As the holiday spirit fills the air, Montclair local news stories are brewing a different kind of magic this season, and The Montclair Girl is here to unwrap the latest tales. It’s been an eventful week with noteworthy happenings, and we’ve gathered the latest local news roundup to keep you in the know. Among the highlights: a pizzeria in Morristown receives a surprise visit from Tommy DeVito; officials dismiss alleged ‘privatization’ rumors in Montclair; and Montclair’s Loopwell hosts its second annual ‘Mittens On Maple’ holiday drive. Read on for more news from Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond for the week ending December 24th, 2023.
A Holiday Message from the MG Team
As 2023 ends, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to you (and let you know our OOOs are up til the new year!). It’s because of you that we are still able to do what we love to do — write, inquire, share memes (truly!), and create community.
While the last few years have presented unique challenges for us and many others, we remain true to our purpose: to shine a light on the local small-owned businesses, people, organizations, and missions of all industries and backgrounds. We aim to uplift, inform, and encourage our readers to join us in celebrating how special our communities are. Click here to read the whole message from the MG team.
Giants QB Tommy DeVito Visits Morristown Restaurant
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New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito paid a surprise visit to Coniglio’s Old Fashioned pizzeria at 11 South Street in Morristown on Tuesday night, after facing criticism for increasing his appearance fee, per Patch. Tommy DeVito spent several hours with the restaurant’s owner, Nico Coniglio, and local fans completely unpaid. Earlier this week, the controversy sparked when Nico had been informed by DeVito’s agent, Sean Stellato, of a proposed doubling of the quarterback’s attendance fee from $10,000 to $20,000.
Antisemitic Threat Aimed at Livingston Temple Investigated by Police
A Livingston temple was one of over a dozen temples targeted this past weekend for antisemitic threats, per Patch. Police in Livingston were alerted on Sunday morning about an email sent to Temple Beth Shalom, alleging the presence of multiple explosives in the building. Following a search by the Essex County Sheriff’s Office Bomb//K-9 Unit and police, the building was found clear of explosive devices. Upon investigation, authorities concluded that the same email was sent across the state and Essex County, with no credible threat found.
Paterson’s Hamilton Square Set to Undergo $7.5 Million Renovation
WinnCompanies and co-developers Daryll Tyson and Owen Tonkins have acquired Hamilton Square, a 68-unit affordable housing community in Paterson’s historic district, initiating a $7.5 million rehabilitation effort, per JerseyDigs. The renovation will revive residences and strengthen the city’s supply of affordable housing addressing building code issues, failing HVAC systems, and the refurbishment of all apartments, including 24 currently uninhabitable units. The mill-style property, established 26 years ago, is located at 20-21 Mill Street, compromising two low-rise buildings that include a section of the 165-year-old historic Hamilton Mill.
Loopwell’s Second Annual ‘Mittens On Maple’ Holiday Drive
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Loopwell, a Montclair community space promoting well-being, commenced its second annual “Mittens On Maple” community holiday drive, according to Montclair Local. Loopwell is collecting donations of mittens, gloves, hats, and scarves. The initiative, led by its founders Debbie and Sean Looney and family will feature a mitten wall displayed on the fence at Glenfield Park. These items will be available for free to the community on Christmas morning.
Officials Dismiss Alleged ‘Privatization’ Rumors in Montclair
Montclair officials have disproved the rumor circulating about the potential privatization of township services, according to Patch. Township manager Michael Lapolla dismissed these claims during the recent town council meeting, specifically, addressing unfounded speculation surrounding the privatization of trash collection and kennel services at the municipal animal shelter.
Inflatable Snowmen Spark Community Support in Montclair
Residents of Warren Place in Montclair have transformed the streets into a cheerful winter wonderland with a display of oversized inflatable snowmen, according to Montclair Local. Inspired by resident Ann McCarthy’s early morning idea to brighten spirits, the trend began with a simple search for a 20-foot-snowman. Collaborating with neighbor Amy Kopp, the ideas spread, resulting in 14 towering snowmen across the block. McCarthy pledged donations to the Montclair Foundation for each snowman, prompting similar displays on neighboring streets.
Montclair Resident + Baseball Pioneer Larry Doby Receives Congressional Gold Medal
Montclair resident Lawrence Eugene Doby, AKA “Larry” Doby, renowned for breaking the American League’s color barrier in 1947, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal at a ceremony in Washington D.C., per Montclair Local. Doby, a Montclair resident until his passing in 2003, began his baseball career in the Negro leagues and became the second black player in Major League Baseball, following Jackie Robinson. During his nine seasons with the Cleveland Indians, Doby earned seven All-Star selections and notably hit the first World Series home run by a black player in 1948. At the ceremony, his son, Larry Doby Junior accepted the medal expressing his family’s pride in his father’s pivotal role in advancing civil rights and American greatness.
Newark’s Vailsburg Park Opens Dog Park + Restroom Upgrade Continues
A new 24,000-square-foot dog park recently opened at Vailsburg Park in Newark, with separate enclosures for small and large dogs, according to Patch. County officials announced that French and Parrello from Wall secured $124,500 for design services and Zenith Construction Services from Orange obtained a $1,994,950 construction contract – each funded through the Essex County capital budget and with a grant from the Essex County Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund. Simultaneously, renovations of the existing restroom building adjacent to the children’s playground are underway and will open this winter.
Sting Joins Christian McBride for Jazz House Kids Benefit Performance
Montclair’s Jazz House Kids presents an event featuring Sting and Christian McBride at the 8th annual Ralph Pucci Jazz Set on February 28th, 2024, per Montclair Local. The evening promises a unique collaboration between the 17-time Grammy-winner Sting, and 8-time Grammy-winner bassist Christian McBride celebrating Sting’s career. This intimate performance serves as a fundraiser for Jazz House Kids — a nonprofit empowering young talent with jazz education opportunities, featuring a special appearance by Jazz House students alongside the artists.
Bank Employee Charged with Stealing Federal Benefits
Former Nutley bank employee Jorge Nova, 35, of Passaic, was charged with one count of wire fraud for allegedly stealing $105,000 in Social Security benefits from a dead customer’s account over four years, per the United States Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey. According to a press release, he was able to accomplish this by issuing debit cards to himself in the beneficiary’s name because of his role as an employee at a bank in Nutley. The Social Security Administration was not notified of the beneficiary’s death, and continually added funds to the beneficiary’s account until October 2018.
Essex County Sheriffs Spread Holiday Cheer
Santa got an assist from the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. On Tuesday, December 19th, members of the sheriff’s office visited local schools, churches, pantries, domestic violence victims’ shelters, and homeless shelters to deliver toys, according to Patch. Officers also handed coats, in time for colder weather.
Remembering Acclaimed Actor + Essex County Resident Andre Braugher, Friend of Montclair’s Howe House
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Acclaimed actor Andre Braugher, known for his roles in Homicide: Life on the Street and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, passed away at 61 due to lung cancer. Andre, a devoted family man and resident of South Orange, was instrumental in preserving Montclair’s Howe House, contributing to the acquisition with the Friends of the Howe House group, per Montclair Local. His support, along with that of his wife Ami Brabson, helped secure the home’s purchase for $400,000 shortly before Christmas in 2022.
NJ Transit Launches Fundraiser to Support Ricardo the Bull
✨ Preorders are OPEN for the showstopping Ricardo the Bull plush at the Transit Shoppe! ️ A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support Ricardo! https://t.co/1VJueuRdW5 pic.twitter.com/Cfdi4ry4Bl
— NJ TRANSIT (@NJTRANSIT) December 18, 2023
NJ Transit has launched a fundraiser to help support Ricardo, the bull that escaped onto the Newark Penn Station train tracks earlier this month. According to a social media post, a stuffed animal in Ricardo’s likeness is sold in the agency’s online store, and proceeds will go to Skyland Sanctuary, the Sussex County animal sanctuary where Ricardo now lives. The six-inch stuffed animal comes adorned with an NJ Transit-branded bandana.
Rutgers Alum’s Donation Creates Endowed Research Chair
An endowed chair in LGBTQ+ Public Health will be established at Rutgers University School of Public Health thanks to a $3 million donation. The Perry N. Halkitis Endowed Chair in LGBTQ+ Public Health is named after the school’s current Dean, according to Patch. The chair is part of the school’s plan to create the Rutgers Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health. The $3 million donation came from Rutgers alum James F. Dougherty and an additional $2 million was donated by Rutgers Health Chancellor Brian Strom.
Yelp Names Top 50 Places to Eat in North Jersey, See Which Essex County Spots Made the List
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Popular review site Yelp has released a list of the Top 50 Places to Eat in North Jersey. Several Essex County spots made it onto the list, including The Corner in Montclair; Emilio’s Wood Fire Pizza in Nutley; and The Olive Bistro in Little Falls. To read the full list, click here.
Council Votes To Change Public Comment Procedure
Montclair’s Township Council will change its public comment procedure during meetings. According to Montclair Local, the new format includes two sessions: in the first session, community members are given two minutes each to comment on issues listed on the meeting’s agenda; and in the second session, community members are given three minutes each to comment on any other issues. The change comes as a response to large amounts of public comment that extend meetings to several hours. The goal is to help meetings be more effective.
Montclair Restaurant Fresca da Franco to Temporarily Close in January
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Montclair restaurant Fresca da Franco will close in January 2024 for rebranding. According to Montclair Local, the restaurant will be closed from January 7th – 21st. The interior will be revamped to match the next-door sister venue Bar Franco.
Livingston Mom Donates Kidney To Teen Daughter
15-year-old Kaitlin Siegel, who suffers from a rare nerve disease caused by a genetic mutation, discovered that her kidneys were only functioning at 10 percent during a doctor’s visit. Her mother, Jennifer, was tested to see if she was a compatible donor – luckily, she was a match. According to Patch, Jennifer and Kaitlin both underwent surgery at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, which says it performs the most kidney transplants in the region. Kaitlin is now in the process of healing and is excited to be experiencing life with less pain and health issues thanks to her new kidney.
Montclair Foundation Grants $65K to Support 17 Local Groups
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Local nonprofit The Montclair Fund (TMF) has given 17 other local organizations an early holiday gift. According to Montclair Local, over $65,000 was distributed among the organizations. TMF’s goal is to support a variety of activities in the community, and this year focused on four categories: education; mental health and well-being; seniors and vulnerable communities; and arts, culture, and community service.
Newark School Advances to Final Round of National STEM Competition
Per Patch, a Newark elementary school is a finalist in a national contest. The Dr. E. Alma Flagg school has made it to the final round of the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. Student teams use STEM-based solutions to solve real-world problems in the competition.
The ULTIMATE Montclair Bucket List
A hub for artists, performers, industry moguls, and students alike — Montclair is truly one of a kind. With the rich history of icons from Yogi Berra to Stephen Colbert to respected institutions and organizations like Montclair State University, Van Vleck Gardens, and the Wellmont Theater, this town is special in so many ways. Thousands pass through for events like Montclair Film Festival and highly acclaimed restaurants throughout the year. In short, the culture is rich and there is always something new to do in “the Brooklyn of New Jersey.” Read on for a must-do Montclair bucket list to get the most out of what the city has to offer.
Things to Do
Visit the historic Van Vleck Gardens during the spring and summer to take in the beautiful flowers and plants that originated all over the world. The estate itself used to serve as a family home for the renowned Van Vleck family in 1868.
Tour the Montclair Art Museum which opened in 1914 for interactive and educational exhibits about American and Native American art.
See the WW1 memorial that was constructed circa 1925 in Edgemont Park, a public park that is great for a serene picnic or outdoor activities with a group of people.
Book tickets to a concert at Wellmont Theater which was founded in 1921 as a vaudeville and stage play venue and has evolved into a staple for all types of live entertainment.
Reopened under the ownership of Montclair Film, The Claridge was founded in 1922 and serves as a film venue that hosts exhibits and other film events throughout the year.
Built in 1925, Montclair Public Library provides endless opportunities for learning, discovery, and community engagement through a vast collection of books, films, historical documents, events, and more.
Read More: Things to Do on Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair
Walk the expansive Montclair State University campus and even catch baseball or football games.
Stop by the Alonzo F. Bonsal Wildlife Preserve, a 30-acre wilderness and wildlife sanctuary that is a prime location for nature trails, camping, fishing, and more.
Book a tour of the historic Crane House and YMCA or attend educational in-person programs at Montclair History Center, founded in 1965.
Walk through Presby Iris Gardens, a 6.5-acre garden that was built in 1922 and contains over 10,000 irises of approximately 1,500 varieties and produces over 100,000 blooms over the course of the season.
Catch a New York Red Bulls II soccer game when the sport is in season.
Discover more about the iconic baseball player for the Yankees + Mets at his namesake museum, Yogi Berra Museum, located on Montclair State's campus.
Pick up a new book to dive into at Montclair Book Center, Iris, or Watchung Booksellers, all of which have good reads in every genre available.
Stop at the city's first-ever sculpture park, across from Hillside School, to view works by local artists.
Try your hand at indoor rock climbing (all levels welcome) at The Gravity Vault.
Attend a jewelry-making class at The Eclectic Chic Boutique. Add-ons like gemstone wire wrapping and pearl knotting are available if you want to take it to the next level.
Put your golf skills to the test at Montclair Indoor Golf Club.
Create custom-fragranced candles, home, and body products with a variety of scents at Alchemy Scent Bar.
Take pottery classes at Montclair Mud Clay Studio.
Shop paper goods and unique vintage objects at Parcel.
Try a much-needed scalp massage at Aura Head Spa.
Grab a crystal-infused drink at Thought in Motion Waterbar and recharge from a long day.
Shop vintage and locally sourced clothing, accessories, and home goods items at Acorn General Store.
Sip on morning brew while in the company of adorable cats at Catfe Montclair.
Make DIY crystal-infused candles in a candle-making class at Crystals + Candle.
Visit Avis-Campbell Gardens, a 70-year-old property dutifully cared for by The Garden Club of Montclair. The garden hosts a variety of other plants, like yarrow, azaleas, lambs ears, ferns, and alliums.
Montclair is home to various unique boutiques — and we have a roundup of the best ones here.
Places to Eat
Pick up a box of the highly sought-after doughnuts from Montclair Bread Co.
NJ's first 100% gluten-free restaurant, Samba — which specializes in Brazilian cuisine, is a must-try. We recommend... everything.
Originally a farm in the 1840s, Applegate Farms has been a longstanding spot for handmade ice cream and other classic treats.
Dive into a pasta dish at De Pepo — we recommend the spaghetti carbonara. Also, Watchung Booksellers is right next to the restaurant — be sure to stop by to grab a book to read.
Enjoy a plate of fish and chips with a side of a Guinness at Irish pub Egan + Sons.
Take in the beautiful views at Montclair's only rooftop bar, Alto, located in the MC Hotel. While you're there, have dinner downstairs at The Allegory.
Try a mini cheesecake at She Imagined Sweets.
Try authentic Ethiopian cuisine at Mesob.
Clink IG-worthy cocktails at Faubourg, an expansive and modern French brasserie.
Treat yourself to Laboratorio Kitchen, an upscale Cosmopolitan eatery that specializes in American cuisine.
Indulge in Mediterranean dishes at Zeugma Grill — the babaganoush is a must-try.
Eat french fry-stuffed gyro at Efi's Gyro.
Book a reservation for your next large party at Turtle + the Wolf which serves delicious family-style meals.
Eat fresh seafood at Halcyon. The lounge upstairs is beautifully decorated.
Cure your hangover with none other than Raymond's, a diner and staple in the community.
Everything at Nicolo's Italian Bakery + Deli is made fresh, a true old-school deli with something for everyone.
Pick up freshly made pastries at Mattarello Bakery + Café.
Spend the day with friends at Montclair Brewery.
Kai Yang's menu is inspired by the owner's upbringing in Thailand, making it a go-to for the authentic Thai in the area.
With over ten pies and additional home-baked British sweets and savories, The Pie Store has something for every craving.
Plan your next brunch at The Corner — an eclectic cafe-style restaurant.
Aesthetically-pleasing design + packaging is just the tip of the iceberg at Vesta Chocolate. The organic cocoa beans used for the housemade chocolate treats are worth the visit.
Enjoy wood-fired pizza at Brick + Dough — there are gluten-free and vegan options as well.
Order your next special occasion cake from Sweet Kitchen, it won't disappoint.
If you love soul food, Sweet T's Southern Eatery should be at the top of your list.
A staple in the Upper Montclair community since 1923, Montclair Diner is a true gem.
Stop into Marcel Bakery + Kitchen for seasonal Mediterranean eats.
Grab-and-go with freshly churned artisanal gelato at Benvenuti Montclair.
Dig into Thai cuisine at SLA Thai, a low-key spot with a beautiful outdoor dining space.
Dine-in at Luigino's Parmigiana — the MG team recommends the chicken parm sub.
A vibrant Syrian and Middle Eastern restaurant, Le Souk serves up great food and sells unique gifts.
Visit one of Montclair's many coffee shops in the area, including Lit Cafe, Bleu Coffee, Artazu, Insomnia Coffee, Paper Plane Coffee Co., and Java Love.
A family-owned bakery, Le French Dad Boulangerie is a must-visit for French desserts.
See More: Alcohol-Free Activities in Hoboken + Jersey City
Festivals + Events
Montclair Literary Festival — May
The Montclair Literary Festival was first launched in 2017 to promote literacy and reading for all in Montclair’s vibrant and diverse literary scene. The festival raises funds and awareness to further the work of Succeed2gether.
Montclair Pride Festival — June
The Montclair Pride Festival is a day filled with performances, art, culture, food, and music celebrated across downtown Montclair, with special guest speakers and LGBTQIA+ talent, surrounded and supported by institutions and businesses.
Montclair Jazz Festival — August-September
Locals can enjoy live jazz performances and events throughout the summer in the heart of Montclair leading up to the Montclair Jazz Festival.
Montclair Film Festival — October
Montclair Film Festival is a highly-anticipated event that features the year's latest movies and celebrities for exclusive viewings and Q+A panels. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers from around the world and gives special recognition to New Jersey artists.
