Photo courtesy of the Official Township of North Bergen.
Hudson County is heating up with spring and summer activities, Jersey City politics and more.
You can read all about it in this week’s Hudson County news roundup.
Emergency Real ID Appointments Can Now Be Made In New Jersey
If you’re catching a flight on and after May 7, you’ll need a Real ID, passport or any other government issued documentation.
If you don’t have those, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is giving more opportunities to obtain a Real ID, which is replacing the regular driver’s license and non-driver’s license ID.
Those traveling with life-or-death emergencies and who have urgent travel plans within 14 days can now schedule a Real ID appointment.
With many people still having issues making appointments due to the high demand, the Real ID emergency issuance program aims to help expedite the process as the enforcement deadline for the Real ID approaches this Wednesday, May 7. Only a limited number of people who meet all of the qualifications listed by the MVC will be allowed into the program.
People with an acceptable form of identification to clear Transportation Security Administration checkpoints, like a valid U.S. passport, will not be allowed to make an appointment.
The program, which is now open, requires:
- An $80 shipping fee for the ID. The shipping fee “will be assessed to expedite the delivery of a REAL ID within a few business days,” said the commission.
- Necessary documents must be brought to the emergency appointment.
- Required documents include two proofs of residential address, one verifiable Social Security number and documents that add up to six Real ID points, also known as 2 + 1 + 6 = Real ID
All appointments will be held at MVC Regional Center in Trenton.
The life-or-death emergency service is for those with a life-threatening illness or injury, and who have an immediate family member who has died, is dying in hospice care or has a life-threatening illness or injury, that need to travel in the next 14 days for a life-or-death emergency.
A parent, legal guardian, child, spouse, sibling or grandparent would qualify as an immediate family member. The MVC said aunts, uncles, cousins or other relatives are not included.
Travelers with an emergency are required to submit documentation attesting to their personal situation and will need to bring those documents to their appointment.
The required documentation for a family emergency can include:
- Death certificate.
- Statement from a mortuary.
- Letter from a hospital. The letter must be on hospital letterhead, signed by a doctor and explaining the life-threatening medical condition. If not in English, the letter should be translated by a professional translator.
Airline ticket, travel itinerary with proof of payment and invoice with travel dates and proof of payment must be provided to confirm travel to another state within the next 14 days.
Soak Up The Summer Sun North Bergen’s Farmers Market
The much anticipated James J. Braddock Park Farmers Market is officially back and continuing through October 16.
The Farmers Market, which is sponsored by the Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation and County Commissioner Robert Baselice, will take place every other Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial located near 90th Street and Bergenline Avenue.
There will be farm-fresh local produce and community vendors in the heart of Braddock Park. Along with fruits and vegetables stands, there will be several vendors providing additional treats including food made to order and various services.
Some of the vendors include:
- Antojitos by Johanna
- Boutique VIP
- Cruz-Missile Hot Dogs & Pinchos
- Ginkgo Farms LLC
- Hudson Grinding Knife Sharpening
- Jersey Pickles
- NJ Beer Co.
- NY Fresh Produce LLC
- Ria Rez Visions Photography
- Savory Baba
- Tibbs’ Pantry
- Tio Rozays BBQ.
If you are a vendor looking to participate you can click here to register. More information can also be found here.
Join The Hoboken’s Junior Police Academy For Free
The Hoboken Junior Police Academy is accepting 24 applicants for their free week-long session happening from Monday, July 14 to Friday, July 18.
The Hoboken Junior Police Academy teaches students leadership, self-esteem and hands-on look into the field of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. It also aims to promote building strong relationships with police officers and the community.
“The Junior Police Academy is one of the highlights every year, for me, and the entire department. It gives us a chance to connect with some of the best and brightest young Hobokenites, and maybe inspire a few future officers,” said Police Chief Steven Aguiar in a statement.
The program, which is sponsored by the Hoboken Police Department and the Hudson County Municipal Alliance, is intended for kids to learn, grow, have fun and gain further knowledge of the role that the Hoboken Police plays in the community.
In the past, the junior police academy had visits from a K-9 team, drone and robotics instruction, first aid training with Hoboken EMS and field trips to other local agencies.
The sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Stevens Institute of Technology where lunch will be provided daily.
Stevens Institute of Technology Police, New Jersey State Police and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office will also help offer daily physical training, interactive lessons and special demonstrations.
The 24 applicants will be selected to participate through a random lottery.
The application is now open to Hoboken residents between the ages of 10 and 15 until Friday, June 6. Applications can be dropped off at Hoboken Police Headquarters located at 106 Hudson St., or emailed to [email protected].
Don’t Wait! Showcase Your Vendor Work Here
If you are a creator, maker or tastemaker, then your talents are wanted at the Magnum Opus Studio!
Magnum Opus Studios is having another “2nd Saturdays” event next Saturday, May 10 and they are looking for people with a passion for art, fashion, jewelry or food to showcase their talents and connect with the Jersey City community within the Liberty Arts District.
Vendor spaces are limited. You can fill out the registration form here to secure your spot!
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Jump In! Weehawken Township Pool Complex Is Offering Limited Day Passes
Starting June 25, the Weehawken Township Pool Complex will have day passes for the summer season.
The passes cost $40 per adult and $20 per child. The passes will be limited to 30 per day and are first-come, first-serve through pre-registration. They can be used anytime between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Passes are non-refundable and will not be available on weekends and holidays.
You can only get them online and can only be bought after midnight on the day of the visit.
If you are interested in purchasing a day pass, create an account on the Recdesk platform and pay online via credit card.
If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll need to set up a username and password. Current pool members can log into their existing accounts to buy the pass.
Hudson County Is Hosting Its Own Senior Art Show
Hudson County is showing their love to its seniors’ talent and gifts with their very own art show. The county is looking for artists who are 60 years old and older to display and recognize their art for the entire month of May.
A reception to celebrate local seniors’ artwork will be held on Tuesday, May 20 from 6 p.m. to 7p.m. at the Brennan Court House, located at 583 Newark Avenue.
The categories of artwork include:
- Acrylic
- Oil and watercolor paintings
- Digital artwork
- Prints
- Photographs
- Mixed media
- Pastels
- Sculptures
For more details, you can reach out to [email protected] or call 201–369–4313.
Hoboken’s Art And Music Festival Is Nearing! And The Set List Is Here
If you’re looking to be outside in Hudson County, here’s something for you.
Hoboken’s Spring Arts and Music Festival is taking place on Sunday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Washington Street between Observer Highway and Seventh Street.
Almost 300 vendors are set to participate and Brenda K. Starr is set to headline the event.
The festival usually welcomes 30,000 visitors every spring with live musical performances on two stages, a variety of food and more than 300 artists and other vendors.
Starr will take the stage at 4:30 p.m. She is known for her Grammy-nominated pop song “I Still Believe” and her Spanish albums like:
- Te Sigo Esperando (RIAA-certified Gold and Platinum)
- No Lo Voy a Olvidar
- Pétalos de Fuego
- Temptation (which earned two Latin Billboard Awards in 2002).
These artists are also hopping on the Seventh Street Stage, on Washington Street between Sixth Street and Seventh Street:
- Finn Douglas and Friends: A young Broadway singer with a wide repertoire
- 3 Dollars: A popular local rock group bending the genre rules of post-emo punk.
- Alyx Astryx: A dark pop artist with 1980s synth influences
- Allie Sandt: Indie folk singer-songwriter
The Observer Highway Stage line-up, located on Washington Street between Observer Highway and Newark Street, is:
- Dallas Connors: Local Hoboken singer-songwriter
- The Young Picassos: A modern take on the steel drum band, bringing a distinct Caribbean sound
- Allison Strong: Union City-born singer, songwriter, actor, and composer
- Coro: Latin freestyle singer
For anyone in need of wheelchair-accessible seating, you can contact Hoboken Cultural Affairs at 201-420-2000 Ext. 5102 to make a request at least one week prior to the event.
Accessible restrooms will be located near the main stage on Observer Highway and on Washington Street at Third Street.
For more information, visit click here.
Another Candidate Announces Mission For Jersey City Council-At-Large Seat
Tina Nalls, the current Community Treasures Executive Director, said she’s joining Jersey City mayoral candidate Mussab Ali’s ticket and is eyeing the city’s Council-At-Large position, which are currently held by Daniel Rivera and Amy DeGise.
An “at-large” council member is someone who represents the entire city. Jersey City has three spots open for that, according to their website.
“We still live in the Tale of Two Cities. Some of us have what we need, and others are left behind. I’m running to change that. Jersey City must be one, whole, united city where every person is treated with dignity,” Nalls said in a statement.
“I know what it’s like to struggle, to need help, and be told you don’t qualify. No one should be turned away. Not on my watch,” she continued.
Nalls was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and raised in Jersey City. After overcoming early hardships, she channeled it into acts of service, including Community Treasures, her local nonprofit that provides essentials such as clothing, food, strollers and car seats to many residents in need.
“Tina is the kind of leader every city needs. She doesn’t wait for change — she builds it,” Ali said.
Nalls, who currently serves as an aide to Ward F Councilman Frank Gilmore, joins Ira Guilford in Ward A and Shabad Khan as the third running mate announced by Ali.
Here’s how the other at-large candidates look for the Nov. 4 race:
- Running with mayoral candidate Bill O’Dea: Councilman-at-Large Daniel Rivera, Kristen Zadroga-Hart, and Saundra Robinson Green
- Running with mayoral candidate James Solomon: former Council President Rolando Lavarro, Mamta Singh and Michael Griffin
- Running with mayoral candidate Jim McGreevey: retired Police Lt. Israel “Izzy” Nieves and Art House Executive Director Meredith Burns.
- Running with mayoral candidate Joyce Watterman: Rev. Tami Weaver-Henry, former board of education candidate Kenny Reyes and Liberty Church Jersey City pastor Dave Carment
This Jersey City Councilman Is Supporting A Hudson County Commissioner And The Bayonne Mayor
Jersey City Ward F Councilman Frank “Educational” Gilmore has shown who he’s backing for the upcoming Hudson County election.
In a statement, Gilmore acknowledged his endorsement of Assemblyman Will Sampson and Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker (D-3) for state Assembly in the 31st Legislative District, and for Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis who is now running for Hudson County Sheriff.
“Will Sampson and Jerry Walker are the leaders we need in Trenton to make a real difference for the people of our district,” Gilmore said in the statement.
“They are both deeply connected to the community and have a proven track record of standing up for working families, improving public safety, and fighting for affordable housing and economic opportunity. Together, they will be powerful advocates for our neighborhoods in the state Assembly.”
Gilmore, Sampson and Walker all have a common political opponent in Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, who is campaigning for the Democratic candidate seat for New Jersey governor.
Fulop is running with Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato and Bayonne 2nd Ward Councilwoman Jackie Weimmer on his “Democrats for Change” ticket in LD-31, and also supporting Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari for a sixth term.
“Jimmy Davis is the right person for the job of Sheriff. He has dedicated his life to public safety and has the experience, integrity, and vision needed to lead Hudson County’s law enforcement into the future. I know he will serve with honor and always put the needs of our community first,” Gilmore also said.
The primary elections in New Jersey are on June 10. For more information and election resources, you can visit the Hudson County Elections website here.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
