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Hello North Jersey! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Girls Who Code, giant puppet workshops, and Monster Jam + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around North Jersey help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
A mindful coffee move: Burst Beans Coffee, the online subscription brand, will open its first New Jersey cafe in Hackensack. No opening date yet, but it is hiring baristas who share its mindful mission -- read the full story.
Join the creative process: Northern NJ Community Foundation is hosting free, artist-led workshops to build giant puppets for Illumination 250, Bergen County’s largest public art experience. Open to adults, seniors, teens, and tweens -- see how to register.
Major redevelopment advances: Passaic County selected Dobco Inc. of Wayne to build a $106.4 million government complex at the former downtown Paterson jail site, moving the project forward earlier this week -- read the full story.
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Google your own name and you'll probably find your home address: It's sitting on a people-search site right now, next to your age, your relatives, and your phone number, free for anyone to look up. Aura gets it taken down. It contacts 420+ data brokers on your behalf, uses privacy laws to legally demand deletion, and keeps resending requests so your information doesn't creep back online. No hours of opt-out forms, it runs quietly in the background — remove your data.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Living room refresh: If your sofa's slouching and your coffee table wobbles, ANDY FURNITURE has sturdy, modern pieces that actually hold up to North Jersey life, plus local delivery so you’re not bribing friends with pizza. The folks there are helpful without hovering, which makes choosing way less painful.
Sand, no Parkway traffic: Newport Green Park is the rare North Jersey move when you want a waterfront breather with actual sand, a solid play area, and low-key community events. Quick reset with city views, blanket optional, beach toys encouraged, and zero guilt about not schlepping to the shore this week.
Burgers with bragging rights: The Yard keeps Newark fed and happy with its cult-favorite Oxtail burger, crisp hand-cut fries, and playful mashups that actually hit. Slide in for a fast lunch or settle in for dinner, and let the vibe plus those sauces turn any weekday around.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here. You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in Home Depot, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh →
Once your car passes 50,000 miles, the odds of a big repair climb fast. That's usually right when your factory coverage starts running out. Engine, transmission, electrical, they fail on their own timeline, and the bills run into the thousands. An extended warranty covers them before they hit. You receive a free year of Elite Benefits, plus 30 days to change your mind. *$300 off right now →
A window quote that takes an hour and costs you nothing. No showroom, no sales runaround, no obligation to buy anything. A design consultant comes to you, measures your windows, walks you through the options, and leaves you with an exact price and timeline, that's the whole visit. Keep the quote as long as you like and decide whenever you're ready, or don't. Booking takes about a minute. *Book your free visit →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
👩 Girls Who Code @ Sci-Tech & Esports Hub (Jersey City) | Friday (7/24) at 5:00 PM – Whether your girl thinks Python is a snake or a superpower, this free Girls Who Code meetup at the Sci-Tech & Esports Hub turns curiosity into confidence. It runs Fridays, with projects, problem-solving, creativity, and a no-intimidation vibe that beats another screen-time standoff at home.
🏕 Mission Base Camp Summer Camp @ Vroom Street Church (Jersey City) | Saturday (7/25) at 8:00 AM – Give the kids, 10 to 18, a smarter summer day with this free, one-day camp diving into AI, IT, finance, engineering, and sustainability alongside real pros. A published author shares tips on writing and publishing, breakfast and lunch are covered, you get a quiet day.
🎾 Kid's Pickleball Lessons @ Newport Racquet Club (Jersey City) | Saturday (7/25) at 9:00 AM – Think your kid’s backhand is just for eye rolls? Newport Racquet Club’s peewee pickleball camp burns energy, teaches basics, and keeps it fun for the tiniest Jersey City hitters. Beginner friendly, close to home in Newport, and blessedly screen free.
🏥 Newark Community Health Fair @ North 7th Street | Saturday (7/25) at 10:00 AM – Give your future self a favor and swing by this community health fair, hosted by Maxitia Project Inc., for free screenings, wellness tips, and real-deal resources. It’s family friendly, low stress, and you can finally confirm if your blood pressure spikes only in Turnpike traffic.
🐱 Cat Adoption Event @ Congress Street (Jersey City) | Sunday (7/26) at 1:00 PM – Your new coworker for naps and judgmental stares is interviewing at this cat adoption pop-up, complete with whiskers, purrs, and zero small talk. Expect seasoned snugglers and playful rookies, plus fur on your shirt and peace in your soul.
🚛 Monster Jam @ Prudential Center (Newark) | Sunday (8/16) at 1:00 PM – Think your commute is wild? Watch Monster Jam trucks like Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, and Sparkle Smash launch over dirt, throw big-air stunts, and race enough to rattle your ribcage. It’s loud, dusty, fun. The kids will love it, and your inner eight-year-old will.
🇵 The 65th Newark Puerto Rican Day Parade @ Bloomfield Avenue, North Newark, NJ | Sunday (9/20) at 12:00 PM – Whether you marched years ago or shout wepa from the curb, the 65th Puerto Rican Day Parade rolls along Avenida Puerto Rico via Bloomfield Avenue to 1st Avenue, then lands at Parque Los Leones for music, food, and full-on Boricua pride. Hydrate, and pace yourself.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Skip credit card interest until nearly 2028You know the feeling: you make your credit card payment, check the balance, and it's barely moved. That's interest quietly eating most of what you pay. Here's a rare chance to stop it. This card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, so for over a year every dollar you pay goes straight to what you owe, not the bank's cut. And you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. The rewards are where it gets even better. Every purchase earns you at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories climbing as high as 5%, so the card pays you back on the spending you're already doing. Put a little on it early and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting. Between the break on interest, the cash back, and no annual fee, it's a lot of card for nothing to hold. *Take a look → |
07 — North Jersey report Weather forecastToday — High: 87°F — Low: 65°F — Precip: 36%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8am and 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Southwest wind around 12 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 8pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 65. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tomorrow — High: 79°F — Low: 63°F — Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 79. North wind 5 to 8 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 63. This house is wildThis Montclair Heights showpiece spans about 4,750 square feet across multiple levels, with 6 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. A grand tiled foyer opens to 12-foot ceilings, arched built-ins, a chef’s kitchen, and a skylit rec room with a party bar. Two primary suites, a huge deck with seasonal NYC skyline views, a 4-car garage, and EV charger round it out.
Take a peek inside → |
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