Hey, Hudson County! No doubt you’re still reeling from the holidays and power-napping your way to New Year’s, so why don’t you take a little break and get all caught up on everything that’s been going on this past week. Keep reading for all the top headlines you missed this week.
Our Ultimate Local Self-Care Guide to 2020 is Here
If 2020 is your year to indulge in some serious self-care, we’ve got you covered. Our official local self-care guide to 2020 is here, featuring a number of local businesses that are offering exclusive discounts to HG readers if they redeem their deal using the code “HOBOKENGIRL” or mention “Hoboken Girl.” From fitness deals to discounts on beauty treatments, our guide has everything you need to feel great in 2020. Note, however, these deals begin on January 1st and run through January 31st, so be sure to take advantage of them ASAP. Find the full list of deals + how to redeem them here.
Are Real Housewives of New Jersey Stars {and former Hoboken residents} in a New Spin-off?
Recently leaked video footage shows Caroline Manzo – a Real Housewives of New Jersey star whose sons own restaurants in town and live + frequent the Mile Square – filming a potential new show with Teresa Giudice.
After Caroline Manzo gained fame from the original show, her son Chris moved to the Mile Square where he operates several businesses like Tenth Street Pizza and Pasta and The Ainsworth {which was formerly Littletown, the Manzos’ first Hoboken restaurant foray}. {Side note: Chris Manzo has even received the Hoboken Girl honor of Hoboken Guy of the Week and Albie was on a recent Tea on the Hudson podcast episode — listen here!}
If Manzo and her family are coming back to either RHONJ or a new show, it looks like Hoboken will get a decent amount of airtime. But, Patch.com points out, Hoboken obstetrician Dr. David Principe has also been featured in some episodes of the current Bravo show. Dr. Principe works at CarePoint Hospitals and even has an office in town. It is likely that fans will be seeing a lot more of him in the upcoming seasons, as he’s been dating Dolores Catania, one of the show’s stars, since 2017.
Real Housewives of New Jersey premiered back in 2009 and followed the lives of housewives in the Franklin Lakes, New Jersey area. The upcoming season is the show’s 10th and new episodes will air on January 1st, 2020 and January 8th, 2020. Click here for a fun recap of some of the top “landmarks” you can find locally in NJ.
Grubb’s Take Away Now Open in Journal Square
Grubb’s Take Away, an American burger, sandwich, and hot dog joint, recently opened at 564 Newark Avenue in Journal Square. Offering everything from grilled chicken sandwiches to chili cheese fries, Grubb’s is open from 8:00AM-12:00AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday and 8:00AM- 3:00AM on Thursday to Saturday.
Daniel Jones + Eli Manning Spotted Playing Flip Cup at Green Rock
Green Rock Tap + Grill hosted some special guests last week — Eli Manning and Daniel Jones of the New York Giants. Following the Giants’ 41-35 win over the Redskins, the Giants quarterbacks took to Green Rock to slug back some beers, dance, and even play a little bit of flip cup. Of course, their appearance sparked some excitement, but all in all, it was a fun time for everyone involved. We love having you here in Hoboken, guys — come back soon!
Hoboken Man Charged With Assaulting Officers With a Knife During Drug Bust
A Hoboken man was arrested and charged with multiple counts last week after assaulting two Hoboken police officers while attempting to flee the scene of a drug bust. Mark Willis, 54, was charged with eight offenses, including aggravated assault on a police officer, resisting arrest with force, three weapons charges, defiant trespassing, use of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to Lt. Danila Cabrera.
The incident began when police officers Enrico Gnassi and Harold Milne found Willis trespassing at 321 Harrison Street, a residential building at 9:50PM on Sunday. Officers approached Willis, who they said appeared to be exhaling smoke and was suspected to be using heroin. In the midst of a struggle, Willis then struck a police officer in the ribs and police confiscated a knife from his possession. Police also found drug paraphernalia on Willis, arrested him, and he was transported to headquarters.
One officer was treated by the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance for minor injuries. The other officer went to the hospital, but was cleared for duty soon after.
Public Hanukkah Celebrations Honor Two Cops Injured in Jersey City Shooting
In the aftermath of the deadly kosher market shooting in Jersey City on December 10th, two cops who were injured in the shooting were honored during a public Hanukkah celebration. Two Menorah lightings in Hudson County happened on Sunday, December 22nd and were lit in honor of officers Raymon Sanchez and Mariela Fernandez.
Six were killed in the shooting, including Detective Joseph Seals and three innocent people who were inside the kosher market when the assailants entered and fired. A fourth victim inside the store was shot but not killed.
The first lighting was held on Sunday, December 22nd at Hoboken City Hall at 5:00PM, where Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, Rabbi Moshe Schapiro, and Attorney General Gurbir Grewal together kindled the menorah.
The second lighting took place at the scene of the shooting, JC Kosher Supermarket. At 6:30PM on Sunday, members of the Hasidic community publicly commended Officer Sanchez for his bravery.
“In the face of great darkness, our answer is an increase in light,” said Schapiro. “And what better time for this message than Hanukkah, when we celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, and freedom of religion over tyranny and hate.”
Jersey City School Board President + Four Other School Officials Charged With Accepting Bribes
Five former and current public officials and political candidates in New Jersey could be charged with taking bribes, according to the State Attorney General. Gurbir Grewal announced on Thursday that the five officials were charged with taking thousands of dollars in bribes in the form of campaign contributions.
According to Grewal, these five public officials accepted envelopes, paper bags, and even a coffee cup stuffed with cash in parking lots, fundraisers, restaurants, and a campaign headquarters.
Little City Books Expanding to Uptown Location in Hoboken
Little City Books on 1st Street in Hoboken is expanding its independent bookstore to another location uptown. Co-owner Donna Garban confirmed to Patch that come January 2020, Little City Books is opening a 350-square-foot location inside Bwè’s second Hoboken location at 14th and Adams Street. An archway in the back will welcome patrons to Little City.
“A town has to want a bookstore in order to have a bookstore,” Garban said. “Lots of our customers are from uptown, and they’re excited about the new store.”
Little City Books first opened in May 2015 on Independent Bookstore Day by Garban and Kate Jacobs. Congratulations on the expansion!
83 Willow Avenue to Undergo Redevelopment Plan for 11-Story Structure
{Image rendering courtesy of Nastasi Architects}
A 11-story structure is proposed for 83 Willow Avenue on the corner of Willow and Newark Street. With a ground floor residential lobby, a storm water detention system, and 2,000-square-foot retail space, 18 spaces would go to future 83 Willow residents, 42 spots would go to Jefferson Trust condos residents, and nine spaces would go to the condo owners at 89 Willow. The three remaining spaces would be ADA compliant and four of the apartments would be categorized as affordable units.
The remainder of 83 Willow Avenue would consist of 42 residences that break down as 21 one-bedrooms, 13 two-bedrooms, seven three-bedrooms, and one four-bedroom unit. Four of the apartments would be set aside as affordable units and the building’s top would sport both a 3,300-square foot green roof and a deck amenity space.
The current plan requires amendments to Hoboken’s Public Works Redevelopment Plan. City Council would have to approve the amendments, then the planning board would have to ensure the changes are in line with the city’s Master Plan.
Jersey City Library Celebrates Kwanzaa with Longest-Running Celebration
{Photo credit: Google Maps}
The longest-running Kwanzaa celebration in Hudson County kicked off in Jersey City’s Miller Branch Library at the Library’s Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, December 28th at 7:30PM. For the past 42 years, the Library’s Community Awareness Series has put on an ancestral remembrance and candle lighting ceremony.
Kwanzaa is observed from December 26th to January 1st.
Woman Struck and Killed by Train in North Jersey
A Bloomingdale woman was killed in a tragic incident on Christmas Eve. Shannon Flood, 43, was struck by a northbound train on the Hudson-Bergen Light Rail near Exchange Place in Jersey City around 4:37PM last Tuesday, according to an NJ Transit spokesperson.
Not much is known about the incident. No other passengers or conductors were harmed.
Body Balance in Hoboken Reopens in Original Location
{Photo credit: @bodybalancehoboken}
Body Balance in Hoboken has officially reopened its doors in its original location as of Thursday, December 26th. Earlier this year, Body Balance closed following a fire on the second floor of the building and the spa closed for emergency repairs and renovations. Now, the spa is back up and running at the same location, 20 Hudson Place, Hoboken. The new space also has two new couple’s rooms, prenatal tables, and more. Welcome back, Body Balance!
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We release new episodes every Tuesday, starting again January 14, 2020 for Season 2.
