Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How will Solomon’s new deputy chief of staff shape Jersey City policy?
And check out Virtual Open House at Berkeley College on the Jersey City Patch calendar

What's up Jersey City! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How will Solomon’s new deputy chief of staff shape Jersey City policy?
- Where to spot Jersey City’s quirkiest Christmas lawn inflatables this week
- When will PATH riders in Jersey City have to switch to TAPP?
Also on today's calendar: Virtual Open House at Berkeley College and 3 more events.
Find out what's happening in Jersey Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Jersey City? Post it to Jersey City photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️
Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Jersey Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Tuesday: Cold with clouds and sun, with a high of 32 and low of 28 degrees.
- Wednesday: Some sun; breezy, not as cold, temps: high: 46, low: 31.
- Thursday: Clouds and sun, with a high of 51 and low of 45 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Mejia-Asqui will serve as Jersey City Mayor-elect Solomon's deputy chief of staff (hudsoncountyview.com) — Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon has named his current chief of staff, Kristel Mejia-Asqui, as his incoming deputy chief of staff, continuing their work on equity and tenant issues. Mejia-Asqui, a New Jersey City University alum, previously led Ward E’s legislative agenda and constituent services, and is Solomon’s second major appointment since his decisive runoff victory.
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2. Christmas Spirit is Merry and Bright in Jersey City (tapinto.net) — Holiday decorations are lighting up Jersey City, with homes across neighborhoods showing off everything from classic wreaths to playful inflatables. Stroll past Hamilton Park or up 7th Street to spot quirky displays like a martini-sipping reindeer and a giant Bumble, and soak in the festive local spirit even if you haven’t decorated yourself.
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3. TAPP Card Launches for PATH as MetroCard and SmartLink Phased Out (hobokengirl.com) — PATH riders in Jersey City will soon switch from MetroCard and SmartLink to the new reloadable TAPP card, with MetroCard sales ending after December 31, 2025. New vending machines at Journal Square and other stations, plus online registration perks, aim to make tapping in easier for local commuters as unlimited passes and discounted fares migrate to the new system.
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4. NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors Authorizes Design and Engineering of Secaucus to Jersey City Segment of Key Project. (busride.com) — NJ Transit has approved over $22 million to design the new Secaucus-to-Jersey City segment of the Secaucus-Meadowlands Transitway, creating a dedicated, zero-emission-ready corridor through North Jersey. For Jersey City residents, this means progress toward faster, greener connections between the city, Secaucus Junction, and the Meadowlands Sports and Entertainment Complex, using the former Boonton rail line and Bergen Arches.
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5. No. 4 St. Peter's Prep rolls past Lincoln (nj.com subscription) — A dominant performance by St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City saw Mason Santiago pour in 24 points as the Marauders routed Lincoln 74-29. Prep jumped out to a 57-15 halftime lead, with key contributions from Richie Rosa and Dallas Baldwin, while Lincoln was led by Cyrus Fernandez. Both teams now turn to important upcoming matchups later this week.
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📸 Around Jersey City
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Jersey City
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Virtual Open House at Berkeley College
Tap In Golf Bar Sussex Indoor Golf Simulators, Main St, Sussex
6:30 pm - Art of Living Part 1 Program in the presence of Gurudev
Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson, 2 Exchange Pl, Jersey City
6:00 pm - Free Online AutoCAD & Revit Training- NJ Residents Only
Robotech CAD Solutions, Inc., Two Marine Vw Plz, Hoboken
9:00 am - Indoor Winter Soccer Academy with USSF "A" Coach Alex Lalaoui
41 Tuers Ave, Jersey City
12:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Wednesday December 31
Saturday January 10
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Understanding Disaster Law: CLE Opportunity for Attorneys
Virtual | Zoom
11:00 am - Karaoke Paint Nite
The Drip Paint & Sip Studio , 223 Monticello Ave , Jersey City
8:30 pm
Tuesday December 16
Friday December 26
📣 Jersey City Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Crayola Workshop: Legends & Lore (1st grade & up)
Kearny Main Library , 318 Kearny Ave. , Kearny
4:30 pm - Americano (Bayonne NJ) — Champian Fulton
Americano Italian Steakhouse , 959 Broadway , Bayonne
7:00 pm - Explorer's Playgroup with Miss Bee (ages 0-4 with adult participation)
Kearny Public Library , 318 Kearny Ave , Kearny
10:30 am - Children's Chess Workshop (ages 9 & up)
Kearny Main Library , 318 Kearny Ave. , Kearny
5:30 pm - Family Holiday Party (all ages)
Kearny Main Library , 318 Kearny Ave. , Kearny
5:30 pm - Minecraft Gaming Workshop: Gingerbread Activity (2nd grade and up)
Kearny Main Library , 318 Kearny Ave. , Kearny
4:00 pm - Union City Board of Education Meeting
Union City Education Center , 3912 Bergen Turnpike , Union City
5:00 pm - Christmas Program
St Benedict's Preparatory School , 520 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. , Newark
7:45 pm - Preschool Story Time with Adult Participation (ages 0-4)
Kearny Main Library , 318 Kearny Ave. , Kearny
11:00 am - Unique Creatures Live Animal Show (all ages)
Kearny Main Library , 318 Kearny Ave. , Kearny
4:00 pm
Tuesday December 16
Wednesday December 17
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Jersey City PatchAM possible:
- 1634 Funk LLC — (201) 862-8877
Daily Deals!!! - Bespoke Physical Therapy — (973) 707-3047
We work with Medicare and major insurance companies - Jacquie Bird, Spiritual Wellness — (917) 887-9471
Upcoming wellness events this holiday season! Check website.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Share from City of Jersey City Official Government Page fb pg:
The 29th Annual Toy Drive will be held Wed, Dec 18th at City Hall. Interested in donating? visit: jcnj.org/holidaygifts Interested in… (Nextdoor Hamilton Park) - Pitbull found running on congress ave in jersey city.
If you know the dog or have any info, please reach out ASAP! (Nextdoor Jersey City Heights)
- CarePoint Health System posted a job opening for Building Service Attendant in Jersey City. Apply here.
- Chuck E. Cheese posted a job opening for Game Room Attendant Cast Member in Jersey City. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Jersey City here.
Ok Jersey City! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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