There is never a dull moment in Essex County, which is why we cover the news in the Montclair and the greater Essex County area so you don’t miss a beat. Among the headlines: construction begins on the new Maplewood library; Bloomfield rallies behind local boy fighting Leukemia; HBCU Scholarship Ride kicks off this week in Newark; and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Essex County and beyond.
New Executive Director Installed at Montclair History Center
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The Montclair History Center has named its newest Executive Director. Angelica Diggs worked at the center from 2012 to 2019 so she is a familiar face to those who are currently serving. She worked on initiatives including upgrading history property + grounds, creating tours, and developing MHC’s website.
Bestselling Author to Showcase New Book at Montclair Literary Festival
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Bestselling author Taylor Jenkins Reid is participating in The Montclair Literary Festival with her latest release, Carrie Soto is Back. The festival will be held at Temple Ner Tamid, located at 936 Broad Street in Bloomfield, on Wednesday, August 31st. Tickets to hear Taylor Jenkins Reid in person cost $35 and include a pre-signed copy of her new book.
Ruthie’s BBQ Hosts Second Benefit Concert in Montclair
Ruthie’s BBQ + Pizza experienced a kitchen fire in late July and has been working through the process to reopen ever since, per Montclair Local. The permitting process involves several steps to make sure the restaurant is safe and functional before opening again. The benefit concert was held on Saturday, August 28th at 6PM.
Livingston Native Joins Biden Administration in Washington D.C.
Livingston native Megan Coyne, one of the minds behind the official New Jersey Twitter account, is headed to Washington D.C. to join the Biden administration. According to New Jersey Globe, she will join the Office of Digital Strategy as Deputy Director of Platforms.
Montclair School District Increases Staff Diversity from Last Year
At a recent retreat held for the Montclair Board of Education, data was presented showing that the Montclair school district has increased diversity within the staff since the previous school year. According to Montclair Local, the makeup of new hires for the 2022-2023 school year is 59.5% white, 27% Black, 10.8% Hispanic, and 2.7% Asian.
2 Rabid Animals Found in Montclair This Month
The Montclair Township health department reported that two rabid animals were found in Montclair this month, per Montclair Local. On Monday, August 8th, a raccoon was found and tested positively for rabies. On Thursday, August 18th, a skunk was found and also tested positive for rabies. Township officials advise the community to stay away from both wild and unknown animals.
Saint Sebastian Festival Kicked Off this Week in Montclair
It’s still summer for a few more weeks, which means there are a variety of outdoor happenings going on around Essex County. To add to the fun, the 96th Annual Saint Sebastian Feast in Montclair kicked off this week and runs through Sunday, August 28th. Click here to read about the Saint Sebastian Feast and what this year’s festivities included.
Bloomfield to Host Back to School Party
On Sunday, August 28th Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia and the Bloomfield Township Council will host the annual back-to-school party, per Patch. The event will be held at Felton Field, located at 145 Floyd Avenue in Bloomfield, from 12PM to 3PM. All students from Pre-K to 8th grade are welcome to attend. Early registrants will receive a bookbag.
Historic Bloomfield Sanctuary to Reopen
On Saturday, September 17th, the Church on the Green in Bloomfield will reopen its historic Sanctuary to the public after more than 12 years of closure, reported Baristanet. The “Sanctuary on the Green” Benefit Concert will take place at 7PM and feature a host of local theater, dance, and musical groups as well as Broadway performers who call Bloomfield home.
Montclair Voters to Weigh In on Proposed $188M School Bond
Voters in Montclair will soon have to make a choice on whether to approve a significant school bond measure in the general election in November, per Patch. Administrators revealed earlier this year that the Montclair Public School District is contemplating a $188 million bond vote to pay for “important health and safety building needs,” including ventilation, a concern that was brought to light during the coronavirus pandemic.
Newark Nonprofit Holds Back to School Giveaway
On Friday, August 25th, the United Community Corporation hosted a Back to School Giveaway, according to Patch. The event took at The Clubhouse, located at 205 Spruce Street in Newark, from 1PM to 5PM and was put on to ensure that local students have the supplies needed to be prepared for the school year.
Construction Begins on New Maplewood Library
Local officials in Maplewood announced this week that construction will begin on the new Baker Street Library, according to Patch. A groundbreaking ceremony with refreshments and children’s activities has already been scheduled for Saturday, October 1st at 11AM. Maplewood was awarded a $8.3 million grant for the construction of a new, larger library which will be located at 51 Baker Street in Maplewood.
Bloomfield Rallies Behind Local Boy Fighting Leukemia
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The community of Bloomfield has donated more than $58,000 to support a local boy who is fighting cancer, per Patch. Bloomfield resident Justin Corino will celebrate his third birthday in October. The Go Fund Me listing is called Justin’s Fight Against Leukemia and has 650 donors as of Thursday, August 25th.
HBCU Scholarship Ride Kicks Off This Week in Newark
On Friday, August 26th, the 2022 HBCU Scholarship Ride set off from Newark with the end destination of Washington D.C., according to Patch. In 2020, a group of friends decided to ride their bikes from Newark to Howard University, a historically black college located in Washington D.C., in support of one student who was struggling to pay tuition. That year they raised $6,500. This year the goal is to raise $50,000.
Toni’s Kitchen Announces Food Rescue Initiative in Montclair
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Toni’s Kitchen, located at 73 South Fullerton Avenue in Montclair, recently announced a new food rescue initiative to reduce community food waste. According to Baristanet, Toni’s Kitchen works with nearby markets and restaurants to rescue surplus or soon-to-spoil food that would otherwise go to waste. Once the food is sorted, trimmed, and prepared, it is used in nutritious meals for low-income neighbors. Toni’s Kitchen is able to prevent the weekly loss of thousands of pounds of edible food through food rescue.
Hobby’s Deli Named One of the Country’s Best Jewish Delis
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Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant, located at 32 Branford Pl #2723 in Newark, has made the list of best Jewish Delis in the country, per NJ.com. According to the Tasting Table rating, “Hobby’s understated style and no-holds-bar food make it a culinary legend within U.S. Jewish deli culture and, most importantly, a beloved local go-to.”
Essex County Launches Monkeypox Vaccination Clinic
As of Wednesday, August 24th, Essex County has made Monkeypox vaccines available to eligible community members by appointment only, per Montclair Local. According to local officials, New Jersey has 440 cases of Monkeypox — 80 of which are in Montclair alone. The vaccinations will be administered at the Sears in the Livingston Mall.
Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Begins this Weekend
Officials in New Jersey are offering residents a chance to save money on back-to-school items during this year’s sales tax holiday, happening Saturday, August 27 through Monday, September 5th. The sales tax holiday is designed to help families save on school supplies, clothing, shoes, backpacks and other items.
Ascend Cannabis Dispensary Officially Opens in Montclair
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Following a long wait to get approved, local cannabis dispensary Ascend is officially open. The Montclair Center Instagram post reads, “Ascend—Montclair is FINALLY open! Adult use sales started today.” Ascend is located at 395 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.
Bloomfield to Convert Former Roxy Florists Property into Public Space
On Wednesday, August 24th Bloomfield Township announced it will be taking over the former Roxy Florists property and converting it into public space. According to Bloomfield Pulse, the plans for this property are not solidified by the vision is to include tables, murals, plants, and trees. The community will be able to share input on plans once they are drawn up. The property is located at 328 Glenwood Avenue in Bloomfield.
Bloomfield Township Holds on Plans for Former Heart Breakers Property
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The Heart Breakers Bar, located at 611 Bloomfield Avenue in Bloomfield, permanently closed some time ago. The Township of Bloomfield announced this week it will wait on construction at the adjacent Royal Theatre before moving forward with plans for the property.
Montclair Plant Shop Expands to New Location
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Local plant shop Moss & More will be closed from Sunday, August 21st to Monday, September 5th as it moves to a new location. The new flagship store will be located at 42 Upper Montclair Plaza. The shop will officially reopen on Tuesday, September 6th.
Rocktoberfest Preview + Car Show Coming to Millburn
The much-anticipated Rocktoberfest Preview + Car Show has been announced for Saturday, September 10th, according to Tap Into. The event will be held at Municipal Lot 14, which is accessible from the intersection of Short Hills Avenue and Millburn Avenue. The event will include live music, face painting, food, and lots of cars to check out.
Millburn Fire Department Extinguish Flames at Wyoming Villas Complex
On Monday, August 22nd, the Millburn Fire Department responded to reports of black smoke at the Wyoming Villas Apartment Complex, per Tap Into. Upon arrival, the fire department located heavy fire in the rear of one of the buildings and evacuated the entire complex, which is located at 206 Millburn Avenue.
Millburn Walking Club Kicks Off 9/9
The Millburn Health Department has organized a Walking Club, free for anyone to join, that will kick off on Friday, September 9th, according to Patch. The club will meet every Friday to walk around the South Mountain Recreation Complex reservoir in West Orange. The club will meet until Friday, November 4th.
Millburn Deli Announces Expansion to 4th NJ Location
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Millburn Deli, with locations currently in Millburn, Morristown, and Montclair,, recently announced it will be expanding to a new location, per NJ.com. The company signed a lease at 142-144 East Broad Street in Westfield with plans to open in early 2023. The original deli opened in 1946 and most recently placed 3rd on Pete Genovese and Jeremy Schneider’s New Jersey’s 32 Greatest Delis list.
Millburn’s First Female Mayor Passes, Age 93
Former Assemblywoman and Millburn Mayor Maureen Ogden passed away on Wednesday, August 17th at age 93. According to Patch, Governor Phil Murphy ordered flags to be flown at half staff on Friday, August 19th to honor her memory. Ogden was the first woman to hold the office of Mayor in Millburn from 1979 to 1981.
Volunteers Needed for Valerie Fund Walk + 5K in Verona
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The Valerie Fund Walk + 5K will be held on Saturday, September 17th in Verona Park. The event will also feature food and entertainment. The Valerie Fund is calling for volunteers to help out at the event with registration, handing out t-shirts, manning the water stations + food tables, and more.
