Every week we bring you the highlights in the news, so you can stay up-to-date on what is happening in Montclair + surrounding areas. Among the local headlines: Mediterranean restaurant Taïm opens Belleville location; the Township of Verona to hold outdoor movie event; Little Falls Public Library to host bird feeder craft event, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Montclair, Bloomfield, + beyond in Essex County:
Bro’s Sandwiches Gearing Up for Opening in Montclair
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Bro’s Sandwiches opens today, Sunday, August 1st at 3PM in Montclair. The shop is owned by a couple who share a passion for New York deli culture. The shop aims to merge Mediterranean specials with deli delights and create a genuine environment, as if the owners are cooking for friends and family at home. Bro’s Sandwiches is located at 206 Bellevue Avenue.
Van Hook Cheese & Grocery Opens Montclair Location
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Van Hook Cheese & Grocery has just opened a new location in Montclair. The Instagram post announces the hours as weekdays 10AM to 6PM and weekends 9AM to 5PM. The shop carries a wide variety of cheese in addition to spreads, crackers, dried fruit, candles, and more. The shop is located at 111 Grove Street.
Township Council Rejects Petition to Move Elections
The Montclair Township Council rejected the Vote Montclair petition last week, Baristanet reports. The petition was rejected on five points, the main issue is the request to move elections from May 2024 to November 2023. According to the Township Clerk, this is not possible as it would shorten the term of the current council.
Car + $5K Cash Stolen on Bloomfield Avenue
On Tuesday, July 20th a 2017 Mercedes Benz was stolen while parked on Bloomfield Avenue, per Baristanet. The owner believes the keys were inside the vehicle which also contained suitcases of high-end clothing and shoes, and $5K in cash.
Montclair Orchestra Introduces New Conductor Program for Girls
In partnership with the Valissimia Institute, The Montclair Orchestra has launched a summer training program for young female conductors, per Patch. The two-week intensive is designed to give pre-college girls the opportunity to conduct an orchestra under the guidance of industry professionals. The program will begin on Sunday, August 8th and will take place in South Orange at the Performing Arts Center.
Montclair Library Opens Public Seating + Computers
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As of Thursday, July 29th, the Montclair Public Library has opened both public seating and access to computers, according to Montclair Local. Computer sessions are limited to 30 minutes and printing is available for a fee. The library branches are located at 50 S. Fullerton Avenue and 185 Bellevue Avenue in Montclair.
American Premiere League Announces Cricket Opening Ceremony
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The American Premiere League has announced plans to celebrate its newly formed cricket league and tournament with an opening ceremony on Monday, September 13th, according to New Jersey Stage. The celebration will start at 7PM at Yogi Berra Stadium in Little Falls. The fun will include a Junoon cover concert by Sherjan Ahmed, Bollywood and Samba dancers, belly dancers, a drone show and fireworks.
Montclair Teen Participates on America’s Got Talent
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Montclair teen Zac Taylor’s audition for America’s Got Talent aired on July 20th, per Montclair Local. His performance brought praise from the harshest AGT judge, Simon Cowell, and the audition gave Taylor a chance to move forward in the audition. Taylor has more than 51,000 followers on his Tik Tok profile, @zactaylorsinging.
Newark Building Partially Collapses
Authorities are investigating the cause of a partial building collapse in Newark on Tuesday, reports CBS New York. At around 11:30AM on 15th street, a wall caved in at a vacant home, leaving debris to litter the street. Some debris even fell on a resident’s car nearby. There were no injuries reported.
Newark Launches Series of Outdoor Events
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Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka has teamed up with the Newark City Parks Foundation, Inc. to announce the “Summer Fun in the Park” program, per New Jersey Stage. This program includes a series of free outdoor events to highlight the city’s cultural life, activate Newark’s public parks, and celebrate the return of in-person gatherings. Events will take place at Washington Park, Riverfront Park, Lincoln Park, Military Park, and Mulberry Commons from now until early fall.
New Jersey STEM Innovation Fellowship To Include Science Educators
Math for America, with partners Montclair State University, Princeton University and Rowan University, announced that the New Jersey STEM Innovation Fellowship will expand to include science educators, according to Montclair State University. The program has expanded as a result of $100K in new funding from Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey State Legislature. The fellowship was originally created for New Jersey mathematics educators to help improve STEM teaching and learning in the state.
Montclair Residents Elected to Oratorio Society Board
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The Oratorio Society of New Jersey recently elected a new Board of Trustees consisting of four officers and eight trustees responsible for managing the Montclair community choir, according to Tap Into. Peter Braley replaced Susan Ladov as President, Ladov having served as President for the last five years. Grace Baumgarten from Bloomfield, Bette Chamberlin from Montclair, Norma Messing from Short Hills, Scott Miller from Little Falls, Helen Paxton from Montclair, Cia Siebert from Montclair, Jean Siegel from Montclair, Robert Simmons from West Orange, Stuart Turnbull from West Orange and John Willard from West Orange were also elected to the board.
Montclair Board of Education Delays Phase 2 Fixes
The Montclair Board of Education isn’t starting plans for $17M in heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades in schools district-wide, according to Montclair Local. School board members are delaying the upgrades because of an upcoming November meeting to decide whether Montclair should continue with a mayor-appointed school board. A fall report by engineers identified $26M of needed work in school buildings in the district.
New Montclair Restaurant Gains Praise for ‘Simple, Authentic’ Italian Food
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The Montclair Center BID praised Palato Caffe & Cucina on social media Friday, per Patch. The restaurant has combined Northern and Southern Italian cuisines simply and deliciously. The owners were working together in Hell’s Kitchen before COVID-19, and they decided to build something together closer to their own neighborhoods.
Montclair Art Museum Presents New Exhibits
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Montclair Art Museum announced two new exhibitions, “Transformed: Objects Reimagined by American Artists” and “By Our Own Hand: Frontline Arts in collaboration with Donna Bassin,” per New Jersey Stage. These exhibitions will open this fall alongside Color Riot! How Color Changed Navajo Textiles. Museum members will be invited to an Exhibition Preview on September 10th, and the exhibitions will officially open the next day.
Route 23 Crash Delays Traffic
A traffic accident on Route 23 Wednesday in Cedar Grove brought down power lines, causing traffic delays and power outages, according to Patch. Power outages occurred throughout the area while the lines were fixed. The crash happened around 4:30PM.
Township of Verona to Host Outdoor Movie
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The Township of Verona account announced a Movie in the Park event via Instagram this week. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 18th, featuring the Disney movie “Raya and the Last Dragon”. The movie will be shown out on the Civic Center lawn located at 300 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. Snacks will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring a chair and blanket.
Little Falls Public Library to Host Bird Feeder Craft Event
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On Aug 1st, the Little Falls Public Library will host a crafting event to make DIY bird feeders. The Instagram post says the event is for children ages 5 and up, and to register on the library website if interested.
Newark Arts Launches Public Art Map
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Newark Arts is celebrating 40 years of “elevating and uniting a community through the power of art,” by launching a public art map. Its Instagram says, “The public art map is designed to amplify your art culture experience, learn more about the artists and share with your network. Learn more at www.newarkarts.org/publicart.”
Gravity Vault Montclair to Hold Grand Opening Event
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Gravity Vault in Montclair is slated to open on Saturday, August 7th, according to its Instagram post. Open hours begin at 9AM and the venue is located at 8 Seymour Plaza in Montclair. You can follow @gravityvaultmontclair for updates and more information.
Out Montclair to Host Teen Social
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On Wednesday, August 4th, Out Montclair will host a Teen Social event from 6PM to 8PM. According to the Instagram post on the Out Montclair account, attendees ages 12-17 can expect music, painting activities, and snacks to be provided.
Taïm Opens Belleville Location
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The new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Taïm opened its doors this week on Wednesday, July 28th. The restaurant is located at 500 Cortlandt Street and offers delivery or pickup. Taïm serves award-winning, fresh, and customizable Mediterranean fare from quality spices, herbs and produce. The menu features a wide variety of falafel, shawarma, kebabs, pitas, bowls, mezzes, fries, and salads. Founded in the NYC West Village in 2005 by celebrity chef, Einat Admony, Taïm has won awards through the years for its amazing flavor and quality.
