General Meeting February 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 2025 Events Preview with Committee Chair Bryce Shaffer-Fine

7:10 2024 Financial Recap with Treasurer Caroline Dayton Pauker

7:15 Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy with Chris Perez

7:30 Small Business Spotlight: Little Gym with Danielle Sporcic

7:40 Sr. Forester & Arborist Mike DiCiancia

8:15 All Other Business

Dear Neighbors,

Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" always comes to mind when I am walking through the park at dusk this time of year. It's as if time is standing still. A deep silence surrounds me. The narrator of the poem can't decide if they should stay or continue on their journey. As I pause the beauty of this oasis fills me with joy. The poem's narrator decides to continue towards home. As do I. But what remains is the memory. And I know that I will return.

The most recent tour of the library was a big success with almost 80 people in attendance. The team at the library did a wonderful job of hosting. Thank you to the VVNA volunteers who contributed to a fun evening.

We have an active spring schedule ahead of us. So reach out to friends and help us to spread the word! As always I appreciate your volunteer efforts and support.

And stop by the park. It doesn't have to be a "snowy evening". Take a deep breath and remind yourself how special our neighborhood is.

See you at the Farmer's Market

Craig Zehms
VVNA President

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!

Hudson Grinding Knife Sharpening will be back at the Van Vorst Park Farmer’s Market March 8th!

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!

Hoboken Path Station Closure

The PATH Hoboken Station will be closed from 11:59pm on Thursday, January 30, 2025 to 5am on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. This closure is needed to complete infrastructure improvements as part of the PATH Forward program.

Detailed information, including schedules, travel alternatives, and maps, is available on the Hoboken Station Closure webpage. 

Frustrated with 20-minute waits for PATH trains?  Wish there were better transit options to NYC and within NJ?  A new grassroots campaign is asking the Port Authority for 5-minute PATH train frequency on weekends, weeknights and midday weekdays, and extending the PATH to Newark Airport.  

Take action in just one minute - the online letter writing platform sends a letter directly to the Port Authority and our elected representatives.

Over 2,000 people have signed already, and they're targeting 10,000 this year - and already have the support of Rep. Menendez, Mayors Fulop and Bhalla, and State Reps Allen and McCann Stamato.

The PATH is often overlooked and your voice will carry a long way - make your voice heard!

Interested in doing more? We’re looking for volunteers for canvassing! We go out canvassing every Saturday at a PATH station, it's super effective and fun - people are so keen to support the petition!

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

February 15th & 23rd - Celebrate Black History Month! See flyer below for details.

2/22, 7-9pm - Decoding Latin Jazz presented by Juanga Lakunza

2/1-2/28 - Black History Month Essay Contest at the Library

2/19 & 2/26 - Kids Arts & Crafts Workshop at Biblioteca Criolla at the Library

3/22 - Spring Clean Up with Councilman Solomon, details to follow.

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

4/26 - 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.

What is it about Latin jazz that gets your toes tapping? Decoding Latin Jazz: The Clave and the Language of the Drum is a live listening experience, hosted by Grammy-nominated trombonist and composer Juanga Lakunza and featuring Alex Pastrana, John Benitez, and Carlos "Carly" Maldonado. The musicians will break down Latin jazz music to its basic elements and then guide you through the process of bringing these elements together to form this truly infectious style of music. Whether you are new to the world of Latin jazz or a longtime fan, Decoding Latin Jazz will offer fiery music, riveting performances, and lively discussions to help all gain a greater understanding of this incredible music. The show is free to the public and all ages are welcome. A reception will follow the performance. Space is limited, so reserve your tickets today!

Saturday, February 22
7:00pm-9:00pm
Doors open at 6:30

Hosted by the Barrow Mansion & Riverview Jazz

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, Craig Guy, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.

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, 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? Find out more information here & email welcome@vvnajc.org.