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: Nami Nori opens in Montclair this week; GoFundMe launched to support Bloomfield Robotics class; black bear spotted near Fairfield school; and so much more. Keep reading for all the North Jersey news you missed this week in Essex County and beyond.
NJ State Files Lawsuit Against Oil + Gas Companies
New Jersey state officials have filed a lawsuit against five fossil fuel companies who allegedly knowingly share misinformation about climate change, per Hudson Reporter. The companies include Exxon Mobil Corporation, Shell Oil Company, Chevron Corporation, BP, ConocoPhillips, and American Petroleum Institute. The companies also allegedly were not fully transparent about the degree to which their fossil fuels have impacted the environment.
New Outdoor Library Dedicated in Montclair
The Montclair Public Library was dedicated the new Kathryn Perino Outdoor Library this week, Baristanet reported. Kathryn was a Montclair resident for 30 years and worked as a teacher in Union City. She left funds to the library to create this new space which includes a bronze plaque that reads, “This outdoor library is made possible by a bequest from Kathryn Perino, a lifetime teacher, reader, and patron of the arts.”
Essex County Valisburg Park Renamed for Ronald L. Rice
The Essex County Valisburg Park was recently renamed the “Ronald L. Rice Sports Complex,” according to Patch. At the time of his retirement in August, Rice had served as representative for District 28 for 35 years. The park is being renovated to include new football, baseball, and softball fields.
Nami Nori Opened in Montclair on Thursday
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Katz & Associates is adding to the already lively downtown Montclair by bringing in new businesses to the Seymour Street redevelopment project located on Bloomfield Avenue, according to a press release. Among the list is the elegant New York sushi spot, Nami Nori, which was originally scheduled to open in Montclair sometime this summer. The restaurant then announced that it was slated to open last week. Nami Nori, located at 2 South Willow Street in Montclair, opened on Thursday, October 20th. Click here for what we know about the redevelopment project and Montclair’s newest Japanese spot, Nami Nori.
Montclair Vet + Author Releases Book on Healing Power of Pets
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Montclair resident, veterinarian, and now author Dr. Renee Alsarraf recently released a book detailing the healing power of pets. According to Montclair Local, the book Sit, Stay, Heal tells the story of Alsarraf’s battle with cancer at the same time as her dog’s battle with lymphoma.
Montclair State University Designated as Fulbright HSI Leader
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For the second year in a row, Montclair State University was awarded the distinction of Fulbright Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Leader, per Patch. A total of 43 institutions were awarded the federal distinction this year. The Fulbright program began 75 years ago as the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program. Over the course of several decades, the program has given more than 400,000 individuals the chance to pursue higher education.
GoFundMe Launched to Support Robotics Class in Bloomfield
A fundraising campaign has received more than $1,500 for a Robotics program for students in Bloomfield, according to Patch. The GoFundMe page reads, “Our Robotics program has gained popularity, and many of our students are showing interest and excelling in some cases for the first time in their academic careers. This is something that most would agree should be encouraged. Students in our club love working. We find the best in everyone and make use of each other’s skills.”
A Live Snake was Found on a Plane at Newark Airport
On October 17th, a snake — yes, a live snake — was found on a United Airlines flight that had just landed after flying from Tampa, terrifying passengers. It’s unclear how the snake ended up on the plane, though it was promptly + safely removed. This comes just weeks after almost 200 flight attendants were seen protesting outside of the airport for chaotic, unsustainable work conditions. Click here for exactly what went down with this snake on a Newark flight.
Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Receives $1.8M Donation
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The Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey received a $1.8M donation from MacKenzie Scott which will fund a new building in Newark. According to Patch, the funds will also help launch an innovative collaboration with the Newark Board of Education and improve aging camp structures as well as post-pandemic membership recruitment initiatives.
Sunday Yard Sale Benefits Local Animal Rescue
Sammyvale Animal Sanctuary is hosting a yard sale on Sunday, October 23rd from 9AM to 3PM. According to Baristanet, proceeds from the sale will go help a kitten alumni of the rescue who is facing cancer treatment. The event will take place at 330 Park Street in Upper Montclair.
Candlelight Vigil to Raise Domestic Violence Awareness in Montclair
Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (S.O.F.I.A.) is hosting a candlelight vigil on Monday, October 24th to raise awareness of domestic violence, per Montclair Local. The vigil will be held at Crane Park in Montclair from 6:30PM to 7:30PM and everyone is welcome.
NJ Transit to Improve Disability Access at Newark Penn
NJ Transit recently agreed to improve access for people with disabilities at five train stations, including Newark Penn. According to Patch, the agreement also includes Princeton Junction, MetroPark, Trenton, and New Brunswick. Updates will be made to access points, platforms, waiting areas, parking lots, and restrooms.
Virtual Panel to Highlight How Women of Color are Fighting Voter Suppression
Non-profit organization Project Ready has partnered with NJPAC to host a virtual panel discussion on voter suppression and how women of color are fighting it, per Patch. The event, “Vote. Lead. Invest. Educate; Black Women Leading the Change,” will discuss the political and social impact of voting within a community. The event will take place on Monday, October 24th at 7PM.
Black Bear Spotted Near Fairfield School This Week
On Tuesday, October 17th, a black bear was spotted on Big Piece Road, near Stevenson School in Fairfield. Police were aware of the situation and monitored the bear, notifying local residents to keep an eye out but not to be alarmed. According to Patch, NJ Fish and Wildlife was called to step in and oversee the situation.
2nd Annual Diwali Light Up Montclair is Happening 10/30
On Sunday, October 30th, AAPI Montclair and Montclair Art Museum are partnering to host the 2nd Annual Light Up Montclair Diwali celebration. The event is open to the public and will take place at 3 South Mountain Avenue in Montclair from 2PM to 6PM. According to Baristanet, this celebration kicks off with Pundit Sushma Dwivedi Jindal inaugurating the event with a recitation of a short shloka — a Ganesha Mantra — while the lamp is lit.
Montclair Police Department Participates in Opioid Awareness Walk
On Saturday, October 15th, the Montclair Police Department joined the Essex Health and Wellness Recovery Center Opioid Awareness Walk, Patch reported. The walk spreads awareness of the fentanyl and opioid crisis happening across the country. The walk began in Newark and ended in Caldwell.
Camuso Holiday Display in Livingston Calls for Aid in Repair
Before his passing, Livingston resident and toymaker Ernie Camuso built one of New Jersey’s most beloved light displays. According to Patch, the display has continued on, bringing joy and holiday cheer to the community year after year. The Camuso Holiday Display shared online, “This year, the tree needs to be rewired. We are in need of funding to support the efforts of our dedicated volunteers and we are asking for your help in honoring this wonderful tradition the Camuso Family has donated to Livingston.”
Newark Hosts Town Hall for Breast Cancer Awareness
Last week, U.S. Representative Donald Payne Jr. joined a town hall event focused on breast cancer awareness. Health experts and breast cancer survivors shared thoughts and stressed the importance of routine screenings. According to Patch, breast cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer deaths for women across the nation.
Bloomfield Historian to Explore Local Impact of Parkway in Upcoming Event
On Tuesday, October 25th, Bloomfield Historian Richard Rockwell will discuss the impact the Garden State Parkway has had on the local community, per Patch. The event will take place at Presbyterian Church on the Green, located at 147 Broad Street, at 7PM. Everyone is welcome to attend the free event.
Branch Brook Park to Renovate Cherry Blossom Welcome Center
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Earlier this month, Essex County local officials announced that a bigger, modern welcome center is coming to Branch Brook Park. According to Essex News Daily, the new center will be 11,000 square feet and house larger gatherings, garnering interest in the park throughout the year. The center will house a gathering room for 250 people, a kitchen, and restrooms.
Montclair CFO Files Complaint Against Town Manager
Montclair CFO Padmaja Rao filed a complaint against Montclair Township Manager Timothy Stafford, following alleged retaliatory actions against her for whistle-blowing activity. According to Baristanet, Rao raised concerns about practices the township engaged in that were financially questionable, including paying council members’ health insurance despite insufficient working hours required by law.
Essex County Rallies Against Health Care Hikes
Following the announcement of increased health care costs for taxpayers, Essex County community leaders and residents rallied to protest, per Patch. It is anticipated that the 21 to 23 percent jump in premiums is going to slam the county, municipal, and school budgets.
Newark to Modernize Sports Facilities at Ivy Hill Park
On Thursday, October 20th, local officials announced plans to modernize sports facilities at Ivey Hill Park in Newark. According to Patch, those plans include a baseball field, two basketball courts, and a football/soccer field. New walkways and new trees will also be added to the park.
Body of Missing Princeton University Student Found
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The body of 20-year-old Princeton student Misrach Ewunetie was found on Thursday, October 20th, CNN reported. Her body was found around 1PM behind the campus tennis courts. She had been missing since Sunday, October 16th. The university called her death an unthinkable tragedy and said, “Our hearts go out to her family, her friends, and the many others who knew and loved her.
Grand Deluxe Beauty Opens in Bloomfield
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A new beauty parlor opened this week in Bloomfield, to the applause of the Suburban Essex Chamber of Commerce. According to Patch, Grand Deluxe Beauty, located at 199 Berkeley Avenue in Bloomfield, opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 19th. The salon provides facials, teeth whitening, waxing, and yoni steams.
Bloomfield Memorial Honors Cops by Adding Names to Monument
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This week, the Bloomfield Division of Public Safety honored two cops who died while in the line of duty by adding their names to a monument in front of Bloomfield Police Headquarters. Detective William F. Mertz, died in 1915 while attempting to arrest a murder suspect. Detective James Peri, passed away a year ago on October 22nd, 2021 from complications of COVID-19. According to Patch, while the detectives served more than a century apart, their commitment to public safety left a legacy to remember.
Essex County to Host LGBTQ Business Conference
On Wednesday, October 26th, Essex County will host “Money Matters: LGBTQ Business Conference 2022” at the Morton A. Siegler Lecture Hall at Essex County College, located at 303 University Avenue in Newark. According to Patch, this event will focus on accessing technical assistance services, LGBTBE certification, and how to do business with Essex County + the State of New Jersey.
