Prepping for Halloween weekend is no joke when you live in the Northeast — so we’ve saved you work of tracking down the latest news in the Montclair and greater Essex County + North Jersey area, so you don’t have to. Among the headlines: Montclair State University to merge with Bloomfield College; Newark high school observes week of peace; Bar Franco to open in Montclair; and so much more. Keep reading for all the North Jersey news you missed this week in Essex County and beyond.
Port Authority Names Design Company to Guide Redevelopment at Newark Airport
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey recently named Skidmore, Owings & Marrill and global aviation design firm Arup to head the redevelopment of Newark Airport. According to NJ.com, current plans run through 2065 and feature a complete overhaul of the facilities, including a new monorail system.
Maplewood Police Chief Passes, Age 53
The community gathered on Friday, October 28th for a memorial and procession to remember Police Chief Jimmy DeVaul, who died at the age of 53. Patch reported DeVaul pushed for transparency and accountability within the department and was seen as a force for good in the community. He joined the department in 1993 and became Police Chief four years ago.
Over 400 Gather for Bloomfield Town Cleanup
This past weekend, more than 425 residents participated in the Bloomfield Fall Town-wide Cleanup. According to Baristanet, this twice-yearly event covered 28 different locations and worked to rake up leaves and pick up trash.
Sewerage Commission Recognized for Geographic Mapping Platform
The Water Environment Federation recently recognized the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission for its Geographic Information System Mapping platform, per Patch. The platform gives line operators access to both a digital and aerial representation of the framework, making repairs and maintenance work easier to track and identify.
Jersey City Director Awarded Breakthrough Director + Writer at Montclair Film Festival
Jersey City native Elegance Bratton is a film director who recently released ‘The Inspection,’ which played at the Montclair Film Festival. According to Montclair Local, Bratton was awarded the Breakthrough Director + Writer award for his film. ‘The Inspection’ is actually based on his life as a recruit in the U.S. Marines.
Montclair State University to Merge with Bloomfield College
On Wednesday, October 26th, Bloomfield College and Montclair State University announced plans to merge. Bloomfield College will continue to operate independently until the merger is concluded, which will likely be in June 2023. The school will undergo a name change to become Bloomfield College of Montclair State University. Click here for what we know.
Star-studded Cast Filming in Morris, Essex, + Hudson Counties
The star-studded cast for the upcoming film “Dumb Money” has been filming throughout Morris, Essex, and Hudson counties — most recently at Saint Elizabeth University. According to NJ.com, the film tells the story of the crew from subreddit r/wallstreetbets who took aim at investors by short-selling GameStop’s stock in 2021. The cast includes Pete Davidson, Seth Rogan, Shailene Woodley, Paul Dano, America Ferrera, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Ramos, and more.
Brand Name Dry Shampoos Recalled in New Jersey
Several brand names, including Dove, Suave, and TRESemmé, have recalled dry shampoo products due to possible high levels of carcinogens, reported Patch. The products in question were produced and distributed nationwide before this month. Retailers have been instructed to remove them from the shelves.
Newark High School Observes Week of Peace
Weequahic High School in Newark recently set aside an entire week to focus on peace, understanding, and awareness. According to Patch, the school held several programs, activities, and heart-to-heart discussions with community leaders — all in an effort to fight against violence and pledge for peace.
Terry Demming Field Dedicated in Montclair
Local officials and the community gathered on Friday, October 28th to dedicate the Little League field as the “Terry Demming Field,” per Baristanet. Terry Demming was the son of Kathryn Weller-Demming, who currently serves on the Montclair Board of Education. Terry would help at Toni’s Kitchen and was “energetic, smart, and charismatic.”
Montclair Township Councilman Stafford Placed on Leave
In a 5-1 vote, the Montclair Township Council has voted to put Councilman Timothy Stafford on temporary paid leave. According to Montclair Local, Deputy Township Manager Brian Scantlebury will now be the active manager. This all comes a week after Padmaja Rao filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against Stafford.
Montclair Mourns the Passing of Retired Battalion Chief
On Wednesday, October 26th, Montclair acknowledged the passing of retired Battalion Chief Kevin Berry, who battled ALS. According to Baristanet, Montclair Firefighter Foundation said Berry was a leader, friend, mentor, and a fighter. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Montclair to Host Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville
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Hugh Bonneville, best known for his roles in Downton Abbey, Notting Hill, and Paddington, is coming to Montclair. According to the press release, Bonneville will be talking about his memoir Playing Under the Piano: From Downton Abbey to Darkest Peru on Tuesday, November 15th. The event will take place at Temple Ner Tamid, located at 936 Broad Street in Bloomfield. Tickets cost $35 and include a signed copy of the book.
Newark Launches ‘Real Time’ Sewer + Storm Site
On Wednesday, October 26th, local officials announced the launch of a site that will give Newark residents access to real time information about water, sewer, and storm drain systems in the city. According to Patch, residents can also use the site to pay water bills, file for permits, and find contact information for the department.
Bar Franco + Speakeasy Club Coming to Church Street in Montclair
Bar Franco, a high-end bespoke aperitivo bar, will join Fresco Da Franco on Church Street in Montclair. An extension of the restaurant, Bar Franco will employ specialty mixologists from Italy who will not just make drinks but also put on a show while they do it. According to Baristanet, renovations for the members-only speakeasy club located under Bar Franco are scheduled to begin soon as well.
New Board Members Named for Montclair Library Foundation
This week, the Montclair Library Foundation welcomed two new members to the board — Dagmara Dominczyk and Kishore Krishnan. According to Montclair Local, Dominczyk emigrated from Poland when she was seven and works as an author and actress. Krishnan is an executive director with the investment bank, Mizuho Americas Services. Other changes include Gina Chung Fortt as chair and Emily Hagen as vice chair.
Stephen Colbert Gives Shout-Out to Montclair Film Festival on Late Show
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Host of The Late Show Stephen Colbert gave a shout-out to the Montclair Film Festival this week, per Patch. During the show on Tuesday, October 25th, Colbert spoke about Eddie Redmayne, Daniel Craig, and Brendan Fraser who are each included in the series of events for the festival. The festival runs through Sunday, October 30th. To learn more about the Colberts’ connection to the film festival, check out our profile where we chatted with Stephen and his wife, Evelyn — President of Montclair Film.
New Jersey Playwright to Have World Premiere in NYC
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Playwright + Morris County native Rob Asaro is premiering his play Lost Again this week on Wednesday, November 2nd at The Tank in New York City. Lost Again was inspired by Rob’s adventures traveling on the road as a stand up comic. The Tank is located at 312 West 36th Street in New York City. The play will run through Wednesday, November 16th.
‘Thriller’ Flash Mob Held in Newark’s Branch Brook Park
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On October 29th at Newark’s Branch Brook Park, the Branch Brook Park Alliance held a family-friendly Halloween festival — which included Zumba, art activations, performances, health screenings, and more, per Patch. This event also included a ‘Thriller’ flash mob, where attendees got to learn the dance moves before participating in the big performance. This was the final event for the Branch Brook Park Fest’s 2022 season.
Montclair Art Museum to Open Cornerstone Cafe
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A local coalition including the Montclair Art Museum, Cornerstone Montclair, the Montclair High School Transition Program, Jewish Vocational Services, and Java Love Coffee Roasting Co. have teamed up to create a Cornerstone Cafe at the museum. The Cornerstone Café at MAM will be an extension of Cornerstone Montclair’s mission to empower people of all abilities to be included as active participants in the vibrancy of Montclair. The cafe will be open on Fridays from 10AM to 4PM. Click here to read more.
Melyssa Murray to Host Launch Party Next Week for New Candle Line
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Melyssa Murray, wife of Impractical Jokers’ star Murr, is hosting a launch party for No. 95 Candles next Saturday, November 5th, at 18 Label Studios in Montclair. What’s more, not only will this be a night of drinking, dancing, and fun, but all proceeds from this event also benefit the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. Click here to learn more about WithoutTheRoots.
Daughter of Boris Karloff to Co-Host Montclair Fright Film Fest
Sara Karloff, daughter of Boris Karloff, joined a screening of “Frankenstein” in Montclair on Wednesday, October 26th and Thursday, October 27th as part of a national tour. According to Baristanet, she will also co-host the Montclair Fright Film Fest, which features four Boris Barloff films, on Monday, October 31st.
Montclair Resident Leads Paterson School to Win Award for Media Relations
The NJ School Public Relations Association gave the School Communications Award in Media Relations to the Paterson Public Schools Communications Department, Baristanet reported. At the head of the department is Montclair resident Paul Brubaker. The department has earned several stories in the media about three International High School’s Class of 2022 students who were accepted into elite colleges.
