Happy October, readers! We’ve got lots of updates for you this week, including the opening of Hoboken’s Surf Taco {finally} and a new coffee shop by the owners of Viola Vita. Plus, read on to find out about the closing of the world’s first Blimpie. Here’s the latest in Hoboken and Jersey City news.
Sobsey’s Produce Under New Owners
The natural and imported foods store, Sobsey’s, which has been a fixture on Bloomfield Ave for decades, is changing hands. Michael Sobsey explained that this retirement is a bittersweet goodbye, one that is very emotional but brings with it a lot of new freedom. According to him, “The new people are very kind.” We wish Michael and his wife, Sohiela, all the best.
New Performing Arts Center at Cast Iron Lofts
Art House Productions has moved to their new location at Cast Iron Lofts {they were formerly in Journal Square}. If you’re interesting in seeing a show, check out Leisure, Lust, written by Sara Farrington and directed by Marina McClure. Leisure, Lust tackles issues of gender, sex, love, mental illness, labor, immigration, and explores how class is woven into the fabric of American society. The show opens October 26th and runs until November 12th.
Surf Taco Now Open for Business
It’s official! The long-awaited Surf Taco is finally open in Hoboken as of this past Friday. Initially, the store manager shared that they weren’t 100% sure about opening on Friday due to the major amount of construction on Newark Street. However, it is confirmed that their doors are definitely open at 62 Newark Street.
Seventh Annual 1Day Event Hosted by Hoboken Grace
The seventh annual 1Day event, hosted by Hoboken Grace, took place yesterday. Each year, the event brings people together for one day to accomplish as much as possible for the City of Hoboken. They offered helping hands to organizations like the Hoboken Housing Authority, YMCA, In Jesus’ Name Charities, the Hoboken Shelter, Symposia Bookstore & Community Center, Hoboken Boys & Girls Club, and Mustard Seed School. They also cleaned up several parks and community gardens.
Hudson Yoga Project Offers First Advanced Yoga Training In Hoboken
The Hudson Yoga Project is bringing a 500-hour advanced yoga teacher training to Hoboken and the greater Hudson County and northern-NJ area beginning October 20th, 2017. The training is the first advanced yoga teacher training to ever be offered in Hoboken. For more on training schedules, payment plans, and the guest teachers that will be a part of the training, visit the HYP site.
Golden Door International Film Festival to Take Place This Week
The Beacon Paramount Theatre {20 Beacon Way} will be hosting the Golden Door International Film Festival for four days this week {Thursday through Sunday}. The festival is known for its independent films and for raising autism awareness. This year’s festival will screen more than 100 movies at venues throughout Jersey City.
Ferry Service in JC Starts Tomorrow
A new commuter ferry terminal will open tomorrow in Jersey City at Harborside. It will link JC to the West 39th Street Ferry Terminal in Midtown Manhattan via an eight-minute crossing, and to the Brookfield Place/Battery Park City Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan, via a six-minute crossing.
Viola Vita’s Owner Opens New Coffee Shop in Union City
Holly Romano and her husband Mario just opened an Italian coffee shop, Toscana, in Union City on the corner of 16th and Manhattan Ave. Mario is the man behind Viola Vita, the beloved Italian leather goods store in Hoboken. Mayor Brian Stack joined them for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday.
Former Presidents Attend the Presidents Cup in JC
Former presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, visited Jersey City last week for the Presidents Cup, which began on September 26 and ends today. The event began back in 1994. This year, it was held at Liberty National Gold Course, a huge honor for JC.
World’s First Blimpie Closed in Hoboken
Unfortunately, the world’s first Blimpie, which opened in Hoboken in 1964, has closed after an ugly back and forth between the owner and his landlord. Nearly 20 years ago, they moved from their first Hoboken location {7th and Washington} to a new location at 110 Washington. According to hMag, a series of cryptic messages began appearing in the front window of 110 Washington Street. One said that a sandwich shop would remain at that location but it wouldn’t be part of the Blimpie franchise. Another was a note from the Blimpie owner stating that they’d be closing but possibly relocating yet again. A third sign said they’d stay open until the 27th. However, they were closed as of the 26th.
23 New Police Officers Added to JCPD
The Jersey City Police Department just gained 23 new officers, the majority of them being Hispanic, African American, and Asian American. This class also had one of the largest amounts of female officer graduates. Mayor Steven Fulop stated that they have been working toward “what has been recognized nationally as a model for diversity recruiting within the JCPD. It is important that our police department reflects the city that it serves.”
Hoboken Buzz Cuts Celebrates Reopening
Hoboken Buzz Cuts just celebrated their grand reopening yesterday. They recently relocated after 14 years of business. Guests were invited for food, drinks, and free five minute massages. What a way to reintroduce youreself.
Women With Baby Carriage Hit by Falling Traffic Light
On Tuesday, a woman pushing a baby carriage near the corner of 4th and Washington was struck by a falling traffic light. Thankfully, no major injuries ensued. When the light came down, it struck the woman’s arm, causing her to go to the hospital for an x-ray. The construction was part of the Washington Street Redesign which includes repaired infrastructure, repaving of roads, and new traffic lights being installed.
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And that’s the latest Word on Wash! Have any news tips? Email hello@hobokengirl.com to let us know — we appreciate it!
