MARCH 2025

General Meeting March 18th, 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. Light snacks will be provided.

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 from VVNA President Craig Zehms

7:05 Small Business Spotlight: Gymboree with Pooja Gupta

7:10 Small Business Spotlight: Hank Schwartz's Delicatessen with Jason

7:15 JC Marathon Updates with Steve Lipski (Marathon is on 4/13)

7:30 Open Discussion for Membership Feedback led by Jonathan

7:40 All Other Business

Dear Neighbors,

What’s that old adage? “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb”?

And isn’t there another one that says “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch”? All I can say is “It’s not over until the Fat Squirrel sings”!

It seems like during the past few weeks the directive has been “If it’s really cold let’s add some gale force winds to make it worse.” It’s been arctic. And I grew up in Sheboygan! On the other hand, Mother Nature is showing her more gracious side by encouraging some trees and plants to burst into bloom. Thank heavens for Crocus, Snow Drops, and Witch Hazel. And the Jonquils are in rehearsal.

Now that it’s getting warmer, you’ll see us staffing the VVNA table at the Farmer’s Market. We have lots of events to promote in the coming months.

Thanks to those of you who volunteered for the park clean up. On March 22nd, Councilman Solomon will be sponsoring the first Neighborhood Clean Up of the year.

I look forward to seeing you at our monthly meeting on Tuesday.

Onward!

Craig Zehms
VVNA President

Filming April 3rd on Mercer

The film “Office Romance” starring Jenifer Lopez will be filming on April 3rd. The shoot is limited to 1 outdoor evening scene on Mercer between Varick and Monmouth.

Parking will be provided for residents impacted by the filming.

Jersey City Council Votes to Remove Summer Pool Fees

Check out the full ordinance here.

New VVNA Merch has Launched!

VVNA Merchandise is now available on our website. We have T-shirts, sweatshirts, journals, water bottles, beanies, onesies, kids T-shirts, tote bags and more! All in a wide range of sizes and colors! Can’t find something in your size? Email us and we’ll get it printed! Order yours today!

Jersey City’s Calendar

Looking to join a Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Zoning or Historic Preservation Commission meeting? Find them all here on Jersey City’s Planning Calendar:

https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/calendar

You can also use this link to find agendas for these meetings, and other important city meetings!

We have a campaign update!

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole publicly committed to service improvements in March: “We’ll take all those [2000+ petition] requests under advisement. There has been a sea change in PATH investments and you’ll hear more about it in March.”
Hudson County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution calling for more PATH service.
We're meeting directly with the executive leadership of the PATH next Monday to identify concrete improvements to service.

We need volunteers for canvassing at PATH stations to reach our goal of 10,000 signatures! Can't make the Saturday shifts? We can also train you to volunteer on your own schedule - just note that in the sign-up form. Sign up people any time you’re waiting on a PATH platform - it’s always an opportunity to find more supporters!

Can’t canvass, but have other skills you’d like to volunteer - like media & messaging, organizing, and outreach? We need your help too, note that on the form!

Social Media

Do you love taking photos and videos around our beautiful neighborhood? We're looking for a new volunteer who can help the VVNA reach more people through social media.

No professional experience required, a content calendar will be provided to guide you! In just an hour or two each week, you can connect people across the Van Vorst Neighborhood through the power of compelling images.

Interested? Please email us at welcome@vvnajc.org

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

3/22, 10a-1p - Spring Clean Up with Councilman Solomon

3/5 - 4/27 - ECHO presented by Cirque du Soleil at Randall’s Island Park. Use this link for 20% off select performances: https://tickets.cirquedusoleil.com/shop/#/a4d66c04-e0e6-4f7c-a445-4bf43fbe3673/shop/select?locale=en&skin=luzia_v2

4/12, 11a-2p - Friends of Liberty State Park host the 29th annual Salt Marsh Clean Up

4/24, 5:30-8p - Candidate Forum for Legislative District 32, hosted by the VVNA at the Main Library

4/26 - VVNA Book Swap (to be confirmed).

6/6 - JC Fridays Art Tour with VVNA, details to follow.

Ongoing - Tuesdays, 5-6pm - Bingo at the Library

Ongoing - Wednesdays, 11am - Story Time at the Library

Ongoing - Select Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm - SEWcial Meetup at the Library

Ongoing - Fridays, 3-4:30pm - Fun Fridays at the Library

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 (there are so many more!)

Register to Vote!

Voter Registration Deadline for the Primary Election is May 20, 2025. Register here!

Looking for General Meeting Notes or Recordings?

Find them HERE

Looking for Previous Newsletters?

Find them HERE

Thank you to our sponsors: Barrow Mansion Development Corporation 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? Find out more information here & email welcome@vvnajc.org.