Ahhh, the holidays are here and with it comes large meals shared with family and friends, the search for the perfect gift and a chance to reflect on the year.

Here at hMAG, we’ve reached our second anniversary.  We look back with pride on what we have accomplished and hope to continue to expand your world. Since the beginning, hMAG has brought you stunning images of artists’ studios, local cuisine, and local models. We’ve brought you behind the scenes of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, shown you what it’s like to be in a cover band and brought to life the storied past of Hoboken’s firehouses. We’ve shown you faces too. Who could forget Batman or Hoboken’s very own mermaid Georgia Luch?

In this issue, we bring you behind the scenes again. Have you ever looked around a crowded local restaurant and thought, “I could do that.” We’ll show you what it actually takes to own your own bar in Hoboken through the eyes of three established business owners – Dave Jacey of the Black Bear, David Carney of the Madison, and Aidan Boyle of McSwiggan’s.

We also give you the voices of Hoboken’s heroes in Heritage as our writer talks with veterans about their triumphs and hardships. On Veteran’s Day, troops all over the United States are honored for their service. But many servicemen will tell you, it’s not just about a single day. Here in Hoboken, the American Legion Post 107 continues its mission to provide support to all troops.

As the year draws to a close, we look ahead to the future. I’ll be writing about what I love – namely, the local music scene, delicious cocktails, and of course, the people.

I’m proud to join a team that celebrates positivity and I’m grateful to all who have come before me. The list of talented photographers and writers is long, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the incomparable Chris Halleron, who helped launch this publication.

This year, we hope to bring you stories that will make you laugh or perhaps even motivate you. And while the winter chill has you thinking of fireplaces and warm drinks at your favorite local, we are thinking ahead to the summer and next year’s music fest, which we hope will rival Lollapalooza.

So bring us your quirky, your fabulous, or just plain fun. We want to hear from you. We thank you and invite you along on our journey.

Enthusiastically yours,
Diana Schwaeble – Managing Editor & all of the hMAG Team