It’s been another busy week in Essex County and plenty of news has happened. Among the headlines: a Montclair State University alum appears on Shark Tank; New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visits a vandalized temple in Bloomfield; and Invest Newark receives federal funding to build 25 single-family homes. Read on for more.
The Montclair Girl’s Puppy Bowl is Back
The Montclair Girl’s Annual Puppy Bowl is back for a second year of nominating, voting, and supporting local animal welfare. We can all agree that Essex County is one of the best areas for dog owners and lovers, so sharing photos of your adorable four-legged friend is a must — especially when it’s to help a local non-profit rescue + when prizes are involved. One lucky dog will be crowned the winner of some amazing local prizes. We will also be donating a portion of the sponsorships to Hounds in Pounds, and encourage entrants to do the same.
The contest will take place from Friday, February 3rd through Wednesday, February 15th.
For full details, read more here.
Soft Opening for Family-Owned Deli in Bloomfield
Colmont’s Deli, located at 220 Hoover Avenue in Bloomfield, hosted a soft opening this week for friends and supporters, according to Patch. The deli serves breakfast and lunch, and will have its grand opening soon.
Federal Funding Announced for Well Rehabilitation Project
Representative Mikie Sherrill announced that among other things, her office was able to secure funding to rehabilitate Rand Well in Montclair. In a press release from her office, it was announced that among funds secured for the district, it included “$2,056,000 to rehabilitate and create resiliency in Rand Well in Montclair, which has unacceptably high levels of PFOS and Perchlorates.” Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller applauded the earmark in a statement to Patch, calling Congresswoman Sherrill “an ally in bringing federal dollars back to Montclair.”
Scholarships Available From the Boys to Leaders Foundation
Young men are encouraged to apply for The Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program by March 31st. According to Patch, the scholarship program is funded by the Boys to Leaders Foundation, a North Jersey-based community organization, and the goal is to recognize young men in North Jersey who have demonstrated leadership in their school and community in addition to academic achievement.
Newark’s Lincoln Park Receives Federal Funding
Newark’s Lincoln Park, a National Historic Register landmark, received $3.55 million in federal funding, according to TapInto. The funds will go to infrastructure upgrades, arts and cultural programming, and the upkeep of green spaces in the park. The funding will help support Lincoln Park Restoration Project, a five-year community revitalization effort.
Newark Hospital Among Top 5 in NJ for Pulmonary Care
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Healthgrades, a healthcare ratings organization, released its ratings for hospitals and a Newark hospital was named among the top five in New Jersey for its pulmonary care. Per TapInto, St. Michael’s Medical Center in Newark was ranked fifth in the state for its treatment of respiratory diseases.
Montclair Certified as a Pet-Friendly City
Montclair has been certified as a Pet-Friendly City by Mars Petcare, according to a statement from the Montclair Center. The recognition highlights the town’s commitment to pet-friendly businesses, access to parks, and commitment to animal welfare.
President Biden Visits NYC, Commits Federal Funding to Infrastructure Work
On Tuesday, January 31st, President Biden hosted a press conference in New York City to highlight the Gateway Project. Per Patch, the President’s remarks focused on the partnerships required to make the project a success. The project is a multi-modal effort to improve transit in the Northeastern corridor, especially over, under, and through the Hudson River.
Montclair Diner to Host Fundraiser for the Friends of Howe House at Upcoming NJ Devils Game
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The Friends of Howe House is a community organization dedicated to preserving the historical home of the first African-American homeowner in Montclair. The Montclair Diner is organizing a fundraiser for the organization in the form of a hockey night out, according to BaristaNet. The game will take place on February 19th and tickets and more information is available here.
Bloomfield Temple Vandalized
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Temple Ner Tamid, located at 936 Broad Street in Bloomfield was the site of vandalism on Sunday, January 29th. Per BaristaNet, surveillance camera footage showed a hooded man throwing a Molotov cocktail at the door of the Temple. Essex County Prosecutors Office, the FBI, and the ATF worked in conjunction with the Bloomfield Police to investigate.
Governor Murphy Visits Bloomfield Temple
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy visited Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield last week in a show of support after the building was vandalized, according to Montclair Local. The visit on January 31st followed the attack, which took place on Sunday, January 29th. Governor Murphy reiterated his support of the diversity of New Jersey’s interfaith communities.
Arrest Made in Bloomfield Temple Vandalism
A Clifton man is under arrest for the attack made on a Bloomfield temple, according to BaristaNet. Surveillance images used in conjunction with license plate reading technology helped law enforcement identify and arrest Nicholas Malindretos, 26, of Clifton, New Jersey on February 1st. He was arraigned earlier this week in federal court.
Potential Book Bans Challenged in Glen Ridge
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An effort to ban six books from the Glen Ridge Public Library is facing pushback. Per Baristanet, an organization called Citizens Defending Education requested that six titles be removed from circulation. The request was denied, and at a public meeting on February 8th, the Library’s Board of Trustees will meet to discuss the issue. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in person at the RAS Auditorium at 7:30PM.
New LGBTQ Community Center Now Open in Newark
The LGBTQ Community Center in Newark has a new home, unveiled last week. The facility is now located at 89 Market Street on the 2nd floor, per TapInto. The group, which focuses on advocacy, celebrated its new location with an open house.
Shark Tank Episode Features Montclair State Alum
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Tog Samphel, a recent graduate of Montclair State University, appeared on an episode of Shark Tank and made a deal with the Sharks, according to NJ.com. Investor Damon Johns made a deal with Tog for his product, Anytongs, a kitchen tool that makes tongs out of silverware. Tog grew up in Paterson and currently lives in Clifton with his family.
Housing Grants Headed for Newark
The National Fair Housing Alliance made a $185,000 grant to Invest Newark, the city’s economic development corporation, according to TapInto. The grant will go toward building 25 single-family homes on blighted or vacant lots, creating jobs, and stimulating the local economy in the process.
Maybe I Do Premiers, Featuring Several Essex County Locations
The film Maybe I Do made its debut this week, showing the culmination of months of filming at various locations across Northern New Jersey. Several scenes were filmed in Montclair, per Patch, and several of the stars were spotted enjoying their downtime around town. In celebration of the film’s debut, The Clairidge hosted several screenings.
“Move Montclair Forward” Petition Gains Over 1,000 Signatures
A group of citizens called Move Montclair Forward has started an online petition, gaining over 1,000 signatures. The group wants the Montclair Township Council to approve the Lackawanna Plaza plan, and agree to aspects like adding a supermarket, committing to creating jobs and affordable housing, as well as moving forward with historical preservation in mind.
West Orange Wedding Venue The Manor To Close
The Manor, located at 111 Prospect Avenue in West Orange, and the site of many Essex County families’ memories, will close in the summer of 2023, per NJ.com. After 66 years in business, the owners say it’s time to move on. In a statement on the venue’s website, the team thanked staff and customers for the venue’s incredible run.
Bloomfield Community Rally Held for Temple Ner Tamid
On Thursday, February 2nd, an interfaith rally was held in Bloomfield to support the Temple Ner Tamid community, according to Montclair Local. Over 1,000 community members showed up to the Temple, including several local elected officials such as U.S. Reps. Mikie Sherrill and Bill Pascrell. The Temple was vandalized on Sunday, January 29th and a suspect was arrested on February 1st.
