We’re back with another week’s worth of exciting goings-on and news in Essex County. To help you enjoy your weekend and spend less time tracking down the news you’ve missed in the Montclair and greater Essex County + North Jersey area — we’ve done it for you. Among the headlines: Pete Davidson was spotted at Holsten’s in Bloomfield; Montclair scores perfectly on LGBTQ+ inclusivity; Newark Airport resumes operations after FAA outage; and so much more. Keep reading for all the North Jersey news you missed this week in Essex County and beyond.
Pete Davidson Spotted at Holsten’s in Bloomfield
View this post on Instagram
Perhaps one of the most well-known North Jersey Sopranos spots is this local old-school ice cream shop in Bloomfield, NJ — which has seen its fair share of celebrity sightings. This week, SNL star Pete Davidson (more infamously known as Kim Kardashian’s ex-boyfriend) was spotted at none other than Bloomfield’s beloved ice cream shop in New Jersey. The ice cream shop posted on its Instagram about the visit. Click here to read about this celeb spotting in Essex County.
Listed for Sale: Uncle Junior’s House from The Sopranos
In other Sopranos-related news, the home used in ‘The Soprano’s’ as mob boss Uncle Junior’s house has been listed for sale in Newark. According to Jersey Digs, the four-bedroom house was built in 1927 and is listed at $585K.
The Maddox and Masuko Coming to Former Crosby Location in Montclair
View this post on Instagram
The Crosby was a local haunt in Montclair right off of Bloomfield on Glenridge Ave. Recently, Essex Restaurant group has shared some hints that The Crosby’s old space is being transformed into a new elevated cocktail bar with sushi and more. We’ll share more details as they come, but head to @essexrestaurantgroup to follow the progress.
Montclair Director Produces Docuseries on Giuliani
On Sunday, January 8th, a new docuseries featuring the story of Rudy Giuliani aired on CNN, Montclair Local reported. The director + producer Valerie Thomas is a longtime Montclair resident who began her career working with director Jonathan Demme. Her latest project, entitled Giuliani: What Happened to America’s Mayor? will consist of four episodes.
Montclair Scores Perfectly on LGBTQ+ Inclusivity
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s annual Municipal Equality Index evaluated hundreds of cities nationwide on inclusivity measures. Five New Jersey cities ranked perfectly — including Montclair. According to Patch, this is the 11th annual report released in partnership with The Equality Federation Institute.
Community Gathers for Reunion of ‘American Ball’ in Montclair
Former Montclair gym teacher Kevin McGrath organized a reunion game of “American Ball” – a game he popularized when he taught in 1977. According to Patch, the game was held at the Charles Bullock school. Dozens of former students attended the event which raised funds for the Montclair Animal Shelter.
AAPI Montclair + Community to Celebrate 2nd Annual Lunar New Year 2023
On Saturday, January 28th AAPI Montclair will host the 2nd Annual Lunar New Year celebration at the Montclair Art Museum, Patch reported. The event will take place from 11AM to 3PM and include lion dancers, live performances from local artists + schools, a dragon parade, and family-friend crafts.
Anderson Park Short Story Contest Returns to Montclair
Montclair students in 6th grade through 8th grade are invited to participate in a short story contest now through March 8th, per Patch. The stories can be any genre and range from 500 to 2,500 words. Entries should be typed, double-spaced, and include the author’s information including grade + school name.
‘Shop With A Hero’ Event Helps Over 200 Children in Newark
The annual Shop With A Hero event took place in Newark just before the holidays and helped over 200 children. According to Patch, each child received a $100 gift card and got the chance to go on a shopping trip with a local hero including teachers, police officers, and firefighters.
Essex County Sheriff’s Office Spearheads Annual Toy + Coat Drive
The Essex County Sheriff’s Office recently hosted its annual donation drive for toys and coats, Patch reported. The drive has been happening for more than 30 years and this year reached more than 35 schools, churches, battered women’s shelters, and homeless shelters.
Babies “R” Us Announces Flagship Location at American Dream Mall
View this post on Instagram
Babies “R” Us recently announced a new partnership with New Jersey’s American Dream Mall, Jersey Digs reports. The flagship store will feature new interactive experiences like a stroller testing track, a wishing tree, and a photo op station.
Newark Airport Resumes Flights After FAA Outage
Newark Airport resumed normal operations following a temporary ground stop on Wednesday, January 11th, per Patch. An overnight Federal Aviation Administration computer outage caused the ground stop that impacted flights across the country.
Montclair Police Recognize 9-Year-Old for Work to Eradicate Invasive Lanternfly
On Friday, January 13th, the Montclair Police Department hosted an event to recognize 9 year-old Bobbie Wilson for her efforts to eradicate lanternflies, Baristanet reported. Following a racially charged call from a neighbor to the police to report Wilson “spraying stuff on the sidewalks and trees”, it was discovered she was doing her part to get rid of invasive lanternflies. Since then she has received a plaque from the Caldwell Environment Commission and been welcomed at Yale for a tour led by Black female scientists.
Edgemont Park Bridge Design Revealed
Photo credit: Google Maps
The design for the new bridge in Edgemont Park has been revealed, per Montclair Local. The new bridge will feature a weathered steel design which is anticipated to hold up longer and blend with its surroundings.
Bloomfield Animal Shelter Lowers Adoption Fees for Adult Cats
View this post on Instagram
The Bloomfield Animal Shelter recently announced lower adoptions fees for adult cats throughout the month of January. According to Patch, the new fee is just $25 and aims to make it more feasible for cats to find new homes. The regular adoption application process still applies.
Out Montclair + Montclair Ambulance Unit to Host Active Shooter Training
View this post on Instagram
On Wednesday, January 11th, Out Montclair announced a partnership with Montclair Ambulance Unit to host a training course on how to deal with an active shooter situation. According to the press release, in light of events like the Colorado Springs shooting at Club Q, Out Montclair is sponsoring this event to help targeted community members feel safer and be prepared. The event will take place on January 18th at 7PM.
Radio Free Montclair Hosts Roundtable on Lackawanna Plaza
On Saturday, January 4th, Radio Free Montclair hosted a roundtable discussion for the community to attend about the proposed Lackawanna Plaza, per Baristanet. An 8-person panel offered expertise about the development with thoughts on the project, trade ideas, air concerns, and proposed solutions.
Montclair Police Department Launches Operation Hope
On Tuesday, January 10th, the Montclair Police Department launched Operation Hope, a program designed to help community members struggling with substance use disorders. According to Baristanet, the Montclair Police Department was recently trained and are now qualified to help those in need find detox or treatment services.
Devils Youth Foundation Announces Program to Help Students Stay in School
A new program is being rolled out in four Newark high schools to help students who struggle with class attendance, Patch reported. The Devils Youth Foundation is partnering with Newark Public High School Leadership Team to focus on attendance, which is a consistent concern with administration. The program aims to increase student attendance through positive messages, motivation, and incentives.
Newark Airport’s New Terminal is Now Open
A $2.7 billion dollar project was recently finished at EWR’s Terminal A and includes an array of new gates, additional parking options, and more. After the opening was pushed back in December, the terminal is now open to the public as of today, January 12th, 2023 — with all previous Terminal A operations moving to the new building. Click here for what we know about Newark Airport’s revamp of Terminal A and what travelers can expect.
Chip City to Open New Location in Newark
View this post on Instagram
A new location of Chip City is slated to open on Tuesday, January 24th in Newark, along with several other retail spaces we’ve been keeping an eye on. Newark’s new Gateway development is slated to open soon and along with it, lots of great shopping. Located in downtown Newark right by Newark Penn Station, Gateway will house retail, office, and residential space.
New Locust Avenue Bridge Now Complete
The old bridge at Locust Avenue in Bloomfield has officially been replaced with a new, modern bridge. According to Patch, this renovation is part of a larger project to replace four bridges throughout Essex County.
Vacant Storefronts in Bloomfield Now House Art to Attract New Tenants
The Bloomfield Center Alliance is spearheading a new initiative which will install art displays in the windows of vacant storefronts, Patch reports. The idea is that tenants will find the spaces appealing and the community will enjoy beautiful art as they walk by — a win for everyone.
Wonder to Replace Food Trucks with 10 Kitchens in North Jersey
View this post on Instagram
Wonder, the company that literally brings a chef to cook in a truck outside your house, is replacing its food trucks with ten kitchen locations in New Jersey. According to Patch, the kitchens are coming to Essex, Bergen, and Union counties and will offer pickup, delivery, and in limited cases the chance to dine in.
