It feels like an eternity waiting to get to the main event of the month: the Thanksgiving meal. It’s been another busy week in Hudson County and we’ve got all the news to get you caught up. Among the highlights: several North Jersey law enforcement agencies team up to investigate a Hudson County crime ring; Hoboken’s Merry Hot Cocoa truck returns for the season; and a Jersey City-brewed beer wins top honors. Read on for all the news from Hoboken and Jersey City for the week ending November 19th, 2023.
Jersey City’s Outdoor Ice Skating Rink Now Open
Photo Credit: Newport Skates
Locals looking to get some time on the rink this winter don’t need to travel to Rockefeller Center — Jersey City’s outdoor skating rink, Newport Skates, is officially open for the 2023 season. The rink opened Sunday, November 12th, at 95 River Drive and operates every day of the week, with varying hours. Read more about Newport Skates in Jersey City and its 2023 schedule.
Merry Hot Cocoa is Back for the 2023 Holiday Season
Cariana Fasciano is the woman behind Merry Hot Cocoa, a pop-up hot cocoa bar that made its debut back in 2022 just in time for the holidays. The shiny black trailer decorated with greenery can be found at Church Square Park in Hoboken and popping up throughout Hudson County. Merry Hot Cocoa was so popular last year that Cariana actually opened up a kiosk at Pier A Park this past summer. Read on to learn more about Cariana’s background and the delicious hot cocoa available at her truck, Merry Hot Cocoa.
Walgreens in Downtown Hoboken Has Closed
Earlier this year, Walgreens announced that it would be closing 150 of its U.S. stores by 2024. As it would turn out, the downtown Hoboken location is one of these fated outposts — though the drugstore giant was elusive with the details. Back in October, after reader reports indicated that the 101-105 Washington Street storefront (in the old bank) may permanently close, The Hoboken Girl did some digging into the situation. Our research turned into something of a Walgreens goose chase, but nevertheless, Walgreens confirmed that it would be closing Tuesday, November 7th. Read on for what we know about the Walgreens in downtown Hoboken and its closure.
Jersey City Brewery Has Top Gluten-Free Beer
View this post on Instagram
According to a poll published by USA Today, Jersey City’s Departed Soles Brewery has the nation’s top gluten-free beer. The winning brew is a black IPA called A Dark Night. Departed Soles is located at 150 Bay Street in downtown Jersey City.
Settlement Reached in Hoboken Lawsuit Over Union Dry Dock
A legal dispute between the city of Hoboken and waterfront advocacy group Fund for a Better Waterfront (FBW) has been settled. According to NJ.com, FBW had challenged the City’s agreement with New York Waterway to lease the Union Dry Dock. “We thank the City for exercising eminent domain and look forward to working with this administration and future administrations to ensure the establishment of Maritime Park on the entire site sometime in the next 3-5 years,” stated Ron Hine, FBW’s Executive Director via a statement on the organization’s website.
With New Baby, the Fulops are Five
View this post on Instagram
Congratulations are in order for Jersey City Mayor Steven M. Fulop and his wife Jaclyn, who welcomed a son. Per NJ.com, Sage Montana was born on November 9th and is the couple’s third child. Sage joins siblings Jaxxon and Stassi.
Knife-Wielding Woman Arrested at Hoboken McDonald’s
Per Patch, on October 27th, Hoboken police officers responded to the McDonald’s located at 134 Washington Street after reports were made of a woman with a knife. Responding officers found the woman, and during their interaction, a knife fell out of her pocket. The suspect, 28-year-old Amanda Hernandez of Hoboken, was arrested and charged with several crimes including resisting arrest and assaulting an officer.
Tree Planting Effort in Jersey City
View this post on Instagram
The thought of a vertical addition to the Jersey City streetscape probably conjures up thoughts of skyscrapers. But the Exchange Place Alliance has made its own contribution to the landscape with the addition of 59 trees. Per NJ.com, the trees will be planted over the next few weeks, and came from a nursery in Robbinsville, NJ. This effort comes after another batch of 38 trees planted during another Exchange Place project this summer.
Schedule Changes for NJ Transit
This past Sunday, new NJ TRANSIT Rail schedules took effect on all lines.
For more info: https://t.co/4KQQvsFQOv pic.twitter.com/be5B7c9oqI
— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) November 14, 2023
NJ Transit announced new rail schedules, effective Sunday, November 12th. According to a press release, all 12 NJ Transit lines will be impacted. Riders are encouraged to visit NJ Transit’s website or app for more information.
New Jersey’s Gotham FC Are League Champions
View this post on Instagram
Gotham FC, New Jersey’s National Women’s Soccer League team, has won the league championship, per NJ.com. At the end of last season, Gotham finished last in the 12-team league. Gotham were the underdogs at the championship match on Saturday, November 11th, but beat the OL Reign 2-1.
Hoboken Community Center Celebrates One Millionth Diaper Donation
^ Anthony Romano, Jen Giattino, Tiffanie Fisher, HCC, + MHM. Photo credit: Hoboken Community Center.
Per a press release, the Hoboken Community Center celebrated a milestone this week, receiving the 1,000,000th diaper donation from New Jersey-based nonprofit Moms Helping Moms in 2023. According to the National Diaper Network, 47% of families can’t afford the diapers they need to keep their children clean, dry, and healthy. The HCC’s Personal Care Pantry program hosts bi-weekly distributions of hygiene items like diapers, feminine care products, and pet food to its nearly 3,000 registered clients.
The Hoboken Girl + Hamilton Pork Team Up to Give Away 125 Turkeys to Local Nonprofits
View this post on Instagram
In an inaugural event, The Hoboken Girl partnered with Jersey City restaurant Hamilton Pork to give away 130 Thanksgiving turkeys to various local non-profit organizations. The event was a social media contest where five winners were picked to contribute turkeys to their charity of choice. Local organizations receiving turkeys are: The York Street Project; Women Rising Inc; Hudson CASA; the Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County; and the Hoboken Shelter.
Photo Exhibit in Bayonne Celebrates Ten Years of Special Needs Sports Programming
An exhibit at the Bayonne Community Museum celebrates the 10-year anniversary of special needs sports programming in the community, according to NJ.com. The exhibit is a photo display including over 3,000 images of youth athletes participating in Bayonne’s Division of Recreation programs. The first special needs youth sports event held in Bayonne was a pillo hockey game in November 2013.
Hoboken Man Arrested for Allegedly Assaulting Police with a Guitar
Per Patch, a guitar-wielding man was arrested after assaulting several Hoboken police officers on Saturday, October 29th. Officers conducting crowd control at the intersection of Newark and Washington Streets when they were approached by a guitar-playing man who was singing songs ‘berating law enforcement.’ He was asked to leave the area, and he did, but then he returned with an unknown bottled liquid that he threw at officers and assaulted them. Hoboken resident John White, 30, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest with physical force, refusal to be fingerprinted, and disorderly conduct.
Site of Former Bayonne Synagogue Approved for Redevelopment
A recently approved redevelopment plan in Bayonne will see an unused synagogue rebuilt into something new according to Jersey Digs. The former Ohab Sholem Synagogue at 1012-1022 Avenue C, known as the uptown synagogue, was built in 1925 and closed in 2003 after years of disuse. A fall 2023 study by the Bayonne Planning Board, “Non-condemnation Area in Need of Redevelopment Study” was approved by the City Council, paving the way for redevelopment plans to be created.
Hoboken Community Meeting for 800 Monroe Resiliency Park
The City of Hoboken will host a community meeting on Tuesday, November 21st, at 6PM at the Multi-Service Center, 124 Grand Street, to present the final draft concept design for 800 Monroe Resiliency Park, according to a Nixle alert. The project team will gather public feedback on the final draft concept design for the City’s fourth resiliency park, which project consultant AECOM developed based on public input collected through previous community meetings and survey responses. For more information, residents can visit the project website.
Hudson County Veterans Honored
View this post on Instagram
As part of Hudson County’s Veterans Day celebrations, Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise celebrated 2023 Veterans of the Year at a brunch held at County Prep High School in Jersey City. Per Patch, one veteran from each town in Hudson County was honored. Honorees were nominated by their communities for their past military service and community contributions.
Flood Wall Plans Hit Hiccup on Jersey City/Hoboken Border
Even though Hoboken has just celebrated the kickoff of an ambitious Rebuild by Design project, a dispute is brewing between Hoboken and Jersey City, according to NJ.com. In order to complete the project as envisioned, Jersey City must grant Hoboken easements along Grove Street, Marin Boulevard and Jersey Avenue to build a flood wall. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has offered Jersey City $2.1 million, but the City wants a guarantee of financial compensation in case the work exceeds that cost.
Ten Arrests Made in Hudson County Crime Ring
Several North Jersey police departments collaborated to investigate a Hudson County crime ring, resulting in ten arrests. Per NJ.com, the investigation into drug sales from Secaucus hotels also revealed fraudulent identification cards, credit cards, Social Security cards, drugs, and drug paraphernalia. Secaucus Police and Jersey City Police were joined by the Secaucus Police K-9 Unit, the North Bergen Police Department, and the Jersey City Police Department Major Case Unit in investigating the crimes and arresting the suspects.
New Speakeasy ‘Perico’ Officially Open in Downtown Hoboken
Panela, a Latin-inspired restaurant situated at 36 Newark Street in downtown Hoboken, recently introduced its latest development, a new speakeasy-style Agave bar called Perico. Perico features over 50 cocktails made with Casamigos and Agave spirits and is operated within the basement bar of Panela. The speakeasy opened officially on November 9th and is now open from Thursday through Saturday, starting at 5PM. Read on to learn more about Perico, now open in Hoboken.
Cheap Maggies in Hoboken is Closing
Over the last few years, Cheap Maggies, a resale store located in downtown Hoboken, has become a well-known part of the local retail scene. Recently, the store put up signage at 216 Washington Street signaling that the spot is closing. Recognized for its discounted brand items, locals are encouraged to support the shop while it remains open. Read on for more information regarding the closure of Cheap Maggies in Hoboken.
Ward 1 Runoff Election in Hoboken Happening on December 5th
While most of the candidates for the 2023 Hoboken City Council race knew the outcomes shortly after voting closed on November 7th, candidates from Ward 1 will have to wait until after a runoff vote on December 5th to find out the winner. According to New Jersey election laws, to be declared a winner, a candidate must obtain a plurality of the votes. Since none of the three candidates achieved that number, a runoff election will be held. Read on to learn more about the runoff election happening in Hoboken on December 5th, 2023 and how eligible voters can participate.
City of Hoboken + Hoboken Business Alliance Invite Residents to Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Via a press release, the City of Hoboken and Hoboken Business Alliance invite residents to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, on Tuesday, November 28th, at 5PM. The festivities, which will take place at 11th and Washington Streets, will feature Elvis the Elf, live performances by Hoboken youth, and a special guest appearance by Santa Claus. Local Hoboken businesses including Merry Hot Cocoa, Apple Montessori School, and The Hive will provide free hot cocoa and baked goods to attendees.
CarePoint Health Hosts Wellness Screening at Hoboken Senior Center
Photo credit: CarePoint Health
Providers from CarePoint Health held a wellness screening earlier this month at Hoboken Senior Center, according to a press release. The team provided complimentary blood pressure screenings, wellness checks, and education. Pictured in one of the photos is Mike, a Vietnam Veteran who shared many stories, along with Gloria (getting her blood pressure checked) who just turned 103.
Ho Ho Hoboken Set for December 16th
View this post on Instagram
The second annual Ho Ho Hoboken bar event has been announced. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, December 16th, and 13 bars are participating so far, including River Street Garage, House of Que, and The Lola. Tickets are available now online.
Attain Med Spa Launches Attain Total Health
View this post on Instagram
Attain Med Spa, located at 720 Monroe Street in Hoboken, has launched Attain Total Health. According to a message from the Attain team, Attain Total Health is about helping all people (men and women) understand their bodies and have direct access to healthcare. “We will be offering well visits, bloodwork, hormone therapy, sexual health, weight management, hair restoration treatments with a concierge feel but not concierge prices. We are also set up for Telehealth as a convenient option,” the team said.
Lottery Open for Hoboken’s FREE Public Charter Schools
Hoboken families are encouraged to learn more and apply to enter the lottery for the city’s public charter schools — Hoboken Dual Language Charter School (HoLa), Elysian Charter School, and Hoboken Charter School. The three public schools are free, open to all Hoboken residents, and do not have any entrance testing requirements. Because demand exceeds available seats, students are randomly selected for entrance to the schools through a lottery system. All three schools offer a weighted preference for Hoboken families who live in public or subsidized housing, or receive public benefits. The deadline for submitting a free lottery application is January 11th, 2024 at 5PM.
Vigil For Hostages Being Held by Hamas Happening in Jersey City
A peaceful community vigil called ‘Bring Them Home’ will be held in Jersey City to pray for the release of the international hostages being held in Gaza by Hamas on Monday, November 20th. The vigil will start at 5:30PM at City Hall in Jersey City.
How to Grow on Instagram (from our founder)
If you’ve ever wanted to take your social media account to the next level then 10K in 50 days is for you. The Local Girl Media Group’s founder, Jen Tripucka, created this after growing two of our new sister brands (@theasburygirl and @thecatskillsgirl) from scratch using specific tips and tricks daily — it’s a tried-and-true method, not luck. 10K in 50 Days is A 50-day, step-by-step e-book guide and roadmap to growing your brand’s Instagram organically to 10K in less than two months, with tips and tricks daily — tried and true. Click here to get the guide with a Black Friday discount through Sunday, November 19th.
