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: Green Way Market is now open in Maplewood Village, the Bloomfield Police Department honored a detective who died of COVID-19, Sara Karloff visited Montclair for the Annual Fright Film Fest, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Montclair, Bloomfield, + beyond in Essex County.
Jayce Baudry French Pastry Opening 11/1 in Downtown Montclair
Jayce Baudry French Pastry, a French patisserie, will soon be joining the ranks of Church Street retailers starting tomorrow, Monday, November 1st. The bakery is owned by a husband-and-wife team and will bring classic baked goods like tarts, eclairs, and macarons, as well as ice cream, coffee, tea, and more to downtown Montclair. Beyond the classics, the menu also features gluten-free and vegan items. Click here to read about owner Jayce Baudry and the new shop opening this week.
Tops Diner Reopens in East Newark
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New Jersey is known for having the best diners in the country and we love it when a go-to spot like family-owned Tops Diner in East Newark gets a new look. Located at 500 Passaic Avenue, this diner closed in 2020 for an extensive renovation. Established in 1942, Tops has been a staple in the Newark area for a long time and is now open again for indoor dining and delivery.
Green Way Market Now Open in Maplewood Village
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On Sunday, October 24th the Green Way Market in Maplewood Village held a grand opening event at 10AM. The ribbon-cutting event was followed by a block party with food and giveaways. The market is located at 159 Maplewood Avenue.
Manhattan Juice Bar Opens New Location in Bloomfield
Manhattan Juice Bar and Café has officially opened its second location, located at 1033 Broad Street in Bloomfield. The fresh-squeezed juice bar opened in mid-October. The café prides itself on serving Montclair residents healthy food and a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Manhattan Juice Bar & Café 2 is open Monday through Friday from 8AM – 7PM and Saturday and Sunday from 9AM – 7PM.
Tickets Released for Guster Winter Tour at Wellmont Theater
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The Wellmont Theater announced this week that tickets are now available for the Guster Winter Tour happening on Friday, January 14th. The concert will take place at the Wellmont Theater located at 5 Seymour Street in Montclair.
Newark Fall Community Plant Donation Event 11/6
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The Newark Downtown District is partnering with the City of Newark and Greater Newark Conservancy to donate seasonal plant material from the city planters back to the Newark community. The Instagram post reads, “If you are interested in giving these plants a new home, please join us at the Hawthorne Avenue Farm on Saturday, November 6th from 9AM to 1PM.”
Miracle on Centre Santa Event in Nutley Announced for 11/22
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Miracle on Centre announced this year’s event will be happening on Monday, November 22nd at Cowan’s Pub in Nutley. This Christmas Cocktail Bar will kick off at 4PM and runs through Friday, December 31st.
In-Person Movies Return at Montclair Film Festival
There was a full house at the Montclair Film Festival kick-off last Thursday, reported Montclair Local. The Festival celebrated its 10-year anniversary as friends and neighbors filled up the sold-out movie theater. Montclair has been considered a “pacesetter” for other cities as 90% of the population over the age of 18 has been vaccinated, making events like this possible. The festival will continue through Saturday, October 30th.
Bloomfield Police Department Honors Detective Who Died of COVID-19
Photo Credit: Bloomfield Division of Public Safety via Facebook
On Wednesday, October 27th the Bloomfield Police Department honored Detective James Peri who passed away following a battle with COVID-19. The post reads, “This morning, members of the Bloomfield Police Department, along with many outside agencies, said our final goodbyes to Bloomfield Detective James Peri. Detective Peri was a police officer for 15 years. Prior to becoming a Bloomfield Police Officer, he proudly served as a member of the Passaic Police Department. Detective Peri leaves behind his beloved wife, 2 children, family, and many friends. May you Rest In Peace #432.”
“Absolute Abstraction” On Display at Studio Montclair Gallery
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Starting Friday, October 29th, the exhibit titled “Absolute Abstraction” will be on display at Studio Montclair Gallery, according to New Jersey Stage. Forty-nine artists contributed to the completely non-representational art display, said to encourage interpretive freedom for the viewer without outside influence. There will be an opening reception on Sunday, October 31st from 2PM – 4:30PM, and the exhibit will run until Tuesday, November 30th.
Donors Buy Silent Disco Tickets for Fundraiser to Save Montclair Local
Donors are buying tickets for the “Save Montclair Local” silent disco on Halloween night, per Montclair Local. The nonprofit newsroom Montclair Local has been campaigning for funds to stay afloat. Ticket donors are providing event tickets to families that otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford to go. Montclair Local is aiming to raise $230,000 this quarter in order to continue operations. You can still purchase tickets for the event taking place on Sunday, October 31st from 6PM – 9PM.
Montclair State University Holds 8th Annual Women Entrepreneurship Week
On Wednesday, October 22nd, Montclair State University celebrated the kick-off of its 8th annual Women Entrepreneurship Week to encourage future female business owners, per a press release. Dozens of female business owners, including cosmetics giant Bobbi Brown, spoke about their experiences in the business world. Students and employees from 250 universities and 40 countries participated in this global event.
Montclair Menstrual Club Supplies Local High School Bathrooms with Hygiene Products
The student-run organization Montclair Menstrual Club is supplying Montclair High School bathrooms with menstrual hygiene products in an effort to “de-stigmatize menstruation,” according to Montclair Local. After years of working towards this initiative, the students placed colorful boxes filled with hygiene products in restrooms so students would always have resources rather than having to ask a school nurse, stranger, or classmate for products. The group of students is not affiliated with the school, but have had a positive influence on their peers and the community.
Obama Boosts Murphy Campaign in Newark Rally
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Former President Barack Obama made a visit to Newark on Saturday, October 23rd, to rally voters for incumbent Gov. Phil Murphy, reported the New Jersey Globe. Obama and Murphy have been allies for years, during which Obama says Murphy has done New Jersey proud. “I’m here today, New Jersey, because I believe you will make the right choice,” Obama said. “I believe you’re going to show the rest of the country and the world that we’re not going to indulge our worst instincts… We’re going to move forward.”
2 New Board Members Join Montclair Domestic Violence Awareness Group
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Montclair locals Gretchen Sheffield and Jean Warsager recently joined the board of Montclair’s domestic violence awareness group, Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (S.O.F.I.A.), according to Baristanet. Both women have a combined 40 years of experience in the corporate and nonprofit industries. A love of entrepreneurship, event planning, and the community are what motivated them to serve in this capacity.
Bloomfield College Calls Public to Action During Financial Crisis
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Without financial help from the public, Bloomfield College risks closure after 153 years, reported CBS New York. Enrollment at the college has been down over the past few years, which dropped even lower during the pandemic. Bloomfield College is now reaching out to the public to help it during this financial crisis so that it may continue to serve the racially diverse community that resides there.
State to Provide $161M for Montclair Quality of Life Improvements
On Tuesday, October 26th, local officials announced that Montclair will be one of the New Jersey towns to receive funding from the state, according to Patch. The $161 million funding package will go towards road and bridge safety, and quality of life improvements.
Montclair Public Library Selected for Access Navigators Program
Twelve public libraries in New Jersey have been selected for the New Jersey Library Association’s Access Navigators Program, and the Montclair Public Library is one of them, according to Baristanet. Libraries around the nine counties in New Jersey applied for this opportunity. The association will provide each of the 12 libraries with trainers, or “Navigators,” to assist patrons with technology, business, and employment needs.
Montclair Public Schools Provide COVID-19 Update
Montclair public school superintendent Jonathan Ponds provided updates on desk shields, COVID-19 case data, pooled testing, and travel guidance, reported Patch. At this time in the school year, students will be using desk shields on a voluntary basis and begin pooled testing on Monday, October 25th. Cases of COVID-19 will also be updated on a new dashboard, and Ponds directed students and parents to CDC recommendations for holiday travel plans.
Sara Karloff Visits Montclair for Annual Fright Film Fest
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Sara Karloff visited Montclair during the 90th anniversary national tour for the 1931 film ‘Frankenstein,’ per Baristanet. During her visit on Tuesday, October 26th, Karloff hosted TV34’s annual Fright Film Fest and attended the premiere of “Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster.” There, Ilmar Vanderer, local horror film expert, interviewed Karloff about the life, work, and legacy of her father, the actor who portrayed Frankenstein.
Montclair High School Radio Announces New Podcast
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Montclair Radio, based at Montclair High School, announced a new podcast this week via Instagram. “Montclair Radio is proud to present President Anna Brubaker’s personal project, and podcast ‘Humans of Montclair’. The podcast is aimed to document the lives of Montclair residents, entrepreneurs, and students living in a post-pandemic world. Anna had the opportunity to interview Aaron Reznik and Matt Slowinski, Co-Directors and founders of First Serve Tennis.”
Blonde Label Hair Salon Holds Grand Opening in Montclair
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Owner Jenn Davis celebrated the grand opening of her hair salon, The Blonde Label, last week. The @heytheremontclair account shared a series of photos of the ribbon cutting on Instagram. You can find the Blonde Label at 51 Upper Montclair Plaza in Montclair.
Montclair Police Host Annual Trunk-or-Treat
The Montclair Police Department will host its 4th annual Trunk-or-Treat event on Halloween night, according to Tap Into. The event will take place at 647 Bloomfield Avenue in the rear parking lot on Sunday, October 31st, at 4PM.
Kal Penn Coming to Montclair for Book Release
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Watchung Booksellers will hold a virtual event to commemorate the release of Montclair native Kal Penn’s memoir “You Can’t Be Serious,” per Baristanet. On Friday, November 5th, at 7PM, Penn will be joined by another special guest to discuss his multifaceted life journey as a writer, actor, farmhand, professor, and political consultant.
