Jersey City Magazine

Daddy Mayor

SPRING | SUMMER 2019

Growing in JC Katyn Creator

the language of Nyugen Smith

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DEPARTMENTS

CoNtENts JCM

6 OUR STAFF 8 CONTRIBUTORS 10 EDITOR’S LETTER 23 DATES 26 HELPING HANDS Beyond the Blog

32 HOW WE WORK Small Business

34 SPORTS SPU Coach Holloway

14

36 POINT AND SHOOT Spring Awakening

FEATURES 14 THE KATYN STATUE The Mind behind the Monument

18 DADDY MAYOR Steve Fulop

22 THE POWERHOUSE What the Heck’s Happening

40 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS Hudson County Statues

50 CYCLE CITY Bike-Shares

COVER 56 THE LANGUAGE OF ART Nyugen Smith Cover Photo: Raquel Perez-Puig ‘Lest We Forget’ performance with Marvin Fabien

44 38 EDUCATION HCCC President

44 HOW WE LIVE Columbus Drive

46 EMERGING The Barrow Mansion 52 On The Job With The Concierge

54 JC ENTREPENEUR Nailing It

58 WATERING HOLE Healy’s Tavern

62 EATERY

62 4 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

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Spring | Summer 2019 Volume 16 • Number 1 Published twice annually A Publication of Newspaper Media Group

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Jersey City Magazine is published by the Newspaper Media Group, 447 Broadway, Bayonne, New Jersey 07002, (201) 798-7800, Fax (201) 798-0018. Email jcmag@hudson reporter.com. Subscriptions are $10 per year, $25 for overseas, single copies are $7.50 each, multiple copy discounts are available. VISA/MC/ AMEX accepted. Subscription information should be sent to Jersey City Magazine Subscriptions, 447 Broadway, Bayonne, NJ 07002. Not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or other unsolicited materials. Copyright ©2019, Newspaper Media Group .All rights reserved.

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Delfin Ganapan Alyssa Bredin Quiros

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RORY PASQUARIELLO

DELFIN GANAPIN

is an editorial assistant at the Hudson Reporter. In his spare time, he is immersed in contemporary geek and pop culture and has contributed to a small geek culture blog called We Are Geeking Out.

JIM HAGUE

Lisa M. Cuthbert

contributors

J C M

Jim Hague

MARILYN BAER

grew up in Hoboken and currently lives in Jersey City. She studied journalism at Ohio Wesleyan University and is now a staff writer for the Hoboken Reporter.

TERRI SAULINO BISH

is an award-winning graphic designer, digital artist, and photographer, capturing many of the iconic images featured in print and online publications across Hudson County. You can view more of her work at tbishphoto.com.

LISA CUTHBERT

Is a multi-award winning senior graphic designer with more than 15 years of art and design experience. Passionate about and dedicated to the profession, “I do not think out of the box.

I redesign the box itself.”

8 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

is a Jersey City native, who landed a job with the Hudson Dispatch in 1986. He has been the sports columnist for the Hudson Reporter Associates for the last 22 years.

MIKE MONTEMARANO

is a staff writer for the Hudson Reporter. He graduated from Rutgers University in 2016, with a degree in Journalism and Political Science, and spends his spare time writing and recording music.

ALYSSA BREDIN QUIRoS

is an award-winning designer and photographer.

Her work is featured in numerous publications, including Hoboken 07030 and Jersey City Magazine.

You can see her full portfolio at tbishphoto.com.

RORY PASQUARIELLO

is a local journalist living in the Jersey City Heights. He grew up in Morris County, went to school in the Hudson Valley, and now his writing appears every week on his neighbors’ doorsteps.

Al Sullivan

VICTOR M. RODRIGUEZ

has studied publication design, photography, and graphic arts. “I’ve been fascinated by photography for almost 20 years,” he says.

TARA RYAZANSKY

is a writer who moved from Brooklyn to Bayonne. She works as a blogger for Nameberry.com and spends her spare time fixing up her new (to her) 100-year-old home.

AL SULLIVAN

has been a staff writer for the Hudson Reporter newspaper chain since 1992. He was named journalist of the year in 2001 by the New Jersey Press Association, and photographer of the year in 2005 by the Garden State Journalists Association. In 2001, Rutgers University Press published a collection of his work, Everyday People: Profiles from the Garden State.

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From Nation to Neighborhood ersey City is well on its way to becoming the biggest city in the state, trailing Newark by a measly 18,000. Its designation as a sanctuary city puts it in the middle of the incendiary immigration debate, and this very diverse town will be watching closely as the U.S. Supreme Court decides if immigration status may be included in the 2020 census. Meanwhile, its embrace of Green New Deal policies connects Jersey City to national and world movements.

That said, people who choose to live in Jersey City are often here for the culture and the community, the excitement of urban life and the comfort of friendly neighborhoods and small-town values.

Despite all this political heavy lifting, we focused on Mayor Fulop’s softer side. Marilyn Baer sat down with Mayor Steve to discuss his most important new job: first-time father.

“Growing in JC” embodies the community spirit that draws newcomers from across the river.

Marilyn Baer joined the group for a typical open-mic gathering, all proceeds going to charity.

Tara Ryazansky profiles one of Jersey City’s best-known artists, Nuygen Smith, whose cuttingedge art can be seen on the cover and in these pages.

Seems like we were on a statue roll this issue. Though lots has been written about

10 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

see page 30

Photo by Marie Papp

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The Mind behind the Monument Just about everybody in Jersey City has heard of the Katyn Monument, which honors Polish citizens massacred by Soviets in 1940. Many are aware of the controversy over possibly moving it from its longtime home at Exchange Place. But how many have heard of the artist who sculpted it? His name is Andrew Pitynski, and Rory Pasquariello talked with him about how this dramatic piece of art came into being.

Rory Pasquariello: How long have you lived the United States?

Andrew Pitynski: Forty-five years. I am 72 years old. I came to the U.S.A. in 1974 after I received my Master’s degree in Sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow. I became a U.S. citizen in 1987.

RP: How long have you lived in New Jersey?

AP: Forty years. I started working for the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture of Hamilton, New Jersey in 1979. I am the supervisor of the Modeling, Enlarging, Mold Making and Resin departments. I was a sculpture instructor for Rider University from 1992 to 1997, and Rutgers University from 1997 to 2002.

RP: Why did you leave Poland?

AP: My family was persecuted by the Communists in Poland. During WWII my parents fought against German Nazis, and then the Soviet Red Army. My parents were both wounded in a battle in Kurylowka, Poland, on May 6, 1945.

After the war, patriots continued to fight against the Communist regime. The war for Poland’s freedom continued with the Solidarity movement in the 1980s and beyond.

14 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

Photo courtesy of Andrew Pitynski

My second reason for coming to the U.S. was to learn the best technology for casting bronze for sculpture. Sculptors came from all over the world to the Johnson Atelier Technical Institute of Sculpture to learn the latest American metal casting technology.

RP: Where did you make the sculpture?

AP: At the Johnson Atelier, from 1989 to 1991.

I made many of my monuments and commissions there for the U.S., Poland, Italy, and South Africa.

[For a full list, visit groundsforsculpture.org.]

RP: How much does the sculpture weigh?

AP: Eight tons for the bronze sculpture and 60 tons for the granite base.

RP: How long did it take you to make it?

AP: More than four years. The bronze sculpture, 14 feet high, represents a Polish officer, bound, gagged, and stabbed in the back with a Soviet bayonet. It stands on a granite base 24 feet high by 6 feet by 6 feet on top of pyramidal concrete with steps covered in granite slabs. On the front

Photo by Al Sullivan

of the base is a bronze relief of the Polish Army Eagle. The relief is an urn which contains the remains from the Katyn Forest Massacre site. Below the bronze relief the words “Katyn – 1940,” are carved into the granite. Below that is the bronze relief dedicated to the millions of Poles who died in the Siberian gulags, “Siberia – 1939.”

On the sides of the base are bronze plaques, with the Polish eagle and the American eagle bearing descriptions of the Katyn Massacre in Polish and English.

In 1987 the foundation was blessed.

The granite base was blessed in 1988.

The bronze urn relief was mounted to the base in 1989, and the plaques were attached to the base in 1990, the 50th anniversary of the massacre. In 1991 when the sculpture was installed on top of the granite base it was the greatest of celebrations. In 1992 the Siberian relief was installed. People kneeled on the concrete around the monument, and many cried, even the army officers, as they remembered the Polish women, children, infants, and elderly who perished in Siberia.

RP: What’s involved in making the sculpture?

AP: The monument committee finds the money to pay for the construction and find the site. The committee was Christopher Nowak, president; Stanley Paszul, Josef Plonski, Captain Lucien Rutkowski, Stanley Wolf, Captain Winowski, Lieutenant Sosulski, Father Zubik, Colonel Nadolczak, Lieutenant Morawski, Zofia Rutkowski, and Colonel Podbielski. The members were veterans. Some were wounded at the Battle of Monte Cassino. Some were Siberian exiles and members of the Polish Underground Army. They never questioned my design because they knew it was a monument to the truth!

Today, a monument can be a tree, some rock, or the name of a school or almost anything. For me, a memorial will always be a monumental bronze composition in the classic tradition.

I first have to have an inspiration. Then I draw, and then model it in a small three-dimensional sketch in plastilene or plaster. I develop the sketch into a maquette in the scale of 1:4. From my maquette I enlarge the sculpture to the finished model 1:1 in plastilene or plaster. Once the model at the Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 15

monumental scale is accepted by all involved, it goes to the foundry to be cast in bronze. Rubber molds are made from the plastilene model, then waxes are cast from the rubber molds. The waxes are sprued and then coated in a ceramic shell, which is fired in a kiln, and the wax is “lost” when it drains out, leaving the hollow shells into which is poured the 2000-degree molten bronze. Once the castings are cool, the ceramic shell is broken off the bronze casts and assembled into the final form by welding. The patina is applied to the surface of the bronze using heat and chemicals.

RP: How was the sculpture moved to Jersey City?

AP: It was transported in one piece on a tractor trailer from the Johnson Atelier in Hamilton to the monument site in Jersey City. It involved a big crane. The installation took two days.

RP: Why does the sculpture face north?

AP: In the early morning the sunlight hits the chest of the officer with the bayonet, and later the sunlight concentrates on the Soviet rifle in the back of the officer. The sunlight is part of the monument.

RP: Were there other locations besides Exchange Place in Jersey City that you considered?

AP: No. We received this site from the Mayor of Jersey City, Anthony Cucci. I designed the monument for this location. After the terrorist attacks on 9/11 when the Twin Towers were destroyed, I created a bronze bas relief which was attached to the granite base. The terrorist attack on the United States changed the world forever. More than 3,000 people perished. I’ll never forget the image of the “Katyn – 1940” monument with the Twin Towers in flames behind it. Helpless people jumping from the windows of the burning towers, it was a terrible nightmare, but it was reality!

To honor the victims of the terrorist attack, I created the bas relief in bronze which was attached to the front of the base. The relief shows the burning towers being embraced by the Madonna of New York City.

Photo courtesy of Andrew Pitynski

This relief shows where the Twin Towers once stood on the horizon of Manhattan. If you look at the image on the relief and then at the silhouette of the skyscrapers of Manhattan, you can see the exact space where the World Trade Center Towers once stood so proudly.

Never Forget!

RP: How is the historical moment relevant today for people without Polish family?

AP: In the Katyn Massacre not only Poles died but Ukrainians, Belorussians, Armenians, Jews, Tartars, all who were officers in the Polish Army. One who died was the chief rabbi of the Polish Army, Colonel Baruch Steinberg. The monument is a message to people all over the world, and to future generations to never forget, and to fight Nazism and Communism.

The monument is an interesting sculptural composition, but it’s also a tuning fork of feeling. If viewers can feel this sculpture, it embraces them and opens the truth. A good monument will make someone remember it for his or her entire life.

Monuments are like humans; they are born, they live, and they die.

Only time is forever.

16 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

RP: Last year an attempt to move the statue to a different part of the city sparked controversy, especially in the Polish community. Some people said it was too “grotesque” for public view, or for children to see.

AP: People said what they wanted to say; there is free speech. But it doesn’t mean that they are right. This monument is not for Mickey Mouse.

If someone calls this monument grotesque, what would he call the hundreds of Holocaust monuments in America and all over the world?

What would he call masterpieces from the history of art such as those

by Goya, Donatello or Picasso’s Guernica, and even sculptures of Jesus Christ crucified on the cross?

RP: How would you feel if they moved it?

AP: Do you know something that I don’t know? If you know, then tell me. The monument should stay where it is standing right now in Jersey City. But if we have to fight again, we will fight to the last drop of our blood. We will fight for our freedom and yours.—JCM

2019

2019

in the

in the

PARK LOCATIONS ACROSS JERSEY CITY

Showtimes at Sunset

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Hudson St., Exchange Pl.

JULY WEDNESDAYS 6:30 - 8PM

Paid for by a grant from the NJ Division of Travel and Tourism

2019

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THE CITY OF JERSEY CITY MAYOR STEVEN M. FULOP, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL, AND OFFICE OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS presents

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Clockwise Jaclyn, Steve, Jaxon, and Chloe

DaddyMayor Steve Fulop is on a journey of a lifetime

By Marilyn Baer Photos courtesy of Steven Fulop

J

ersey City Mayor Steven Fulop sat at the head of a large conference table in a room on the second floor of city hall. On the walls were plaques, framed articles, and documents from his inauguration. We weren’t there to chat about recent legislation or newly initiated programs but rather the most difficult and rewarding job he will ever have, fatherhood.

“I thought my responsibilities as mayor to 270,000 residents for the last five years would have prepared me for the role, but I quickly learned becoming a new father surpasses anything I could have imagined,” said Fulop who along with his wife Jaclyn welcomed their firstborn Jaxon this past January. “I’ve learned that every day is a new, unpredictable journey. I’ve learned that my life has changed forever, for the better. It’s been a steep learning curve, but Jaxon, Jaclyn, and I are in this together. He’s been here two months now, and he’s already the boss of me.”

18 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

UPS AND DOWNS “We had a miscarriage in the second trimester before this pregnancy, so it was a long road,” Fulop said. “I mean we thought we were out of weeds after the first trimester, and it was really difficult obviously. When she found out she was pregnant again, we were hopeful but cautious because of that experience, but we are ecstatic to be parents.”

Fulop said he feels being a parent and having a family is one of the most important parts of life. He had close friends and relatives who talked about parenthood, but he didn’t understand how great it really was until Jaxon was born.

Doctors were concerned when Jaxon was delivered because there was a lack of a reaction from the newborn.

“They took him to a side room and started cleaning him up and checking on him,” Fulop recalled. “There were a lot of doctors working on him, and I couldn’t tell if there was an issue or not. No one was saying anything, and it was the first time in my life I felt so much concern. This person is part of you, and you are part of him. I’d never experienced anything like that in my life. Thankfully after the first couple of minutes everything was okay.”

Fulop recently got a tattoo on his forearm with an eternity symbol to not only commemorate his son’s birth but also his brother Daniel who died last September. He had a heart attack at age 43 while away on business.

“It’s been a difficult couple of months, but one bright spot for my family is Jaxon,” said Fulop. “My mom always talks about the only time when she’s not sad is when she is with him. I see a little bit of Dan in Jaxon.”

BALANCING ACT Fulop said he’d been looking forward to being a dad and witnessing his child’s many milestones, but being a parent is hard work.

“I think now I’m the third most important person in my house,” he laughed, after Jaxon and the family dog.

“It’s been hard,” he said, noting that he and Jaclyn took

parental leave and decided that they did not want help or a nanny.

“We wanted to figure it out by ourselves, and we thought it would be good bonding time, but it’s difficult certainly.”

Jaxon is not sleeping through the night yet.

He said he is fortunate to have Jaclyn as a partner.

“Being a parent is tough, and I definitely have a new appreciation for single parents who don’t have resources to have help,” he said. “I don’t think you really can have that appreciation until you are a parent.”

Working fulltime as mayor of Jersey City and being a dad is a balancing act.

“I’m still struggling and learning what is best and what I can and can’t do,” he said.

SAVORING THE MOMENT Normally if the mayor was invited to an event he did his best to make it. Now he limits himself so that he can be home to spend time with his son and help out.

“I’m very conscious now with my time and trying to be thoughtful.” He used to be up at 5 a.m. and not home until 8 or 9 some nights.

“I want to be home and be fair to my wife who is home with him all day,” he said. “I don’t want to put her in a predicament of me leaving in the morning, getting home late, and not be part of my son’s routine. It’s been amazing to hang out with him. Even though he can’t do anything yet, I already see these little changes like how much bigger he’s gotten.”

So far Fulop has been doing a good job of walking the tightrope. He hasn’t missed any appointments with the pediatrician.

He’s looking forward to Jaxon’s milestones, such as his first smile, but he is trying to just be present in every moment.

“Everyone says this won’t last forever,” the mayor said. “All of my friends say how quickly it goes by, so I am trying my best to savor and appreciate every moment even times when he’s up at 2 or 3 in the morning. He won’t always be this small.

We’ve got to be thankful and enjoy it.”—JCM Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 19

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Hey! What the heck’s happening with the Powerhouse Arts District?

STORY AND PHOTO BY AL SULLIVAN

A

lthough the city took possession of the historic H & M Powerhouse last year as a result of a land swap with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, plans for its redevelopment are still in the infant stages.

The Port Authority transferred ownership of the historic Powerhouse building at Second and Washington streets in exchange for a nearby city-owned property. The plan was to relocate the power substation that currently sits behind the Powerhouse to this property. The substation supplies electricity to the PATH subway system.

“At this point, we don’t have a plan for redevelopment,” said Councilman James Solomon, noting that the power substation that sits behind the Powerhouse has not yet been moved. “That could take up to four years.”

The Powerhouse was built in 1908. The steel-framed, 200,000-square-foot building has 28-inch-thick brick walls.

The massive, 1,300-square-feet windows are the largest of their kind on the East Coast. The access door is big enough for trains to pass through.

22 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

When operational, the Powerhouse provided electricity for one of the largest railroad systems in the United States.

It later became the power generating facility for the PATH system. When that function ceased, the machinery was removed.

The Powerhouse has lent its name to an arts district encompassing several blocks, zoned to accommodate arts-related work/live spaces and retail. Solomon said the area is in dire need of open space, which will have to be incorporated into any plan that’s adopted.

He said Baltimore-based Cordish Companies was considering building a $179 million retail and commercial complex inside the renovated Powerhouse. The plans included a 40-story residential tower.

“The idea was that the residential tower would pay for developing the commercial complex,” Solomon said. “But right now, we do not have any plans. We have to see the condition of the building, but our goal is to preserve it.”

—JCM

DatES JCM Want your event listed? Please email us at jcmag@hudsonreporter.com and put “Jersey City calendar listings” in the subject line.

ONGOING The Historic Downtown Farmers’ Market at the Grove PATH Plaza, 4-8 p.m. every Monday and Thursday from April 29 to December 23. Featuring over 25 vendors serving up tasty treats from fresh fruits and vegetables to freshly baked empanadas to homemade mozzarella.

Riverview Farmers’ Market, Riverview-Fisk Park, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Sunday starting May 5.

The New Journal Square Green Market, the Boulevard at Journal Square PATH, 2-7 p.m. every Wednesday and Friday from May 1 to December 21.

Paulus Hook Farm Stand, Washington St. by the Korean War Memorial, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. every Saturday from May to December.

RJO All-Stars Jam Session, Brightside Tavern, 141 Bright St., 8 p.m. every first Monday of the month, riverviewjazz.org. If you can play, then come and play.

Liberty Science Center After Dark, Liberty Science Center, 222 Jersey City Blvd., 6-10 p.m. every third Thursday of the month, lsc.org, (201) 253-1310.

Bring your friends to an after-hours adventure at Liberty Science Center. Guests 21 and over can enjoy cocktails, food, music, dancing, laser shows, and more.

New Heights Toastmasters Club, 855 Bergen Ave., 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Tuesday of every month, (201) 424-9090. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can develop your public speaking and leadership skills. Participation is optional, but it’s always encouraged. Guests are always welcome to walk in and have a firsthand experience of our club.

see page 31 Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 23

24 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

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Beyond the Blog ‘Growing in Jersey City’ is a community of compassion

by Marilyn Baer

E

ven if you aren’t a millennial who Googles the name of a business before you deem it worthy of your time, chances are you recognize the name “Growing in Jersey City.” Maybe you’ve seen someone carrying a Growing in Jersey City tote or noticed the name from one of the numerous events it hosts and sponsors throughout the city every year. The organization has grown into so much more than the blog it began in 2016, when Jersey City resident Jenna Firshein founded it. Now it’s a place for people to gather and be themselves, and become engaged in their community.

Growing in Jersey City doesn’t just stand on the sidelines and blog about interesting people and places. It also organizes and hosts several community events such as monthly networking groups and open mic nights and sponsors the city’s LGBTQ Pride Festival. It hosts the city’s largest Wellness Day every winter, in which attendees from all over the county participate in a day of fitness and wellness with local businesses.

A portion of the proceeds fund a variety of local nonprofits and charities.

An Inspiring City

Courtesy of Jenna Firshein 26 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

Jenna Firshein launched Growing in Jersey City in 2016 after moving to the area nearly 10 years ago and becoming inspired by the people and places all around her.

Firshein moved into a penthouse in Journal Square with two roommates “before it was cool to be there” and then

HELPING Photo by Victoria Engbloom

moved to the Heights where she became involved in her neighborhood and condo associations.

“The blog began as a way for me to share the city I love through my eyes, and now also the eyes of my writers,” she said. “Jersey city is a hotbed of talent and people doing amazing things, not just community-wise, which is obviously so important, but also an entrepreneurial hotbed and cultural and artist hotbed with so many new vendors and artisans.

These amazing people I’ve met inspired me and continue to inspire me.”

Photo by Victoria Engbloom

Causes and Community “With almost every event we do, we donate a portion of the proceeds to charity,” Firshein said.

She teamed up with Crystal Davis, another Jersey City blogger, for the group’s monthly open mic nights which Firshein said was “started on the premise of donating to a local charity each month.”

Recently, it donated funds to Copa Meribel, which helps local families affected by cancer who are facing financial hardship; General Needs Ltd., which provides basic necessities to homeless veterans; Thinking in Full Color, which empowers women of color in theater and the arts; and various Jersey City arts programs.

“Volunteering and charity are a huge part of how I grew up,” said Firshein. “It is so important to me to be able to give back.”

Even without financial contributions, Growing in Jersey City has created a community all its own in the truest sense of the word. I experienced this firsthand at one of its open mic nights at Froth on Franklin in the Heights.

The place was packed with roughly 40 people and 17 performers. Despite the fact that I was a stranger, I felt at home. No one gave the girl in the front standing alone, scribbling in a notebook, an odd glance. Instead, people smiled, said hello, and immediately welcomed me like we were old friends who hadn’t seen each other since we were kids.

During this event, first-time performers and seasoned veterans took the mic, sang their songs, spit their verse, and told joke after joke, without any fear of judgment.

The open mic night is an example of why Growing in Jersey City was created. The community it fosters has no race, age, or gender barriers.

This acceptance, this safe space, this camaraderie is a public service in and of itself.—JCM 28 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

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Editor’s Letter JCM from page 10 the controversy over the moving of our famed Katyn statue, no one has bothered to ask what the artist himself thinks. Rory Pasquariello did just that in an in-depth Q&A with artist Andrew Pitynski.

Speaking of controversy, Christopher Columbus himself has come under scrutiny in recent years. Victor M. Rodriguez photographed all the Columbus statues in Hudson County, where old Chris is still a popular guy.

There are two in Jersey City.

Now is the season when cyclists dust off their bikes and hit the road. Don’t have a bike? No worries. Citi Bike to the rescue. Rory takes a look at our bikeshare program and the infrastructure that supports it.

Enjoy spring and summer in JC. We will be back in the fall with more of what this great town has to offer.

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from page 23 Jersey City Slam’s Open Mic and Poetry Slam, Tea NJ, 262 Newark Ave., 6:30 p.m. every second and fourth Thursday of the month, jerseycityslam. com. Jersey City Slam invites you all to check out our poetry slam. This slam is an Open Slam, meaning anyone can compete. There is an open mic beforehand open to music, stand-up comedy, poetry, and bar tricks.

Hudson County Animal League’s Downtown JC Adoptions, Fussy Friends, 148 Newark Ave., 12-4 p.m. every Saturday. HCAL’s adoption team will be available to introduce you to our fabulous adoptable felines. Bring some joy into your heart and give a deserving cat a fresh start in life.

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FlorYoga in the Park, Van Vorst Park Gazebo, every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 5:30 p.m. $10 suggested donation to benefit Friends of Van Vorst Park Association. Bring a yoga mat, small towel, water, and a friend. For information, call (866) 333-YOGA. Harborside Yoga Thursdays, Harborside Atrium, 210 Hudson St., every Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Classes are $15 each and take place inside the space next door to Noah’s Ark Florist in the Harborside Atrium. Participants only need to bring their own mats. This Vinyasa yoga class will be led

by Gina Garcia. Open to all levels! For information and to pre-register for the class, visit www. harborsidejc.com/whats-on/events/yoga-thursday/.

MAY 5 NJCU Orchestra, NJCU Margaret Williams Theatre, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., 3-5 p.m. Under the direction of Professor Lou Kosma, the NJCU Orchestra presents major works for orchestra and major solo works for piano, violin, cello, voice and other orchestral instruments. This concert features music inspired

by Shakespearean themes including Verdi, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondheim’s West Side Story.

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see page 37 Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 31

B U S I N E S S M a k es J e r se y C i t y W o r k Interview by Mike Montemarano | Photo by Victor M. Rodriguez

Hector Peralvo

Spa Blue

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S

pa Blue, a one-stop shop for head-totoe therapeutic treatment, opened its doors last year in Metropolis Towers, one of Jersey City’s older high rises.

At Spa Blue, clients can book a single appointment and choose from a full range of salon options and spa therapies.

While the exterior exudes a 1960s vibe, Spa Blue’s interior has a sleek, minimalist ambiance.

The spa makes the most of limited floor space, working seamlessly to offer full- service hair, nail, facial, and massage treatments.

“In just one visit to one spot, my customers leave beautiful, head to toe,” says owner Hector Peralvo.

He offers 23 hair treatments, eight types of facials, manicures, pedicures, makeup applications, waxing, and six types of massages including chair massages.

32 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

Last year, Peralvo’s teen dream became a reality, a long journey that began in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Before he even graduated from high school, he knew he wanted to become a hair stylist.

But he understood why his parents had pressured him to go on to higher education.

So, in 2005, he got an education degree from a college in Ecuador.

A year after graduating and being certified as a Spanish teacher, Peralvo emigrated to the United States, settling several thousand miles away from everything and everyone he’d known.

Cosmetology still beckoned. He couldn’t deny his calling any longer and applied to the Hudson County Schools of Technology’s cosmetology program in Secaucus.

He obtained his license a year after his high stakes, cross-continental move and landed a job as a hairdresser in New York City while living in Jersey City. Ultimately he wanted to open his own local salon.

Ten years ago, Peralvo foresaw Jersey City’s upward mobility. The small-business economy seemed to be on the same trajectory. He decided to invest all he had in the city he’d come to know and love.

“I’ve always liked it here,” he says. “Since I moved here about ten years back, I’ve always seen how nice and beautiful it is. I saw there were new people coming into Jersey City and decided to stay and open up here as I came to know the area. It’s better to stay local. Everything here is run by small businesses.”

Peralvo’s first venture was Posh Hair Studio, which he opened about six years ago.

But he thought a good business model would be to combine cosmetology with massage therapy, manicures, pedicures, and spa treatments: an all-in-one place to rejuvenate.

The idea came to him as he got to know his clients, and they told him it was a hassle to book multiple appointments at locations across town, especially in densely populated areas. But he had to persuade Metropolis Towers’s owner, who had another bidder who wanted to open a deli. The vibe of a salon and spa won out over cold cuts and hot coffee.

Peralvo started Spa Blue from scratch, taking strength from his customers as he met the challenges of starting a new business.

“Right now, we’re sailing,” Peralvo says.

“Everything here is so new and fresh, and people are looking to see more unique services here, right where they live.”

The color blue speaks to Peralvo.

“It’s the color of the sky, it’s the color of the sea, and it’s infinite.”—JCM

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A First for St. Peter’s University Coach Shaheen Holloway makes history while mentoring young men Story and photos by Jim Hague

T

he college basketball season was winding down to the last precious days; the grind of three full months of workouts was coming to an end.

But a quick peek at the Yanitelli Center’s gym at St. Peter’s University did not reveal a team playing out the string.

Shaheen Holloway’s first year as head coach of the men’s basketball team at “Harvard on the Boulevard” was drawing to a close. During Holloway’s first campaign, the Peacocks lost three times as many games as they won, but you’d never know it, judging from this practice session.

This team was alert and hanging on to Holloway’s every word, as energized as their boyish 41-year-old coach; Holloway looks almost the same as he did when he was a McDonald’s All-America at St. Patrick’s High School in Elizabeth (now known as the Patrick School) or as a standout point guard at Seton Hall University.

He’s in Charge Holloway wasn’t about to take a day off; it’s his program now. He’s no longer the dutiful assistant coach, sitting for over a decade next to Kevin Willard at his college alma mater. Holloway was selected to be the new face of the basketball program and maybe the entire school. Unbelievably, he’s the first AfricanAmerican to hold the job; 15 white men preceded him.

“I didn’t know that until the second or third day I was here,” Holloway said. “I’m a basketball coach. I’m not a black coach or a white coach. It doesn’t matter at all. I’ve been around diversity my whole life.”

But Holloway’s hiring meant a lot to a lot of people, especially the new athletic director who had to pull some strings to make it happen.

Bryan Felt arrived at SPU as athletic director in September of 2017 from Seton Hall, where he served as an associate athletic director in charge of the Pirate Blue Fund. Felt knew that he had to make a gigantic splash with his first big hire.

Felt found the funds to land Holloway by getting affluent alumni to kick in. It was a gamble, hiring a prospect with no prior head coaching experience to head a program that wasn’t as successful as it once was.

“I’ve known Shaheen for a long time,” Felt said. “We were at Seton Hall together. When I came here, I had a list of things that I had to do, but hiring a basketball 34 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

Shaheen Holloway coach was the last thing I thought I was going to have to do. When John [Dunne] left, and I immediately thought of Shaheen. I knew that his goal was to get an NCAA Division I coaching job. Looking at this university and how much it has changed, becoming one of the most diverse communities in New Jersey, it was time to have an African-American men’s basketball coach. I knew we would have some challenges; he had never been a head coach before.”

Accepting the Challenge “I believed in myself,” Holloway said. “Not that I’m cocky, but I’ve had to handle challenges my whole life.

The situation was right, and the timing was right. You always want to be your own boss.”

Felt was willing to roll the dice.

“Shaheen embraced Jersey City,” Felt said. “He engages with people and tries to meet with the

community. He has a reputation of developing young men. He’s so good at being a mentor.”

Shaheen Holloway has always been a positive role model, first as a player and later as a coach. He was an attention-grabbing point guard at St. Patrick’s of Elizabeth, where he played for former Peacock point guard Kevin Boyle and helped put St. Patrick’s on the national scholastic basketball map.

Holloway earned Parade All-America in 1996, leaving St. Patrick’s with 2,151 points and more than 750 assists.

Holloway was the object of a fierce college recruiting battle, with Duke, Georgia Tech, Notre Dame and UCLA all coveting his services. But he chose to stay home with the Seton Hall Pirates, scoring 1,588 points and collecting 688 assists, which remains a school record. Holloway led the Pirates to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in 2000.

Coming up Short Holloway tried to make it in the NBA, taking invites to three training camps, including the New York Knicks. His lack of height hurt his chances, but he did play in the United States Basketball League, as well as overseas in Israel, Turkey, Germany, Great Britain, and Venezuela.

When his professional career ended in 2007, Holloway turned to coaching, first at Bloomfield Tech, then at Iona College and finally Seton Hall, before getting his chance to be a head coach last September.

“When I first came, I reached out to the seniors,” Holloway said. “I wanted to make sure that they went out with a bang, give them something to remember.”

Holloway’s arrival was applauded by the returning players.

“When he first came, I did my research,” said senior point guard Davauhnte Turner. “I Googled him and found out who he was and what he’s done. I figured he knew the game, and I could learn from him. I became a sponge.”

Fellow senior Samuel Idowu was also impressed.

“I knew he played at a high level,” Idowu said. “I was enthusiastic about him coaching. I thought we would learn a lot from him.”

Turner appreciated Holloway’s style.

“This may sound crazy, but when he’s coaching, it feels like he’s still playing,” said Turner, the Peacocks’ leading scorer who averaged close to 17 points per game this season. “He’s so pumped up, and that gets me pumped up as well.”

“I had to get used to it,” said Idowu, who averaged close to 12 points per game this season. “He’s definitely pushed me to higher limits that I never thought I could do.”

In the Stars For Holloway, coaching was meant to be.

“It was always part of the plan when I was playing,” he said. “From day one, I wanted to get into coaching.”

But Rome wasn’t built in a day; neither is a Division 1 basketball program.

“I knew that it was going to be a challenge,” Holloway said. I have to look at the big picture. It’s all part of the process.”

There’s one part of the process that Holloway wasn’t ready for: the losing part. For his entire basketball life, Holloway has been a winner. What did it feel like to lose? Holloway paused and took a deep breath, like he was standing at the free throw line late in a game.

“I’m not going to lie to you,” he said. “I don’t like it.

I want to win right now. That’s who I am. I understand that it’s going to take some time. I’m always very hard on myself. I have to get used to certain things, like travel. But losing is not one of them.”

But Felt is happy with Holloway’s progress.

“I’m looking at the whole picture,” Felt said. “I see the way the student/athletes respond to him. I’m impressed with his game preparation. He has this special toughness as a coach. He has a ton of potential.

This program has a ton of potential as well. He’s brought in a different perspective.”

Holloway is enjoying himself. You can see it in the energy of his practices.

“I’m learning on the job too,” he said. “Everything starts with me. I have to do a better job. I’m getting there.”

The players agree.

“I love Coach Holloway,” said Davauhnte Turner.

“I never had anyone believe in me the way Coach Holloway does.”—JCM Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 35

POINT

&

SHOOT SeND YOUR JeRSeY CITY PHOTOS TO JCMAG@ HUDSONRePORTeR.COM. Be SURe TO WRITe “POINT & SHOOT” IN THe SUBJeCT LINe.

Spring Awakening

EDIN QUIROS

PHOTO BY ALYSSA BR

PHOTOS BY VICTOR M. RODR

IGUEZ

36 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

dAtEs JCM from page 31 Friends of Liberty State Park’s 14th Annual Recognition Luncheon, Liberty House Restaurant, 76 Audrey Zapp Dr., 12 p.m. everyone is warmly welcomed to attend this friendly social event to support the Friends’ mission to preserve, protect, conserve, and promote Liberty State Park. $80 at the door. For information, visit http://www.folsp. org/events/luncheon.html.

9 2019 Inter-Faith Ramadan Iftar Celebration, City Hall Plaza, 280 Grove St., 7-10 p.m. The Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs and the Muslim Community present the Inter-Faith Ramadan Iftar celebration to celebrate the Islamic Month of Fasting. Free and open to the public. For information, call (201) 547-6921. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/orchestratickets-55035586922

10-12 INKubator New Play Festival, Art House Productions, 262 17th St. The festival features plays written by eight emerging playwrights. Tickets are $10 per night. For more information, visit arthouseproductions.org.

see page 43

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Town & Gown CHRISTOPHER REBER IS PUTTING THE COMMUNITY IN COMMUNITY COLLEGE STORY AND PHOTOS BY AL SULLIVAN

N

early a year after taking over as president of Hudson County Community College, Christopher Reber is still settling into the new job. He has an office, but he’s rarely in it.

“I’m out meeting people in the community,” he says. “This is a work in progress.” By this he means his role in steering the college in the direction his predecessor started.

“I spent a very large amount of my first six months listening to people,” he says. He listened to every sector of the community including students, alumni, and professors, discovering how the college is perceived in the community, and how the college can help the community.

Reber was named president of HCCC in May 2018, replacing Dr. Glenn Gabert, who had been president for the previous 25 years.

Reber didn’t just inhabit his predecessor’s job, he inhabited his house. “When I came here, I needed a house, and that was on the market,” Reber says.

38 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

Reber once had ambitions to become president, not of a college, but of the United States. This is partly the reason he studied political science as an undergrad at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. He envisioned a law career and then politics.

He was later inspired to help kids to launch their own careers, serving as president of the Community College of Beaver County in Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.

NOT THE OVAL OFFICE, BUT …

His day begins early, often at 5 a.m. While still in pajamas, he starts work at home. “I catch up on email, and I know who is up early like I am,” he says. “I read publications, including a number of daily publications and look for stories that speak to issues related to the college. I like to keep up on the national issues.”

Then he hits Route 7 into Jersey City from Kearny.

While his house is only 6.5 miles from his office, it’s often an hour-long gridlock nightmare that gives him

insight into the urban experience.

Once on the Journal Square campus—there is also a West New York campus—his day consists of a series of meetings or planning sessions with citizen groups or others. “I keep informed by listening,” he says.

When Reber meets with people, top of mind is bringing the resources of the community to help his students, most of whom are looking at HCCC as a pathway to a career. Reber sees his role as helping them achieve that goal.

A first step? Completing college.

GOING THE DISTANCE

PARTNERS IN PEDAGOGY

One goal is to ensure that the college reflects the diversity of the community.

Hudson County students have different issues than those at his previous college.

“Eighty-seven percent of our students are nonwhite,” Reber says.

“Fifty-six percent are Latino. Thirtythree percent are special needs.” A huge number are first-generation college students. “This is their way of reaching for the American Dream,” Reber says.

Some 80 percent need financial aid.

“Most of the students who come to us come from families with modest finances,” Reber says. “Some are very challenged.”

Reaching out to the community means meeting with business leaders and joining organizations, such as the Journal Square Association and the New Jersey Council on County Colleges. He networks with other colleges and universities throughout the state and region, and recently led a delegation of HCCC students to Washington, DC for an event there.

For some students, HCCC is a launching pad to a four-year college.

For others it’s a place to gain job skills.

“I’m constantly looking to develop partnerships that will help bring more resources to our students,” Reber says, pointing to recent agreements with Montclair State University for

culinary arts, and Ramapo College for seamless transition of college credits.

An agreement with Eastern Millwork in Jersey City opened the door for students to become apprentices.

A partnership with the Hudson County Schools of Technology allows students to take college-level classes before they graduate. Currently, HCCC offers college-level classes at high schools in Kearny, Union City, Harrison, and Bayonne and will provide classes at the new High Tech High School in Secaucus. Online courses are also available.

Known for its culinary institute, HCCC is looking to expand its programs in other areas, such as STEM studies and nursing.

Although he isn’t planning to leave any time soon, Reber says he wants to leave the college in as good a shape as he found it, maybe better. In the end, it’s all about the students.

He says, “My job is to make this place suit their needs.”—JCM

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BritishSwimSchool.com/HudsonWaterfront Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 39

Sailing the Ocean Blue in 1492 And hitting some choppy waters in the twenty-first century Native Americans and others charge that Columbus’s arrival in the “New World” sparked the transatlantic slave trade and ushered in an era of genocide against indigenous people. Italian Americans counter that Columbus was akin to an astronaut landing on the moon and that Italian Americans in the 19th century, when Columbus

BAYONNE Mary Griffiths Peters Sculpture Garden 697 Ave. C Domenico Mazzone, 1980 Bronze bust on top of a pedestal

Photos by Victor M. Rodriguez

S

c hool kids of a certain generation well

remember this little ditty, resurfacing around October 12 of every year: “In fourteen hundred ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” That may very well be true, but statues of Columbus have not fared well in the twenty-first century.

40 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

HOBOKEN Columbus Park Archimedes Giacomantonio, 1937 Bronze statue with a sword hanging from his belt and a cross around his neck, on a granite pedestal

Hudson County has its share of Christopher Columbus statues, which so far have withstood the test of time and tumult.

SECAUCUS Paterson Plank Road & Humbolt Street Bust of Christopher Columbus atop a tall pedestal

JERSEY CITY Freedom Way, Liberty State Park Gino Gigennetti, 1998 Bronze sail-shaped monument with designs etched on it

JERSEY CITY Journal Square

Archimedes Giacomantonio, 1950 Bronze statue of Columbus pointing with his right arm and holding a cross with his left

Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 41

UNION CITY Ellsworth Park, 24th and New York Avenue Archimedes Giacomantonio Bronze bust on a granite pedestal Presented by the Italian Community Center and the Ladies Auxiliary, 1979

came to prominence, suffered deep prejudice of their own.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio considered removing the city’s “symbols of hate,” most famously the statue of Columbus in Columbus Circle. But after creating a statue commission to discover which of the city’s many statues were culpable, he bowed to pressure from Italian Americans and others, and left old Chris to stand guard over the rotary traffic on 59th Street.

Hudson County has its share of Christopher Columbus statues, which so far have withstood the test of time and tumult.

According to our crack research team, North Bergen and Weehawken do not have statues of Christopher Columbus. And who is this Archimedes Giacomantonio who’s responsible for three of the Columbus statues?

Wikipedia to the rescue: “Archimedes Giacomantonio (1905 - 1988) was a nationally re42 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

WEST NEW YORK Christopher Columbus Park

Fabian Zaccone, 1958 Stone column with a stone relief of a kneeling Columbus on one side and on the other a bronze relief of the Columbus fleet. It reads, “Christopher Columbus Discoverer of Americas 1492: foresight, faith, courage, dedicated to the grateful citizens of the town of West New York in honor and memory of this great navigator, Oct. 12, 1958.”

nowned sculptor, born in Jersey City to Italian immigrant parents. He learned the art of sculpting as an apprentice to the world-famous Neapolitan sculptor Vincenzo Gemito. Over the course of 50 years, he designed major works in Jersey City, Washington D.C., and public and private spaces in cities across the country.”—Kate Rounds

DATES JCM from page 31

10

runners and a 1-mile survivors walk for those that don’t want to run but still wish to support cancer victims and survivors. Enjoy our event on Mother’s Day weekend, all female registered runners and walkers will receive a rose. Please register as soon as possible to insure that you receive a complimentary T-Shirt. Sign up at https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/JerseyCity/ ACFMemorial5kRunand1MileFamilyWalkForCancer

JC Families Mother’s Day Celebration, Hamilton Park, 4-7 p.m. Includes entertainment, music and vendors. Open to the public. To register, visit http://jcfamilies.com/event/mothers-daycelebration-in-jersey-city/ Midnight Market, Harborside Atrium, 210 Hudson St., 6:30 p.m. Midnight Market Jersey City offers a one of a kind Night Market experience for foodies.

This 21 and older event features the area’s hippest foodie trends. Vendors bring small bites for a small price – everything is $7 or less and each vendor has $5 options. Admission is $10 with Midnight Market merchandise if you purchase online at midnightmarketjc.com/tickets and $10 at the door. The event is cash only.

All You Can Tournament, Columbia Park, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Gotta Go Gaming and The Royal Men Foundation are excited to host the 2019 All You Can Tournament, a gaming competition (Street Fighter). The event will feature live entertainment, food and apparel vendors, face painting, and henna art. Gaming available for non-tournament attendees including video games and laser tag. There will also be special guest speakers at each event advocating for social causes. The goal of the event is to be used as a platform to bring light to and offer assistance to these causes. There will be multiple tournaments held throughout the summer in varying locations across Jersey City. Free and open to the public. For information or to register for the tournament, visit gottagogaming.com.

11 6th Annual Memorial 5K Run and 1 Mile Family Walk for Cancer, Liberty State Park, 1 Audrey Zapp Dr., 8 a.m. Join the American Cancer Fund at its 6th Annual Memorial 5k Run/1 mile Walk for 9/11 First Responder and Jersey City Fire Captain Mark Lee at Liberty State Park. We will be hosting a NJ Track and Field 5k race for the

see page 49 New York - New Jersey

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e w h ow

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By Mike Montemarano Photos by Victor M. Rodriguez

M

any people who work in Manhattan find that the digs are better on the other side of the river. Just ask Medha Gandhi, who settled at 90 Columbus in Jersey City’s Historic Downtown District, a few blocks from the waterfront.

Gandhi, 29, is the newest co-host on Z100’s morning broadcast, Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, making her debut in the fall of 2018. She began her radio career at a station in Columbus, Ohio, as an intern while attending Ohio State. After graduating, she moved to Boston to work at Kiss 108, and then it was on to the Tribeca-based Z100.

She began looking for living space in Hudson County and Manhattan. 90 Columbus, which opened last year, 44 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

Medha Gandhi was the first spot she visited, just yards away from the Grove Street PATH station.

She was sold on the high rise with its panoramic views of downtown Jersey City and most of the New York City skyline.

The building features a residential lounge, winter garden, and, above the 51st floor, a 60,000-square-foot landscaped deck with a pool and tennis court.

JC Is Where It’s At “Everything about Jersey City sold living here,” Medha says, noting that 15 of her 18 coworkers live on the Jersey side of the river. “It takes me eight minutes to get to work in the morning when I carpool with one of my coworkers.

Everyone lived in Jersey and told me to ‘do Jersey’ and not bother looking anywhere else.”

The PATH makes weekend trips to New York City a breeze. Other times, staying in Jersey City on weekends is its own reward.

“There’s amazing food at restaurants, great massage places, and Little India is right around the corner, which is awesome,” Medha says. “There’s also calm, quiet, and clean air. The lack of sunlight is what freaked me out about Manhattan. But, there’s parks all over here.”

She also digs the nearby farmers market and events like the Jersey City Record Riot, which took place in the spring on Grove Square with 40 tables peddling vintage vinyl.

Paintings that were given by friends or bought from local

artists line the walls. She has a lamp made from Digging into her family tree unearthed some very cool photos. drums, brass, and woodwind, an homage to her “There’s also a bit of an anti-Gandhi movement in India,” she musical interests. She plays drums and piano. She says. “There’s a lot of cultural strife based on religion that he gets also has a gigantic teddy bear named Thunder. blamed for, and sometimes I open up my DMs and get some of the blame for it. I ask, ‘What do you want me to do about it? I work for Z100. Let’s talk about your grandpa and some weird stuff he On the Airwaves did.’ It’s a weird dynamic across the board.”—JCM Medha says she’s grateful to have emerged as a personality on a top national station. Getting to know the show’s guests personally and traveling across the country and abroad are highlights of her work.

“We travel a lot, and it’s been awesome,” she says.

“We went to the iHeart Radio Music Awards in L.A. to host the red carpet, and the iHeart Music Festival was a blast. I watched Childish Gambino perform a full set live, which was apparently supposed to be his last performance.” Despite a broken foot, Gambino stood up and performed a full set.

“I’ve been really fortunate to have been part of three major radio shows,” Medha says. “I pinch myself all the time, and I’m going to ride this wave as much as I possibly can. I’m going to Singapore on Friday. The hours are crazy, but I’ve never known anything else.”

Yes, That Gandhi If you’ve been wondering all this time, could she be? Yes. She’s the great-great granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi who led the Indian independence movement against British colonial rule in the early 1900s.

“Obviously, he was a very austere person who died with no money,” Medha says. “I am doing quite a lot of the opposite. I’m in the entertainment business, and I like to be loud, a bit louder than what previous generations in my family would have expected.

There’s plenty of interesting commentary coming from India. I never knew him, and I was just born into that, so I have the same story as everyone else.”

Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 45

House Work

Renovations planned for the historic Barrow Mansion

Story and photos by Al Sullivan

I

t’s kind of a brain tease to use the word “emerging” to describe a building that was constructed in 1867. What’s emerging are renovations to the historic GreekRevival style Barrow Mansion.

Property Manager Gerry Bakirtjy says the mansion differs from others of that type because it was built off center.

It was one of two similar homes constructed by Cornelius Van Vorst, a founder of the Township of Van

Vorst and mayor of Jersey City from 1860 to 1862.

The Barrow Mansion has been a public space since the 1890s, when it was briefly a YMCA. It is currently home to scores of nonprofit organizations.

St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church took ownership of the property in 1897. The building is on the State Register of Historic Places and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

The Barrow Mansion Development Corporation (BMDC) was founded

46 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

in 1985 to restore, preserve, and promote the mansion’s use as a community center.

With that in mind, its front rooms, halls, and restrooms will be upgraded, not just to preserve the past but to create a space for art shows, performances, and other events. The improvements will not compromise the building’s historic footprint. To make the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, closet space on two floors was turned into an elevator.

EMErGiNG JCM

Improvements to the oor will prevent deterioration of the fireplaces.

Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 47

EMErGiNG JCM

Bakirtjy says the BMDC hopes to get funds to restore the bowling alley and billiard table. Leasing the front rooms for events generates money to maintain operations.

The next phases include restoration of the floors on the main hall and two parlors, repainting and lighting the front of the building, and structural reinforcement of the main floor.

Improvements to the floor in the main rooms will prevent deterioration of the original massive fireplaces.

Nearly all the funds for restoration come from grants from the New Jersey Historic Trust and the city. BMDC recently received $250,000 in grants allowing the next phases of restoration. A majority of funding came from the New Jersey Historic Trust.

Additional funding was awarded through the City of Jersey City’s Community Development Block Grant program.

—JCM

BMDC hopes to restore the bowling alley.

48 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

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dAtEs JCM from page 43

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13 2019 Taste of Culture, City Hall Council Chambers, 280 Grove St., 6-8 p.m. Celebrate Jersey City’s cultural diversity by learning about community organizations and enjoying various cultural performances. Light refreshments will be served.

To RSVP, call (201) 547-6554 or email mconol@ jcnj.org. Free.

14 Sustainable Neighborhoods Opening Reception, Rotunda Gallery, 280 Grove St., 6-8 p.m. If sustainability is defined as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, then what does sustainability look like at the local neighborhood level? This group art exhibition explores just that.

The reception is free and open to the public.

16 Lutze Jersey City Biergarten Opening Day, 3 Second St., 4-10 p.m. Harborside’s outdoor waterfront biergarten Lutze will reopen for the warmer months.

A spring and summer haven for craft beer, cocktails, great food, lawn games, and sweeping views of Manhattan’s downtown skyline, Lutze will have daily happy hour specials and events throughout the season. Lutze will be open Monday to Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. For information, visit lutzebiergarten.com and follow along on Instagram at @Lutze_JC.

18 JC Fitness Fair, City Hall, 280 Grove St., 10 a.m.1 p.m. This is an opportunity to meet local fitness professionals and find the perfect workout or reignite your interest in an old favorite. Free and open to the public. For more information, email admin@ jcfamilies.com.

Jersey City Fashion Forward, Harborside Atrium, 210 Hudson St., 4-8 p.m. Come see the second annual Jersey City Fashion Forward. This year’s theme is spring fling and will be directed by celebrity stylist Mario B. In honor of Mental Health Awareness

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Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 49

Cycle CITY INTIMIDATED BY THAT BANK OF BIKE-SHARES? HOP ON THE SADDLE! STORY AND PHOTOS BY RORY PASQUARIELLO

I

magine traveling down an open road winding through a bucolic countryside on a sunny summer day with the top down. It’s a world of freedom and excitement that few urbanites experience. In Jersey City, your horsepower has no room to gallop. But pedal power is on the rise, thanks to a new bicycle infrastructure, software that enables bike sharing, and a local government increasingly concerned about carbon emissions, air quality, and congestion.

Many Jersey City residents have grown tired of parking and traffic tickets, outrageous insurance bills, rising gas prices, and taking more time looking for a parking space than the car trip itself. Privately-owned bikes aren’t always the answer, either. Storing a bike in an apartment takes up much-needed space. Taking the bike onto public transit is a hassle. During rush hour, bikes are not allowed on the PATH, never allowed on the bus, considered a nuisance on the crowded light rail, and the ferry charges extra for a bike.

That’s where bike sharing comes in.

Jersey City has a contract with Citibike, which makes riding anywhere a lot easier. A rider can hop on a bike parked at one of some 20 stations, drop it off at a public transit station, 50 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

and pick up another in New York City. The bike is guaranteed to be tuned up, tires fully inflated. No maintenance required.

Full disclosure. I’m a cyclist. I own a bike, and I sometimes grab a Citibike when I want to get home quickly after I’ve been on the light rail or PATH.

PEDAL PROBLEMS But bike shares are not all sunshine and rainbows. The bikes are clunky, and there are only three gears, a problem when climbing Jersey City’s steep hills. Without a little extra gear help, try pedaling up the hill behind the Beacon or the one leading to Dickinson High School. But the upside to clunky bikes is that they have a lower center of gravity, and are therefore a bit more stable than a lighter road bike.

The bike share program in New York City introduced electric bicycles into their fleet. They are not currently legal in Jersey City, but this option would make those clunky bikes significantly more user friendly. No longer would a rider have to break a sweat on his or her way to work. But until Citibike extends that technology to Jersey City, it’s pedal power all the way.

ROAD SHARING Inconsiderate driving seems to be a badge of honor for Jersey City motorists. At least that’s how it can look from the bike lane. That means cyclists should know what roads are best for them and which ones to avoid. Many streets have signs on the sidewalk that alert drivers to what everyone already knows. “Bicycle route,” they usually read, as though every road is not a bicycle route.

The ideal bike lane shares no real estate with motorizedvehicle lanes and is protected from the rest of traffic by a raised median or parked cars. That said, veteran cyclists dread getting “doored” by motorists who don’t look in the rearview mirrors before throwing open their doors.

Jersey City’s bike lanes have no protections yet. Plans are in the works to create a two-way separated bike lane called a “cycle track” on Grand Street. One side of the street will have two lanes for cyclists traveling in both directions instead of one lane on either side of the road. Jersey City’s cycling community pushed for these safeguards and is lobbying for protected lanes on Columbus Avenue, Montgomery Street, and Marin Boulevard.

The next best thing would be a regular bike lane with two solid vertical stripes indicating where cyclists should ride, free of motorists. Many motorists, however, drive or doublepark on these designated bike lanes.

The western edge of downtown closest to the Palisades is the most ripe for the creation of uninterrupted bike-riding.

Jones Park, for instance, has a path that starts on Division Street but abruptly ends. The cycling community is pushing local government to invest in the route by connecting it to a street and extending the path underneath Route 78.

SMOOTH CYCLING Jersey City has come a long way in the last decade. It was only recently that it started posting those ineffective “bike route” signs. The Fulop Administration has created a citywide Bike Master Plan, which suggests guidelines for new and improved bicycle infrastructure citywide. Let’sRideJC has been hosting public workshops on the plan.

Now, Jersey City has a bike share. It soon may have electric bikes, a protected bike lane, and, let’s hope, many more bike lanes to come. Who knows? One day, the roads may be safe and enjoyable for everyone. Until then, cyclists should be aware of distracted drivers, abide by traffic laws, push for better cycling infrastructure, wear reflective clothes, use lights at night, and always wear helmets.

Cyclists need to be as responsible as motorists. I once saw a guy texting while cycling. Need I say more?—JCM

THAT RIBBON OF HIGHWAY Narrow streets are best for cyclists because motorists drive slower and have less space on either side of their cars. My favorite roads are Monmouth Street and Coles Street. They are parallel one-way streets, running in opposite directions.

The routes take you under Route 78 and into Hoboken without crossing the scary, multi-lane interstate highway that feeds into the Holland Tunnel bringing thousands of motorists into lower Manhattan daily.

Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 51

The Go-To Guy Serving tenants, solving problems, raising spirits STORY AND PHOTOS BY AL SULLIVAN

F

or many residents of luxury buildings in Jersey City, the people who provide services often go unappreciated.

Not so with the concierge, who is often the problem-solver-in-chief. Jose Ortega started out part time at 225 Grand, became full time, and stayed for six years.

At 37, he’d already logged 14 years in the industry when he was offered the head concierge gig last year at the newly opened 485 Marin, the massive red brick structure on the edge of Hamilton Park near Newport Mall.

“I’m the person most people first see when they come into the building,” he says. But his job is much more than greeting people who walk through the door. “I’m the person people turn to in order to solve problems.”

Daily responsibilities include rescuing online shopping packages and helping tenants move in.

“We get more than 150 packages delivered by UPS a day,” Ortega says. “We log them in and notify the residents that they are here.” Hundreds of packages and other deliveries have to be stored or sent to the appropriate place.

The 18-story building, sliced down the middle to provide a visual corridor for area residents, was designed to bridge the aesthetic of the Newport Mall and the historic neighborhood.

Because the building is near the mall, the PATH train, and 52 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, some people are lost and looking for directions.

“I like people,” Ortega says. “And in this job, you get to meet a lot of different people every day.”

He grew up in Hoboken and Union City and lives in Bayonne, where he’s raising five kids.

“I start at 7 a.m.,” he says. “That’s when I sort through the work orders and see if there are any complaints or other issues. We have a checklist to see what’s going on.” He clocks out at 3 p.m.

THE ANSWER MAN Home base is the desk in the massive lobby. “Some are looking for the leasing office,” he says. “Others have questions. Most of the time I know the answers. But if I don’t know, I find out, or I find someone who does know.”

People come to him for a host of other issues, such as lost keys, or problems in their units. A big part of his job is helping residents move in or out. “I try to tell new residents about the building to break the ice,” he says. New tenants may get confused because the building has two towers. Many of the shared amenities are on floors between them, including lounges, the TV room, gym, yoga room, work spaces, and rooftop swimming pool.

Ortega with concierge Manny Carlot

As a parent, Ortega understands issues new families face and directs them to helpful services such as the playroom next to the laundry room.

The building is across the street from fire headquarters and has become a training center for new recruits learning about fire systems in luxury high rises. Ortega has to know nearly as much as the fire inspectors. In case of fire, he reads the displays to identify where the problem is and helps firefighters respond.

Welcome Home The building has a remarkable range of tenants. “There are a lot of students here, many from Columbia University,” Ortega says. “We also have a lot of professionals.”

“Jose is our eyes and ears,” says property manager Julie Martin. “He deals with everybody who walks through the door, and he knows our tenants. He does everything, and he provides a good first impression for people who want to come here.”

Ortega says he knows almost everybody in the building by sight and makes a point of getting to know newer people, so they can come to him if they need something. The building is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a community.

Public events help residents get to know each other, such as Super Bowl parties and a red carpet event for the building’s many dogs. A dog owner himself at one point, Ortega joins in the fun.

Residents linger and mingle during regular piano performances in the lobby.

“I like dealing with the residents,” Ortega says.

“I like the fact that I could be dealing with any issue.

There is always an opportunity for me to meet people. That’s partly why I love the job I do here.”

Ortega doesn’t even mind the occasional bad moods. “We get some of that,” he says. “But I like to turn a person’s bad mood into a good mood.”—JCM Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 53

Photos courtesy of Nexus Cook

Nailing IT

Nexus Cook cooked up her own brand of nail polish

By Tara Ryazanksy

N

exus Cook is a self described “nail polish junkie.” Six years ago she was feeling bored with the giant collection of colors she’d stockpiled and decided to mix up something of her own.

“I actually tried to make my own concoction of stuff,” Cook says.

“I did some research, and I went to an art store and got a bunch of pigments and oils, but it was a disaster.”

She came up with some great colors, but the texture wasn’t quite right. The experiment didn’t work, but she was inspired. She’d noticed that besides the major cosmetics brands there weren’t many other nail polish options on the market. She wanted to create an independent line of polishes with a new point of view. She sought professional help and tried again. “I found a chemist and distributor,” and Cook’s line, 25th and June, was born. The

54 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

company that she works with is headquartered in Florida and California. “It’s all made in the U.S.,” she says.

The interesting name comes from her birthday, but she wanted it to sound like a location or a cross street.

Polish without Poison “It’s all toxin free and vegan friendly, so it’s cruelty free,” Cook says.

“That’s the most important thing about my products.”

Cook says that all her company’s polishes are “7 Free.” This means that they do not contain toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, camphor, xylene, or parabens, harmful chemicals often found in nail polish formulations. “There’s no reason why that needs to be on any part of your skin,” Cook says. Yet these ingredients are still used by most major companies.

“I bought all those big brands. After doing my research and just getting older I was more aware. I want women’s nails healthy. It’s at the front of my mind with everything that I do, even with brands that I partner with. It doesn’t take away from the product. You don’t need these things.”

Nail Polish Narratives While running her company Cook still works her day job in advertising as a senior creator for McCann World Group.

The skills that she’s built at work have helped her run 25th and June. “I understand the inner workings of how to market a product,” she says. She uses her writing background as well. “Every single polish has an actual story,” she says. “I think that people connect to that.”

The story behind Cook’s current spring line focuses on her most memorable travel experiences. Shades include Cinnamon Kiss, Paradise Found Me, Supreme Cream, and EastWest, a lavender hue that was inspired by Croatian nightlife.

The company’s summer options are bright colors from the Ego Trip collection.

These shades include Royal Highness, Drama Queen, Very Expensive, Queen in the Courtyard, and Magical As F*ck, a bold, trendy yellow.

Polishes and Punches On the horizon for 25th and June are many events and partnerships. Cook plans to collaborate with several artists and host popup shops in the New York area. She is also partnering with Reese Scott, founder and head coach of Women’s World of Boxing as well as Reebok’s brand ambassador.

The pair ran a women’s empowerment event in the spring that combined self defense training and pampering beauty treatments that included Cook’s polishes.

Cook also plans to seek out Jersey City boutiques that would be a good fit to sell her products in their retail spaces.

The brand is currently available online at 25thandjune.com.

“There are so many small businesses and women entrepreneurs in Jersey City,” Cook says. “I am slowly building a community.”

Her advice to budding small business owners who might be creating products in their Jersey City living rooms?

“Whatever it is you’re trying to create, whatever you’re trying to do, you have to do something toward that every single day,” Cook says. “That one thing will spiral into a ton of different things.”

She also says that entrepreneurs, especially female entrepreneurs, have to learn to advocate for themselves. She used to rely on friends and family to talk about and promote 25th and June, but these days she’s as bold as her favorite nail polish shades.

Cook says, “Now I’m my own spokesperson.” –JCM

Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 55

Photo of Nyugen Smith by Edward Fausty

sy courte Photo en Smith g of Nyu

Photo courtesy of Nyugen Smith

56 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

Artist of the Jersey City’s

pays homage to those who came before

By Tara Ryazansky

A

World

rtist Nyugen Smith creates work that explores world cultures around the Caribbean and Africa, but he was born here in Jersey City. In fact, throughout his career whenever he gets described as a “New York artist,” he quickly sets the record straight. “I think sometimes when people hear New Jersey they automatically want to lump you into being from New York, but I think it’s important to specify,” Smith says. “This is my hometown, and I’m proud of it.”

Smith’s interest in art started in college. “It really began when I was an undergrad student,” Smith recalls.

He was at Seton Hall studying political science when he took a painting and sculpture class. He soon felt more passionate about art than any of his other classes. “I changed my major the semester before I graduated.”

“After finishing up college I was trying to show my work anywhere I could,” Smith says. This included local cafes and one-day shows. “One of the first places that I showed in Jersey City was LITM when they first opened up. It was a great meeting place for artists at that time.”

Soon Smith’s work shifted from focusing on aesthetics to including concepts like natural disasters, war, and genocide. “I began to think about places where people were forced to flee their homes,” Smith says. In 2005, he began a project called Bundlehouse. “Literally the translation is bundling materials together to make a home.” The work that he created did just that in various art forms.

“When I started making the Bundlehouse work I was looking at the continent of Africa, specifically Uganda,” Smith says. “I started to ask the question, ‘How did this whole

situation get started?’ That’s where my political science background began to inform my art practice.”

Political Science meets Painting Smith delved into research about Colonialism and European countries claiming Africa’s natural resources.

A few years into the project, his work became more personal as he studied Africa. “I began thinking, ‘What was going on in the Caribbean at that time?’” Smith says. His mother is from Trinidad, where he spent some of his childhood. His father is from Haiti.

As the concepts that Smith was researching grew, so did his Bundlehouse work. He continues the project today. His works include freestanding structures that are big enough for two people to dwell in. These are created on site out of found materials. He also makes smaller Bundlehouse sculptures, drawings, and paintings. His work includes video, photographs, and performance art as well.

“Art, to me, is a language. Sometimes I need to resort to a different language to say what I need to say,” Smith says of switching back and forth among mediums.

On the Ground Smith went on to graduate school where he received his MFA in 2016 from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. It was there that he was awarded his first grant after being nominated by the school. “I received the Leonor Annenberg Performing and Visual Arts Fund,” Smith says.

“They ask what are your plans, and my proposal was that I would travel to different parts of the Caribbean and Africa to do research.” Visiting places that his work was focused on helped him as an artist. “There’s nothing like being on the ground,”

Photo courtesy of Nyugen Smith

he says. “It really had a huge impact on my practice.”

In 2018, Smith was awarded two more prestigious grants, the Franklin Furnace Fund and the Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant. He plans to use the money to travel to show his work.

Smith’s Bundlehouse project continues to grow and evolve, but his intention remains the same as it was from the beginning. “I want my art to raise awareness of conditions of black people in the world,” Smith says. “I want my work to pay homage to those who came before me who have endured the things that are inspiring the work. I want my work to be a tool of empowerment for those who are trying to find ways to articulate their thoughts and feelings about their existence in this space and time, and I’m specifically speaking of younger people of color.”

He has some advice for young artists as well. “Remain true to yourself,” Smith says. “It’s essential to read, to travel, to just find a tribe.

Find likeminded individuals you can confer with and confide with.” – JCM Nyugen Smith’s works will be on view at The Other Side of Now: Foresight in Contemporary Caribbean Art from July 18, 2019 to June 7, 2020 at the Pérez Art Museum Miami. For more information, visit pamm.org.

Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 57

HEALY’S TAVERN Photos by Terri Saulino Bish

A

few years ago, a ramshackle bar stood at Newark and Sixth in the shadow of the NJ Turnpike overpass. The sign, “Sheila’s,” hung at a rakish angle from the roof. In 2011, Patrick Healy, son of former Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy, bought it. Patrick’s sister Suzanne works the bar and his brother Jerry, Jr. is also involved in the operation.

Full disclosure: I’m a semi-regular at this friendly, nowthriving neighborhood pub.

Terri and I visit at Happy Hour on a Wednesday. Dickinson High School is up on the hill, and kids congregate on the sidewalk waiting for the bus. The chalkboard out front advertises corned beef and cabbage, the Wednesday special. It’s about five days before St. Patrick’s Day, so it’s a fitting menu option. On Thursday the special is roast beef with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach; on Friday, meatloaf.

Johnny Cash is playing in the background, and the regulars have already gathered. The TVs offer a choice of baseball or ABC News. The décor is vintage bar—an old jukebox, black-and-white shots of boxing matches, beer signs, and a picture of a young Mayor Healy in a running race.

Even though Healy’s is a classic watering hole, it’s a great place for always-good, affordable food. I’ve never been disappointed, whether it’s a burger and fries, BLT, or—my favorite—arugula salad with chicken cutlet. It offers two large cutlets. I always take one home.

Other standbys include chili, sliders, nachos, quesadillas, hot dogs, cheese steak, wraps, hot sandwiches, and entrees like chicken parm and short ribs. You get the picture.

Eddie Torres is the chef responsible for these tasty, honest, “home-cooked” meals.

Not on the menu at Healy’s Tavern is the reason most people love it: Healy’s is the friendliest place around. When Patrick walked in with his 15-month-old twins, Will and George in separate toddler seats, the bar went gaga. The kids knew Elle and John who were working the bar that night, and patrons wanted to take selfies with the twins.

At the bottom of the menu is the gracious farewell, “As always, thank you for stopping by.” That “stopping by” has the ring of a neighbor dropping in for a cup of coffee.

When I want to have a cold beer, consistently satisfying food, meet up with friends, jaw with the bartender or whomever is sitting next to me, and enjoy the overall vibe of an urban corner bar, Healy’s is the place.—Kate Rounds

Healy’s Tavern | 374 Newark Avenue | (201) 222-2777 | healysjc.com 58 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

WAtEriNG HoLE JCM

Patrick Healy with twins Will and George (l.-r.) Bartenders Elle and John and Chef Eddie Torres

(l.-r.) Regulars Mitch H. Nassiri, Allen Lake, and Richard Andrews

Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 59

Photos by Terri Saulino Bish

I

ROOFTOP at Exchange Place

’m often at Exchange Place catching the light rail, the PATH, or the ferry, so of course I’ve wondered, what’s this rooftop thing? Well, on a beautiful almostspring evening, photographer Terri Bish and I found out.

To reach this aerie, you take an elevator on the south side of the building. It’s a real movie-star elevator with windows overlooking the river. If you have motion sickness, face forward. As for me, I took in the view, with ferries leaving wakes like small V’s on the water.

The doors open onto a large, airy space at the top of the world, or at least the roof.

It’s contemporary, with lots of grays and skylights and gentlywhirring fans, and low sofas, comfy chairs, broad coffee tables, and blond hardwood floors. It really does feel like a lounge, except for some high tables with chairs and a sizable bar at one end.

The most stupendous design feature is the views. Huge windows give panoramic views of the river, the statue, the Verrazano Bridge, the World Trade Center, the tip of Manhattan, and inland cityscapes.

Funny how, when you see familiar buildings from on high, you lose perspective: Where is that building exactly?

The evening was unusually clear, but I recommend a visit any time of

year or during any type of weather.

You could imagine clouds drifting by, fog, or snow floating down, and it would all be beautiful.

I plan to return in summer when it’s warm enough to sit on the rooftop terrace. On this night, a strong wind blew the flames in the fire pit sideways; it was a lovely image.

Oh, and yes, they serve food.

Gilbert, the chef, delivered five delectable creations. The Asian green salad features Napa cabbage, quinoa, edamame, carrots, pears, and toasted almonds on a bed of spinach with a sesame ginger vinaigrette. It was a perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and leafy.

Three gorgeous, thick scallops suddenly appeared, arranged artistically on a small plate. These seared diver sea scallops were served with roast leeks and bacon in a truffle cream sauce. Terri pronounced them crispy on the outside, tender on the inside with a delicate buttery flavor. I’m down with that.

The margherita flatbread was a classic, made with Roma tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and micro basil.

Even the most finicky eater can pair this with a cold Stella on draft (as I did) and have the perfect Happy Hour combo.

If you’re up for a taco, the Bulgogi steak is the one. This, too, is Asian infused, featuring kimchi jalapeno

Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 61

Rooftop at Exchange Place 1 Exchange Place (551) 256-7850 Rooftopxp.com

Chef Gilbert Feliciano

slaw, crispy wonton, shaved pear, and toasted sesame. Three ample ones come in their own special holders, so there is no fear of the delicious filling falling out of the taco.

Save room for dessert! Thankfully, we did. The banana chocolate chimichanga was to die for with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce.

The menu is just the right size, with a nice selection of sandwiches, burgers, “shareables,” dips, and sliders.

62 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

The drinks menu features cocktails, wine, spirits, and beer.

Toward the end of our feast, the space was filling up with a diverse group of young pros from the financial district, couples, families, and friends having a celebration. The bottom line? Though it has an elegant feel, it’s a comfortable place where all will feel welcome.

As we left, the sun was setting over the bar, and ferry lights shone on the river. Dusk on the Rooftop—you can’t beat it.—Kate Rounds

Shop

dine

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First stop shop

Jersey City has it all From live music to incredible art, boutique shopping to delectable cuisine, Jersey City’s got something for everyone. Shop, dine, hang local—make JC yours!

Paid for by a grant from the nJ division of travel and tourism.

jcsmallbiz.com

jcmakeityours.com

Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 63

DATES JCM from page 43

Elevating the ice cream cake experience!

Order cakes at tOricOcakes.cOm @tOricOcakes

201-432-9458 20 erie street jersey city, Nj

Month, the event will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at https://www. eventbrite.com/e/jersey-city-fashion-forward 2019-tickets-56773637478.

Bergen Square Day 2019, Bergen Square, 1-6 p.m.

The City of Jersey City, the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs, the Journal Square SID, the Bergen Square Historic Society and the Journal Square Community Association are excited to present Bergen Square Day – a celebration and revival of the very-historic Bergen Square. Join us as we open the square for an afternoon filled with live music and theater, food vendors, children’s activities, educational tours, interactive displays and much more! This event is free and open to the public. For information, email bergensquareday@gmail.com.

19

Jersey City’s Premier Dining Destination

Headstands for Hunger, Harborside Atrium, 210 Hudson St., 9 a.m. The 2nd annual fundraiser Headstands for Hunger is back. Come take part in the yoga class that works to benefit the feeding of hungry people and homeless pets nationwide, raising money for local charities such as the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Jersey City, and Liberty Humane Society. Admission is $10 and 10 pounds of non-perishable food items. The event is open to all levels. Participants only need to bring their own mat. For tickets and information on this event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/headstands-forhunger-jersey-city-tickets-59851063141.

25

Offering two elegantly appointed dining rooms and a classic Prohibition era bar, Edward’s is the perfect venue for intimate evenings and larger gatherings.

Call today to book your corporate or family party or stop in for lunch or dinner.

Private dining is available for groups of up to 40 guests.

Open for Lunch Monday - Friday • Open for Dinner 7 Days a Week 239 Marin Boulevard • Jersey City, NJ • 201-761-0000 • www.edwardssteakhouse.com 64 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019

Hudson County Latino Arts Gallery and Expo, New Jersey City University, 2039 Kennedy Blvd., 12-7:30 p.m. Join us and meet inspiring artists in a space to share their stories. We aim to draw our audiences into a diverse and vibrant space in which they can explore love in a way that will help them grow and flourish. Our artists will showcase their vision of love for self, family and their cultures in various forms including but not limited to, paintings, photography, culinary art, music, live

from page 65

DATES JCM from page 64

paintings, and much more. This event is hosted by The Hudson County Latino Foundation, a charity focused on community development, raising healthcare awareness and providing Financial Literacy. A portion of the proceeds will be used help fund our highly competitive student scholarships.

Tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ art-gallery-and-expo-tickets-56083315707.

26 Liberty State Park Fleet Week 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, Liberty State Park North Field, 250 Audrey Zapp Dr., 10:30 a.m. Join this race and run with active duty military personnel. At the finish line, the US Navy will include military air displays with helicopters, a dive tank, and various military vehicles for the entire family to enjoy. The 1 Mile Fun Run is at 10:30 and costs $25 and the 5K starts at 11 a.m. and costs $40.

JUNE 1

Voted top 100 RESTAURANTS in 2018 — Forbes and Food and Wine Winner of the DINER’S CHOICE AWARD — Open Table

JC Kids Run, J. Owen Grundy Park, Exchange Place, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The JC Kids Run in Jersey City is back for the 5th year and it keeps getting bigger and better! Children race through the course with the biggest smiles on their faces as the community cheers them on. The excitement and joy on their faces as they cross the finish line is priceless! In addition to the kids run, there are a wide variety of activities for children of all ages. Open to the public. For information, visit http://jcfamilies.com/ event/jc-kids-run-2019-kids-run-in-jersey-city/ All You Can Tournament, Berry Lane Park, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Gotta Go Gaming and The Royal Men Foundation are excited to host the 2019 All You Can Tournament, a gaming competition (Street Fighter). The event will feature live entertainment, food and apparel vendors, face painting, and henna art. Gaming available for non-tournament attendees including video games and laser tag.

There will also be special guest speakers at each event advocating for social causes. The goal of the event is to be used as a platform to bring light to and offer assistance to these causes. There will

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B A R C A D E . C O M / B O O K-A -P A RT Y Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019 • 65

DATES JCM from page 65 be multiple tournaments held throughout the summer in varying locations across Jersey City. Free and open to the public. For information or to register for the tournament, visit gottagogaming.com.

15 All You Can Tournament Championships, Audubon Park, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Gotta Go Gaming and The Royal Men Foundation are excited to host the 2019 All

You Can Tournament, a gaming competition (Street Fighter). The event will feature live entertainment, food and apparel vendors, face painting, and henna art. Gaming available for non-tournament attendees including video games and laser tag. There will also be special guest speakers at each event advocating for social causes. The goal of the event is to be used as a platform to bring light to and offer assistance to these causes. There will be multiple tournaments held throughout the summer in varying locations across

Jersey City. Free and open to the public.

Tournament is invite only. For information, visit gottagogaming.com.

22 Yoga Fest Jersey City, Newark Avenue Pedestrian Zone, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Each year during the week of the summer solstice is International Yoga Day. To celebrate, Jivamukti Yoga Jersey City teams up with the HDSID, the City of Jersey City and the Jersey City Office of Cultural Affairs to produce Yoga Fest Jersey City.

The event includes yoga classes and mini workshops, vegan vendors, music, shopping, and more. This is a free public event. Bring a yoga mat, water, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

First Annual Jersey City Public Safety Appreciation, 1 Chapel Ave., 11 a.m.5 p.m. Featuring face painting, balloon animals, and bouncy houses for the children. There will be giveaways, live DJ, BBQ and a Police vs. Fire Department softball game.

SEPTEMBER 15 Newport Liberty Half Marathon, Newporton-the-Waterfront, 8:30 a.m. The Newport Liberty Half Marathon offers a mostly flat and fast race through the streets of Jersey City with plentiful views of the Statue of Liberty, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, lower Manhattan and Ellis Island. $65 for the half marathon if registered by June 17. Register at https://nycruns.com/ register-race/?race=nycruns-newporthalf-marathon.

66 • Jersey City Magazine ~ Spring | Summer 2019