A week of life in Hoboken + Jersey City means there is plenty of news to catch up on. Among the local headlines: Jersey City has added three new electric charging stations, Hoboken chef to build ‘The Great GingerBoken’ to break the Guinness World Record, Weehawken Councilman steps down in pursuit of a new career, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City, + beyond.
Our 7th Annual Fall Photo Contest #FallinLoveWithHoboken | 10/1 – 10/31
Sweater weather is finally here, and you know what that means if you’re a fall lover: pumpkin picking, apple pie, PSL, and best of all: seeing the leaves go through the seasonal color transformation. To commemorate the season’s beauty and living locally, we are excited to announce Hoboken Girl’s 7th Annual Fall Instagram PhotoContest, #FallinLovewithHoboken, beginning on October 1st. This is your month to enter and win amazing prizes from 12 local businesses by posting your favorite things about Hoboken and Jersey City in the fall on Instagram. Click here to read all about our fall photo contest, how to enter, and some past inspo to #FallinLoveWithHoboken.
Vito’s Deli to Serve ‘Thumb Bread’ for Limited Time in Hoboken
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg Rocks A Hoboken Brand
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Michelle Trachtenberg has been famous for a long time: her whole life, as she started acting as a child. She’s known for her roles in “Gossip Girl,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “17 Again,” and more. Trachtenberg was born and raised in Brooklyn, and she still spends a lot of time in New York City, which gives her direct access to some of the best things Hoboken has to offer.
One of Hoboken’s best exports is Electric Picks Jewelry, founded by best friends MJ Carlson and Chantel Gia. The brand has shot to fame of late and is available in major retail chains like Nordstrom and Anthropologie, as well as online on Revolve. Click here to read more about the Hoboken-based brand.
Hoboken Girl Founder Jen Tripucka is American Heart Association’s 2021 Survivor Ambassador
The annual American Heart Association’s (AHA) NJ Tri-County Heart Walk took place on Saturday, October 2nd at Overpeck County Park in Ridgefield and virtually. Donations to the organization will help improve lives and spread awareness for stroke and heart attack victims, as well as Congenital Heart Defect survivors. One such survivor is our Hoboken Girl founder, Jennifer Tripucka. Click here for the full story.
Babka Bailout/Boomerang Bites Coming to Jersey City Heights
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Last year, the Hoboken and Jersey City communities got to know the story of Michal Prevor, the woman behind Babka Bailout. The delectable babkas soon became a staple for many residents. Read all the details here on our chat with the owners.
Rock My World Reopens in North Bergen Following Pandemic
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After much anticipation, Rock My World, located at 9100 Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen, held a grand reopening event on Saturday, September 25th, and Sunday, September 26th. In 2019 the shop announced plans to open to a new location in Englewood but the pandemic put a hold on the expansion. Last weekend the shop reopened for weekends only and announced that plans are still in place to open a second location in Englewood.
Jersey City Adds 3 Electric Charging Stations
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Jersey City announced this week the addition of three new electric charging stations throughout the city. The Instagram post reads, “New EV Chargers Alert. We’re excited to announce that we have added three new public electric vehicle charging stations: one at Berry Lane Park, one at Enos Jones Park, and the third at Leonard Gordon Park!” Visit JC Make it Green to view all of the public charging stations that the city has installed.
Hoboken Chef to Build ‘The Great GingerBoken’ to Break the Guinness World Record
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Hoboken – but make it gingerbread. This is exactly what Hoboken resident and owner of For Cup Sakes, Caroline Henderson, is doing. Caroline has set out to break the Guinness World Record for the largest gingerbread village and is using the Mile Square as her inspiration to create The Great GingerBoken. We had a chance to connect with Caroline to learn more about the history in the making. Click here to read the full story.
Zepellin Hall Launches Oktoberfest Celebrations
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Zepellin Hall, located at 88 Liberty View Drive in Jersey City, has launched its Oktoberfest celebrations. The Instagram post said, “Zeppelin Hall’s Oktoberfest now through October 25th. Live music in the garden on weekends 3PM to 7PM! Giant pretzels, Oktoberfest beers, food, and room for all of your friends! We’re open LATE.”
Hoboken Baristas Open Pop Up Coffee Shop
After Hoboken coffee shop Hudson Coffee closed, barista Wendy Benitez and artist Estella German didn’t give up, according to Patch. They found an alcove next to the Hoboken Historical Museum and the pair now have a pop-up coffee and art shop called Not Your Regular Coffee.
Candidates Discuss School Funding at Gubernatorial Debate
Jersey City and Hoboken briefly took the spotlight at the gubernatorial debate between current Gov. Phil Murphy and challenger Jack Ciattarelli as they debated school funding, Hudson County View reports. Ciattarelli stated while he would not leave any student behind, nor any community, but he would not send aid to “people that own million-dollar homes in places like Hoboken and Jersey City and have them pay less in property taxes than a $400,000 homeowner in Tom River, Hillsborough, and Parsippany.” Murphy responded by asking voters to decide if they want to move the state forward or backward on November 2nd.
Fall Harvest Fest Canceled, Farmer’s Market Proceeds as Planned
A Fall Harvest Fest in honor of the 25th season of the Hoboken Farmers Market was canceled due to expected thunderstorms on Tuesday, per Patch. The organizers hope to reschedule the Fall Harvest Fest, and in the meantime, will compile a retrospective of the past seasons at the Farmers Market.
Forum Set for Jersey City At-Large Council Candidates
The Journal Square Community Association will hold a forum for the at-large City Council candidates, according to NJ.com. The forum will be held on Saturday from 10AM to noon at the Hudson County Community College Student Center on the second floor. There are seven at-large candidates vying for the three seats, and it’s expected that at least six of the seven candidates will appear at the forum on Saturday.
Jersey City Fire Department Celebrates 150th Anniversary with Parade
The Jersey City Fire Department is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a parade on Sunday at noon, starting at Dickinson High School, NJ.com reports. The parade will follow Newark Avenue and proceed south on Jersey Avenue to a reviewing stand south of Grand Street. First responders from more than 20 other fire departments from the tri-state area will join Jersey City’s firefighters in the parade.
Potential Bareburger Location Opening in Jersey City
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A firm doing business as Bareburger submitted an application seeking the transfer of a liquor license to 143 Newark Avenue, indicating a possible Bareburger location in Jersey City, per Jersey Digs. Bareburger is a national chain that prides itself on premium, mostly organic ingredients for its burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The company itself hasn’t yet responded to a request for comment. The chain is based in Queens, and a Jersey City location would join the other North Jersey locations in Closter, Edgewater, Hoboken, Montclair, Morristown, Ridgewood, Westfield, and Woodcliff Lake.
Historic Jersey City Townhouse For Sale
A rare historic Jersey City townhouse is for sale in the Lincoln Park Historic District, according to Jersey Digs. This listing at 19 Bentley Avenue has every original detail preserved, as well as available parking for two cars. The townhouse was built by one of Jersey City’s earliest business magnates, George W. Helme. He was in the tobacco business and by the time he died in 1893 he was the second richest man in New Jersey.
Liberty Humane Society Seeks Home for Abandoned Jersey City Dog
The Liberty Humane Society is helping an abandoned pup get comfortable and get a new home, Patch reports. The dog was found abandoned, tied to a bike rack with his toys, a bed, medication, and other supplies. The Liberty Humane Society named him McSteamy, and he is a young Pit Bull terrier mix with a playful personality.
The Legendary Golden Cicada in Jersey City is Back with New Concept
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One of Jersey City’s most beloved bars is making its return. The Golden Cicada, at 195 Grand Street, closed in late 2019, and the property was sold. Now, we have some information about what’s next for this downtown spot, formerly a karaoke-dive-bar-fusion beloved to Jersey City residents near and far. Click here to read more.
Last Hoboken Community Bike Ride to be Held October 24th
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The last Hoboken Community Bike Ride will be hosted on Sunday, October 24th. The route changes with each ride so stay tuned via Instagram for updated details. Helmets are required and the ride is accompanied by the Hoboken Police Department.
In-Person Visits Return to Jersey City Art & Studio Tour 2021
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For its 31st anniversary, the Jersey City Art & Studio Tour is celebrating by coming back in-person, per Hyperallergic. After last year’s tour turned virtual due to COVID-19 precautions, JCAST 2021 is opening its doors for visitors to explore a large selection of exhibits and arts-related activities featuring over 650 artists. This is the largest art tour in New Jersey and celebrates the city’s arts and culture institutions, offering exhibits across all neighborhoods and spotlighting work by well-known and emerging artists.
Hoboken Approves New Mixed-Use Development
The final site plan has been approved for a 500,000 square foot mixed-use development called The Boundary. The Hoboken Zoning Board of Adjustment approved the plan on September 28th. The plan’s approval was the last step the developer, JDA Group, needed to start the proposed project. This will expand the Mission 50 co-working building which used to be known as the Hoboken Business Center. Click here to read all about The Boundary.
Jersey City Public Library Coordinates Period Product Donations
As part of a Back To School Product Giveaway, the Jersey City Free Public Library called on the community to donate feminine hygiene products reports Patch. Menstruating students in Jersey City, or those with limited access to period products, were given access to the donated items at the Miller Branch Library Parking Lot on Thursday. The library teamed up with several period-advocacy organizations to create this “With U, She Can” initiative.
Mack-Cali Selling 101 Hudson Street in Jersey City
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A prominent Jersey City building is set to change hands as Mack-Cali has agreed to transfer ownership of the property to Nanuet NY-based company The Birch Group, per Jersey Digs. The office complex is located just a block from the Hudson River, and the sale price is believed to be $380 million. The deal is expected to close within the next 30 days. Two of the largest tenants in the building are Merrill Lynch and AIG.
Weehawken Councilman Finds New Career
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Weehawken Third Ward Councilman Raul Gonzalez is stepping down from his seat on the Township Council, due to a new career opportunity requiring him to move out of the township, according to Hudson Reporter. Gonzalez has been serving since 2018. The Third Ward runs from Clifton Terrace and Park Avenue to 51st and Park Avenue.
COVID-19 Booster Shots Now Available at Hudson County Vaccine Center
Pfizer booster shots are now available at the Hudson County Vaccine Distribution Center, following the federal government’s announcement detailing parameters for booster shots, per Hudson Reporter. The team at the center is working with municipal health officers, state and federal government, and all other stakeholders to ensure efficiency and equality in the distribution of vaccines. The CDC recommends that anyone who got their first two Pfizer vaccines and meets the criteria get a booster dose.
Hudson County Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month
The time of year has come—it is National Hispanic Heritage Month. While we celebrate the Latinx community and its many contributions to American culture always here at Hoboken Girl, this month we take a pause to honor this diverse community and showcase resources for and by the Latinx community here in Hudson County and northern New Jersey at large. Many of the associations offer support for people of all backgrounds with a focus on the Latinx people. Click here to learn more about these organizations and ways to utilize their services or to even donate.
Hoboken Council Members Endorse Future Candidates
Local Hoboken council members have begun offering endorsements of candidates with the election just about a month away, Tap Into reports. Mayor Bhalla is running unopposed, but 10 candidates are campaigning for the three At-Large Council seats. Two groups of three are running together, #TeamBhalla and “Independently Together,” splitting the endorsements between Mayor Bhalla’s team and challengers.
Former Hoboken City Council Candidate Dini Ajmani Moves to U.S. Treasury
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Assistant State Treasurer Dini Ajmani accepted a position in the U.S. Treasury as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Capital Markets, according to Tap Into. Previously announced as a candidate on the #TeamBhalla slate for City Council At-Large Seat, she departed the ticket to take the position with the Biden Administration.
Garden Party Concert in Jersey City Raised Funds Against Cancer
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In the backyard of Lincoln Park, a garden concert raised funds to battle cancer via a NYC marathon run. The concert was performed by chamber music collective Decoda, to help sponsor marathon runner Michael P. Davidson. The funds were raised in honor of Davidson’s mother and his friend who both battled cancer.
