General, River View Business Profile

The Photography of Stephen A. Mack

River View Observer Photographer to Publish Photos in Upcoming Issues in 2026

The River View Observer announced in its December 1, 2025, issue that, starting January 1, 2026, within each issue of our 2026 issues, we will showcase a photo taken by Stephen A. Mack, our part-time River View photographer for the past 15 years.

Stephen A Mack’s Photo that appeared in 9/11 Pre-screening Booklet


We thought the best way to kick off Mack’s photo series was by placing him as our January 1st, 2026, cover story, or rather a story in pictures.
Mack has been involved with photography for over 30 years, a love for taking photos began early in his life, what made him serious about his love for photography was when an old girlfriend entered a picture of Mack’s in Long Beach Island’s photo contest without Mack’s permission, he won, only to find out when he received a $100 check in the mail as the first place winner.

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Local Events

Events for Tuesday, January 6th, 2026 Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Secaucus and Kearny

Jersey City
Museum of Jersey City / HCCC 50 Year Exhibit Celebration
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Museum of Jersey City, 161 Newkirk Street, Jersey City, NJ (located on the HCCC Campus)


Hoboken
Magic the Gathering
5:00 PM
Hoboken Public Library, 500 Park Avenue, Hoboken, NJ
An evening social event for all experience levels to play the collectible card game. You can bring your own deck or borrow one from the library.

General Knowledge Trivia
7:30 PM
Farside Tavern, 531 Washington Street, Hoboken, NJ
Test your knowledge in five rounds of general trivia for a chance to win prizes. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a table.

Bayonne
BBOED Organization Meeting
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Nicholas Oresko School

Secaucus
Mayor & Council Caucus Meeting
5:00 PM
Location: Town Hall
Drop-in Crochet for Adults
6:00 PM
Location: Secaucus Public Library and Business Resource Center, 1379 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ
A hands-on session for adults to learn and practice crochet skills.

Mayor & Council Meeting
7:00 PM
Town Hall

Nearby Areas
At The Table: A Founder Dinner Series (Kearny)
7:00 PM
Hudson Kitchen, Suite #150, 9 Basin Drive, Kearny, NJ
An intimate and curated dinner focused on connection and shared insights.

Local Events

Events in Jersey City, Hoboken

In Her Footsteps: A Celebration of Women in History
Museum of Jersey City History, 298 Academy Street, Jersey City, NJ.
1 pm.
An immersive multimedia experience where guests can interact with actors portraying influential women from history.

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Jersey City News

Mayor-Elect James Solomon Announces Transition Leadership Team

Solomon announces Leadership Team

Jersey City, NJ – Wasting no time following his overwhelming victory, Mayor-Elect James Solomon announced his transition leadership team today. The dynamic team will support Mayor-Elect Solomon ahead of his swearing-in on January 15th. Collectively, they bring decades of city government and public service experience, which will ensure that Mayor-Elect Solmon can deliver an affordable Jersey City.

Co-Chairs: County Commissioner Bill O’Dea; Jim Johnson, COO, Trinity Church; and Hetty Rosenstein, Labor Activist.

Executive Director: Keshav Poddar

Political Director: Stuart Thomas, Campaign Manager, James Solomon for Jersey City.

Transition Counsel: Scott D. Salmon, Esq.

Mayor-Elect James Solomon said, “I am honored to announce my transition leadership team, a diverse and experienced group of dedicated individuals ready to tackle the pressing challenges facing Jersey City. From day one, we will build a City Hall that not only responds to our residents’ needs but anticipates them – and will take the affordability crisis head on. Our commitment is to create a government that is accessible, transparent, and proactive, ensuring that every voice is heard. I believe that with this team by my side, we can implement innovative solutions that will make Jersey City affordable and pave the way for a brighter future for our community.”

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Local Events

Events for Monday, December 29th, Jersey City and Hoboken and Secaucus

Jersey City
Snowman Sensory Play: A children’s event featuring a snowman book reading, craft activities, sensory stations, and a marshmallow treat station.
Krayon Park, 206 Van Vorst Street, 2nd Floor.
10:00 AM.

Noel Sagerman Trio Plus Jam Session: A live jazz performance followed by an open improvisation jam session.
The Brightside Tavern, 141 Bright Street.
6:00 PM.

Muhlenberg Mules vs. NJCU Gothic Knights: Men’s college basketball game.
John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center, 110 Culver Avenue.
7:00 PM.

Jersey City Ice Skating: Outdoor seasonal skating is available throughout the day.
Newport Skates, 95 River Drive South.

Hoboken
Maker Monday: A weekly craft activity for all ages hosted by the public library.
Grand Street Branch, Hoboken Public Library, 124 Grand Street.
3:30 PM.

Bingo at Hoboken Biergarten: Weekly Monday night bingo social.
Hoboken Biergarten, 1422 Grand Street.
Time: 7:30 PM.

Drumming Is Healing: A West African dance and drum class held every Monday.
Issyra LLC, 300 Observer Highway, Suite C.
7:30 PM.

Secaucus
Lap Tots: A weekly early literacy and social program for toddlers.
Secaucus Public Library, 1379 Paterson Plank Road.
11:30 AM.

Ongoing Regional Holiday Activities
The 8th Annual Affordable Art Show: Featuring local artwork for sale.
Location: Art House Productions, 345 Marin Blvd, Jersey City.
Holiday Donation Drives: Various locations in Hoboken and Jersey City are accepting toys and winter gear through early January.

General, Sports Limited

Hoboken Rockets Defy Odds to Win American Dream Hockey League Championship

River View Observer Sports Contributor

The Hoboken Rockets demonstrated that heart, experience, and teamwork remain essential in hockey.

Entering the Winter 2025 American Dream Hockey League playoffs as underdogs, the Red Hoboken Rockets rallied from a 4–8 regular-season record to capture the league championship, shutting out Momma’s Boys 3–0 in the title game at The Arena at American Dream.

The championship run was anything but predictable. After barely qualifying for postseason play, the Rockets caught fire at the right time, winning three straight playoff games with disciplined play, balanced scoring, and strong goaltending.

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Jersey City News

Jersey City Mayor Elect James Solomon Announces Laura Bustamante as Chief of Staff

 

 Jersey City Mayor-elect James Solomon announced the first member of his senior leadership team today: Laura Bustamante will serve as his Chief of Staff. 

Bustamante has deep roots in Jersey City, having previously served as Solomon’s chief of Staff during his time on the City Council. She was also the Political Director and Deputy State Director, covering North Jersey, for U.S. Senator Andy Kim. 

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Local Events

Jersey City Free Public Library Reopens Lafayette Branch

Jersey City Free Public Library is excited to announce the long-awaited reopening of the Lafayette Branch Library. While the closure lasted longer than we initially anticipated, we are thrilled to welcome the Bergen-Lafayette community back into this revitalized space. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Lafayette Branch Library (307 Pacific Avenue) on Thursday, December 18, at 11:00 a.m. The renovated branch will provide patrons with opportunities to come together, discover and cultivate new skills, and access the tools they need to thrive. With updated resources and inviting spaces, Lafayette Branch Library is poised to become a valued hub for community engagement and Lifelong Learning.

Jersey City Free Public Library Director Terry B. Hill emphasized the importance of the Lafayette Branch Library’s reopening and its role in serving the Bergen-Lafayette community, “The revitalization of Lafayette Branch Library marks an exciting new chapter for Jersey City Free Public Library and for the residents of the Bergen-Lafayette community. Our upgraded branch represents more than a refreshed building—it’s a renewed promise to the people we serve. By expanding access points across the city and updating our facilities, we’re creating Welcoming Spaces where everyone can learn, connect, and feel supported. We’re proud to offer resources that meet people where they are and help them thrive.”

The newly renovated Lafayette Branch Library received a full transformation. Updates to the space include new lighting fixtures and modern library furniture, creating a Welcoming Space for all patrons. A standout addition is the new community pod, which will serve as a private booth, offering a quiet and focused space for reading, studying, or working. The branch also features a flexible library area that can be easily rearranged to accommodate larger programs and events, ensuring the space can adapt to the community’s evolving needs. Additionally, the branch now has a fully ADA-compliant handicap ramp, allowing easy access for patrons using wheelchairs, walkers, canes, or those with temporary mobility challenges.

The significance of the Lafayette Branch Library’s reopening was underscored by the Jersey City Free Public Library’s South District Regional Branch Manager, Renee Moody, who reflected on the deeper meaning of the moment and the library’s role in the community, “This moment is more than a ribbon cutting — this is a homecoming. A library is a beacon, a place where dreams are sparked, where knowledge grows, and where everyone is welcomed with dignity and respect. The Lafayette Branch stands as a reminder that even through long waits and challenges, meaningful progress is always worth striving for. Let this be a celebration of our shared resilience and a source of inspiration for all we will continue to build together. Welcome to a new chapter for the Lafayette community.”

As the Lafayette Branch Library reopens, Jersey City Free Public Library is pleased to welcome Joanne Johnson as the new Branch Manager. The branch is supported by newly hired staff, with additional team members joining in the coming months, all of whom are committed to providing excellent service and strengthening the library’s connection to the Bergen-Lafayette community.

About Jersey City Free Public Library
The Jersey City Free Public Library (JCFPL) is the largest municipal library in the State of New Jersey, serving one of the most diverse cities in the country. The Library meets the needs of the community by providing a wide array of programming and resources, and access to a broad range of print, digital, and audiovisual collections. The Library has been a cornerstone of Jersey City’s growing and changing community for more than 120 years.

Local Events

Events for Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025 Jersey City, Hoboken, Secaucus and Kearny

Living Nativity, Secaucus, New Jersey

Jersey City
Cookies with Santa
A social event featuring opportunities for photos with Santa Claus, cookies, and a gift card raffle.
Galeria Cafe, 110 Hutton Street, Jersey City, NJ 07307.
3:00 PM.

Heights Craft Corner In-Person
A craft hour to make fun projects and explore new materials. Registration is available, and 10 seats were left as of the source date.
Pershing Field Community Center (Offsite – specific address not provided, in Jersey City Heights area)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Jersey Nutcracker
A performance of The Nutcracker ballet, presented with “The Jersey Sound”. This is part of an ongoing run through Dec 23.
Nimbus Arts Center, 329 Warren Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302.
7:00 PM.

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A lifestyle and entertainment publication serving the Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, Weehawken, West New York, North Bergen, Cliffside Park, Edgewater, Secaucus and Guttenberg Waterfront Communities

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