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 — the Bloomfield Fire Department certified 35 members as Incident Safety Officers, the Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair has resumed the giveaway program, Newark’s Michelle Obama Elementary began its first week of school, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Montclair, Bloomfield, + beyond in Essex County.
Women’s March to Take Place in Montclair This Weekend — See the Full List of NJ Marches
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Women’s Rights marches were scheduled throughout the country on Saturday, October 2nd, and today Sunday, October 3rd — including in Montclair, New Jersey. The marches throughout the state and country will be held two days before the federal Supreme Court reconvenes regarding the Texas law, which generally bans abortion after six weeks. Click here for details about a march near you.
Kreme & Krumbs to Open New Montclair Location 2022
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Kreme & Krumbs announced this week it has leased a space in The Vestry in Montclair, slated to open in 2022. The post reads, “The count down is real……2022! Before Ida hit we signed our new lease at the @vestrymontclair. The excitement of our new beginning has been pushing US. 💪🏾🖤💛 I am sooo excited to share this great news with our #KremeandKrumbs community. You are why we are pushing through and continuing to grow.” The Vestry is located at 147 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.
Sustainable Verona Announces Cleanup Event
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The community has been invited to join the Sustainable Verona team with a cleanup along the Verona portion of the West Essex Trail. The event will take place on Sunday, October 17th at 9:30AM. The post by Sustainable Verona says, “Please meet in the Verona High School Parking lot. Bring your own water. Disposable gloves, garbage bags and grabbers will be available.”
The Compound Coffee Co. Brings So Cal Vibes to Verona
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Nestled into the back of an office complex is probably the last place you would expect to find a Southern Californian oasis. But The Compound Coffee Company located at 271 Grove Avenue Building C in Verona strives to make itself a place for people to come and relax and find a moment for themselves. Click here to read about this slice of SoCal in Verona.
Jayce Baudry French Pastry Shop Opening Soon in Montclair
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This week Jayce Baudry French Pastry announced it is getting close to opening its doors. The post reads, “Originally from Bordeaux France, pastry chef @jaycebaudry has worked in some of the most renowned establishments in Paris & New York, including the restaurants of @DanielBoulud where he met Rebecca, also a talented pastry chef. After years working in fine pastry, they are excited to welcome you to a shop of their own in the heart of Montclair.” The pastry shop is located at 17 Church Street in Montclair.
Family Promise of Essex to Hold 2021 “Walk for Change” Fundraiser
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Family Promise of Essex will be holding its 2021 “Walk for Change” fundraiser on October 16th and 17th, according to @fpessexnj. The campaign includes several initiatives for raising funds for families experiencing or at risk for homelessness. The goal is to raise $100,000 through sponsorships, event sign-ups, and donations.
New Tech House in Newark to Provide Training + Education
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Newark’s Fairmount neighborhood is now the home of a repurposed Victorian house planning to bring technology training and education resources to underserved residents, Tap Into reports. The center, dubbed “The Tech House” hopes to help disadvantaged residents compete and succeed in the modern global economy. This initiative is headed by the city’s Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the Urban League of Essex County and Newark Fiber.
Court Upholds Newark’s Vaccine Mandate
A state appellate court has upheld the tough vaccination mandate in Newark and city workers must be vaccinated or get fired, according to NJ 1015. The city mandates proof of vaccination and doesn’t allow for the option of regular testing, or the city employees face termination. The executive order by Mayor Ras Baraka does allow religious and medical exemptions.
Newark’s Michelle Obama Elementary Begins 1st School Year
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Superintendent Roger León officially opened the Michelle Obama Elementary School, Patch reports. The school is named in honor of the former First Lady, and currently houses students in pre-kindergarten to second grade. Every year it’s in service, the school will grow one grade until it reaches eight grade.
Cyclists Show Support for Essex Hudson Greenway
More than 150 cyclists biked from Newark to Trenton to raise awareness and show support for the Essex Hudson Greenway on Sunday, reports Baristanet. The proposed greenway would create an 11 mile stretch of outdoor recreation space in Montclair, ending in Jersey City. The bikers are urging Governor Murphy to take action in order to raise funds.
Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair to Resume Giveaway Program
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The Human Needs Food Pantry of Montclair is resuming its “Upstairs” giveaway program this October, according to its Instagram account. Once a month, clients can get free household goods and clothes for men, women, and children. There are also linens and kitchen supplies donated by the community. Essex County residents must be registered at the food pantry to shop the “Upstairs” program.
Kearny Woman Leads Police Chase in Stolen Truck
On Tuesday, September 28th around 5PM the Montclair Police Department broke off a car chase due to public safety concerns and called in the assistance of surrounding departments, according to Patch. The driver in question was 36-year-old Vanessa Shaarawy from Kearny. The police report said, “West Caldwell police reported that they had located the vehicle abandoned on the side of the road, as well as a female nearby matching Cassella’s description of the operator. Cassella responded to West Caldwell and placed the driver under arrest.” The driver was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and stolen jewelry.
Middle School Teacher Stops Runaway SUV
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A health and physical education teacher at Soehl Middle School thought quickly and was able to stop a runaway SUV headed for a group of schoolchildren, reports Montclair State University. Valerie Tauriello, the teacher in question, noticed the car start to roll and jumped into action, leaping into the car to reach the brake. Tauriello accomplished this while wearing a protective boot from an ankle injury.
Montclair High School Staircase Closed After Damaged Step Discovered
A Montclair High School staircase was closed Thursday while professionals assessed the damaged step, Montclair Local reports. The staircase has since been reopened and repairs will begin shortly.
Montclair Reveals New Sculpture Park
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Montclair’s first sculpture park opened on Friday, October 1st at 6PM, featuring eight works by four North Jersey artists, per Baristanet. The park is located at the corner of Hillside Avenue and Orange Road in Montclair and is the vision of Montclair artist and blacksmith Charlie Spademan. The sculpture park has been in development since last spring.
Bloomfield Fire Department Certifies 35 Members as Incident Safety Officers
The Bloomfield Fire Department trained and certified 35 members as Incident Safety Officers in a 16-hour course developed by the National Fire Academy, per Tap Into. The course examines the safety officers’ role in emergency responses, focuses on operations within an incident command system, and emphasizes the response to hazard situations.
The Many Saints of Newark’s Nontraditional Release
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“The Many Saints of Newark: A Sopranos Story,” is having an unconventional release, according to NJ.com. The movie will be made available to HBO Max subscribers on October 1st at 3AM. Friday is also the day it will premiere in theaters, so HBO Max subscribers have the option to watch it from their homes on release day.
Montclair Teachers Gain Small Salary Raise
Montclair Education Association leaders and Montclair Board of Education members have worked to collaborate and negotiate the 2021-2022 teacher’s contract, setting a salary increase of 3.17%, according to Montclair Local. The new contract is valid from July 1st, 2021 through June 30th, 2022. Members from both sides appreciated the collaborative spirit and lack of conflict during the negotiations.
Montclair Run Returns Saturday, October 9th
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After canceling last year’s event due to COVID-19, the Montclair YMCA announced it is bringing back the Montclair Run on Saturday, October 9th, via Instagram. The proceeds will benefit the YMCA’s chronic disease programs. Individuals and families are encouraged to wear costumes, as there will be a costume contest.
