The end of “brat” summer is right around the corner as the Garden State got a nice taste of some “demure” fall weather this week. It’s been another busy week in Essex County and we’ve got all the news to keep you up to date. Among the highlights: Montclair State University launches four new online degree programs; Montclair’s historic Studio Players floods for a second time in recent history; and Paterson’s first healthy corner store has its grand opening. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending August 25th, 2024.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Montclair Library Welcomes New Director with ‘Expansive Vision’
- Montclair State University Launches 4 New Online Degree Programs
- Newark to Provide Grant Money to Local Artists
- Mountainside Medical Center Earns Awards for Treating Stroke Patients
- Children’s Park in Newark Reopens After $1M Summertime Facelift
- Maplewood Approves PILOT for Affordable Housing Project
- A Better Market Opens in Paterson
- Free ‘Walking Buddy’ Club to Begin Again in Livingston
- A New Luxury Multifamily Community Opens in Montclair
- Montclair Library Faces Broken HVAC System
Montclair Library Welcomes New Director with ‘Expansive Vision’
Montclair officially welcomed Radwa Ali, its new director of library services, on Thursday, August 1st. Radwa’s earlier experience as a frequent visitor to her local library in Plainsboro, New Jersey, after immigrating there from Egypt at seven years old shaped her love for libraries and their role in community building. She comes to Montclair most recently from Roxbury, New Jersey, where she was also the library director. Radwa is looking to expand the library’s programming to include more activities and groups not typically associated with the library as she wants to “fill specific gaps in ways that only the library can,” per Montclair Local. The new director is looking forward to increasing circulation numbers since she is focused on making the library as expansive a place as possible.
Montclair State University Launches 4 New Online Degree Programs
Montclair State University has recently launched four new fully online degree programs for students seeking a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The new programs include an online bachelor’s in psychology, an online bachelor’s in business administration, an online master’s in accounting, and an online master’s in social work (MSW), respectively. Students in these online programs will receive comprehensive support with access to advising and career resources. According to the university’s website, these flexible online options will become available in fall 2024 and 2025.
Montclair Board of Education Approves 5-Year Strategic Plan
The Montclair Board of Education voted to approve five-year strategic planning goals for the District on Monday, August 12th. These goals came out of a series of strategic planning forums that involved the community in shaping the plan. According to Montclair Local, the goal areas include achievement for all (including staff success), community engagement and communication, operations and systems, and a safe and healthy equitable learning environment. A strategic planning summary report was presented at the meeting by Charlene Peterson, a representative from the New Jersey School Boards Association, and Montclair’s interim superintendent Damen Cooper. The next step is the work on the plan’s action steps which will be put in motion at the August Administrative Retreat.
Montclair Film Announces Artwork for 13th Annual Montclair Film Festival
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Montclair Film announced its artist for the 13th annual Montclair Film Festival on Monday, August 19th. New Jersey local artist Kevin Scott Cosme created the art for this year’s festival. He created colorful images of people joyfully absorbing the cinematic energy and culture that surrounds them by combining his origins in graffiti art with an artistic manipulation of photographic portraits, per a press release from Frank PR. Montclair Film Festival 2024 will take place from Friday, October 18th through Sunday, October 27th, 2024.
Newark to Provide Grant Money to Local Artists
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka recently announced the allocation of $750,000 in funding to support a fourth round of grants through the Division of Arts and Cultural Affairs Creative Catalyst Fund. According to Patch Newark, this grant will provide artists and cultural groups with flexible grant support for arts and cultural activities for the rest of the year. The funds will be administered in partnership with Invest Newark. Since its launch, the Creative Catalyst Fund has distributed more than 400 grants totaling $2.35 million to artists and organizations for programs that have paid thousands of artists for their work supporting their projects. The deadline to apply for grants is at 11:59PM on Monday, September 9th.
Christine Valmy Opens New Cosmetology School in Wayne
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Christine Valmy, owner and operator of renowned educational institutions in the field of beauty including the first and longest-running esthetics school in the United States, announced on Tuesday, August 13th, the grand opening of a newly constructed location in Wayne, New Jersey, at for Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics + Cosmetology. The 20,000-square-foot facility is its largest school yet located next to the Willowbrook Mall at 201 Willowbrook Blvd, Floor 8 in the Willowbrook Center. Lessons in skin care, hair styling, and manicures will be taught in spacious and dedicated classrooms with modern amenities to meet the needs of each curriculum, per a press release from the school.
Mountainside Medical Center Earns Awards for Treating Stroke Patients
Hackensack Meridian Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair recently earned recognition from the American Heart Association for treating patients who have suffered strokes. The hospital received the association’s “Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus” award, which recognizes “its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines — ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability,” per Patch Montclair. The hospital has also received the American Heart Association’s Target: Stroke Honor Roll award and its Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award.
New Dean Hired at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University
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Theodorea Regina Berry was recently announced as the new dean of Bloomfield College of Montclair State University following a national hiring search. According to Patch Montclair, she previously served as Vice Provost and Dean of the College of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Theodorea will take over as the new dean on Monday, September 2nd.
Children’s Park in Newark Reopens After $1M Summertime Facelift
On Friday, August 16th, several local officials and community members gathered for a ceremony to mark the reopening of the Fairmount Heights Children’s Village Park, located at South 9th Street and 12th Avenue in Newark. The $1 million renovation project includes new playground equipment, checker and chess tables, and a water sprinkler to keep children cool during the summer. According to Patch Newark, funds for the latest round of improvements are credited to the Mars Wrigley Foundation, Victoria Foundation, United Airlines, and the New Jersey Devils. Fundraising continues for a mural design and security cameras.
Montclair’s Historic Studio Players Flooded for a Second Time
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The unexpected storm that hit northern New Jersey on the evening of Sunday, August 28th, has impacted Montclair’s Studio Players located at 14 Alvin Place in Upper Montclair. The space was flooded for the second time in recent years. The storm wrecked its shop, prop storage, furniture storage, and boiler as flood waters rose to three-and-a-half feet, per the Studio’s website. The studio is asking for donations as they have helped restore the over 120-year-old building.
Maplewood Approves PILOT for Affordable Housing Project
The Maplewood Township Committee greenlighted a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement for an affordable housing project on Tiffany Place at its recent meeting on Tuesday, August 6th. According to Patch Maplewood, the affordable housing project consists of two newly constructed units; one two-bedroom unit and one three-bedroom unit that will be leased to families earning less than 30% of the area median income. The project has also received additional funding through a $920,500 grant from the National Housing Trust Fund through the State of NJ and a $300,000 loan from the Nonprofit Finance Fund. Officials declared that the PILOT is structured so that the township will collect no less than $7,000 per year in taxes for the first 15 years of the PILOT, followed by regular increases in years for another 15 years toward full taxation.
Fall 2024 Community Meetings to be Held by Montclair Officials
A series of community meetings hosted by township elected officials will take place in Montclair in the upcoming weeks. The first meeting took place on Thursday, August 22nd at 6:30PM, and the other two meetings will take place on Wednesday, September 4th at 6:30PM, and September 17th at both 6PM and 8PM, per Patch Montclair. Each meeting will take place at different locations throughout the township which can be viewed at the post above.
New 20-Unit Development on Elizabeth Avenue Approved in Newark
The Central Planning Board recently approved an application to revitalize two adjacent lots at 142-144 Elizabeth Avenue in Newark. According to Jersey Digs, the 5,536-square-foot property has sat empty for many years before the project came courtesy of S.A.T. Urban Renewal, who acquired the property from the city. The land is just two blocks north of Schleifer Memorial Park and two blocks east of the Shabazz Stadium complex. The ground floor of the building includes approximately 1,560 square feet of space that can be split between as many as four storefronts.
A Better Market Opens in Paterson
A Better Market, the city’s first healthy corner store located at 215 Rosa Parks Boulevard, had its grand opening yesterday, August 24th. Its mission is to provide fresh, locally sourced produce and goods, promote a healthy lifestyle, and support local farmers and small businesses. This new venture was spearheaded by Shana Manradge, a lifelong resident of Paterson who has spent over 20 years in the medical field and was inspired by personal experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Better Market will focus on 85% fresh produce and fresh chicken and eggs, with the remaining 15% dedicated to household staples like sauces, rice, pasta, and cleaning products, per TAPinto Paterson. The store also aims to be “significantly” more affordable than larger supermarkets.
Montclair Residents Advocate for Road + Pedestrian Safety to Essex County Commissioners
On Wednesday, August 14th, Montclair residents presented concerns about road and pedestrian safety at a meeting of the Essex County Board of County Commissioners at Montclair’s municipal building. Paul Mickiewicz, the current president of Bike and Walk Montclair and a member of Montclair’s Vision Zero task force, said Essex County is ranked number one in New Jersey for roadway fatalities for pedestrians. Paul also commented about how the current Essex County Complete Streets resolution that passed in April 2012 hasn’t been effective. Commissioner Murray Thomas spoke on the board’s support for pedestrian safety and protective bike lanes. According to Montclair Local, Essex County still ranks in the top 10 counties for pedestrians killed in crashes.
Free ‘Walking Buddy’ Club to Begin Again in Livingston
The Livingston Health Department will start providing a free Walking Club again this fall. The Club will meet on Fridays from 10AM-11AM from September 20th through November 8th, 2024, to walk 1.75 miles around the reservoir at the South Mountain Recreation Complex (weather permitting), located at 560 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Participants will meet in the free public parking lot at McLoone’s Boathouse located at 9 Cherry Lane, per the township’s website. The Walking Club is free and open to adults over the age of 18. Pre-registration for the Walking Club is required and interested patrons should contact the Health Educator at [email protected].
Montclair Library Faces Broken HVAC System
New Montclair Public Library director Radwa Ali announced that the library’s HVAC techs performed an “open heart surgery of sorts” this week on the system. This allowed the main library to open again with a functioning, but not fully capable, system. Radwa received a quote for a temporary chiller on Wednesday, August 21st, at a cost of $19,500 per month and stated it would need to be in place until at least mid-October, per Montclair Local. The library, which usually serves as Montclair’s main cooling center during the summer, has already been hit quite hard this year with emergency HVAC and elevator repair bills. One possible solution is a direct install program with PSE&G where there are incentives to bring down the cost and to spread the payments over five years.
A New Luxury Multifamily Community Opens in Montclair
The Hampshire Companies (a full-service, private real estate investment, and development firm) and The Pinnacle Companies (a privately held regional real estate development firm) recently announced the opening of The Clair: a 40-unit luxury multifamily community located at 37 Orange Road in Montclair. Designed by Minno + Wasko, The Clair’s studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments are built around the needs of today’s apartment residents with open floorplans, high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets, stainless steel appliances, and kitchen pantries, per a press release from R&J Strategic Communications. Residents can also enjoy a comprehensive amenities package that includes valet parking, package service, community wi-fi, EV charging stations, a clubhouse and business center, an outdoor courtyard complete with grills, a roof terrace, and in-unit house cleaning. OceanFirst Bank provided financing for The Clair.
Hanukkah Events + Treats in New Jersey for 2024
Hannukah, also known as Chanukah or the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which took place in the 2nd Century BCE. This year, Hannukah begins on Wednesday, December 25th, and ends on January 2nd, 2025. In honor of the holiday, there are plenty of events — from Menorah Lightings to block parties, in Montclair and beyond, from December 11th to December 26th. The Montclair Girl team has curated a whole list of Hanukkah events and some places serving holiday treats. Read on for a list of Hanukkah events happening in Northern New Jersey for 2024, and a guide to local restaurants and bakeries serving Jewish baked goods.
Events
Chanukah Fire + Ice | 3 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown
December 26th | 5PM
Located at Pioneer Park at the HQ Plaza in Morristown, this free event will feature doughnuts, hot drinks, chocolate gelt, Chanukah music, a Chanukah giveaway for children, and a free raffle. Guests can also look forward to a live sculpting and light of a menorah made of ice, stilt walkers, and a roving magician. See the website for more details.
Read More: Where to Find Passover Dishes in New Jersey
Hannakauh Celebration + Menorah Lighting in Verona | 600 Bloomfield Avenue, Verona
December 26th | 6PM
The free event, which begins at 6PM, will be held outside of Verona's Town Hall. Guests can look forward to live music from Rabbi Dan’s Midnight Nosh Band, arts and crafts for children, fried treats and refreshments, and more. See this link for more information.
Menorah Lighting in West Caldwell | 707 Bloomfield Avenue, West Caldwell
December 26th | 4PM
Essex County locals can look forward to a Menorah lighting at West Caldwell Civic Center on December 26th. Rabbi Lucas of Congregation Agudath Israel and Educational Director Susan Werk will light the Menorah. Refreshments will also be served. See the event flyer here.
Montclair Chanukah Fest + Menorah Lighting | 5 Seymour Street, Montclair
December 26th | 5:30PM
The Wellmont Arts Plaza will host a free Chanukah Festival and Menorah Lighting on Thursday, December 26th. There will be a live concert featuring Kosha Dillz, an LED robot, hot latkes and beverages, and gifts for children. RSVP for this event here.
The Annual Chanukah Soiree | 225 River Street, Hoboken
December 26th | 7:30PM
The Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City community will host an event for young Jewish adults at the W Hotel, located at 225 River Street in Hoboken, on December 26th. The event includes a Menorah lighting, an open bar, a sushi bar, various hors d'oeuvres, and a latke + doughnut station. For more information about this event click here.
West Orange Hanukkah Menorah Lighting | 66 Main Street, West Orange
December 26th | 3:45PM
Essex County locals can head to West Orange this Hanukkah season. The annual West Orange Menorah Lighting will happen on December 26th at the Town Hall on Main Street.
Treats
Babka Bailout | 476 Central Avenue A, Jersey City
Babka Bailout is a Jewish bakery in Jersey City specializing in babka and challah bread. The menu includes innovative creations like Cereal Milk, made with marshmallow fluff and condensed milk and coated in fruity pebbles, and traditional Jewish treats like plain challah bread topped with sesame seeds. In addition to its expansive menu, this bakery has partnered with Butterfield Market + Catering in NYC to provide gelt babkas for Hanukkah. These treats are topped with chocolate coins and mini cutouts of the Star of David.
Choc O Pain | Multiple locations in Hoboken + Jersey City
This bakery, with all over Hoboken and Jersey City, is serving Bordelais Boule sourdough bread. For an additional cost, this treat can come with a specialized stencil, including a "Happy Hanukkah" design. To place an order for this bread, see here.
Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen | Jersey City
Jersey City locals can usually find this Jewish deli at the Riverview Farmers Market on Sundays. The weekly menu typically consists of options like vegan lox, whitefish salad, all kinds of sandwiches, and more. In previous years, Hank Schwartz's provided a separate menu for Hanukkah, which included items like crispy potato latkes, housemade crème fraîche, and applesauce. Details regarding a special holiday menu for this year have yet to be announced, so make sure to check out the business's Instagram for any future announcements.
Hobby’s Delicatessen + Restaurant | 32 Brandford Place #2723, Newark
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Hobby’s Deli, located in downtown Newark near the Prudential Center, has been featured in documentaries, various media outlets, and publications like Food and Wine Magazine and the New York Times. This Jewish deli serves Eastern European delicacies like corned beef, chopped liver, potato pancakes, and homemade soups. See the menu here.
Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant + Catering | 894 Prospect Street, Glen Rock
Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant has served the Bergen County community since 1976 and provides Kosher Catering, Kosher Delicatessen, appetizers, and more. Aside from its everyday menu and selection of Jewish desserts, this spot also serves a Shabbat Special all day on Friday and Thursday nights. For $49.98, locals can enjoy one quart of the daily soup, an oven-roasted chicken, the choice of egg barley + mushrooms, kasha varnishkes, or orzo + mushrooms, challah bread, and more. See the full menu on the website.
Liv Breads | 275 Essex Street, Milburn
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Liv Breads in Milburn will take pre-orders for Hanukkah. Its menu consists of sufganiyot in either strawberry jam or Nutella, chocolate-Graham babka, and challah bread. Pre-orders are available from December 25th to January 1st. To order from Liv Breads, see this link.
Mikki + Al’s Noshery | 179 Glenridge Avenue, Montclair
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In addition to the usual hot and cold sandwiches, salads, beverages, and desserts, Mikki + Al’s in Montclair is serving a special menu for Hanukkah. From a holiday brisket with gravy to a savory noodle kugel, there are plenty of options to consider. The menu also includes sufganiyots filled with raspberry jelly and coated in cinnamon sugar. To see the full menu and place an order, see here. Also, keep in mind that orders must be placed 48 hours in advance.
Nana’s Deli | 27 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston + 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City (inside Harborside Building)
This deli has locations in Livingston and Jersey City and serves Jewish staples like matzoh ball soup and brisket. Along with assorted dessert and bread platters, Nana’s Deli is providing a Kiddush Catering Menu, which comes with Nana’s Famous Tuna, egg salad, cream cheese, vegetable cheese, sliced cheeses, and a tomato + onion platter. Customers can also choose various add-on options like homemade hummus + pita chips and salmon salad.
Sweet Kneads by Ridhma | 38 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
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Sweet Kneads by Ridhma is a Kosher-certified boutique bakery in Livingston. For the Hanukkah season, this spot is providing Hanukkah dessert boxes, which are now available for pre-order. Customers can look forward to mini doughnut holes in flavors like jelly, lemon raspberry, Nutella rocher, and more. To place an order, call 973-320-9030.
See More: Where to Get Jewish Treats in Hoboken, Jersey City, + Beyond
Yuki’s Bakery + Coffee | 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
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This Jewish and Israeli spot sells all kinds of treats, including babka, challah, and rugelach cakes. In years past, Yuki's Bakery featured a special Hanukkah menu, which included strawberry jam and chocolate sufganiyots. Make sure to visit the bakery's website for potential announcements regarding a Hanukkah menu.
