Wagon Elevators Are Sexy
Issue #3 of the Weehawken Gazette has news that's funicular for the whole family: Hudson Gives, a new book club, locals who are doing amazing things & much more
Coming at ya live from atop the Palisades
Life has its ups and downs, especially when you live in Weehawken. Walking down to the waterfront or hoofing up-cliff is a challenge for anyone, but if you have a stroller or need a wheelchair? Fugeddaboutit.*
But can you imagine if we had a way to easily get to and from the waterfront? That would be so cool. Maybe someday we’ll have the technolo—
Whaaaat? Yes friends, we had ways back in the day. Apparently the Weehawken wagon elevator was a funicular (hello SAT word!) that could carry up to 200 people per trip. Or horses—it could take your freakin’ horses. And before 1900 we also had an elevator that took you up to the Eldorado Amusement Park, which had a casino, a castle, a giant fountain and more, right in Weehawken. I’m not a historian, so don’t come at me for getting the deets wrong, but we did this in ye olden days and we don’t now. So how about we party like it’s 1899 and get a funicular? Or a tram? What if we created something useful, but also so cool that people would flock to see it? A gal can dream…
Note: The image above is from the Weehawken Time Machine, and if you don’t know it, check it out.
New Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club
With the addition of this new book club the Weehawken Library now has two adult book clubs. The Sci-Fi fantasy club started last month. The next meeting is Monday May 20th at 7P and the book is Witch King. The other adult book club is Wednesday May 15 at 7P, and this month’s book is Every Summer After. Both books are shown below. Hit the library to get your copy.
New Records From The Thompson Twins? Yep.
Union Catholic Girls Smashes National High School Record
Why am I mentioning this? Because one of the runners, Sophia Thompson, is a 9th grader from Weehawken. Interview with them after the race, here. She and her twin sister Sadie are amazing runners who attended Weehawken Schools from Pre-K to 8th grade and they only started running in 7th grade. Speaking of her sister, yesterday Sadie and Sophia ran together and smashed another record in the DMR. 🤯
So yay and I think we can own this pride as a community.
And Finally, Links to Excellent Stuff
Hudson Gives is happening Thursday, May 9. What is it? From their site: a 24-hour, virtual fundraising campaign and competition that unites our community in support of local causes. By giving local, we can lift all of our neighbors and strengthen our nonprofits. From Hoboken Shelter, to the Native Plant Society of NJ — just go take a look and pick a cause that’s close to your heart. I have so many faves in there including Mile Square Theater, and I’ll be participating in a fundraising telethon they’re doing on the 9th.
May 17: The Hawk: Comedy, Music & Storytelling at the Weehawken Elks pub. This final show before the summer break includes a free cheese tasting sponsored by Crowley Cheese. Doors and delicious Vermont cheese at 7P. Excellent comedy & music at 8P. Get your ticket now because it will sell out. bit.ly/HawkMay17
Manhattan fun thing: Catch NoHu resident Tammy Lang as Nico at Joe’s Pub in NYC. I saw the show this week and you have 3 more Wednesday’s in May to catch her so check it out. The NY Times review of her as Nico said, “…you don’t really have to be much of a fan to get a trippy kick out of ‘Nico: Underground.’ The loving resurrection of her peculiar personality alone makes for a funny, morbidly fascinating night of theater.”
Weehawken pool membership is now open. Go here. It’s a steal of a deal IMHO.
All about me me me: This week I was mentioned on an episode of Marc Maron’s WTF Podcast (thanks Tammy) and since he gets half a million listeners per episode, many people have been in touch/remembered I’m alive. But also, this week I was the guest on the latest Gig Hoes podcast talking about my best and worst gigs ever and the interview was hella fun. Of note: one of the hosts, Willa Bassen, will be bringing her trio to The Hawk show on May 17. Note: Willa has too many credits but she co-wrote the theme song for the Nickelodeon series Clarissa Explains It All and the title song for the John Waters’ movie, Hairspray. Cool, no?
Advertising? Not Yet.
Some of you nice people have asked if you can advertise here in The Weehawken Gazette. Nope, not yet. But maybe in the future? Be in touch and if that ever happens, I’ll be back at you.
Got tips? Recs?
I want to hear them. For the moment, best contact is to send a DM to the Weirdhawken Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weirdhawken/ — you can also comment here, but you know, be nice.
Tah for now, lovely nabes!
*I was in a wheelchair this time last year. Tomorrow I’m attempting to walk 32 miles around Manhattan with 2,500 other crazy people because this has been a bucket list item for me. Two years ago I got Covid and couldn’t make it. Last year at this time I was in a wheelchair and gave my bib away. So this year? I’m doing it. Wish me luck and/or laugh when my toenails turn purple.