A little over a month ago you guys nominated local babes who are essential workers and have been working so hard to protect us during the Coronavirus lockdown. Check them out!

George Barnes – @dysphagiadude

George has lived in Jersey City for 5 years with his wife, son, and Cockapoo. He has moved all over the NY and NJ area, but finally feels at home in The Heights. His passions in life are his family and his patients.

What do you currently do for a living?

I am a speech pathologist with an expertise in dysphagia (disordered swallowing) and spend my time helping people eat, drink, and communicate again. As somebody that loves to cook and eat, helping others swallow again so they can enjoy the same pleasures has been a fitting mission. During the pandemic, my time has been dedicated to helping people come off of ventilators and feeding tubes. The past couple of months have been a whirlwind: Seeing 20-30 patients a day, constantly wondering if and when we will have enough PPE, witnessing my colleagues exhausted and crying in the hallways, and taking any and every precaution to make sure I don’t bring the disease home to my family has certainly taken its toll. Like everybody, I was totally overwhelmed and underprepared. But seeing my colleagues at the hospital come together as a team, use their creativity to address seemingly unsolvable problems, and standing close together to hold each other up has been the most inspiring experience of my life. As things are now starting to calm down, I look around at my friends and colleagues and see a group that is mentally stronger, better equipped, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

Hug my mom, dad, sister and in-laws. Then get a haircut at Virile (maybe do this first so I don’t scare my family). Then take my son to a Yankees game. And eventually plan a trip to Italy to see my extended family.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

Early morning meditations allow me to get ready for a busy day. When I’m not working, I’m with my family (currently potty training… so not too much “unwinding” going on). I love to cook for them and explore new recipes and flavors that I think my son will enjoy. Other things that get me in a good head space are: jogging, reading, and listening to podcasts.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

After recently moving to The Heights, I have been exploring the AMAZING food options here. My favorite date night experience  with my wife has been sitting at the chefs bar at Corto and eating some angry chicken (the chef will personally give you recommendations and tell you fun little details about the ingredients). My favorite spot for a night cap is LoFi (they make an absolutely perfect negroni). And my favorite spot for a relaxing dinner is the comfort food at Green Pear (try the Goulash!) which honestly feels like I am eating in a friend’s living room.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

I am  humbled to have the opportunity to bring my experience and story of being a front line worker to so many people. I am in awe of how this community has come together and supported one another to fight this pandemic. Walking down the street at night and hearing my neighbors cheer and applaud the front liners is a feeling unlike any I have ever experienced. Whether it be fighting the virus on the front line, helping people get their necessities, or staying at home- we are all in this together and we are all doing our part.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I went 5 days without showering on a trek to Machu Pichu (used a whole stick of deodorant). I am a minimalist (although you wouldn’t be able to tell if you looked at the inside of my car). I majored in business as an undergrad which has motivated me to start my own company helping people in nursing homes get access to high quality swallow evaluations (FEESibleSwallowSolutions.com).

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

Skydiving and bungee jumping in the same weekend in Australia.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

The people and the attitude. I’ve met some life long friends here; people I feel like I’ve known my whole life. I also love how I can walk down one block and hear 6 different languages. There is so much culture in such a small area- I feel like I can travel the world in a day.

Anything else you would like to add?

I appreciate this blog providing real-time information to residents, supporting small business owners, and championing all essential workers. At a time when leadership is lacking, uncertainty is growing, and when most people are scared and confused, knowledge truly is power. We have learned some valuable lessons during this crisis. We have learned how important our relationships are, that our actions have a tremendous impact on others, and that if we work hard enough and make the necessary sacrifices, we can solve any problem that comes our way. I hope that we continue to use these lessons to make our community closer, more equitable, and more resilient for the future.

 

Luis Matamoros – @lu_dingo

This is Luis Matamoros, 26 year old of Honduran descent, raised in Jersey City. Luis enjoys trying anything new, traveling, and outdoor activities or just staying at home with his puppy.

What do you currently do for a living?

Currently I am employed by Saint Clares & RWJBarnabas working out of Medical Center & other cities in New Jersey as a EMT. In addition to working as a EMT i am also a Personal Trainer for 24 Hour Fitness.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

Once the pandemic is over, I plan to take a long vacation in Puerto Rico & Hawaii.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

Normally I would unwind at the gym; however, nowadays with the pandemic, I go out for a run with my dog & have taken up on how to play the piano.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

My favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City is Hidden Grounds coffee shop in Downtown.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It’s pretty nice , grateful to have made the cut lol.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

• I have broken 7 things in my body

•I cant swim but have gone surfing

• My favorite movie is a chick flick

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

I fell off the Hollywood sign and broke my feet , & I actually want to Film a documentary.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love the diversity & how it’s up & coming, it’s home.

Anything else you would like to add?

Just would like to say, give it time, things will get better, health professionals are doing the best they can and times are hard but we just have to do our part and be patient.

 

Rea Kubati – @Rearulesall

Rea Kubati, I have lived in Jersey City for about 2.5 years now and I love it! It has been one HELL of a rollercoaster ride.

What do you currently do for a living?

I am a Nurse, I have been actively working as a Nurse for 7 years. This past few months have been the hardest part of my Nursing career, I’m still trying to process it all. There has been so many tears, laughs, firsts, and lasts. Funny thing is I wouldn’t change it for the world. They say hard times build character. I’ll have a good story for my grandkids.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

Go To Miami and see BAD BUNNY!! If that happens it will be in my Dreams.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

When I am not working I like to go on my rooftop to sunbathe and vibe out to music, while not thinking about a damn thing.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

I love the Ashford because I love dancing. For food I like Orale, because who doesn’t like Tacos and Margaritas? Dullboy is all around a winning choice too. Lastly, Edwards for their steaks.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It feels Surreal to be nominated as a JC Nurse Babe! I never thought it would happen! So THANK YOU!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

3 Random Facts: I write Poetry, I only know how to make Scrambled Eggs, and I love Swimming at the Beach.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

I have done many crazy things so we won’t get into that. If I had the balls, I might try Sky Diving, or even Camping.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I Love everything about Jersey City! First off, I love the Diversity! You meet some interesting people along the way. The events on Newark Ave. are super fun and all of the Restaurants are another big bonus! It’s also so close to NYC and there is endless opportunities. I have been able to find who I truly am while living here.