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 — Montclair poet self-publishes a book, Annual Back 2 School fundraiser coming soon, Newark native commits to Duke 2022, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Montclair, Bloomfield, + beyond in Essex County.
The Feathered Fox Opens in Livingston
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The Feathered Fox, located at the Westminster Hotel in Livingston, boasts an eclectic and unique atmosphere. This steakhouse carries an exceptional selection of perfectly charred steak cuts and chops, inventive sides, a pure raw bar & seafood menu as well as interpretations of familiar sushi rolls. The steakhouse is now open and they invite residents to come and discover the enticement of the Feathered Fox.
Gravity Vault Now Open in Montclair
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Joint venture partners Ironstate Development Company and Brookfield Properties announced the new tenants for the first three retail and office operators setting up shop at the partnership’s mixed-use development in Downtown Montclair. Among the new businesses will be the popular indoor rock climbing building, The Gravity Vault; the One River School; and Summit Medical Group. Click here to read about the opening of the Gravity Vault in Montclair.
Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Summer Promotion: #FamilyDayNJ
#FamilyDayNJ prompts all New Jerseyans to go out with their families, spend time together and see and do all the best things New Jersey has to offer. It can be any day you choose, anywhere in New Jersey, doing whatever you love to do together.
CDC Says Essex County COVID-19 Transmissions are ‘Substantial’
The delta variant of COVID-19 is continuing to rise in the United States, and Essex County has a “substantial” level of coronavirus transmission as of August 3rd, per Patch. In Essex County between July 27th and August 2nd, there were 78 new cases per 100,000 residents. The new cases make the rate 20% higher than the previous week.
Annual Back 2 School Supply Giveaway To Take Place August 29th
The 14th Annual Back 2 School supply giveaway will be held at the Glenfield Park Wally Choice Community Center on August 29th, according to Tap Into. The event is scheduled for 12PM to 4PM. The Back 2 School event is hosted by the Sentinels 16-87 and Community Partners, who have provided school supplies for over 1,000 youth of the community.
New Montclair State University President Takes Over
Montclair State University’s new president has officially started the job as of Monday, per Montclair Local. Jonathan Koppell’s first week in the office of president meeting members of the university community, having tours of the campus, and having a town hall meeting for employees. Koppell said in an email, “There will be many more opportunities for the entire campus community to get to know me.”
United Flight Forced to Make Unexpected Landing After Fuel Leak
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A United Flight headed from Newark Liberty International Airport had to make an emergency landing in Rochester on Sunday, according to NJ.com. The flight was headed to Buffalo and experienced a fuel leak, instead diverging to Greater Rochester International Airport to fix the problem. Employees helped passengers make arrangements to book travelers on different flights, and the cause of the fuel leak wasn’t clear.
Montclair Celebrates National Night Out
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The Montclair Police Department held their annual National Night Out event on Tuesday, August 3rd, Tap Into reports. National Night Out is a community-building campaign promoting strong police-community partnerships to create safer neighborhoods. It’s designed to create stronger bonds between the community and the law enforcement of Montclair, providing an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
School Official Defends Masks in Schools
Masks will return to the Montclair Public School District classrooms this fall, and Superintendent Jonathan Ponds has defended the decision, according to Patch. He said, “For me, it’s not a political decision…It’s a medical decision.” Students with a disability who cannot wear a mask are exempt from the mandate.
“The Power of IV” Exhibit Coming Soon to the West Orange Arts Council
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On Thursday, August 5th, the West Orange Arts Council will unveil its newest exhibit, “The Power of IV: Emotion, Eurythmy, Vernacular and Subversion,” according to the Instagram post. The formal opening reception is slated for 2PM to 6PM on Saturday, August 7th. The show is viewable online or in-person and will run through September 11th.
Protestors Gather Outside Spiller Fundraiser
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Mayor Sean Spiller held a campaign fundraiser on the MC Hotel roof as protestors shouted from the front of the hotel, according to Montclair Local. The protestors were holding handwritten signs reading, “Go buy a different town,” “Open our schools, not lobbyist wallets,” and “Spiller NJEA prez and Montclair mayor? Conflict of interest.” With some participants coming and going, the protest held up to 16 protestors at one time, making their objections heard about the Mayor’s fundraiser.
Montclair University Summer Programs Help Students Prepare
Walmart is sponsoring a Pre-College Access Institute to help students prepare for college, per Montclair State University. The new program provided an opportunity for 86 New Jersey students to live on campus and attend sessions to learn and prepare for the transition to college, essay writing, financial aid, and self-advocacy. Their parents were offered separate workshops.
New Jersey Healthcare Workers Mandated to Get Vaccinated
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy announced that all workers in certain state and private health care facilities will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or be tested at least once a week, according to Baristanet. This requirement is in order to increase protection against the rising COVID-19 cases in the state, and hopefully slow down the highly transmissible Delta variant. Full compliance with the mandate is required by September 7th.
Newark Native Commits to Duke 2022
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Newark native Dariq Whitehead, the 6-foot-6 Montverde Academy basketball star, has committed to Duke for the class of 2022, NJ.com reports. Whitehead was also considering Kansas and Florida State but ultimately was sold on the concept of The Brotherhood at Duke. According to 247Sports.com. Whitehead was the No. 3-ranked small forward in the Class of 2022.
Montclair Poet Self-Publishes Book
Montclair resident Juanita Gaskin has always had a dream of writing, and her dreams recently came true when she self-published a book of poetry, according to Montclair Local. Gaskin is a photographer who has owned her own company since 2003, and just published her debut poetry collection, “Renaissance Dreams, Life’s Journey Through Poetry.” She said her only goal is for readers to find her message uplifting.
Montclair’s Operation Backpack 2021 Officially Underway
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Montclair’s Operation Backpack, an annual local effort to collect backpacks for children living in homeless and domestic violence shelters, is underway, reports Baristanet. Volunteers of America-Greater New York Operation Backpack collect backpacks from friends and neighbors to help collect and fill backpacks. The community-wide event has been growing rapidly over the last few years.
Winning Lottery Ticket Sold in Essex County
A winning lottery ticket was sold at Top Shelf Wine & Liquor on Raymond Plaza West in Newark, reports Daily Voice. The winning numbers included 05, 21,32,36, and 58. The Red PowerBall was 14 and the Multiplier number was 02. The lucky purchaser will win the $100,000 third-tier prize. The next Powerball jackpot will be held Saturday, August 7 with a total of $226 million.
Montclair School Plans for Masks in Fall
Because COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise, the Montclair school districts are planning to have students wear masks. They won’t always be spaced 3 feet apart, but for now, the plan is to keep them wearing masks. The school district is doing its best to follow the guidelines by the CDC and planning to implement outdoor time and shields between students as well.
$15K Engagement Ring Reported Stolen at Office
A woman reported a theft this week at her workplace in Montclair, Patch reported. The report states that she placed her ring in a drawer at a work building on Park Street. The ring, described as white gold with diamonds, was no longer there when she returned.
