General Meeting May 21st, 7pm

We will be kicking our meeting off early with an in-person mixer from 6:30-7 to meet your neighbors before the hybrid meeting starts at 7pm.

In person: Barrow Mansion. 83 Wayne Street.

Zoom: with the Meeting ID: 851 7077 0500 https://zoom.us/j/85170770500

Agenda

6:30 In-person Mixer

7:00 Opening Remarks & Announcements from President Craig Zehms

7:05 Small Business Feature: Ryouga from Hachimitsu - chocolates sweetened only with honey! Now available at Van Vorst Park Farmer’s Market.

7:15 JC Fridays Associate Producer/Director Sunjay Venkatraman

7:35 Bike JC Ward Tour representatives Karin Vanoppen & Ayla Schermer

7:50 Library Learning Center Director Eric Trader

8:05 All Other Business

Dear Neighbors,

What an amazing response we had for the special tour of the historic Main Library! Over 80 people attended! One couple came from Union City. They said that “they just didn’t do things like this there.” Well we do! Kudos to Director Terry Hill and his team at the library for hosting such a wonderful evening. Rumors are that we will schedule another one for Fall.

OK. Here’s a question for you: “What isn’t in bloom?” Everywhere I turn I am Bombarded by Beauty. (And no, this isn’t the title of my new autobiography.). From park to stoop and from planter box to garden the variety of colors, shapes and scents is glorious. Thank you, Mother Nature! And thanks to all who spend hours nurturing all this flora.

Our most recent book swap was the best yet and we’ll do more as the year goes on. Look out for the Stoop Party which will take place on York Street between Jersey and Varick from 4-7 on Saturday June 1.

I’ll see you at the Farmers Market. Remember the VVNA Cookbook makes a great gift.

Onward!

Craig Zehms
VVNA President Founder & CEO of the new skincare line Bombarded by Beauty

Balancing Growth & Preservation: Why Preservation Matters

Why does preservation matter? Join us for an enlightening exploration into the delicate balance between growth and preservation. Whether you're a passionate advocate for historical conservation or someone who questions its relevance, this panel discussion is for you. We'll debunk myths and fears surrounding historic preservation and openly address common concerns. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding and contribute to the dialogue on the importance of preservation.

All are welcome! We encourage in-person attendance, and for those attending in-person, there will be an opportunity for Q&A with our panelists. We will also have our limited-run 'I JC History' T-Shirts, and signed copies of the "Legendary Locals of Jersey City" book for sale. All proceeds go towards JCLC's mission and programming.

Sign Up Here

If you are unable to attend in person, we encourage you to secure a 'Digital' ticket to have access to the event livestream. You will also be sent a link to watch it later should the time not work for you.

Please RSVP as soon as possible, as space is limited.

Grove Street weekend construction Phase 2 (April through June)

World Trade Center-bound and Hoboken/33 St.-bound trains will bypass Grove St. For the latest information on closures & weekends without the bypass, click here.

For any inquiries or concerns regarding the Grove St. Station bypass, residents can connect with the Port Authority via email at grovestreet@panynj.gov.

Treasurer Needed!

Due to outside work commitments, our previous treasurer has stepped down from the role, and we are seeking a new treasurer to join the VVNA board! We are seeking an individual with financial experience who is a member of the Van Vorst Neighborhood and is passionate about serving their community! This individual would need to be available for board & general meetings each month, be able to work independently outside of these meetings, and ideally have bookkeeping experience. Interested? Please reach out to us at Welcome@VVNAJC.org and tell us why you would be a good fit for VVNA Treasurer!

Upcoming Events

5/23, 5-7:30pm - Healing through Hip-hop: Lifting through Lyrics & HIV Testing with the Hudson Pride Center at the Library

6/1, 4-7pm - York St. Stoop Party hosted by the VVNA

6/1, 1-2pm - Book Tasting at the Library (Ages 17+)

6/7, 6-8pm - VVNA Art Tour with JC Fridays

6/30, 7pm - Saints Peter & Paul Concert Series

Ongoing - Mondays, 11:30am-12:30pm - Little Builders Club (Ages 1-5)

Ongoing - Fridays, 3-4:30pm - Fun Fridays (Ages 6+)

See below fliers for details.

To subscribe to the Jersey City Free Public Library Newsletter, please follow this link.

For a full list of upcoming events at the Priscilla Gardner Main Library, click here.

Friends of Van Vorst Park presents: Bloom of the Month!

The May Bloom of the Month is the Dove Tree, pictured above. One of our most unusual trees in the park. Its blooms are very unique, prolific, and long lasting. This Dove Tree was planted 4 years ago as a sapling. When mature, it will be 30’ tall and be a spectacular specimen tree. 

The Van Vorst Neighborhood in Bloom (pictured below)

Neighborhood History

Do you have historical photos/flyers from the Van Vorst Park Neighborhood? Send them in to us for a chance to be featured at welcome@vvnajc.org

Reminder

The VVNA has a new email address and website that reflect our new name; the Van Vorst Neighborhood Association (VVNA), as well as new social handles! @vvnajc

Please reach out to us at vvnajc.org, www.instagram.com/vvnajc, and welcome@vvnajc.org

Looking for General Meeting Notes or Recordings?

Find them HERE

Thank you to our sponsors: Barrow Mansion Development Corporation, Brightside Tavern, Two Boots Pizza, and the Friends of Van Vorst Park!

The VVNA depends on fundraising and sponsorships from local businesses and community members. Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email welcome@vvnajc.org.