We know you’re busy — which is why gladly handle the leg work of finding the latest news in the Montclair and greater Essex County + North Jersey area, so you don’t have to. Among the headlines: Bloomfield College awarded $1M grant; West Caldwell to host gun safety seminar; phone scammer poses as Essex County Sheriff’s Office; and so much more. Keep reading for all the North Jersey news you missed this week in Essex County and beyond.
More Updates on the Nutley Water Main Break Wreaking Havoc in North Jersey
On Saturday, October 8th, a local water emergency had been declared in Montclair + Glen Ridge, and residents are being asked to moderate water consumption. The repairs have been completed and the boil water advisory has been lifted in Bloomfield, but towns are still doing water testing and sampling to make sure the water is safe. This news comes after a major water main break in Belleville wreaked havoc on Newark and other surrounding areas back in August. Click here to see what we know about this water main break.
These 3 Celebs Were Spotted in the North Jersey Area This Weekend
Because of Hudson County’s versatility, it has been a go-to for film crews over the years. In fact, there are a number of celebs in the state filming new movies as we speak. In between filming, these celebs, including Emma Roberts and Lucy Hale, have taken to the town to enjoy local businesses. These stars are among the handful of actors that were in the Essex County area this fall — and we’ve got the Deux Moi receipts to prove it. Click here for a list of celebrities who were spotted in the North Jersey area last weekend.
New Millburn Art Studio to Feature Work by Sandra Charlap
Local curator Emily Konopinski opened The Gallery at Green Door Studio, located at 321 Millburn Avenue Suite 6 in Millburn, last spring with the mission to feature the work of local artists. According to New Jersey Stage, the latest exhibit will feature the work of a former Maplewood resident Sandra Charlap. The exhibit, called A Walk in Her Shoes, is open to the public through Saturday, October 29th.
Trailer Used to Serve Community Stolen from Church
Temple Rock Community Church in Newark uses a trailer to bring food to underserved people — that is, until it was stolen last week, reported Patch. Surveillance footage shows the trailer was taken from the church parking lot around 10:30PM on Sunday, October 9th. Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé is requesting the public’s help in locating the vehicle in connection with the theft.
Health Insurance Hikes May Result in Higher Property Taxes
A big jump in health insurance rates may affect upwards of 800,000 government workers in the form of higher property taxes, per Patch. According to local officials the areas hit hardest may be the ones already paying the highest taxes in the nation — like Essex County. Following a September vote some municipal governments will see a 23 percent insurance rate increase which would get passed on to local taxpayers.
Some NJ Lawmakers are Looking to Alter the Plastic Bag Ban
A New Jersey senator has called for the complete overhaul of the single-use bag ban, which went into effect five months ago. Single-use paper carryout bags are allowed to be provided and sold, except by grocery stores over 2,500 square feet. These grocery stores are only allowed to provide or sell reusable bags, which in turn has caused issues in regards to grocery delivery services and individuals becoming overwhelmed with reusable bags. Click here for more info about New Jersey’s single-use bag ban and what some lawmakers are looking to amend.
Montclair to Host Dumplingpalooza + Support Toni’s Kitchen
On Saturday, October 22nd Montclair will host a local dumpling event called Dumplingpalooza, according to Baristanet. Proceeds from the event, to be held at 73 South Fullerton in Montclair, will go towards Toni’s Kitchen, a local pantry.
Tickets on Sale Now for Annual Montclair Film Festival
The Montclair Film Festival is packed with 10 days of films, conversations, events, and panels that you won’t want to miss. The festival begins Friday, October 21st and runs through Sunday, October 30th with a plethora of events in both Montclair and Newark. Click here for everything you need to know about the upcoming film festival happening this month in Essex County.
Sabor Montclair to Hold Tasting Plate Fundraiser
View this post on Instagram
On Saturday, October 29th, Sabor Montclair will be taking orders for tasting plates featuring food commonly eaten in Latin America. According to Baristanet, the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence, MFEE’s Navegadores Escolares program has helped design the event and currently supports 60 local families and 105 Montclair Public School students. The fundraiser is a way to support the organization and its mission while tasting the native foods of many Montclair residents.
Bloomfield Art Exhibit to Honor Late Artist Mark Richardson
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs Department of Bloomfield has assembled an art exhibit by the late Bloomfield artist, Mark Richardson. According to Patch, the display entitled 50 Years of Work by Artist Mark Richardson is open to the public at the Bloomfield Civic Center, located at 84 Broad Street, now through Friday, November 11th.
Montclair Author Publishes Book Inspired by Family Stories
Montclair resident and author Suzanne Moyers recently published a book she has worked on for 10 years, per Montclair Local. The story of Til All These Things Be Done follows the story of a family over several decades living in a fictional New Jersey town called Namesak.
West Caldwell Library to Host Gun Safety Seminar
Up to 60 Essex County adults can sign up to attend a gun safety seminar at the West Caldwell Public Library happening on Monday, October 17th. According to Patch, the public education program Everytown for Gun Safety by Be SMART is putting on the event and will cover the importance of storing guns locked, unloaded, and separate from ammunition. The event will take place at 6:30PM and the library is located at 30 Clinton Road in West Caldwell.
Montclair State Debuts Docu-series on Italian American Cooking
Montclair State University debuted a new docuseries this week on Italian American cooking entitled, “Red Sauce: An Italian American Culinary Journey”, per Patch. The screening event took place on Wednesday, October 12th at 6PM in the Communication + Media Presentation Hall on campus. The pilot episode featured Patsy’s Tavern & Restaurant located in Paterson.
Essex County Holds Electronics Recycling Day in Cedar Grove
On Saturday, October 15th, Essex County hosted a free collection event for computers, printers, televisions, cell phones, DVD players, toasters, and more, Patch reported. The event, sponsored by Essex County and the Essex County Utilities Authority, was held at the Essex County Public Works building, located at 99 West Bradford Avenue in Cedar Grove.
Series of Car Break-Ins at McLoone’s Boathouse + South Mountain Reservation
Local officials issued a Public Safety Announcement recently amid a series of car break-ins with thefts at the McLoone’s Boathouse and South Mountain Reservation. According to Baristanet, in all instances a window was broken and in some cases, items were taken. Visitors are encouraged not to leave valuables in their car.
New Burger Restaurant Gives Away 700 Burgers on Opening Day
View this post on Instagram
Hamburguesa recently opened at 393 West Passaic Avenue in Bloomfield and celebrated its grand opening by giving away about 700 free Mexico City street-style burgers. According to Patch, the restaurant was originally founded in Mexico City and this new location is the second in New Jersey. Customers can eat, play tic-tac-toe or foosball, and enjoy the Spanish Rock music the restaurant is known for.
Newark Converts Office Space to Residential Building
Located in the heart of Downtown Newark, 10 Commerce Street has been a vacant office building for a long time, Jersey Digs reported. Now, the building is getting a new life as construction teams are converting it to a residential building. The corner lot spans more than 9,000 square feet and is located near Newark Penn Station and the Newark Light Rail.
Phone Scammer Poses as Essex County Sheriff
On Tuesday, October 11th, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement regarding a string of fake calls being made posing as a member of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, per Patch. The caller is in fact not a member of the office and has been calling residents and demanding payment after informing the victim they have missed an alleged court date. The Essex County Sheriff’s Office is reminding residents that they shouldn’t provide personal information or payment to anyone claiming to be from the Sheriff’s Office.
Montclair State University Celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day
View this post on Instagram
On Monday, October 10th, Montclair State University celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day at The Quad on campus. According to Montclair Local, close to 100 people showed up for the event which also acknowledged that the campus occupies Lenape land. The Red Blanket Singers from the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribe performed at the event.
Essex County Honors Community Leaders at Italian Heritage Event
The Essex County Board of Commissioners held an annual Italian Heritage Month event last week in which it acknowledged four individuals of Italian descent, Patch reported. The honorees include retired Battalion Chief Donato DiGeronimo of Verona, retired school teacher Dan Fabrizio of South Orange, President of the FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association Edie Peters Liguori of Belleville, and Maria Paga of Newark who is a retired special education teacher.
Vanguard Theater to Partner with Out Montclair
On Tuesday, October 11th, Out Montclair announced a collaboration with Montclair’s Vanguard Theater, per Baristanet. The partnership will produce and host a series of LGBTQIA+ inclusive events and performances. Productions will include The Spitfire Grill, Passing Strange, Cabaret, and Spring Awakening.
‘Day of Dignity’ Campaign Reaches Homeless in Newark
On Saturday, October 15th, Islamic Relief USA held a charity event at Lincoln Park in Jersey City, Patch reported. The annual Day of Dignity event provided local residents with essential items like meals, hygiene kits, health tests, and school supplies.
Newark Museum of Art Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month
View this post on Instagram
On Tuesday, October 11th, the Newark Museum of Art held an event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, per Patch. The event recognized the community’s achievements and contributions to local culture and business. Five Latino Newark students received scholarships at Tuesday’s event.
Upgrades Coming to Brookdale Park in Montclair
Two major upgrades are coming to Brookdale Park in Montclair, Patch reported. The first is a permanent bandstand which will be used during the Essex County Free Summer Concert Series. The second is the installation of the synthetic playing surface for four Little League fields to stabilize them and improve drainage and alleviate flooding. The fields should be completed by spring 2023.
Bloomfield College Awarded $1M Grant
Bloomfield College was a recent recipient of the McNair Grant from the US Department of Education worth $1.3 million. According to Patch, the funds will be used to help first-generation, income-eligible students to earn doctoral degrees.
United Way of Greater Newark Relaunches After School Program Locator
United Way of Greater Newark announced the relaunch of an interactive program that helps families find nearby after school programs for youth, reported Patch. This tool allows students and parents to break down a virtual map detailing programs throughout Newark by a range of factors including days offered, program types, enrollment types, and more.