If you’re curious to know what you missed this week in Hoboken + Jersey City news, we’ve got you covered. Among the local headlines: Under Cover Music Fest has been announced for Saturday, May 14th in South Orange, the Bloomfield Community Farmers Market is seeking vendors to participate in the expanded market for 2022, Montclair’s Indoor Mask Mandate will be repealed as of 11:59PM on Monday, February 28th, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Hoboken, Jersey City + beyond.
A List of Resources to Help the People of Ukraine
Just days ago, it was reported that Russia pursued an invasion of Ukraine, launching a war between the two countries. Thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing the country in search of safe refuge for themselves and their families. There are a number of ways to assist the Ukrainians in need through donating to nonprofits and organizations that are actively helping them as we speak. Click here for a list of resources that you can contribute to help the Ukraine residents and first responders in need of food, medical care, shelter, protection, and more.
Porta in Montclair to Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
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A new Italian restaurant, Porta is scheduled to open this weekend with multiple Grand Opening events. The restaurant is located at 499 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. The Porta Instagram account shared, “We can’t wait to welcome you inside to gather around our table. Dinner Service begins Friday 2/25 at 5pm! 🍕 Join the Porta Fam for our *Grand Opening Weekend* that we’ve packed full of fun!” Read more about it here.
First 25 Customers at Boom Chia Get a FREE Bowl in Grand Opening Event
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Boom Chia opened this weekend at 427 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite 101 with a special grand opening incentive: the first 25 customers through the doors on Saturday, February 26th received a FREE chia bowl. The shop will be open 8AM to 8PM all weekend.
One River School Hosts Grand Opening Events in Montclair
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The art and design school, One River School opened this weekend in Montclair at 6 Seymour Street. This marks the sixth location of One River School in New Jersey. The school provides art and design classes in addition to art camps which are offered throughout the year.
Bella Noir Studios Opens Montclair Location with Toast
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Bella Noir Studios is holding a Grand Opening celebration complete with a toast at 3PM on Sunday, February 27th 3PM. The Bella Noir Studios Instagram account shared, “It has been quite the journey. Tears, sweat, and grit but we’re here and we’re not going anywhere but up.” The hair studio is located at 330 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.
New Jersey Senator Visits Eco-Friendly Refill Shops in Montclair
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New Jersey Senator Cory Booker stopped in at Good Bottle Refill Shop and Dry Goods Refillery in Montclair this week to show his support of the eco-friendly stores. The Good Bottle Refill Shop shared about the exciting visit via Instagram. “This has been over a year in the making and to hear that @corybooker came to Montclair yesterday because he saw our TikTok video we posted just blows my mind. He said ‘I’ve never been called out like that by a store before’ 😂… gotta love the hustle.”
The Dry Goods Refillery account shared, “Our incredible NJ senator @corybooker stopped by today to refill with us, reduce his waste and discover some of the incredible and delicious brands we carry as a way to support more sustainable supply chains!”
‘Shameless’ Actor William H. Macy Spotted at Fascino in Montclair
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Actor + Director William H. Macy was spotted in Fascino in Montclair this week, according to Baristanet. Macy is in New Jersey filming a new movie, “Maybe I Do”. The case also features Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Emma Roberts, and Luke Bracey.
Palmer’s Bakehouse in Maplewood Celebrates 6th Anniversary
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Six years ago Palmer’s Bakehouse opened at 1 Highland Place in Maplewood. Celebrating a new anniversary, the Instagram account shared a few thoughts this week. “Thanks to all who support us, near and far. We wouldn’t be here without you ♥ We’ll be here 9AM to 3PM with good vibes, good eats and good sweets. So pull up 🙌🏾”
Art Exhibit Featuring Black Women Opens at Express Newark
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“Picturing Black Girlhood: Moments of Possibility,” is a new art exhibition on display through July 2nd at Express Newark, per NJ.com. The works featured in this exhibit come from more than 80 Black girls, women, and genderqueer artists between 9 and 93 years old. The exhibition hours are from noon to 5PM Monday through Wednesday, noon to 8 PM Thursday, and noon to 5PM on Saturday.
Under Cover Music Fest to Return to South Orange
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The return of the Under Cover Music Fest has been announced by South Orange Downtown, per NJ.com. The event this year will be held on Saturday, May 14th and it will be held in the Sloan Street parking lot. The music being played by six cover bands will be free. The bands performing at the event will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Shooting in Newark Leaves 1 Dead
A shooting in Newark has left one dead, per NJ.com. Detectives are currently investigating a homicide that happened Sunday, February 20th, in the evening in Newark’s Central Ward. A male victim was fatally shot near Springfield Avenue and Blum Street. Authorities have not released the name of the victim yet.
Montclair State University Joins Common App Program
Montclair State University is one of six schools in the nation to be named a partner for The Common App’s Direct Admissions program for 2022, per Tap Into. This program is designed to further access, equity, and integrity in the college admissions process. Montclair is the only school in New Jersey to join the initiative.
2 Montclair Restaurants Report Crimes on the Same Day
Two Montclair Businesses have reported crimes on the same day within the last week, reported Patch. Both of the businesses were restaurants, Crockett’s Fish Fry and Pappardelle. One was an attempted break-in and the other was damage to property and stolen oil.
Bob Feller Act of Valor Display Comes to Yogi Berra Museum
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The Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center is partnering with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation, per Baristanet. They are partnering together to present an exhibition designed to educate museum visitors about the service and sacrifice of 39 Hall of Famers during World War II. This exhibit will be open through June 6, 2022, which is the 78th anniversary of D-Day.
$600 Stolen From Bradford School Fundraiser
Hundreds of dollars in change were stolen from a local school fundraiser, reported Montclair Local. One of the bins that allowed students to put change in for each grade level was reported missing and it contained approximately $600. The district is aware of the theft and is following all protocols to cooperate with the police.
Montclair State University Study Shows Pollution of Freshwater Lakes
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Salt pollution in freshwater ecosystems is increasing worldwide and a Montclair State University Professor is among a group of scientists collaborating on a study, reported Patch. Matthew Schuler is a professor of Montclair State University and he is a part of a group of scientists across North America and Europe to collaborate through the Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network. The findings show that the lake ecosystems are being negatively affected due to salt pollution.
Pedestrian Struck by Car Making Illegal Left Turn in Montclair
A pedestrian was struck by a car after it made an illegal left turn out of Maple Plaza on Sunday, February 20th, per Montclair Local. A 2021 Porsche Macan allegedly struck a 22-year-old man from Kings Park, New York who was crossing the street where there was no crosswalk. No summonses were issued as a result of the accident.
Bloomfield Farmers Market Seeking Vendors
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The Bloomfield Community Farmers Market is seeking vendors to participate in the expanded market for 2022, per Baristanet. This is following 2021’s successful first season. The market will be held in the courtyard of the Bloomfield Public Library every Tuesday from 3:30-6:30PM beginning July 7th. The farmers market will go through October and the last date will be October 25th.
Montclair Indoor Mask Mandate Ends
Montclair’s Indoor Mask Mandate will be repealed as of 11:59PM on February 28th, reported Baristanet. That means March 1st will be the first day masks will no longer be required in indoor public places. The mandate was originally set to expire at the end of March 2022. The move to rescind the mandate in New Jersey schools will be lifted on March 7th.
2 Stop Signs Installed in Montclair, Taken Down Days Later
Two stop signs were installed last week on Glenridge Avenue, but were taken down on Wednesday, February 23rd, reported Montclair Local. The two stop signs were bagged and taken down due to them not being permitted. The township council has yet to approve the installation of the stop signs.
First Congregational Church in Montclair to Open in Time for Lent
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Montclair-area churches are getting ready for Lent for in-person services for the first time in the pandemic for some people, reported Montclair Local. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday which is March 2nd and it will be in person at the First Congregational Church. This will be the first time it will be in public after two years of virtual-only services.
Montclair Restaurant Fresco Da Franco Gets Liquor License
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A local Montclair restaurant will be now able to serve liquor after receiving the news that their application for their liquor license was approved, reported Tap Into. Fresco Da Franco located on Church Street announced the news on their social media. They announced the news by asking patrons to help choose their cocktail list to serve.
Montclair Police Officer Suspended Following Potentially Racially Motivated Comment
A Montclair Police Officer who made a comment about a “China 19 check” was suspended for 20 days in 2021, reported Montclair Local. Montclair Police have sustained complaints of “improper actions” against Officer Bill Coad. Coad was also suspended for six days for violating the department’s Vehicle Operations and Response Guidelines.
