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Loretta Graceffo

The Really Really Free Market Comes to Jersey City

September 16, 2020/in header, Neighborhoods, News, Westside /by Loretta Graceffo

On September 12, members of the Jersey City community gathered on the lawn of Mana Contemporary to shop for art supplies and books. The most notable thing about the makeshift community market? Everything—from cans of paint to children’s books to balls of yarn—was free. 

The event, which was socially distanced but well attended, was organized by local artist Amy Wilson. She lives in the Lincoln Park area of Jersey City, and is well known for her crafts inspired by New Jersey politics, including patches embroidered with an infamous quote from Bob Menedez’s corruption trial. 

For her the gathering was both a “huge garage sale where everything is free” and a form of mutual aid. 

“The idea is really to eliminate waste,” Wilson said. “Instead of things going straight to the dumpster, let’s instead find them new homes and connect them to people who might be in need.”

The West Side event was advertised as a “Really Really Free Market,” referring to a nationwide movement to counteract capitalism and consumerism through sharing resources. 

Such markets are not affiliated with any larger organization, and individuals are encouraged to start them anywhere and at any time. Often services are shared in addition to goods such as yoga lessons, haircuts, and guided crafts.

The movement has taken root in many cities across the United States from San Diego to Minneapolis, but this is the first time it has appeared in Jersey City. 

“In Jersey City, things are getting more and more expensive,” Wilson said. “There’s a lot of things that are off limits to a lot of people, so it’s nice for people to come here and not have to worry about money.

She views the event as a small way to make art more accessible to people who have ideas for projects but are held back by the cost of supplies.

“Art has been so important during the pandemic just in terms of giving people something to do and keeping them sane,” said Wilson. “For me, creating things has always been a very soothing way to unwind and connect with myself. And I would love to see more people getting the opportunity to do that.”

For Lucka Joseph, a Jersey City resident who went home with a collection of romance, mystery, cooking and poetry books, the market was also a chance to build community and make friends.

“The whole day I was in a better mood,” he said. “I found amazing books that I’ll most likely spend the whole year reading. And the fact that there were other people there too made me happy.”

Wilson says that she would love to make the Really Really Free Market in Jersey City an annual event– and after the pandemic, she hopes the market can also feature live music and food trucks. 

“It would be so great to keep helping everyone find a home for things in a way that’s good for the environment,” she said. “It’s really about generosity and sharing and creativity– and encouraging people to be adventurous.” 

 

News Briefs

Former Jersey City Police Chief Michael Kelly, who retired effective as of February 1st, earned a $282,779.58 payout for unused time, according to public records. Go here for story.

According to a report in the Jersey Journal, a  Jersey City police and fire dispatcher died on Wednesday after being admitted to the hospital with Covid-19. His death, apparently, follows a Covid-19 outbreak at the Jersey City Public Safety Communications Center. A city spokeswoman has confirmed the death but said that it “hasn’t been determined” that it was coronavirus-related.

 

The 2021 tree planting applications are available. Fill out the form and our city arborists will handle it. Apply early! bit.ly/adoptatreespri… @innovatejc @JCmakeitgreen

Mayor Steven Fulop and the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the opening of the City’s sixth vaccination site located near the Marin Boulevard Light Rail Station to vaccinate frontline workers, including all food and restaurant workers, grocery store workers, porters, hospitality workers, warehouse workers, those in the medical supply chain, and more.

Two of the City-run vaccination sites will dedicate 1,000 J&J vaccines for those interested, prioritizing workers who have limited time off: 100 Marin Boulevard and 28 Paterson Street (Connors Center).   Those interested should call (201) 373-2316.

Vaccine-eligible individuals can make an appointment online by visiting hudsoncovidvax.org.

Keep abreast of Jersey City Covid-19 statistics here.

Governor Murphy has launched a “Covid Transparency Website” where New Jerseyans can track state expenditures related to Covid.  Go here.

For info on vaccinations, call Vaccination Call Center. Operators will assist you with scheduling one: 855-568-0545

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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