Every week we bring you the highlights in the news, so readers can stay up-to-date on what is happening in Montclair + surrounding areas. Among the local headlines: a book was returned to the Montclair Public Library 43 years after the due date this week, the planning board approved plans to transform the former Jazz Club in Montclair to a new cafe, Ruthie’s BBQ Thanksgiving menu is now available, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Montclair, Bloomfield, + beyond in Essex County.
Fire at Montclair High School Under Investigation
On Friday, November 12th, a fire broke out at Montclair High School, per NJ.com. Local officials are looking into the fire which allegedly started in the boys bathroom in the main building. Details have not been released regarding injuries to school staff. Superintendent Johnathan Ponds sent out an email saying, “Administrators and security immediately stepped in to contain the situation. Our students and staff knew exactly how to respond by following our emergency fire evacuation procedures, and fire and police departments as well as ambulance units quickly responded to the scene.”
An Update on the Essex-Hudson Greenway, Connecting Montclair + Jersey City
There is now a path forward for the proposed nine-mile linear park and greenway that will connect Jersey City to Montclair. On November 12th, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy approved the state’s purchase of the land that will make up the Essex-Hudson Greenway, a project that will revitalize the abandoned Old Boonton Line, create walking and biking trails, and provide residents easier access to other cities and mass transit. After many years of discussion and debate, this is a significant step forward. Click here to read about the plans and perks of the new nature trail.
Wellmont Arts Plaza Grand Opening Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
The Grand Opening event for the new Wellmont Arts Plaza, located at the intersection of Seymour Street and Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, has been postponed due to weather. The fall bazaar, which was to include artists, artisans, small businesses, and live music, will be rescheduled at a later date.
Best of Montclair 2021 Guide: Nominate Your Favorite Local Businesses
We are SO excited to announce our first annual ‘Best of Montclair 2021 Guide.’ Our sister-site The Hoboken Girl hosts this awards event, and we had to bring it to Montclair to showcase everything that makes this community so special.
The Montclair Girl readers can nominate as many businesses, people, and places for each respective category in the area from now until November 29th. Once we count your votes, we’ll be announcing the top three finalists in each category. At that point, readers vote again to pick the winners.
The finalists will win a decal sticker to display on their storefront and accolades on our website for all to see. There is a wide variety of categories for Montclair, including Best Margarita, Best Fitness Studio, Best Brunch, + many more, so make sure to nominate all the businesses you believe deserve some recognition. Let the nominations begin!
Book Returned to Montclair Library 43 Years After Due Date
A storybook made its way back to Montclair Public Library after 43 years. The Library posted a photo of the 43-year overdue Paddington Bear children’s book on Facebook, alongside a note from the borrower that said, “My apologies for the late return. I guess it’s better late than not returning it at all.” The borrower did not have to pay any late fees.
The Oratorio Society to Host In-Person Concerts Beginning 11/20
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The Oratorio Society of New Jersey will begin performing for in-person audiences again beginning on Saturday, November 20th. The concert will take place at the Union Congregational Church in Montclair and begin at 8PM. The following night the society will perform again at the Historic Grace Church in Newark.
Montclair Brewery Hosting Weekly Women’s Entrepreneur Network Night
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Montclair Brewery is hosting a weekly networking event for women entrepreneurs on Wednesdays at 6:30PM. The Instagram post says, “Last Wednesday we held a Women’s Networking Night and it was such a success that we’ve decided to come back again every Wednesday! If you are running a business, thinking of starting a business, or just interested in meeting people, then the Entrepreneur Networking Night is perfect for you! This week’s event will be from 6:30-9:30pm in our tap room, we’d love to see you here!”
Newark Ceremony Honors Veterans
Residents of Newark honored local veterans and others who have served the country at a ceremony at Essex County Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesday, November 9th, reported Tap Into. US Marine Corps. veteran Mitchell McGuire spoke at the event and expressed gratitude for the big and small sacrifices people have made for the country. McGuire was one of the nine veterans honored at the annual event.
New Summit Health Location Open in Wellmont Arts Plaza in Montclair
Summit Health Medical Center will be one of the first establishments to open in the new Wellmont Arts Plaza, per ROI-NJ. They opened their services to the public, which include 20 primary care and specialty physicians, at a grand opening on Wednesday, November 10th. Summit Health is located on the top two floors of the complex at 1 Seymour Street.
Bobbi Brown to Open Jones Road Flagship Store in Montclair
(Photo credit: Jones Road Team)
Beauty icon, serial entrepreneur, author, health coach, and Montclair resident for the last 30 years – the one and only Bobbi Brown has exciting news for New Jersey: Jones Road is getting a storefront in Montclair. Bobbi’s pandemic-born beauty line, which has gained quite a following over the past year, is opening a brick-and-mortar boutique in the heart of Montclair at 111 Grove Street, on the corner of Walnut and Grove Streets. Click here for a sneak peek of the shop and how it came to be.
Nia Gill Aiming for NJ Senate President Seat
Since former New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney was defeated in the 2021 election, Montclair resident Nia Gill has shown interest in the position, reported New Jersey Globe. Gill represents Clifton, East Orange, Montclair, and Orange, and would be the first woman and person of color to serve as Senate President if elected.
NJ Weekly COVID-19 Cases and Deaths Report Released
Another 1,354 COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths were reported in New Jersey this week, per NJ.com. Cases increased 2% since last week but decreased 20% since last month. Additionally, hospitalizations and transmission rates continue to steadily decline.
Montclair Public Schools Holding Acadience Reading Webinar
In partnership with the Montclair Special Education Advisory Council, Montclair Public Schools will host an event for all students and their caregivers in the district next week, according to Montclair Local. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, November 16th, from 7PM to 8:30PM, where academic officials will discuss the Acadience standardized reading screening. The assessment is intended to identify students who need help with reading.
Former Trumpets Jazz Club to Become New Montclair Cafe
The Montclair Planning Board just approved plans for a new café with outdoor dining to be built in the old Trumpets jazz club building, reported Tap Into. The former jazz club is located at 6 Depot Square in Montclair. Four revisions have been made to the renovation regarding parking, landscaping, and the border wall, with final approval being given this week.
COVID-19 Federal Aid Finally Being Distributed to NJ Transit Agencies
By the end of the year, $14 billion of funding should be distributed to transit agencies in New Jersey, per NJ.com. This decision has come after a 10-month stalemate between tri-state governors concerning federal aid provided because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The money will be split among Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, which will receive $2.66 billion.
Transgender Student Working to Support Preferred Pronouns at Montclair State University
Kai Valdez, a senior at Montclair State University, is speaking up about the harm that faulty roster systems can cause to LGBTQ+ students, according to The Montclarion. When Valdez experienced “deadnaming” (the act of incorrectly referring to someone by their birth name) for the first time at Montclair State University, he took action to make the university more aware of the importance of always keeping rosters updated with students’ preferred names and pronouns. As one of the nation’s top 25 LGBTQ+ friendly universities, Montclair State University faculty and members of the Office of Social Justice and Diversity are raising awareness and holding training events to promote equality for LGBTQ+ students.
Damaged Edgemont Park Bridge in Montclair to be Replaced in 2022
Damage caused by Hurricane Ida has closed the Edgemont Park Bridge, per Montclair Local. The damage included an unsafe incline between the bridge and its adjacent walking paths. Necessary repairs or replacements are expected to be completed in the spring of 2022.
Anthropologie to Host Unwined2020 Pop-Up November 20th in Montclair
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The Anthropologie Montclair Harvest pop-up event is hosting Unwined2020 on Saturday, November 20th, from 11AM to 3PM. Unwined2020 posted about the event on Instagram, and included a photo of the wine bottle vase collection and festive table arrangements that will be on display at the event.
Tickets on Sale for Magical Night Event in Montclair 12/10
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Crystal B. Astrology has teamed up with Moss and More to bring A Magical Night to Montclair on Friday, December 10th. “Engage all your senses as you learn about the story of 2022,” Crystal B. Astrology said in an Instagram post, “and set your intentions to make it your best year yet.” Tickets for this live event are available for purchase online.
Ruthie’s BBQ Pre-Cooked Thanksgiving Menu Now Available
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Ruthie’s Bar-B-Q and Pizza has brought back its famous smoked turkeys and gravy for another Thanksgiving. Ruthie’s posted details about the Thanksgiving BBQ menu on Instagram this week, which includes full and half-smoked oven-ready birds and the classic “fixins” menu.
Popular Bar + Restaurant, Porta, to Open Montclair Location
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That’s right – Porta is officially opening an outpost in Montclair making it the bar + restaurant’s third location in New Jersey in addition to Jersey City and Asbury Park. According to an Instagram post via the new page, Porta will be located in the heart of Montclair at 499 Bloomfield Avenue, the former home to the Social Club, and is currently hiring for salaried positions. Click here for what we know.