Photo by The Jersey Journal.
From new open programs and applications to new local businesses and a department’s demand for justice, we got you covered for this past week’s Hudson County news.
There’s Still Time To Become A Jersey City Police Officer
New Jersey Law Enforcement Examination (LEE) and the Jersey City Police Department job applications are still available online until tomorrow, Monday, March 31 until 4 p.m.
You can submit your application and payment online.
More information can be found on the Civil Service Commission website here, select “Public Safety Testing Information” for more information. Only online applications will be accepted.
If you have any questions, you can call JCPD Recruitment at (201) 631-3355.
More information about the examination process can be found here on the second slide.
These Hudson County Workers Remain ‘Underpaid’ And ‘Overworked’
On April 2 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. county employees will gather in front of the Welfare Building at 257 Cornelison Avenue in Jersey City to “demand the pay we were promised.”
According to a press release sent by the Hudson County Department of Family Service and Reintegration, these essential workers, who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic, were promised $2,500 in hazard pay, but “Hudson County never delivered” and are still “underpaid and “overworked.”
They are inviting journalists, news outlets and community leaders for coverage “to witness firsthand the voices of those fighting for fair wages.”
For contact, you can reach out to Yohaira Garcia at ygarcia2@njcu.edu.
This Jersey City Bar Is Closing Earlier Than Expected
Downtown Jersey City’s Barcade originally announced in February that they would be closing their doors forever in June.
But this past week, the bar announced that they will actually be closing in April.
“Our Jersey City location will be closing a little earlier than originally anticipated. Our last day of service will be Monday, April 21st,” they said in an Instagram post.
“Sad to see you guys go! Hope you make a return to Jersey at some point,” one user commented on the post.
“
I’m NOT okayyyy 
sad to see you guys leave,” commented another user.
The bar, which opened 14 years ago in Jersey City, did not give an explanation as to why it is closing two months earlier than originally planned.
The bar is meant for people ages 21 and over, however, they will still have their family day event on April 6. This will allow children to play the arcade games and enjoy the food that Barcade has to offer.
“We hope to return to JC one day in a new location but in the meantime, we are opening very soon just a short train ride away on Cortlandt Street in lower Manhattan this spring,” the bar initially said on Feb. 6 in their closure announcement.
Jersey City Diversifies Its Vendor Improvement Program
Jersey City’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) has collaborated with its community partners to bring its Vendor Improvement Program (VIP) for local businesses.
VIP offers specialized trainings and workshops that are made to help equip vendors with tools, skills and strategies.
There will be four workshop sessions in April and they will provide you with expert guidance, networking opportunities and hands-on learning to help grow your business.
The April dates and details of events include:
April 2 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Workshop: Financial Planning
- Location: Ignite Institute at St. Peter’s University
- Presenter: Dr. Samar Issa
April 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Workshop: Access to Capital
- Presenter: Sheila Harris-Adams – NJSBDC at NJCU School of Business
April 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Workshop: Growing Your Business/ Capacity Building
- Presenter: Jessica Marie CEO of APMJ Corporation
April 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Workshop: Supplier Diversity Certification
- Presenter: Denise Williams – NJSBDC at NJCU School of Business
To sign up or for more information, you can scan the QR code here.
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Kearny High School Helps Those Impacted By California Wildfires
It’s been over two months since wildfires devastated Los Angeles, and Kearny High School is lending a hand in helping those who were affected.
Kearny High School’s REACH club (Responsible Educated Adolescents Can Help), led by English teachers Laurie Keim and Nat Viso, had staff and students work together to raise money to send to a school in California that was affected by the fires.
Canyon Elementary School, located in Los Angeles, California, is educating and integrating students and families who lost their homes or had them ruined in the wildfires.
The REACH club was able to raise and send $900 straight to Canyon Elementary’s Booster Club. This money will go toward helping some of the 700 students who were displaced.
“It is wonderful to see East Coast students helping their West Coast peers,” said Kearny High School’s Principal Curtis Brack. “We wish them all the best.”
“Canyon Charter School is extremely grateful for the inspiring efforts of the teachers and students at Kearny High School and thank them for their kindness and generosity as we continue our educational goals,” Principal Nicole Sheard said.
Support This Harrison Family Business At Their New Location
The Repair Square in Harrison has a new location, but is still offering the same service.
This past week, the city celebrated the new location, located at 315 Frank E Rodgers Boulevard, with Harrison Mayor James A Fire, members of the town council and store owner, Joe Silva. The family-owned business first opened in 2019.
The store offers repairs for phones, tablets, computers, laptops and game consoles. You can learn more about them here.
Journal Square Storefront Gets Another New Owner
Newark Avenue across the Hudson County Courthouse in Jersey City has seen a lot of businesses come in and out, especially the storefront at the corner of Newark and Baldwin Avenues.
After being a McDonald’s location for a long time, the space has served short terms to other businesses including the most recently short-lived, Cilantro. Instead, it will now become Rumba’s Café.
Rumba’s Café has its first location along Central Avenue in the Jersey City Heights and has had it for over 20 years. The café is also part of the chain, Rumba Cubana, a Cuban restaurant that has several locations throughout New Jersey.
Rumba’s Café offers different Cuban dishes including for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
It’s unclear when the opening will be, but a sign of “Rumba’s Café” has already been placed on the storefront.
Know any local news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at saccettola@sliceofculture.com!
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