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: Newark Airport sets a new record for rainfall in a single day; Montclair State University welcomes its largest incoming class in history; Bloomfield launches Tuesday Farmers Market, and so much more. Keep reading for all the news you missed this week in Montclair, Bloomfield, + beyond in Essex County.
Local Schools Suffer Storm Damage + Flooding
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Four Essex County schools, including Hillside Elementary and Montclair High School, experienced flooding and damage this week during Ida, per Montclair Local. Local safety officials have assessed the damage and have taken measures to restore the buildings. The Montclair Fire Department worked to pump water out of Hillside Elementary. At this point, schools are still expected to open on Thursday, September 9th.
Efi’s Gyro Now Open in Montclair
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Efi’s Gyro recently opened at 521 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. The shop serves authentic Greek cuisine including, koulouri, gyros, Greek rice pudding, and hummus.
Montclair Jazz Festival Grand Finale Downtown Concert Scheduled for 25th
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On Saturday, September 25th the Montclair Jazz Festival will hold its Grand Finale Downtown Jamboree. According to the Instagram post by Montclair Jazz Festival, the event will feature “150 artists — internationally acclaimed headliners, regional favorites and emerging talent.” All of whom will perform on four stages spanning an all-pedestrian Bloomfield Avenue in downtown Montclair, from Lackawanna Plaza to South Park Street.
Skating Rink Project in Newark Violates Law
State officials have said Newark illegally spent $5 million on a skating rink renovation, per NJ.com. Instead of opening up the project for a bid, Newark gave a $5.4 million contract to a group associated with the New Jersey Devils. This may have led taxpayers to spend more on the project.
Montclair Art Museum to Require Proof of Vaccination
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The Montclair Art Museum announced a new policy for entrance. Guests over 12 will be required to prove a COVID-19 vaccine or a negative PCR test, according to Tap Into. The MAM is set to reopen on September 12th. Face masks are also required for all guests, regardless of vaccination status.
Studio Montclair Features “Inspired by an Object”
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Studio Montclair presents “Inspired by an Object” at both Montclair Art Museum’s Vance Wall Art Education Gallery and Studio Montclair Gallery, per the @mammontclair Instagram account. The exhibit will run from September 10th to October 15th. It’s the fourth exhibit in Studio Montclair’s Community Partnership Exhibition Program.
Montclair to Provide Special Trash Collection for Flood Damaged Items
As the storm Ida caused plenty of flooding damage this week, the Township of Montclair will be providing a special collection of flood-damaged items on September 11th, according to Baristanet. The collection will be by appointment only. Those in need of a pickup can schedule an appointment at 973-509-5711 no later than September 10th at noon.
Essex County College Implements Vaccine and Mask Mandates
Essex County College will now require all faculty and students to get the COVID-19 vaccine and require masks indoors, Patch reports. The college required all eligible students, faculty, and staff to provide proof of vaccination by September 1st. All unvaccinated students, staff, and faculty will need to be tested on a weekly basis.
Montclair Rent Moratorium Ending
The 18-month rent moratorium due to the economic challenges of COVID-19 has begun a phased ending, reports Tap Into. New Jersey households that are considered middle-income can be evicted as of September 1st while the moratorium will continue until December 31st for low-to-moderate-income families.
No, The Animals at the Turtleback Zoo Didn’t Escape — But the Tweets Are Hilarious
With animals fleeing the Turtle Back Zoo tonight, Im going to wake up to this in my backyard tomorrow morning pic.twitter.com/rVJbU1h76g
— Ryan🤌🏽 (@hischierforprez) September 2, 2021
A rumor circulated the Twitter universe on September 2nd that the Turtleback Zoo’s animals had escaped and were running all around Essex County. It started on Twitter during flooding from Ida in Montclair and the surrounding areas and rapidly gained traction around the internet. But, just so you know — it’s a rumor. Click here to read the tweets.
Newark Sets New Rainfall Record for Single Day with Help From Ida
Hurricane Ida, while causing devastating flooding and widespread destruction, also crushed a rainfall record at Newark Liberty International Airport, NJ.com reports. Ida drenched Newark with 8.41 inches of rain on Wednesday, the most rain recorded on a single calendar day since 1931. The previous record was 6.73 inches.
WellCare of New Jersey Now Requires Vaccine for All Employees
The parent company of WellCare of New Jersey, a Newark-based health care company, has rolled out a series of vaccine mandates, per Patch. All employees who conduct in-home visits or clinical facility visits are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. A separate policy applies to workers who don’t deal with the public.
Newark Honors Organ Transplant Nonprofit
A new flag was raised in front of City Hall honoring the NJ Sharing Network’s efforts in working for the recovery and placement of donated organs and tissue, according to Tap Into. The city also presented the nonprofit with an official proclamation recognizing its work. Nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents are currently waiting for a life-saving transplant.
Largest Incoming Class at Montclair State University History Begins the Semester
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Montclair State University welcomed 3,619 first-year students to campus for the fall semester, making it the largest incoming class in 113 years, or the University’s history, reports Montclair State University. The class is 14% larger than the previous record and a 16% jump from the fall of 2020. The incoming class represents 32 states and 11 countries.
Essex County to Hold Solemn Ceremony Marking 9/11 Anniversary
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Essex County will hold a solemn ceremony at Eagle Rock Reservation honoring the 20th anniversary of 9/11, per Patch. The ceremony will be held on September 11th at 8AM, open to the public, and streamed live. The ceremony will include family members who lost a loved one in the tragedies, elected officials and clergy members from different faiths, memorial wreaths, and a flag-raising.
Bloomfield Public Library Announces Tablet Rental Program
The Bloomfield Public Library is beginning its “Tablets on Loan” program, Baristanet reports. Library cardholders who are at least 18 are now able to borrow Fire HD 10 tablets. The tablets are available for use within the library or the 14-day loan period.
Grant Helps Montclair State Students Obtain Passports to Study Abroad
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Montclair State University received an award through the Institute for International Education to help first-year students get their passports and study abroad, per Montclair State University. The grant supports students with financial needs and helps them with the expensive process of obtaining a U.S. passport so they can study abroad. Eligibility is limited to first-year students and the application deadline is October 1st.
Bloomfield to Launch Tuesday Farmer’s Market
Bloomfield will launch a Community Farmer’s Market, starting on Tuesday, September 21st, according to Patch. The market will be held in the Bloomfield Public Library Courtyard. It will run on Tuesdays from 3:30PM to 6:30PM, and will feature a community spotlight table that helps Bloomfield small businesses to gain attention.
