Another news-filled week for Hoboken and Jersey City in the books. Among the headlines — outdoor dining just got a whole new makeover for a hot spot in Hoboken, Port Authority announces a new fine for those taking public transportation without a mask, there’s a new app for residents who want to learn how they can get involved with local charities, and a new pizzeria called Rig A Tony’s is coming soon to Jersey City. All that and more below — keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, and beyond.
Sweetgreen Hosts Pop-Up Outpost on Wheels in Hoboken at 5th and Hudson
{Photo credit: @sweetgreen}
After recently opening a Sweetgreen location in Jersey City, the salad chain has announced a “Sweetgreen Outpost” in Hoboken. The pop-up is a cart on wheels at 5th and Hudson Street, stemming from the Jersey City location which opened its doors just this past August. The Sweetgreen menu is made up of various categories like Warm Bowls, Salads, and Make-Your-Own — a build-it-yourself option in which customers can pick their base, ingredients, premium ingredients, and dressings. With the “Outpost on Wheels” concept, customers can order on the app and pick up at a set time window.
Hoboken & Newark COVID-19 Restrictions in Effect, But Jersey City Remains the Same
While businesses in Newark and Hoboken have had a mandatory COVID-19 curfew in effect, Mayor Steven Fulop tweeted that Jersey City restrictions will not change. “Our extensive Contact Tracing efforts for JC show our current uptick isn’t related to businesses, but more so family/friends hosting in-home gatherings,” he said. “We are aligning our rules w/the Governor’s Office only now and not expanding. We are using our data to assist our already struggling businesses by adding testing and providing necessary supplies and support so that we can minimize further devastation with restrictions now.”
In Newark, all businesses must close by 8PM, except for groceries, gas stations, and pharmacies. Restaurants may stay open for outdoor dining and take out only between 8PM and 11PM. In Hoboken, an executive order went into effect on Thursday, closing all bars and restaurants at midnight seven days a week, along with a city-wide curfew from 10PM to 5AM. The intention, the order says, is “to limit situations when social distancing and other precautions are much less likely to be followed.”
On Thursday, Hoboken reported 17 new COVID-19 cases, which is the highest one-day total the city’s had since April.
Jersey City Medical Center Earns Most Wired Recognition Award
{Photo credit: Jersey City Medical Center}
CHIME, also known as The College of Healthcare Information Management Executive, just announced that Jersey City Medical Center has earned the 2020 Digital Health Most Wired recognition as a certified Level 9. JCMC is the only hospital in Hudson County to earn a CHIME Level 9 designation and one of only 11 in the state.
“This award demonstrates JCMC’s ongoing commitment to invest in the latest technology to deliver the highest standard of care to our patients,” said Michael Prilutsky, President and CEO of JCMC. “The pandemic underscored the need to be on the cutting edge of innovation.”
The CHIME program conducts an annual survey to assess how effectively healthcare organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and care in their communities. A total of 30,091 organizations were represented in this year’s program, which included four separate surveys (domestic, ambulatory, long-term care, and international).
Union City Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison for 2019 Fatal Car Crash
Jonathan Ortiz-Guananga, 27, from Union City, was sentenced to nine years in state prison on Thursday for a May 2019 fatal crash that took place on Paterson Plank Road in Jersey City. Ortiz-Guananga pleaded guilty last month to the head-on collision that resulted in the fatal death of Adriana Riano, 32, of North Bergen. Authorities arrested Ortiz-Guananga on June 27, 2019, and charged him with speeding, driving while intoxicated, failure to maintain a marked traffic lane, and reckless driving. He also had his driver’s license suspended for 10 years.
Northern Soul Debuts ‘Soul Shacks’ — An Outdoor Dining Experience for the Winter
{Photo credit: @northernsoulhoboken}
Northern Soul Kitchen & Bar recently introduced their all-new “Soul Shacks” outdoor space. Each “shack” or greenhouse has its own infrared heating, LED lights, and Bluetooth speakers. They’re all double sanitized with disinfectant and high-intensity ultraviolet lights.
“After a LOT of research and development we determined these were the safest and most fun way to dine outdoors for the foreseeable future,” Northern Soul posted on their social media account. More updates will be coming later this week.
Lovesac Showroom Bringing Extreme Comfort to Hoboken, Literally
{Photo credit: Lovesac Facebook}
A Stanford, CT-based shop called Lovesac will soon be opening at 302 Washington Street in Hoboken. The store will carry their notorious sacs, which are huge bean bags, and their high-end convertible sofas aka sectionals.
“They’re perfect for the Hoboken customer because they’re sold in individual pieces,” Lovesac’s New York District Manager Pam Panacciulli told Hoboken Girl. “They’re customizable – you choose your insert fill in your cushions, and it comes fast and free via FedEx in one to two weeks.”
The Lovesac showroom is expected to be open in mid-November. For more information, visit their website.
European Hornet Made Its Way to Cherry Hill, NJ – Kind Of?
{Photo credit: Kathleen Magee}
If you’re an avid Hoboken Girl reader you might remember back in May we posted about a “murder hornet” spotting, which actually turned out to be identified by an expert as a European Hornet. Well, we now have exclusive news of a similar-looking hornet found in Cherry Hill, NJ.
Reader Kathleen Magee reached out to Hoboken Girl sharing images with us of a hornet she came across {see photo above} that looks just like the one that was spotted earlier this year. We can’t say for sure, but Magee has the carcass sitting in a Ziplock bag and hopes to identify it {and confirm if it’s a “murder hornet”!} soon.
Vote on Hoboken Ordinance to Fine Indoor Gatherings of Over 25 Delayed
Hoboken has introduced a plan for a new ordinance that will fine indoor gatherings of over 25 people that are also violating other ordinances, due to COVID according to City Hall. The ordinance was unanimously passed at first reading by Hoboken’s City Council, and there will be second reading at the next meeting. On Thursday, October 29th, the City Council was unable to vote on an ordinance imposing up to a $1,000 fine on certain indoor gatherings above 25 people, due to the Council’s lack of a quorum. According to the press release, four of the nine City Councilmembers logged on to the virtual meeting for the special council meeting, however, five are needed to hold an official vote on City matters. To read more, check out this story.
The Flow Initiative: Hoboken Girl‘s Period Product Drive Raises Over 5,000 in Supplies
{^Hoboken PD donating supplies to our drive! Photo credit: Raakhee Mirchandani}
To both raise awareness for and combat period poverty, Hoboken Girl has collaborated on an initiative that took place from October 10th-30th to help women get access to the period products they need locally. Over the last two weeks, we are happy to announce that we have accumulated over 5,000 period-product supplies!
The Flow Initiative Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to protect all girls, women, and menstruators from a lack of access to period products while erasing the stigma, shame, and humiliation associated with period poverty.
New Pizzeria Replacing Cookies ‘N Crepes in Downtown Jersey City
{Photo credit: @jc_upfront}
Rig A Tony’s, a new Italian deli and pizzeria, will soon be opening at 195 Newark Avenue in the heart of downtown Jersey City. This is where the former Cookies ‘N Crepes shop resided since it was founded in 2012. The storefront banner of Tony’s has already been placed and it appears the pizzeria will be opening in the immediate future.
Jersey City’s HDSID Hosting 3-Weekend-Long Market — Last Date is November 7th!
Starting October 24th and happening on Halloween and November 7th, Jersey City’s Historic Special Improvement District is hosting an Artist + Maker Market event at the Grove Street PATH Plaza and Newark Pedestrian Mall. Stop by each Saturday through 11/7 between 12PM-6PM to enjoy art, vintage goods, and more.
Email artistandmakermarket@gmail.com for more info.
Jersey City Awarded National Grant to Address Coronavirus Impact & Racial Injustice
The Jersey City Health Department was just awarded an astonishing $295,263 grant by the Kresge Foundation to continue efforts to address the impact of coronavirus and also work to solve issues of racial injustice. There are only 25 local health departments across the country that receive this grant. A total of $837,938 has been given out.
“It’s been a very tough year and of course we all would likely change some aspects of our response in hindsight, but we are lucky in Jersey City to have an amazing team that was the first in New Jersey to take aggressive measures protecting residents,” said Mayor Steven Fulop. “As the most diverse city in the nation, our residents have diverse needs, and we’re committed to expanding critical resources many residents rely on. We will continue to identify and address health disparities and to ensure we meet the emerging needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.”
‘Ladies’ Night’ Begins at Hoboken Fight Club
Looking for a cardio burst on a Thursday night? Hoboken Fight Club has started a new Women’s Muay Thai and Self-Defense class every Thursday from 7PM to 8PM.
Instructor Sally Lomidze shared with Hoboken Girl, “It’s a great opportunity for women from all walks of life to gain confidence, get a great work out in and most importantly learn the skills to defend themselves. All levels are welcome, and the first class is free.”
To join the fun for “Ladies’ Night,” visit their website.
PATH Riders Will Be Fined $50 – For Not Wearing a Mask!
The Port Authority announced in a press release that starting Monday, November 2nd, anyone who fails to “wear a mask or face covering appropriately in Port Authority facilities” will be fined $50. This includes PATH trains/stations, airport terminals, AirTrain stations/trains, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, the GWB bus station, and the Oculus transportation hub. This follows news New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) put out last month stating the same thing – anyone who takes public transportation must wear a mask, or get fined $50.
Local Resident Creates Hoboken Charity Quest App
Frank DiCola, a Hoboken resident and graduate of Stevens Institute of Technology, has created Hoboken Charity Quest, a free app that serves as a resource to help locals find charities to volunteer at – and a whole lot more. It has multiple unique features, including tracking your volunteer activity and donations over time, encouraging continued engagement with charity legacy honors, and offering discounts to Hoboken businesses. On the flip side, it also gives charities who are featured on the app a convenient way to organize their volunteers and attract new people. The app is available on the iPhone App Store and Google Play Store.
Jersey City Mayor’s Office Announces New Health Buses in Journal Square to Provide Sanitation and Support for the Homeless
{^Photo Credit: City of Jersey City}
Mayor Steven Fulop and the Department of Health and Human Services have announced new mobile sanitation and hygiene solutions to support the homeless community who have been impacted by COVID-19. Locals can expect to see two new Health Buses located at Journal Square. The buses include two full shower and bathroom units, two laundry machines, a medical consult room, and free wireless Internet access, according to a press release.
“Our homeless are at special risk and special concern,” said Mayor Fulop. “As we’ve already found with the public showers and the free testing we’re offering, by mobilizing our efforts directly to targeted areas and populations, we’re making our city services more accessible and therefore more utilized by those who need it most.”
The Health Buses will provide access points for various health services per the press release, including sanitary needs, health screenings, testing, education, and counseling. There will also be hot showers, to-go meals, personal hygiene products, personal protective equipment, and access to the myriad of additional health services Jersey City has to offer – all of which will be provided by the Department of Health and Human Services. HHS has also begun offering free flu shots and rapid response COVID-19 testing to the homeless at the Journal Square site.
All Vegan Juicery Coming Soon to Hoboken
{Photo credit: @vegbarjuicery}
Vegbar, a brand new all-vegan juicery, will be opening soon in Hoboken. In the meantime, the organic, gluten-free-friendly shop is accepting online and pickup orders for its other location in Newark at 949 Raymond Boulevard. The menu consists of organic juices, fruit smoothies, shakes, smoothie bowls, salads, burgers and wraps, soups, and specialty baked goods. Stay tuned to Hoboken Girl for when Vegbar opens.
Small Businesses in Hoboken Awarded $1.82M in Federal Aid
It was recently announced that 321 small businesses in Hoboken were awarded $1.82 million in funding provided by money allocated to Hoboken from the Federal CARES Act. The money provided can be utilized by businesses for any COVID-19 related expenses, payroll, rent payments, mortgage payments, utilities, etc.
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla stated, “I’m hopeful that our federal elected officials will provide even more relief in the months ahead, as we continue to support our local mom and pop shops. Thank you to Senator Robert Menendez, Senator Cory Booker, and Congressman Albio Sires for fighting for CARES Act funding for our community.”
First Batch of Hoboken Girl Hard Seltzer with 902 Brewing Co. Almost Sold Out in Stores Around New Jersey
The Hoboken Girl team announced a collaboration with 902 Brewing Co. three weeks ago — our very own Hoboken Girl Hard Seltzers. Our first flavor, Blood Orange, is almost sold out of its limited-edition quantities — in time for the fall season, with everything created and produced locally in Jersey City and Hoboken. The second flavor will most likely debut in a month or two in time for the holiday season. Read more about the 100% local collaboration here, and click here to see where you can find it in New Jersey to purchase.
Hoboken Community Blood Drive Announced for November 6
The City of Hoboken will sponsor a blood drive on Friday, Nov. 6, from 12PM to 6PM at the Multiservice Center at 124 Grand St. Appointments are mandatory. To make an appointment click here.
