The Red Wheelbarrow poets are all reading from their latest book, “The Red Wheelbarrow Volume #6,” this Saturday, November 16th at Tachair Bookshoppe (260 Newark Ave. by Monmouth Ave.) at 4pm. Literature lovers, you won’t want to miss this event.
The Red Wheelbarrow group meets for writing workshops in Rutherford, the hometown of William Carlos Williams (author of “The Red Wheelbarrow”), and periodically publish an anthology of their collective work. After the poetry reading, there will be a book signing and open-mic session.
“Tachair,” Jersey City’s only independent bookstore, derived its name from a Scottish-Gaelic word meaning “to meet.” The family-owned business uses their space to encourage education and community gatherings over conversation, creativity and the arts. They sell not only new and used books, as well as art from local artists. Tachair also has a cafe to promote the connectivity among people of all ages and walks of life that co-exist in our diverse city.
Pershing Field’s Charlie Heger Ice-Skating Rink (807 Summit Ave.) officially opens for the season tonight. Opening Ceremony is at 5pm, and the ice will be open for free skate until 10pm. Plus, skating is free in another way—free admission and free skate rentals this evening. Woo-hoo!
The recently renovated rink will have increased public ice time this season, as well as a Learn To Skateprogram for children and adults under Mayor Fulop’s plans to expand the city’s recreational offerings and encourage community participation.
I had the privilege to meet the awesome duo behind the once-a-month pop-up shop Very Second-Hand Clothing and Goods. This shop isn’t just about finding unique things; it’s about creating a community and a collective lifestyle in creativity. It’s so Jersey City that most of Jersey City doesn’t know about it yet…until now.
Jean and Matthew hunt throughout the tri-state area for one-of-a-kind finds. It starts with clothing and extends to home goods (think: ashtrays, coasters, record players, glassware sets—things with a timeless feel).
In Matthew’s words, the two acquire “Anything that we like or think that other people would like. We bring it in, give it a shot, and if it’s not selling, then it becomes part of our decor going along with this whole apartment feel.”
JCG:Why Very Second-Hand Clothing and Goods?
Matthew: We were sitting around trying to come up with names, and a lot of cheesier ones came out, but I’m a big fan of the movie Heathers, and one of the things the character Veronica Sawyer says—as people are drinking or trying to tell her stories or whatever—is “How Very,” with no adjective after that; she just leaves it open to translation. I found it to be kind of the funniest, weirdly offensive way to describe something. It’s open to interpretation.
And the other thing about the name is, in my experience shopping in these vintage shops and whatnot, I didn’t want to use the word “vintage.” I like the idea of attaching my name to “second-hand” rather than “vintage.”
Jean: Our shop is not inaccessible. It’s not a place where you walk in and feel uncomfortable. Our whole vision is, “Let’s make a second-hand shop where people can come in and find that really cool piece—but not at a price point that will turn them away from shopping.” The highest priced item is $40—and that’s for a designer coat.
JCG: What do you like about Jersey City?
Matthew: My friend really got me into it. I was born and raised in Brooklyn. After finishing school, I couldn’t afford NYC. I moved to Union City and that started my domestication in Hudson County. I later moved here and quickly realized that Jersey City and its neighboring towns have everything New York City has to offer, and I haven’t been back to “the city” to socialize or hang out for years.
Jersey City has everything you need yet it’s a lot more close-knit. I like knowing everything about a town. The idea of being a small fish in a big pond is no longer attractive.
Jean: I think Jersey City is the best-kept secret of this state—which is quickly becoming not so much a secret anymore, in a good way and in a bad way. Recently, I’ve read a few articles comparing JC to Brooklyn, and everyone is moving here who is priced out of Brooklyn or Hoboken, and I get it.
It’s a great place, it’s really down to earth, it’s creative. I feel like there’s always something going on, and it’s something unconventional—never corporate, never cookie-cutter.
JCG: What’s your ultimate vision?
Matthew: We want it to be an everyday shop. It’s not just about coming in and trying to buy something, it’s about coming in and changing the record that’s playing, reading the newspaper and hanging out. And also, I have a huge network of friends who have been here for years, and everyone has a friend who’s an artist. I would love to curate art in the store.
Jean: Eventually, I want to start a tea shop/cafe as part of the retail space.
JCG:To encourage people to linger and build your collaborative community?
Jean: Exactly.
Where can you, JC residents, find this pop-up shop? The first Sunday of every month from 11am-8pm at one of my fave restaurants for celebratory drinks and eats,Boca Grande(564 Washington Blvd.) That means this Sunday, November 3rd. I’ll be there shopping, too.
If we’re lucky, Matthew and Jean will open up shop every other week for the holiday season. Eventually, with Jersey City’s support, VSHC will be a pretty rad brick and mortar space.
Visit Very Second-Hand Clothing onfacebookor check them out onyelp.
Exclusive sound clips from our fab conversation and more pics of merchandise will be available soon. Stay tuned.
Art House Productionsis hosting “Late Night Curiosities.” Arrive in costume at 1 McWilliams Place, 6th floor, to find out what it’s all about. $5 at the door. Prizes included.More info here.
Corkscrew’s Halloween Party:Bust out your costume and head to the ‘Screw for candy, games and more. $5 drink specials (think: Red Devils, Witches Brew…and of course, pumpkin beers). There will be prizes for scariest, sexiest and best homemade costumes.
Classic Horror Film screenings at Loews Jersey City: Friday is Black Sunday (6:30pm). Saturday is Bride of Frankenstein (6:30pm). Immediately following at 8:30pm, the original 1925 Lon Chaney silent film Phantom of the Opera will have the acclaimedBernie Anderson, Jr. performing on the Bob Balfour 4/23 Morton Wonder Organ. Finally, celebrate with your fellow audience members at the ball, The Phantom’s Masquerade, Sunday at 7pm.
Saturday, October 26th
The Village Merchants Association (VMA)is treating shoppers to a variety of special deals including 10% to 70% off at participating stores, as well as a raffle that shoppers can participate in to win a $20 gift certificate to a VMA store of their choice.
Newport hosts aHalloween Pet Paradebegins at 12pm at the Canis Minor pet shop (31 River Drive South). Most creative pup and owner will be announced at 2:30pm.
“The Ghost of Uncle Joe” Masquerade Rock ‘n Roll Ball Benefit is an all-day concert in Harsimus Cove Cemetery (435 Newark Ave.) beginning at 2pm. $10 donation for entry, but as I always say about this non-church affiliated, non-government property, please give more if you can. My last concert day here was a blast.
In the cemetery’s words: “Every month we need to raise between $2000 to $3000 just to operate and purchase equipment & supplies. If 300 people would donate only $10 each, we would be all set for the month!” Please help our amazing restoration work by contributing today athttp://www.jerseycitycemetery.org.
Sunday, October 27th
This Sunday marks the last farmer’s market of the season at Riverview Fisk Park but it doubles asHalloween Dog Parade! I am luckily puppy-sitting my little sister Sheba this week, so we will be there. Arrive by 11:30am. Prizes will be awarded around noon. How festive!
Wednesday, October 30th
Family Fitness Mixed Martial Arts Halloween Party. All students must come in costume. Lil’ Dragons 3:45pm or 6pm. Juniors/BBC 4:30 or 6:45pm. Red/Black belts 5:15pm. Also, please note:All classes canceled Oct. 31st.
Thursday, October 31st
Downtown Halloween ParadeBring your children dressed in their costumes for candy, face painting, pictures and a parade, which begins at 4pm at Gymboree and ends at the Grove Street Path Plaza at 6pm with a Halloween party.
Boca GrandeandCraig Mahoneypresent anArt, Comedy and Music Spectacular. 7pm kicks off the Halloween-themed art show. At 8pm, Craig will host a comedy show, followed by music performances and an open mic comedy show.
LITM Halloween Party:Arrive in costume at 8pm to enjoy the festivities.
Friday, November 1st
Orale Day of the Dead:Bring your costumes and your killer attitude for a party at Orale Mexican Kitchen including a DJ, mariachi band and my personal favorite, face painting. Prizes, too.
Before you peruse the Farmer’s Market this Sunday at Riverview Fisk Park in the Heights, why not get your free fitness on? Jenna Firshein is leading a Zumba® demo while the weather’s still perfect for outdoor workouts.
The class starts at 11:30 am and lasts approximately 45 minutes. FB info here. All ages and all fitness levels welcome. Let your friends know.
Visit Jenna’s website to inquire about hiring her for a Zumba® fitness party, private training, or a corporate event.
If you miss your fix and can’t make it to one of Jenna’s other classes, there is a new studio in the Heights with Zumba® classes twice a week, which I’ll be writing about in a few days. Stay tuned.
