‘Tis the season for everything merry, shiny, and bright. It’s been another busy week in Essex County and we’ve got all the news to get you caught up. Among the highlights: the New Jersey Devils honor a teen cancer survivor; Bloomfield launches a holiday home decorating contest; and Newark Airport receives a LEED Gold designation. Read on for more news from Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond for the week ending December 3rd, 2023.
The Best of Montclair 2023 Guide Finalists Announced — VOTE NOW!
The finalists for the Best of Montclair 2023 Guide are in! Thank you to everyone who nominated local businesses and people in the Montclair and greater Essex County area to receive the recognition that they deserve. Those who received the most nominations in each category advanced to the top three finalists, so before anyone says so-and-so was robbed, remember: we make the rules, we don’t pick the finalists. Read on to learn more and to cast your votes!
Cookie Cafe + Cereal Bar Inches Closer to Opening in Montclair
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Earlier this year, Chip City Cookies officially opened in Montclair at 2 Church Street. Running the risk of sounding cliche, it looks like the Montclair cookie jar just keeps growing, as another new cookie chain is joining the Church Street lineup. Milk N Cookies, a cookie cafe and cereal bar is slated to open at 43 Church Street, serving up a decadent menu of stuffed cookies, milkshakes, ice cream, and other dessert vehicles for cereal. Read on for what we know about Milk N Cookies, the latest sweet shop to arrive in Montclair.
Doggie Blowout + Grooming Bar ‘Ruff to Fluff’ Expands to Montclair
In Montclair, finding a good dog groomer can be like a needle in a haystack. And if you love your dog(s) as much as we do, then you want to make their grooming not only comfortable + convenient, but also fun for both you and your dog. Enter Ruff to Fluff Bar — a grooming and blowout bar for dogs with an open concept — elevating the process of dog grooming, one pup at a time. The doggie blowout and grooming salon, which was founded in Jersey City in 2022, has officially made its way into Montclair. Located at 127 Valley Road, Ruff to Fluff Bar is changing the dog grooming scene in Montclair — one doggie blowout at a time. Read on to learn all about this new dog grooming spot new to Montclair + how you can pamper your furry loved one(s).
Safe Sleep for Newborns Workshop in Montclair
According to Montclair Local, two Montclair-based organizations will partner up for workshops on safe sleep for babies and children. The Newborn Sleep Workshop on December 8th and December 12th at Montclair B.A.B.Y, 113 Walnut Stree. in Montclair and is co-hosted by Montclair B.A.B.Y. and Your Zen Baby Sleep. The event is held in honor of November being Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month.
New Jersey Burrito Chain Expands to Newark
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New Jersey-based burrito chain Bubbakoo’s will open a Newark location in early 2024, according to Jersey Digs. The location will be at 48 New Street and will join over 40 other locations in New Jersey. The chain was founded to honor New Jersey’s skater and surfer culture in 2008.
Women’s Leadership Alliance Conference at Montclair State Draws Hundreds
Over 400 women participated in the Annual Women’s Leadership Alliance Conference at Montclair State University. According to a press release from the university, the purpose of the event was to gather high school students and professionals on the campus of Montclair State to talk about leadership and education. The day-long event featured panel discussions, keynote speeches, and an upbeat attitude of encouraging students to imagine their own journeys.
Port Authority Police Officers Recognized
At an awards ceremony earlier this month, several Port Authority police officers were recognized for their service. Per Patch, 84 officers received medals for their efforts in situations including medical emergencies, assisting in investigations, preventing crime, and more.
Holiday Home Decorating Contest in Bloomfield
The Bloomfield Department of Parks and Recreation has announced a holiday home decorating contest. According to a social media post from the department, the entries must be submitted by December 15th. The winner will receive a $100 gift card to Angelo’s Pizzeria, which is a co-sponsor of the event.
Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A Awarded Leed Gold Certification
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced via a press release that Newark Liberty International Airport’s Terminal A achieved LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the most widely used green-building rating system in the world and an international symbol of environmental responsibility. The USGBC’s LEED certification is in use worldwide, recognizing buildings, homes, and neighborhoods that prioritize environmental sustainability through their design, construction and operation. Following stringent requirements, Newark Liberty’s Terminal A met specific sustainability benchmarks for energy efficiency, water conservation, site selection, material selection and waste reduction.
Nationwide Cyber Attack Impacts Two Local Hospitals
Two local hospitals had to divert incoming ambulances due to a cyber attack on Monday, November 27th. According to Patch, systems at Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair and Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood were impacted as part of the nationwide attack. By Wednesday, November 29th, the hospitals were able to accept most patients, according to NBC News.
Newark Hospital Announces Groundbreaking New Treatment
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Newark Beth Israel Medical Center is now offering a pioneering medical treatment. According to a press release from the hospital, the facility is the first and only hospital in New Jersey offering SuperSaturated Oxygen (SSO2) Therapy to treat heart attack patients. SuperSaturated Oxygen Therapy is indicated for use in patients who suffer a heart attack caused by a complete blockage of the left-anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), which supplies a large portion of blood to the heart muscle. Dr. Khalil Kaid, Director of Interventional Cardiology, successfully used the treatment on a patient on November 7th, 2023.
Non-Profit Organization Launched in Honor of Late Lt. Governor
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The family of late New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver has announced a non-profit organization founded in her honor, according to Insider NJ. The Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association is committed to educating and developing young women of color interested in government, public policy, and community organizing. An inaugural brunch will be held in June 2024 to celebrate the organization and its work.
Federal Programs Bring Affordable High-Speed Internet to Newark
Newark residents can take advantage of the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal grant program designed to give low-income residents discounted access to high-speed internet. According to Patch, over 31,000 residents currently participate. Newark also received a grant from the Federal Communications Commission this year to promote participation in the program. The goal is to reduce the digital divide caused by the lack of access to internet services.
Hillsborough Teen Stars in NJ Devils ‘Hockey Fights Cancer’ Night
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As part of the league-wide Hockey Fights Cancer Night, 13-year-old brain cancer survivor Charlie Shomers of Hillsborough, New Jersey, joined the New Jersey Devils for a day with the team. According to Patch, Charlie signed a one-day contract with the team and had his own locker in the locker room. He spent time with players in the locker room before the game, rode a Zamboni, and announced the team’s starting goalie to the arena.
Initial Plans Released for Greenway Project
Initial plans have been released for the rail trail project that will connect Hudson and Essex counties, the Greenway, and the public’s feedback is wanted by the Department of Environmental Protection. According to a press release, the first phase of the multimillion-dollar project will be focused on a nearly two-mile span through Newark, Essex County, and Kearny, Hudson County. To learn more about the project or submit a comment on any of the four themes, visit dep.nj.gov/greenway. Comments will be accepted until December 17th, 2023.
Ten-Year Project Breaks Ground at Port of Newark
On Wednesday, November 29th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to kick off what will be a ten-year effort to upgrade the roadway access to Port Newark and the Elizabeth Port Authority Marine Terminal according to Patch. The project is called Port Street Corridor Improvement (PSCI) and is expected to be completed in May 2028. The estimated cost is $220 million.
Olympians on Hand for Curling Demonstration at American Dream Mall
^ US Olympic Team Members Daniel Casper and Andrew Stopera. Photo credit: Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce.
Visitors to American Dream Mall got a demonstration of the sport of curling from the best of the best: members of the US Olympic Curling Team. According to a press release, the event was a preview for the National Championship taking place in January and February at American Dream. The event was an inside look into the athletes and skills that could eventually represent the Curling Team for the Olympics in 2026 in Italy.
Longtime Resident of Newark Animal Shelter Goes to Foster Home, Next Stop is a Forever Family
Red the dog will have a new address for Santa this year. The pup was adopted after staying at the Associated Humane Societies in Newark for two years, according to Patch. Nonprofit dog rescue group Heart and Soul Dog Rescue has sprung Red and will provide him with a foster home and training while he waits for his forever family. Red’s supporters can follow along his progress via Heart and Soul’s Instagram.
Some Good News for Montclair Taxpayers
At a recent meeting, the Montclair School Board shared positive news with residents about their tax bills. Per Patch, Superintendent Jonathan Ponds and Business Administrator Christina Hunt announced that there would be no debt service tax levy for the community this year. The school district is in the midst of work supported by a $188 million bond that was approved by voters in 2022.
Montclair History Center + Montclair Ambulance Unit Team Up to Preserve Local History
The Montclair History Center is helping the Montclair Ambulance Unit (MAU) celebrate its 70th year of service to the community, according to Patch. The organizations will share resources as they scan and digitize decades’ records about the MAU. While it’s expected that the work will be finished in early 2024, neighbors can view the collection online as it is built: click here.
