This weekend marks one of the most fabulous (one of my favorite) weekends in Jersey City—that of the Artists Studio Tour. Residents of Jersey City are invited to the homes/studios of Jersey City artists. You’ll view their work, chat with them and can purchase snappy new pieces to adorn your walls and tables.
It’s the weekend my Mom buys another Jesus or Mary silk-screened piece from Shawn Michael Lang (the artist of the above), my Aunt Jennifer takes me to Grigory Gurevich’s house and Barrow St. Mansion, and my boyfriend or best friend and I get separated at 150 Bay in different studio apartments. (I will be checking out James Fraser this year.) Check 150 Bay Street’s flier here.
The kick-off party is on Friday, October 4th at the Tenmarc Building. Shuttles will run from the Grove Street PATH starting at 5:30pm.
Two weeks ago, I heard about Jersey City’s FREE Fitness Boot Camp classes for its residents—just in the nick of time to attend the first class. I quickly laced up my sneakers and walked over to Pershing Field’s Community Center (201 Central Ave.) at 7pm.
There was a great turnout of people, and of all ages and demographics at that. I kept wondering, Why did I only hear about this an hour before?
[Note to JC: It is up to you to keep me informed if you want me to keep informing you of all the great things this city has to offer. NB: Take the publicity while the publicity’s still free.]
One of the “mayor’s men,” a tall man in a full suit with a skinny black tie, introduced the class. He had done the 6am class at Mary Mcleod Bethune Center (140 Martin Luther King Drive) and explained the program.
The instructor, Mario Perez, a trainer at Creative Fitness Concepts in downtown Jersey City, has a positive demeanor that is motivating. You won’t feel gym-timidated or singled out, which is great for shy group-workout gals like me.
Everyone was able to keep up pretty well that first class. I hadn’t done strength work in years, so I was surprised that I kept up, too. The main crux of our workout was maybe only 20-25 minutes of hard work. The rest of the hour was warm up, cool-down, explaining of exercises and breaks.
I felt great when I left. Fast forward to the next day: pain in my arms. Two days after the workout, my thighs were burning. So what seemed not too hard was definitely working. Yay!
Classes are one hour and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at both venues (mornings at Bethune; evenings at Pershing).
The Tuesday class at Pershing was just added (meets except for every 3rd Tuesday of the month), and I attended last night. Not feeling the pain yet, but I hope I do soon!
Last night I also found out about other free programs:
-Beginner weight and conditioning class -Advanced weight and conditioning class -Adult yoga -Water aerobics for adults and seniors (pool fee is $3) -Cricket -Scuba lessons (pool fee is $3) -Indoor tennis -Soccer
Today is the 4th annual Hamilton Park BBQ Festival from noon to 8pm.
Besides a ton of food, there will be live music from country rock bands all afternoon, crafts, games, free yoga (children’s session at 3pm; adult session at 4pm) and free massages. No entry fee; pay as you eat.
The last Friday of every month (tonight!) marks a night of great comedy in Jersey City. I had the privilege of going to June’s show, thanks to finding out about this little gem by its organizer, Joe D’Allegro.
Head over to Exchange Place this Saturday to take part in the Irish Festival. Celebrate your heritage (or adopt it for the day) and listen to live music from The Narrowbacks, The Prodigals and Black 47 (which will be one of their last appearances as a band).
There will also be step dancers, bag pipes, the Port Authority Pipe & Drum Band, Jersey City Fire Dept. Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band, traditional Irish food, crafts and Irish merchandise, children’s activities and a 50/50 drawing raffle. Get your jig on from 11am-10pm.
