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 School District aims to provide each student with a laptop; Dwayne Wade stopped by Cornbread in Maplewood; the Bloomfield Superintendent has been awarded Superintendent of the Year; and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Montclair, Bloomfield, + beyond in Essex County:
Montclair Art Museum to Reopen in September with Fall Fest
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The Montclair Art Museum is set to reopen in September, according to an Instagram post. To celebrate, the museum is hosting a festival on September 18th from 10AM to 10PM. The post reads, “Come celebrate our amazing community and the Museum’s reopening at this day-long free festival on September 18! Enjoy new exhibitions, live music, yoga, performances, drop-in art classes, food, kids’ storytime — and a whole lot of FUN for all ages! Fall Fest is presented by TD Bank.”
Blue Steel Pizza Company: Bloomfield’s Newest Hotspot
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Featuring Detroit-style pizza and an eclectic menu of cuisines from around the world, Blue Steel Pizza Company is a welcome addition to the Bloomfield food scene. Blue Steel opened in August of 2020 and has since become a popular spot for imaginative cocktails and food. Click here to read about this self-described scratch kitchen, cocktail parlor, and pizzeria.
New Montclair App for Reporting Potholes
A new citizen request management app has been released that allows Montclair citizens to report potholes and other town problems without making a phone call, Baristanet reports. REPORT-IT-2-MTC comes from QScend Technologies, Inc., and is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Montclair School District Aims to Provide Laptops for Every Student
The Montclair school district is starting a new technology initiative in the fall, with the goal of providing every student with a school-issued laptop, according to Montclair Local. The district purchased 3,700 devices with federal loans for students in grades six through 12 that are set to arrive in August. The goal of the school district is to provide technological access for all students.
Governor Murphy Visits Bloomfield
Governor Phil Murphy visited Bloomfield on Thursday to sign a legislative package protecting New Jersey families from lead poisoning, per Tap Into. The event was scheduled for 11 a.m. The Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Olivia Glenn, Senator Teresa Ruiz, Deputy Assembly Speaker Gary Schaer, Bloomfield Mayor Mike Venezia and Isles, Inc. CEO Sean Jackson joined the governor for the signing.
YMCA of Montclair Brings in 2 New Board Members
The YMCA of Montclair has added two new members to its board of directors, according to Barista Net. The members were recently elected in June for terms of three years. The new board members are Risa Cretella, a Caldwell resident, and Lisa Indovino, a Little Falls resident.
Montclair Township Council Meeting Highlights
The Montclair Township Council met remotely to consider ordinances and resolutions, reports Tap Into. The Council amended cannabis dispensary locations and approved two ordinances; one to provide funding for sewer improvement and the other to provide funds for improvements to the water system. Some residents attended to comment on proposals for more school officers.
Montclair’s First Walking, Biking Path Delayed
Plans to seek funding for what would be Montclair’s first designated biking and walking path have been postponed, according to Montclair Local. The Township Council discussed the resolution that would have allowed Montclair to apply for a grant to create the “shared-use path” on July 13. The vote was expected at a July 20 meeting, but concerns were raised about not having enough time for community input. The resolution was pulled from consideration.
Health Companies Take Space at Bloomfield’s Broad Street
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Affiliated Healthcare Management and Sierra Health Services have acquired a 12,000-square-foot office lease on Broad Street, ROI reports. The property has been recently renovated and showcases unique architectural features. It also serves as CHA Partners’ corporate headquarters in Bloomfield.
Bloomfield Superintendent Chosen as Superintendent of the Year
Bloomfield Superintendent Salvatore Goncalves was chosen as Essex County Superintendent of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year, according to Tap Into. The award is issued annually to a superintendent exhibiting leadership for learning, communication, professionalism, and active participation in community involvement.
Bloomfield Town Council to Hold Special Meeting on Marijuana
Bloomfield’s Town Council will hold a special meeting to discuss a recreational marijuana business ordinance, reports NorthJersey.com. During the recent meeting, the council decided to make several changes to the ordinance, including recommending a 200-foot buffer to schools and houses of worship from where cannabis would be sold.
Section of Pine Street in Montclair to be Renamed
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Starting in the fall, a section of Pine Street will be renamed to Aquilona Way, honoring the town’s sister city, Aquilona, Italy, per Montclair Local. The Montclair Township Council approved a first reading of the ordinance that would give the honorary name to the stretch between Claremont Avenue and Grant Street. The measure would be enacted after a second reading and a vote.
Bloomfield Fire Department Promotes 5 firefighters and Swears in 7
The Bloomfield Fire Department promoted two members to Deputy Chief, three to Fire Captain and swore in seven new members, according to Tap Into. Wojciech Masiak and Joseph Coletta were promoted to Deputy Chief and Joseph Calleros, Brian Griffin and Timothy McCulloch were promoted to Fire Captain. The new firefighters sworn in were Robert Froysland, William Gaona, Jacob Nicolaou, Stephen Todaro, Peter Carrara, Daniel Treacy and Mark Rosetti. These firefighters were hired in 2020 but were only recently able to have the ceremony because of the pandemic.
AAPI Montclair Presents Family Movie Night
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AAPI Montclair is hosting a Family Movie Night at Lackawanna Plaza on July 30th, according to an Instagram post. The showing of Disney’s Moana will begin at sunset. Participants are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and come ready to enjoy pre-show music, dancing, and crafts for kids. Food and concessions will be available for purchase.
Registration Open for July’s Friday on the Farm
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Montclair Community Farms posted on Instagram that registration is now open for July’s Friday on the Farm event. The event will be July 30 from 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for kids under 12 years, and free for kids under 2 years of age.
MC Hotel Hosting Job Fair in Montclair
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In an Instagram post, the MC Hotel announced a job fair on August 3rd to find employees for its open positions. The hotel is located in Montclair and has server positions, bartender positions, food runner positions, server assistant positions, busser positions, cook positions, guest service ambassador positions, bar manager positions, and many others available. The fair will be 10AM to 1PM at ALTO on the rooftop bar.
New Boutique Now Open in Montclair
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An Instagram post announced a new boutique in Montclair, Kaight Shop. Kaight Shop sells clothing, accessories, and more in Beacon, NY, and now, Montclair. The shop is located at 594 Valley Road.
Dwayne Wade Stopped by Cornbread in Maplewood
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Dwayne Wade recently stopped by Cornbread in Maplewood, according to this Instagram post. The caption reads, “Special thank you to @dwyanewade for stopping by cornbread.”
Montclair PSE&G Promises to Respond Quickly to Power Outages
There have been quite a few Montclair blackouts already this summer, and PSE&G officials can’t guarantee there won’t be any more, but they promise to respond quickly, according to Montclair Local. The summer heat has been causing a lot of mechanical failures recently, so there’s no guarantee that problems won’t continue to occur.
