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25th Anniversary Roses to Rock Gardens Tour
May 31
This year’s tour, which also serves as a fundraiser for Van Vleck House + Gardens, will feature eight gardens in Montclair and one in Glen Ridge, each ranging from professionally created and maintained gardens to hand-hewn and tended labor of love gardens.
20 Montclair Area News Stories This Week | June 1, 2025
Amid all the summer-related festivities this past week, there has been no shortage of local headlines. It’s been another busy week in Essex County, and we’ve got all the Montclair news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: Chef Chen's Sushi opens its doors in the former Le Salbuen space in Montclair; Montclair parents petition to see a forensic audit of the district's finances; and a black bear escaped Turtleback Zoo. Read on for all the news in Montclair and the surrounding Essex County towns for the week ending June 1st, 2025.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected] and we'll consider it for coverage.
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Chef Chen’s Sushi Opens in Former Le Salbuen Space in Montclair
- Montclair Parents Petition to See Forensic Audit of the District's Finances
- Maplewood Named Honored with the Title 'Tree City USA' for 2025
- Bloomfield Resident Pleads Guilty to Opioid Distribution Conspiracy Charges
- Black Bear Escapes Turtleback Zoo
- ‘The Saint Clair’ in Montclair Shares Renderings Exclusively with The Montclair Girl
- North 2 Shore Festival Launches Scavenger Hunt with Hidden Tickets in Newark + Asbury Park
- 7th Annual New Jersey Wiener Dog Derby to Take Place on 6/14
- Newark Airport Reports No Major Delays During MDW
- Montclair State University Students to Tackle Environmental Issues in NJ This Summer
Chef Chen’s Sushi Opens in Former Le Salbuen Space in Montclair
Chef Chen’s, a sushi restaurant located at 97 Walnut Street in Montclair, opened its doors on May 28th. The restaurant took over the former European-inspired eatery, Le Salbuen, which closed its doors in March 2025 after 10 years in the MTC. From Sunday through Thursday between 11AM-9:30PM, and Fridays + Saturdays between 11AM-9:45PM, customers can enjoy maki rolls, fresh sashimi, tempura, and more. Click here for more.
Montclair Parents Petition to See Forensic Audit of the District's Finances
Over the Memorial Day weekend, 227 Montclair parents signed a petition demanding a forensic audit of the school district's finances and the reinstatement of Ms. Kersey's position as Vice Principal at Hillside Elementary School. "The proposal to make the Nishuane Vice Principal position half-time and subsequently remove Ms. Kersey from her administrative position on June 30, 2025, is deeply troubling," the petition states. In addition, parents are concerned with "the mounting debt of ~$5.8M+ due to a lack of timely bill payments since 2019" and "the unprofessional conduct of Ms. Christina Hunt throughout the May 14, 2025 Board meeting."
Maplewood Named Honored with the Title 'Tree City USA' for 2025
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For the 17th year in a row, the Arbor Day Foundation has named Maplewood the 2025 Tree City USA. According to The Village Green, a city must maintain a tree board or department, have a community tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participate in an Arbor Day celebration to be awarded this title.
Bloomfield Resident Pleads Guilty to Opioid Distribution
Conspiracy Charges
Bloomfield resident Danielle Molinari pleaded guilty in Newark federal court to two charges: drug conspiracy and distribution of oxycodone. Between February 2019 and March 2023, she illegally distributed approximately 4,665 oxycodone pills in exchange for money, as per a press release from the United States Attorney's Office. Each of her charges has a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, with a fine of $1 million. Sentencing is scheduled for November 4th, 2025.
Black Bear Escapes Turtleback Zoo
On the morning of May 28th, before the zoo opened to the public, Jelly, a black bear at Turtle Back Zoo, temporarily escaped her enclosure through an unlocked gate. She was found within five minutes, just a few feet from her enclosure, per NJ.com.
‘The Saint Clair’ in Montclair Shares Renderings Exclusively with
The Montclair Girl
Photo Credit: D&G Interiors + Design
In April, The Montclair Girl reported on a new American restaurant, The Saint Clair, coming to the former Scala del Nonna space at 32 Church Street in Montclair. On May 27th, the MG team received another update with renderings designed by the Hoboken-based company, D&G Interiors + Design. The space, boasting an “overall vibe [teetering] between old-world romance and modern-day mystique," according to Brian Garcia, Principal at D&G Interiors + Design, will feature wood details, brass, crystal, and silk accents, and a moody upstairs area. Click here for more.
North 2 Shore Festival Launches Scavenger Hunt with Hidden Tickets in Newark + Asbury Park
The Prudential North2Shore Festival has hidden pairs of tickets at various participating locations, including hotels, restaurants, and venues throughout Newark and Asbury Park, as part of a scavenger hunt. The hunt started on May 31st in honor of National Scavenger Hunt Day. Locals can check out Instagram, X, and Facebook for clues. See MG's coverage for details on participating locations.
7th Annual New Jersey Wiener Dog Derby to Take Place on 6/14
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The annual New Jersey Wiener Dog Derby, where 80 Dachshunds go head-to-head in a series of races, is set to return for its seventh year on June 14th. Taking place at the Meadowlands Race Track, located at 1 Racetrack Drive, East Rutherford, the Wiener Race will start at 6PM and the Harness Race will start at 6:20PM. Qualifier winners will be awarded with a $100 betting voucher, with the first place pup winning a $500 betting voucher.
Newark Airport Reports No Major Delays During MDW
Memorial Day Weekend saw no major delays at Newark International Airport, despite the ongoing technological issues, according to Transportation Security Administration officials. From May 22nd to May 26th, the airport screened 334,080 passengers, which was only a 10% drop from last MDW, as per NorthJersey.com.
Montclair State University Students to Tackle Environmental Issues in NJ This Summer
Montclair State University students will spend the summer taking on environmental and climate issues across the Northern New Jersey area as part of the PSEG Institute for Sustainability Studies’ annual Green Teams program. Students will work on projects that focus on regenerative agriculture, urban flood mitigation in Paterson, tree canopy equity in Montclair, corporate sustainability, and inclusive workforce training for adults with autism, according to a statement shared via MSU.
Marvel Comic Book Writer + Bloomfield Resident Passes at 68
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Bloomfield resident, notable comic writer, and Eisner Award winner Peter David passed away on May 31st at 68 years old. Peter was best known for his runs in comic books like Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, Captain Marvel, Aquaman, and The Incredible Hulk, and his authorship in the novel franchises Star Trek and Babylon 5.
SBA Approves Over $2 Million in Disaster Loans for Small Businesses Affected by I-80 Sinkholes
On May 29th, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved over $2 million in federal disaster loans to aid small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in New Jersey affected by the sinkholes on Interstate 80. “Surpassing $2 million in disaster loans reflects more than just numbers - it represents small businesses reopening, families returning home, and communities rebuilding stronger,” Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, said in a statement shared with The Montclair Girl. See here for details surrounding the application.
First-Ever Smartphone Alternative Device Fair in Montclair to
Happen on 6/6
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Screen Aware Montclair and the Renaissance Middle School PTA will host Montclair's first-ever Smartphone Alternative Device Fair on June 6th. The fair will take place from 4PM to 7PM at Renaissance Middle School, located at 176 North Fullerton Avenue. It will showcase a range of phones, watches, and other tech devices that provide features like text + call restrictions, GPS tracking, and parental alerts for inappropriate content.
Montclair Middle School Students Petition for Teacher’s Reinstatement Next School Year
Montclair students have created a petition demanding the renewal of the contract of Glenfield Middle School dance teacher Julia Sprung for the 2025-2026 school year. "We are calling on Mr. Vargas to reverse his recommendation that Mrs. Sprung's contract not be renewed for next year," the petition states. "If he refuses to do that, we are then asking for Interim Superintendent Cooper and the Montclair Board of Education to reject Mr. Vargas' recommendation and allow Mrs. Sprung to stay at Glenfield Middle School." Several students also attended the May 14th Board of Education meeting to speak in her favor.
Montclair Township Council Sets Aside Funds in Hopes of Reopening
Fire Station 3
Montclair Township Council has allocated $600,000 in funds in its proposed 2025 budget to reopen Fire Station 3, located at 151 Harrison Avenue, which has been closed for repairs since 2023. As per Montclair Local, structural repairs to the building have been completed, and the department is preparing a bid specification to determine final costs. A public hearing and council vote on the budget will take place on Tuesday, June 3rd.
Montclair + Essex County Summer Bucket List: 50 Must-Try
Activities for 2025
With summer approaching, locals may be itching to get outside and enjoy the weather. The Montclair Girl has created a free and downloadable summer bucket list of activities featuring 50 local things to do, including outdoor adventures, foodie spots, must-attend festivals, and more. Readers can expect to find ideas like walking the South Mountain Reservation Fairy Trail, attending the Montclair Pride Festival, and paddle-boarding at Verona Park. Download our guide to a local Montclair and Essex County summer here.
Newark Man Arrested at the Canadian Border + Charged
with Manslaughter
On Monday, May 26th, Newark resident Malakai McRay was arrested at the Canadian border near Buffalo. The individual had an active warrant out of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, according to U.S. Customs + Border Protection, and was charged that day with second-degree counts of manslaughter and weapons offenses. As per NJ.com, he was sought in connection with the death of Yasir Mackenson on May 16th.
Company Bids $22.5 Million for a Foreclosed Residential
Building in Montclair
In December 2024, construction halted at 65 Church Street, Montclair, leaving the five-story residential building partially built. According to Montclair Local, a company referred to in court papers as "Stalking Horse Bidder" is proposing $22.5 million for the site. July 18th is the proposed date to submit qualified bids, with July 23rd being the sale action date. The transaction is expected to close by August 31st.
Montclair Community Farms Announces Summer Camps for 2025
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Montclair Community Farms, located at 108 Orange Road, has announced its educational summer programs for 2025. The farm will hold two classes on June 10th and 20th as part of its Farm School. Sweet Pea Summer Camp for kindergarten to fifth-grade kids will be held for three weeks from June 30th to July 18th. Farm Camp will happen on various dates between July 28th and August 22nd.
Essex County Non-Profit Raises Over $580,000 to Partially
Fund Students' Scholarships
On May 15th, the Newark-based nonprofit, Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC), raised over $580,000 to fund partial tuition assistance scholarships for underprivileged students of Archdiocese of Newark Catholic schools, exceeding its fundraising goal of $200,000, according to a statement shared with MG. This year's recipients included over 100 student ambassadors from the Academy of Our Lady of Grace in Fairview, St. Joseph School in East Orange, St. Michael School in Newark, and St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark.
