We’re back with another busy week of headlines in Essex County and we’ve gathered the latest local news roundup to keep you in-the-know. Among the headlines: The American Dream Mall in Rutherford will introduce the world’s tallest moving statue; a cat cafe is open in Montclair; and a burglary was reported at the Connect Clothing store in Bloomfield. Read on for all the news in Montclair + beyond for the week ending January 21st, 2024.
The headlines (read on for more):
- New Restaurant Opening in Former Maddox Space in Montclair
- New Cereal Bar + Treat Opening Soon in South Orange
- West Orange Classic Film Festival Returns for 2024
- Newark Hospital Settles for $30M in Medicare Cost Reporting Settlement
- Bloomfield Ampere Parkway Gets Upgrades for Road + Stormwater
- AAPI Montclair + Montclair Art Museum to Celebrate Year of the Dragon
- Janet Jackson + Nelly to Perform in Newark
- Films Shot in Newark to be Featured at 2024 Sundance Film Festival
- East Orange Launches Free Drone Pilot Training Program
- Bloomfield Clothing Store Experiences Burglary
- West Orange Historian Joins New Jersey’s Historical Commission
- Newark Police Apprehend 14 In Warrant Operation
- Nightjar Dispensary Now Open in Bloomfield
- Montclair Leaf Bag Collection Updates
- Turtle Back Zoo Hits New Visitor Record
- Cat Cafe Open in Montclair Called ‘Catfe Montclair’
- Bivio Pizza Napoletana Reopening in Montclair
- West Orange Woman Celebrates 100 Years
- American Dream Introducing World’s Tallest Moving Statue
New Restaurant Opening in The Maddox Space in Montclair
The Maddox, a high-end steakhouse and bar, and Musuko, an open-concept Asian kitchen at 193 Glenridge Avenue announced its closure via Instagram on January 3rd. It was then reported that the building was purchased by developer Dick Grabowsky, who plans to bring a new high-quality restaurant to the space, according to Montclair Local. While it appears he is intending to open his own restaurant, Dick is finalizing a lease with one of two well-established and high-quality parties, with hopes for a venue that has drinks, dinner, and dancing. More details to come.
New Cereal Bar + Treat Shop Opening Soon in South Orange
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Cereal Dreams, a new cereal bar and treat shop, is opening at The Co-Lab at 57 South Orange Avenue in South Orange. The Co-Lab is an innovative, small business incubator co-retail space. Anne Mandell is the owner of the cereal candy store, which provides all-you-can-eat cereal buffets for parties and events, per its Instagram.
West Orange Classic Film Festival Returns for 2024
The West Orange Classic Film Festival will return for its 18th season, showcasing Oscar-honored dramatic films and comedy classics from January 21st through March 3rd at the AMC Theater in the Essex Green Shopping Center, per a press release. Each screening will feature well-known films like Chinatown and The In-Laws as well as an introduction and Q+A with guest speakers. Tickets are $15 per screening and can be purchased here.
Newark Hospital Settles for $30M in Medicare Cost Settlement
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A Newark long-term care hospital, Silver Lake Hospital, and its investors, have agreed to pay $30.6 million to settle allegations of falsely reporting costs to Medicare, according to Patch. The hospital, doing business at Columbus LTACH, will pay over $18.6 million for alleged False Claims Act Violations related to excessive cost outlier payments from Medicare. Additionally, Silver Lake investors, including principal investor Richard Lipsky, will pay $12 million to settle Federal Debt Collection Procedures Act violations regarding the fraudulent transfer of money by the hospital. The payments will be made over a five-year period.
Bloomfield Ampere Parkway Gets Upgrades for Road + Stormwater
Bloomfield’s Ampere Parkway is set for a major overhaul with a resurfacing project covering Bloomfield Avenue to Floyd Avenue, per Bloomfield Township. The initiative includes upgrading piping and catch basins to enhance stormwater drainage. The project involves replacing undersized drainage pipes and necessitating the removal of trees, which will be replaced to maintain green spaces. The township aims to address flooding concerns and improve road quality, with additional infrastructure projects in various locations. The paving is expected to continue until spring, with a focus on safe and clean construction site maintenance.
AAPI Montclair + Montclair Art Museum to Celebrate Year of the Dragon
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AAPI Montclair and Montclair Art Museum will host the third annual Lunar New Year celebration on January 27th, celebrating the Year of the Dragon, per a press release. The inclusive, family-oriented festival will feature performances, Asian food, crafts, activities, and retail vendors. The event will include a dragon parade, lion dancers, Korean drumming, face-changing, and remarks from featured guests.
Janet Jackson + Nelly to Perform in Newark This Summer
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Janet Jackson brings Together Again Tour to Newark with special Guest Nelly on July 9th as part of her highest-grossing tour, according to the Prudential Center website. The concert will take place at the Prudential Center, featuring the Grammy-winning celebrities. Ticket presale starts on January 17th and general sales begin on January 19th.
Films Shot in Newark to be Featured at 2024 Sundance Film Festival
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Several films shot in Newark, New Jersey, will be featured at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, including Your Monster and Rob Peace, according to Patch. The films showcase diverse stories, such as a woman encountering her childhood closet monster and the struggles of an inner-city kid from Newark attending Yale. The New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission reports significant expenditures and job creation in the state for these productions.
East Orange Launches Free Drone Pilot Training Program
East Orange residents have the opportunity to become drone pilots through a six-week program by the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training, according to a press release. In partnership with Alpha Drones USA, participants can receive free commercial drone training, including virtual instruction and hands-on experience in activities such as cleaning East Orange City Hall and conducting aerial surveillance. Upon completion, participants received their FAA Part 107 Certification License, providing potential career opportunities in the commercial drone industry. Mayor Ted Green emphasizes the program’s role in having innovative workforce development for residents in addressing the growing demand for drone-related skills.
Montclair Clothing Store ‘Connect Clothing’ Experiences Burglary
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Three cinder blocks were used to shatter the glass front door of the Connect Clothing Store on 402 Bloomfield Avenue, according to Montclair Local. The burglary, reported at 3:55AM on January 14th, involved a suspect stealing sneakers, watches, and the cash register. Montclair Police also reported on other incidents, including burglaries, motor vehicle crimes, thefts, a suspicious incident, and an arrest in the weekly blotter.
West Orange Historian Joins New Jersey’s Historical Commission
West Orange historian, Joe Fagan, known for documenting the town’s rich history, has been appointed to the New Jersey Historical Commission, according to Patch. Joe, also the author of several books on West Orange, received the title of Township Historian in 2012 and has been contributing to the community’s understanding of its past. As a commissioner, Joe will advance public knowledge and preservation of the state’s history.
Newark Police Apprehend 14 in Warrant Operation
Newark police arrested 14 wanted persons, including four shooting suspects and a robbery suspect, as part of the latest warrant operation, per Newark Public Safety. The arrests were part of the Newark Police Division’s ongoing Crime Reduction Initiative, targeting individuals with warrants for various offenses. The arrestees include individuals wanted for aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats, and criminal mischief, among other charges.
Nightjar Dispensary is Open in Bloomfield
Photo Credit: Francesca DeRogatis
A new cannabis dispensary is now open in Bloomfield as of January 12th, 2024. Nightjar is a women- and minority-owned, social equity-driven cannabis dispensary at 549 Bloomfield Avenue. The dispensary is led by the founders Francesca DeRogatis, Katie Covett, and Amanda Rositano. Read more to learn about Nightjar cannabis, Bloomfield’s newest dispensary in our full article here.
Montclair Leaf Bag Collection Updates
The final leaf bag collection in Montclair, originally scheduled for January 20th, has been postponed due to the weather forecast and will now take place on Saturday, January 27th, per Patch. Residents are reminded to have their leaf bags ready by the curb, ensure proper sealing, and avoid overfilling for efficient collection. Montclair officials note that no leaf bags should be placed after January 27th.
Turtle Back Zoo Hits New Visitor Record
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The Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange set the record attendance of 979,056 visitors in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 907,522 set in 2017, according to Patch. The zoo’s annual Holiday Light Spectacular also broke records with 138,100 attendees, who donated 28.4 tons of non-perishable food, clothing, and toys, marking the highest total in the 16-year history of the event.
Cat Cafe, Catfe Montclair, Open
For years, cat owners have experienced morning rituals of sipping coffee next to their furry friend curled up on the kitchen table. A new cat cafe in Montclair is taking this experience to the next level. Catfe Montclair is officially open at 356 Bloomfield Avenue as of Friday, January 18th, providing a purr-fect space where customers can sip their morning brew in the company of adorable cats. Read on to learn more about the cat cafe open in Montclair, New Jersey here.
Bivio Pizza Napoletana Reopens in Montclair
Bivio Pizza Napoletana in Montclair has reopened at 107 Pine Street under new ownership after closing in September 2022. The soft opening was on January 19th and 20th, with new menu items introduced by the new owner David Cafasso. The reopening comes over a year after the restaurant’s closure, with the original owners expressing gratitude for the support received during its five-year operation. Read on to learn what we know about Bivio Pizza Napoletana reopening at 107 Pine Street in Montclair, plus more from our chat with the previous owners in 2022 here.
West Orange Woman Celebrates 100th Birthday
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West Orange resident Mattie Wilkerson marked her 100th birthday at Alaris Health Center, where she continues to stay active with morning exercises, reading, puzzles, and her love for music, playing the piano for fellow residents, according to Patch. Mayor Susan McCartney joined the celebration, highlighting Mattie’s achievements as a devoted music teacher at Arts High School in Newark for 25 years. Her energetic lifestyle, daily exercises, and active participation in Alaris health activities reflect her passion for life.
American Dream Will Introduce the World’s Tallest Moving Statue
American Dream and The Giant Company Attractions Limited are going to introduce “The Giant,” the world’s first giant visitor attraction, at American Dream in January 2025, per a press release. The building will feature a 54-foot tall moving statue with custom LED skin, capable of transforming into various images. Visitors can take part in the experience by being scanned in the scanning theater, resulting in a holographic avatar displayed on The Giant Statue. The attraction will have hourly performances that turn The Giant into historical figures and/or celebrities.
