The Montclair Girl Team 
Essex County didn’t take a breather this week, rolling out a fresh mix of milestones, makeovers, and must-know headlines. It’s been another busy week in Essex County, and we’ve got all the Montclair news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: a cat reunited with its Montclair family after 10 years; a new grocery store in downtown South Orange, and a partnership between Seton Hall University and The MC Hotel. Read on for all the news in Montclair and the surrounding Essex County towns for the week ending November 22, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected] and we’ll consider it for coverage.
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- AARP Selects Montclair’s Ann Lippel for Prestigious Volunteer Award
- Dozens of Students Across Essex County Partake in Sports Signing Day
- FBI Identifies Suspect in Attack on U.S. Attorney Alina Habba’s Office in Newark
- Millburn High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team Defends for the 3rd Year
- Montclair State Awarded $1.7M Grant Focused on Civics Education
- NYC Restaurant Pig & Butter Relocating to Montclair
- ShopRite of Livingston Expands Its Kosher Market
- Sports Bar + Pool Hall Guys and Dolls Reopening in Belleville
- The Holly Jolly Lodge is Back at Calandra’s in Caldwell
- West Orange Jitney Service Experiencing Shortage of Vehicles and Drivers
$5K Worth of Film Equipment Stolen after Shoot in Upper Montclair
Per PatchMontclair, nearly $5,000 worth of filming equipment was stolen on Valley Road in Upper Montclair after a shoot. According to the Montclair Police Department, the theft was discovered after the film crew did a post-production inventory check. A total of 17 items worth a combined amount of $4,971 was missing.
A Decade Later: Missing Montclair Cat Finally Reunites with Her Family
Photo Credit: Montclair Township Animal Shelter
Per the Montclair Township Animal Shelter, a cat has been reunited with her family after a decade. Ten years ago the then kitten slipped out a window and disappeared. Recently, someone found the stray brought it to the shelter which scanned for a microchip and was able to reunite the family. The Montclair Township Animal Shelter offers microchipping services for cats, dogs, ferrets or rabbits for $20.
AARP Selects Montclair’s Ann Lippel for
Prestigious Volunteer Award
Photo Credit: AARP
Montclair’s Ann Lippel has been selected by AARP to receive the 2025 AARP New Jersey Andrus Award for Community Service. This is the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service, per the organization. AARP is a nonprofit organization for people 50 and older.
After Nearly 20 Years in Montclair, Oasis Boutique to Close at the End of December
Located at 40 Church Street, Oasis has been a go-to spot for clothing and jewelry, and it recently shared exclusively with The Montclair Girl that it would be closing at the end of December 2025. Fashion-lover Rafi Rachman founded Oasis in 1981 and moved from Soho to Englewood, then Ridgewood, + finally, Montclair. He moved Oasis to its current location in February 2007. Click here to read more.
A New Grocery Store, Village Marketplace,
Opens in South Orange
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On October 29th, the Village Marketplace celebrated its grand opening at 1 South Orange Avenue in South Orange. The grocery store features a hot bar, smoothie bar, catering options, and aisles of products like produce, pantry staples, and frozen items. It is open daily from 7AM to 9PM.
Dozens of Students Across Essex County Partake in Sports Signing Day
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One student at Newark Academy, four at Mount Saint Dominic Academy, ten at Seton Hall University, three at Verona High School, and four at West Essex High School have signed their Letters of Intent to play sports at the collegiate level. At Montclair High School, students signed athletic agreements to play at Iona University, NJIT, + Temple University.
Farm-to-Table Italian Restaurant Campofiore
Coming to Montclair
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Led by Chef Dan Drohan, Campofiore is a farm-to-table Italian restaurant coming to Montclair at 664 Bloomfield Avenue. The space is set to open in Fall 2025.
FBI Identifies Suspect in Attack on U.S. Attorney Alina Habba’s Office in Newark
The FBI has identified the suspect they say damaged the office of U.S. Attorney Alina Habba in Newark on November 12th. The suspect has been identified as Keith Michael Lisa, who has ties to Mahwah + New York City. He entered the Peter W. Rodino Federal Building with a bat, was denied entry, and then returned, targeting Alina’s office. The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of Keith, per News12NJ.
Former Maplewood Mayor Runs for Congressional Seat Hoping to Replace Mikie Sherrill
Photo Credit: Township of Maplewood
Per Patch Maplewood, former Maplewood mayor and representative for the Township Committee, Dean Dafis is running for Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s seat in New Jersey’s 11th congressional district. The district includes communities in the counties of Essex, Morris, + Passaic. Dean, a proud first-generation Greek-American and Maplewood’s first openly LGBT representative for the Township Committee.
Health and Wellness Spot The DRIPBar Opening Location in Montclair
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The DRIPBar is coming soon to Montclair at 608 Bloomfield Avenue. The mission here is to help people obtain their best health using advances in IV Vitamin Therapy. Services include IM Shots, Peptides, Oral Supplements, and even Mobile Services where DRIPBar comes to you. DRIPBar has seven locations in New Jersey and dozens of others across the country in Arizona, California, Florida, Missouri, Ohio, + Texas.
Honey Brewed Cafe Opens in Montclair on Valley Road
Honey Brewed Cafe soft-opened at 150 Valley Road on October 6th and hosted its Grand Opening on November 22nd. The spot serves up crepes, waffles, sweet drinks, lattes, and coffee. The spot is open daily from 9AM to 10PM . Click here to read more.
Jonas Brothers Return for “Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” at Prudential Center
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Per PatchNewark, The Jonas Brothers performed at the “Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” at the Prudential Center in Newark on November 17th. The trio has a permanent photo installation celebrating their local roots at the Prudential Center. The brothers were raised in Wyckoff.
Millburn High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team Defends Title for the 3rd Year
Photo Credit: Millburn Township Public Schools
Per Millburn Public Schools, the Girls Varsity Volleyball Team at Millburn High School defended their North 2 Group 3 Section Title for the third year in a row. The team earned the win with a 3-0 victory over Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.
Montclair Fire Responds to Car Crash That Trapped
Vehicle Occupant
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On November 13th, Montclair Firefighters responded to a two-car collision at the corner of Valley Road + William Street, per Montclair Local. A person in a BMW sedan was trapped when the driver of an SUV rolled their vehicle onto the hood of the car, per Montclair Local.
Montclair History Center Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of WWI Memorial in Edgemont Park
On November 20th, Montclair History Center held a free History at Home Zoom event educating and celebrating the 100th anniversary of Montclair’s WWI Memorial located in Edgemont Park. Historian Lisanne Renner of Friends of Anderson Park shared details about the monument’s story, design, and symbolism. “Winged Victory” was designed by sculptor Charles Keck and constructed in 1925. The History at Home series can be viewed here.
Montclair State Awarded $1.7M Grant Focused on
Civics Education
Photo Credit: Montclair State University
In a statement from Montclair State University, the university has been awarded a $1.7M American History and Civics Seminars Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant will uplift educators and promote new and innovative instruction that will be accessible to all learners. The funding will allow Montclair to support NJ250: Civics and History for the Next Generation, a three-year project that includes a teacher fellowship program and civics videos.
New Childcare Business Coming to Montclair
Photo Credit: Eleventh Hour Kids
Eleventh Hour Kids is North Jersey’s first and only hour drop-in childcare center for children ages 3 to 11. The business offers flexible and reliable care in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends in addition to winter camp, school out holiday camps, and summer camp. EHK is located at 25 North Fullerton Avenue in Montclair.
New Daylight Saving Time Bill Advances in New Jersey:
What to Know
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New Jersey currently observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) for four months each year and switches to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) for the remaining eight months, a practice known as Daylight Saving Time (DST). Senate President Nick Scutari, Senator Shirley K. Turner, and Senator Troy Singleton recently sponsored a new bill to ban the practice of time switches, known as S-1510. This bill would establish EDT as New Jersey‘s permanent time zone year-round. Click here to learn more.
New Jerseyans Vote New York Drivers as the Worst in Latest Rutgers Poll
According to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, one-third of New Jersey voters say New York has the worst drivers (33%). Slightly more than 1 in 5, however, say that New Jersey drivers are the worst (22%), followed by Pennsylvania (14%), Florida (10%), Massachusetts (5%), California (4%), + Connecticut (2%). Results came from a statewide poll of 795 voters contacted via live calling and texting from October 3rd to 17th.
New Pilates Studio Coming to Montclair in March 2026
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My Pilates Addiction will be opening in March 2026 in Montclair at 638 Bloomfield Avenue Suite 1A. The spit has 4 signature classes: Ignite, Core+, Max, + Mobility Rx. This is the second location in New Jersey, with another in Wayne. There are other locations in California, Florida, Idaho, + Michigan
NYC Restaurant Pig & Butter Relocating to Montclair
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Pig & Butter is a black woman-owned business founded by Sherry Grimes and Dr. Shavonne Hylton. It opened in New York City as a brunch spot and bar in 2020. The menu features a robust and creative cocktail menu and dishes like Thai Basil Curry Mushroom Tostada. On November 16th, Pig & Butter announced on its Instagram that it will relocate to Montclair and close its Manhattan location on December 17th. Click here to read more.
Renovated Learning and Engagement Center Officially Open at Newark Museum of Art
The Newark Museum of Art has finished a major redesign and renovation of the building’s The Learning and Engagement Center which first opened in 1990. The newly remodeled community space which offers studio, events, and education is open to visitors. KSS Architects handled the renovation working with Phelps Construction and AKF Group, per Jersey Digs. The museum is located at 49 Washington Street in Newark.
Seton Hall University Athletics Announces Partnership with Montclair’s The MC Hotel
On November 10th, Seton Hall Athletics announced a new multi-year partnership with The MC Hotel. As part of the new relationship, The MC Hotel will serve as an exclusive partner with Seton Hall’s Men’s basketball. The MC Hotel will also receive prominent brand exposure through multiple Seton Hall Athletics assets, including TV-visible signage at all games held at the Prudential Center, an on-court promotion called the Mattress Mayhem Race, and a digital presence on the official athletics website and social channels.
ShopRite of Livingston Expands Its Kosher Market
Photo Credit: Wakefern Food Corp
On November 7th, the ShopRite of Livingston held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of its Kosher Market. The Livingston Kosher Market is now one of the “most comprehensive kosher destinations in the area,” with product variety increased by more than 50 percent, according to Wakefern Food Corp.
Sports Bar + Pool Hall Guys and Dolls Reopening in Belleville
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Essex County will soon welcome a new sports bar and pool hall — one that is already known by locals. Guys and Dolls recently announced plans to reopen at 524 Washington Avenue in Belleville. The updated spit will feature a full kitchen, brand-new tables, and plenty of screens for games. Guys and Dolls was first established in 1963. Click here to read more.
Terra Modern Cuisine Opens in Montclair,
Serving Peruvian Fusion
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Terra Modern Cuisine has opened at 300 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, per the restaurant’s Instagram. This local family-owned spot serves Peruvian fusion and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Terra Modern Cuisine is BYOB.
The Holly Jolly Lodge is Back at Calandra’s in Caldwell
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The Holly Jolly Lounge is back at Calandra’s from November 17th until January 4th, 2026. The space has holiday-inspired cocktails like St. Nick’s Old Fashioned and the cozy Mistletoe Mule, perfect for a night out with friends or family. The lounge is located at 234 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, in the La Taverna Lounge.
The Montclair Girl’s 2025 Holiday Shopping Deals Guide is Live
Here at The Montclair Girl, we’ve created a holiday shopping guide to introduce our readers to the best small businesses around town—from fitness + dance studios to beauty + self care and everything in between. Our guide includes exclusive deals and a comprehensive list of local businesses, broken up by category for easy browsing. Click here to download the list.
Verona’s Hillcrest Farms Turning into 33 Apartment Complex
The Filoso family is going to turn their Hillcrest Farms property at 383 Bloomfield Avenue in Verona into a mixed-use site with 33 apartments and include retail space for Hillcrest’s landscaping business, per MyVerona. The Filoso family is in their third generation of owning that space that started as a dahlia farm roughly 80 years ago. Once the Verona Planning Board approves the site plan, the Filoso family hopes to begin the project, completing it in Spring 2027.
West Orange Jitney Service Experiencing Shortage of Vehicles and Drivers
Per PatchWestOrange, West Orange is experiencing a shortage of vehicles and drivers for the community’s jitney bus service, according to the town’s mayo,r Susan McCartney. West Orange provides free jitney service for local residents to three train stations: Orange, South Orange, + Brick Church. Service runs from 6AM to 9AM and from 5PM to 830PM.
West Orange Welcomes New Town Attorney
On November 12th, Mark Semeraro was sworn in as the Town Attorney for the Township of West Orange, per Patch West Orange. Mark’s legal career spans more than three decades, and he has represented other municipalities, counties, and public agencies in New Jersey.
