages 18 and under, using 52 sites citywide to serve 225,000 meals. This program is federally funded, state-administered and run locally by Jersey City’s HHS, running from June 28th to August 27th.
172-Unit Complex Approved in Jersey City
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Jersey City has approved a new 172-unit complex, and the development scheme can officially move forward, per Jersey Digs. The properties that are planning on revitalizing are owned by Hoboken-based company 199 Summit LLC. The new building will include 86 residential units, 89 parking spaces, 1,045 square feet of retail space, and a roof deck for residents.
Mission 50 Official Opens Following Rebranding
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On Thursday, June 24th Mission50 celebrated its official reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Formerly the Hoboken Business Center (HBC), Mission 50 is a reimagined 80,000-square-foot boutique office building and coworking community that responds to evolving workplace needs and fosters collaboration, creativity, and productivity. Mission50 is located at 50 Harrison Street in Hoboken.
Jersey City Filipino Community Celebrates Hero
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Members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal laid a wreath in honor of Jose Rizal’s 160th birthday on June 19th, per Tap Into. They laid this wreath at the statue of Rizal located in the park at Christopher Colombus Drive and Brunswick. Rizal was executed by the Spanish colonial government in the Philippines in 1896.
Jersey City to Build Dozens of New Speed Bumps
Jersey City is planning to add nearly 50-speed bumps across the city, starting June 28, according to NJ.com. Mayor Fulop announced this change in a recent Facebook post, telling residents to reach out to their city council representative to request a speed bump on their street.
Jersey City Fireworks Show is Back with a Local Food Festival
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After taking a year off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Jersey’s Freedom and Fireworks event is back and better than ever. This year, the City of Jersey City will be working with the Jersey Night Market, a woman- and Latinx-owned small business, to bring some fun to the waterfront festivities. Click here to read more about Jersey City’s July 4th grand celebration.
SW3AT Sauna’s Hoboken Location is Now Open
SW3AT Sauna, the popular sauna studio located in downtown Jersey City at 172 Newark Avenue, has expanded to the Mile Square. SW3AT is a veteran-, woman-, LGBTQ+-, and black-owned holistic sanctuary for those seeking to heal the mind and body with infrared heat therapy and with limited sauna studios available in Hoboken, we’re pretty excited! Click here to read more about SW3AT Sauna’s new Hoboken location at 89 Hudson Street.
Jersey City Newark Avenue Detour Continues
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Newark Avenue closures are still in place near the Hudson County Courthouse, per Patch. Water utility work is continuing, as a result, the closure and detour of the westbound travel lane of Newark Avenue between Baldwin Avenue and Central Avenue will continue. The path will reopen once the utility work is finished.
Regenerate SoftWave Therapy Opens Hoboken Location
On Tuesday, June 22nd Doctors Lyons and Ferrucci celebrated the opening of the new Regenerate Soft Wave Therapy office in Hoboken with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. This SoftWave Therapy practice is the first and only clinic in Northern New Jersey to offer this highly effective treatment to reduce pain. Regenerate SoftWave Therapy is an FDA-cleared, alternative to surgery and a non-invasive, drug-free treatment for inflammation, chronic pain, diabetes, and all joint issues.
“This is a game-changer for patients everywhere,” Dr. Ferrucci told Hoboken Girl. “Softwave Therapy regenerates orthopedic injuries by immediately decreasing inflammation, improving blood flow, and activating stem cells to aid in the healing process. We are thrilled to see how many patients of all ages now come to our Hoboken clinic, and we are seeing first-time patients feel immediate results.”
Jersey City Resident Donates See-Through Masks to Deaf Students
Thyson T. Halley, a lifelong Jersey City resident, realized the introduction of masks in a learning environment brings obstacles to those with hearing impairments, according to Tap Into. To combat this, he teamed up with the city’s Department of Health and Human Service to distribute see-through masks. He distributed masks to staff and others at Zambella School which he designated for deaf students.
Hoboken Expands Composting Efforts
Hoboken has opened eight new locations to drop off composting, raising the number from four to 12. The expansion is part of Hoboken’s Climate Action Plan, seeking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Composting is a simple and effective way to help Hoboken achieve its goals for the Climate Action Plan. Click here to read what we know.
Rooftop at Exchange Place Launches Tickets for July 4th Celebration
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RoofTop at Exchange Place announced via Instagram it has opened reservations for July 4th. With one of the best views of the Hudson River, tickets start at $150. The post reads, “This is what you have been waiting for! Celebrate the Fourth of July with us on the Rooftop or Terrace with fireworks views and great drinks!”
Hoboken COVID Documentary Will Be Screened Before “Rocket Man”
The free “Movie Under the Stars” event in Hoboken on Wednesday night will feature the Elton John biopic “Rocket Man,” but will also screen a 16-minute documentary about how Hoboken handled COVID-19, per Patch. The film will include scenes with TV “Cake Boss” Buddy Valastro as well as medical professionals. The documentary is titled “The Mile In The Eye.”
Vegbar Plant-Based Kitchen + Juice Bar Opening in Hoboken
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A 100 percent plant-based eatery will be opening at 464 Newark Street in Hoboken soon. With a location already operating in Newark, Vegbar Juicery’s owners Mel Vaughn and Binta Forrest shared with Hoboken Girl how the Hudson County location will be different. Click here for more details about Vegbar Plant-Based Kitchen and Juice Bar in Hoboken and what to expect.
Hoboken Announces Youth Summer Sports
Hoboken has announced that it is opening enrollment for summer youth programs, according to Tap Into. These programs include baseball, basketball, and gymnastics. Registration opened on Tuesday, June 22nd.
EC Beauty Hires New Massage Therapist
A good massage in Hoboken, while not impossible to find, can be tricky — depending on your needs. Deep tissue, relaxing, coupled with cupping/CBD — there are many things that you can add to a massage, but often it leaves you wanting more. But when it comes to a true ‘craftsman’ in the massage world, allow us to introduce Dominic Concepcion. Dominic is newer to the Hoboken massage scene — but let’s just say, he’s got healing hands, and he just started working at EC Beauty Studio in Hoboken at 80 River Street 2x/week. Click here to read more.
‘This Place Matters’ Award Given to Vito’s Deli
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Vito’s Deli, a popular Hoboken restaurant, and Court Street, an eatery on the city’s old cobblestone path have both been awarded the “This Place Matters” designation, per Patch. The Hoboken Historical Preservation Commission has been awarding this designation for two years, starting with the oldest businesses and moving on to some newer Hoboken destinations.
Castaway Vintage Shop Pop-Up Shop Coming to Jersey City
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Castaway Vintage announced this week via Instagram, it will be hosting a pop-up shop in downtown Jersey City this week. The post said, “Hey y’all!! Backyard pop-up shoppe. Don’t miss it!! It will be fun. Lite refreshments. DWTN Jersey City. The Villages. Look for signs. Wednesday, June 30th; Thursday, July 1st; and Friday, July 2nd.” The store sells a fun mix of home goods, candles, and gifts.
Hoboken COVID-19 Numbers Remain Low
For the past 30 days, not a single Hoboken resident was hospitalized with COVID-19 at the Hoboken University Medical Center, according to Hudson Reporter. During the pandemic’s peak, HUMC cared for 124 COVID-19 patients in one day. As of June 18th, 97 percent of Hoboken residents ages 65 and up; 65 percent of residents over 18; and 58 percent of all residents of any age had gotten at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Hoboken Hosts Free Rabies Clinic for Dogs
Hoboken is home to many a four-legged friend and every year The City of Hoboken hosts a free rabies vaccination clinic. This year on June 26th, per Tap Into, the dogs of Hoboken gathered for their free shot. The clinic operated from 11AM to 2PM at the multi-service center. The clinic will run from 11AM to 2PM at the Multi-Service Center.
New Department of Health Building to Be Named After Persichilli
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The Department of Health Building scheduled to be built this year will be named after Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli, according to Tap Into. The Judith M. Persichilli building will recognize her service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Changes Made to 2022 New Jersey Budget
Gov. Phil Murphy and state legislative leaders agreed to add free tuition for certain students and tax breaks for seniors to the 2022 budget, per Patch. This would provide two years of free tuition at New Jersey universities for students from households making less than $65,000 per year. Murphy’s administration expects the program to benefit tens of thousands of New Jersey students.
SNL Set Designer Launches Puppy Club in Hoboken
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In an Instagram post this week SNL set designer and local dog trainer, Ken MacLeod announced, “Starting this summer we will be Introducing Puppy Club! Puppy Club is the perfect opportunity for pups to practice their skills. Under the supervision of a certified trained professional, owners with dogs under 4 months can ask questions in-person & learn about their own dogs’ play style and personality while playing safely with other city pups. Puppy Clubs are limited to 6 puppies. Dates to be announced soon!”
Hoboken Thrift Now Accepting Credit Cards + Apple Pay
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The Hoboken thrift store, St. Mary Advocates Inc. announced this week via Instagram it will now accept payment via credit card and Apple Pay. This update will make it easier for the local community to support Hoboken Thrift in its mission as customers no longer need to worry about carrying cash.
Studio 17 Reopens in Hoboken
Studio 17 Cosmetics & Wellness is reopening on July 2nd (after the studio underwent a major renovation) – which means aging gracefully is once again, an easy option. Clients go to Dr. Briza Walter for her effective non-invasive, anti-aging procedures and Grace for popular esthetician services like chemical peels, luxury facials, microneedling, and more. Studio 17 is located at 601 9th Street in Hoboken. Click here to read more about this local spot.
Jersey City Council to Vote on Ordinance for Non-Gendered Public Bathrooms
On Wednesday, June 30th the Jersey City Council will meet to vote on Ordinance 21-041 which, if passed, would change single-stall bathrooms across Jersey City to gender-neutral bathrooms. The community is invited to speak at the meeting – click here to sign up.
86-Year-Old Receives Diploma from Hoboken High School
Frank Rongo should have graduated from what was then called AJ Demarest High School in Hoboken in 1951, but following his father’s death, he dropped out of school and started working to support his family, reported News 12 . Never graduating high school. Now 70 years later, he has been awarded an honorary high school diploma from Hoboken High School.
Rongo’s grandson said, “Every year for the last 29 years, my grandpa here was telling me how much he regretted having to leave high school. He served his country, he worked hard his whole life. He just never had the opportunity to go back and finish it.”
