Another heat wave has graced the state of New Jersey as summer keeps sizzling. 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: another bear is spotted in Maplewood; a tribute service was held for the late Montclair Schools Superintendent; and Caldwell University announces a new partnership with the NY Jets. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending July 21st, 2024.
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Among the Headlines:
- Zufall Health Calling for Artists for Its First West Orange Exhibition
- Montclair Little League Win Big at Home Run Derby
- Bloomfield Welcomes Four New Firefighters
- Another Bear Spotted in Maplewood
- Ironbound District in Newark Ranked on National List
- Hudson Rose to Open in Nutley This August
- Brick Lane Curry in Montclair to Close Next Week
- ‘Keep Creating’ Launches New Art Wellness Center in Montclair
- Caldwell University Announces New Partnership with NY Jets
- Fundraiser Launches to Support Children of Late Montclair Schools Superintendent
Another Bear Spotted in Maplewood
A black bear was seen in the area of Fairview Terrace and Warner Road in Maplewood on the morning of Thursday, July 11th. According to Patch Maplewood, local police warned residents to, “avoid area, plan alternate route.” This is the latest spotting in a string of bear sightings and encounters across the region this year as people throughout Essex County have seen bears wandering around wooded areas on the outskirts of residential neighborhoods in recent months.
Zufall Health Calling for Artists for Its First West Orange Exhibition
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Zufall Health, a nonprofit community health center headquartered in Dover with a facility located at 49 Mount Pleasant Avenue in West Orange, is now accepting art submissions for its first upcoming group exhibition. The exhibition, entitled “New Beginnings,” will “explore the themes of renewal, hope, and the beauty of starting anew,” per a press release. The nonprofit is encouraging artists to submit representational, abstract, and conceptual works of art, ranging from drawings, paintings, collages, and photographic and digital art (sculptures are not permitted). Art submissions are due Friday, August 23rd, and artists will be notified of acceptance by Monday, August 26th. The opening exhibition reception will be held on Thursday, September 12th, from 6PM to 8PM and will remain on display until Monday, January 6th, 2025.
Montclair Little League Win Big at Home Run Derby
James Rubino earned the minor division derby title with 54 points at the second annual Montclair Rec Little League (MRLL) Home Run Derby, which took place at Glenfield Park on Sunday, June 21st. According to Montclair Local, the Home Run Derby had two divisions: the minors included players ranging from eight to ten years old and the majors included players 10, 11, and 12 years old. Kelley Wilson came in second place with 48 points while Will Bauer captured third place with 44 points. Jaxon Kufta won the majors derby with 40 points.
Bloomfield Welcomes Four New Firefighters
The Bloomfield Fire Department congratulated its newest firefighters at a recent ceremony. Addison Valencia, Nicholas Conforti, Charles Pierce, and Kevin Negron were among those who joined the department. Each individual completed a 12-week rigorous training schedule at the Morris County Fire Academy, per Patch Bloomfield.
Ironbound District in Newark Ranked on National List
The Ironbound neighborhood of Newark has ranked on a new national poll of “foodies.” Researchers at the financial website BadCredit.org recently held a survey of 3,000 U.S. residents asking them to identify the top culinary hotspots in the country where people can eat healthily on a budget. The poll ranked 100 top cities across the nation, including this one New Jersey location, per Patch Newark.
Road Work Begins in Livingston
The township of Livingston has announced a local road construction project that kicked off this week. Road construction of milling and base paving will continue on Post Lane, from Eisenhower Parkway to the end of the cul-de-sac, with weather permitting. The street will be closed to through traffic, but open to local traffic during construction, from approximately 7:30AM to 5PM, per Patch Livingston. Residents will be notified before final paving, during which the street will be closed to all traffic. Locals will be able to park on adjacent streets for overnight parking only after alerting the police department.
Sean Long Replaces Robinson-Santos on Montclair Board of Education
Montclair Board of Education voted for a new board member, Sean Long, at a special virtual board meeting on Thursday, July 11th after interviewing 12 candidates. According to Montclair Local, Sean will replace Dr. Kimberly Robinson-Santos, who was appointed in June, per BOE President Melanie Deysher. Sean’s term on the board is from July 2024 to December 2024. Sean is originally from the suburbs of Philadelphia and has lived in Montclair for over eight years with his wife and three children. He is also a senior director of site merchandising for Walmart and serves on the board of the YMCA of Montclair. On June 17th, eight members of the Montclair Board of Education unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Robinson-Santos to the board.
Hudson Rose to Open in Nutley This August
Photo Credit: Courtesy of GAC Hospitality Group
The Hudson Rose, a new restaurant coming to Nutley, is set to take over the former Franklin Steakhouse space at 238 Franklin Avenue, and it now officially has an opening date. While MG first reported on the news back in September 2023, the restaurant’s team recently shared that The Hudson Rose is planning to open its doors on Friday, August 2nd. The inspiration behind the new eatery comes from restaurants in New York City like The Smith, so guests can expect an unbelievable burger and french fries. In addition to the dining experience, there will be a banquet space where guests can have private parties and events. Click here to learn more about The Hudson Rose.
Brick Lane Curry in Montclair to Close
Brick Lane Curry House, located at 540 Valley Road in Montclair, announced it is closing its doors after 15 years. The Indian-style restaurant known for its British-style curry will officially close on Sunday, July 21st. According to Montclair Local, business partner Ritesh Patel credited a combination of rising costs, difficulty in hiring staff, and the aftermath effects of the pandemic contributing to this decision. Brick Lane Curry, however, still has its two locations in Jersey City and New York City for beloved patrons to visit.
University Hospital in Newark Opens Community Health Care Clinic
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A ribbon-cutting ceremony and community block party was held at Georgia King Village in Newark on Monday, July 8th, to mark the grand opening of University Hospital’s first Health and Wellness Center, located at 388 West Market Street in Newark. Newark residents now have the opportunity to access important healthcare services such as primary care, preventive screenings, women’s health, point-of-care testing, and chronic condition management, per Patch Newark. The center was developed under the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency’s Hospital Partnership Subsidy Program. The center is open Monday through Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM, and is closed on weekends.
Former Chairman of the Montclair Planning Board Dies
Edward Clark McHugh III, an attorney and former chairman of the Montclair Planning Board, died on Monday, May 27th, while visiting Barcelona with his wife, Susan. He was 76 years old and lived in Montclair for over 40 years with his wife and raised his son, Edward Clark “Ted” McHugh IV, in the town. Edward served as chairman of the Montclair Planning Board for several years and was also an active volunteer in the township’s food insufficiency programs. The McHugh family plans to celebrate his life with an event later this summer, per Montclair Local.
Newark Council President Wins Special Primary Election in Congress
On Tuesday, July 16th, Newark Council President LaMonica McIver easily won a crowded special primary election for the Democratic nomination to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Donald Payne Jr. in Congress. According to NJ.com, this formally makes the 38-year-old the frontrunner to take over the post. LaMonica has made it known that her top policy priorities include affordability, infrastructure, abortion rights, and “protecting our democracy.” President McIver defeated ten other candidates for her party’s support to finish the final few months of Donald’s unexpired term representing North Jersey’s 10th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Governor Phil Murphy called the special election after Donald died in office after suffering a heart attack this past April. A special general election will take place on Wednesday, September 18th between LaMonica and Carmen Bucco, a businessman from Kenilworth who won the Republican nomination unopposed.
Out Montclair Seeking Donations After Hateful LGBTQIA+ Incidents
Out Montclair is asking for donations after recent incidents going against the LGBTQIA+ community. The recent events included protests over Drag Teen Bingo, a stolen Pride flag, and a bomb threat that was called in right before Drag Story Hour. Financial donations will support emergency response, advocacy and awareness, community events, and support services. The organization accepts donations online and encourages supporters to spread the word about its campaign “to only strengthen our resolve to stand up for love, acceptance, and equality”.
‘Keep Creating’ Launches New Art Wellness Center in Montclair
Keep Creating Corp, the nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity and promoting well-being through the power of art, has announced the opening of its Art Wellness Center. This innovative center, located at 408 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, provides a supportive and encouraging environment for individuals of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds as it highlights the transformative impact of artistic expression on mental and emotional health, per Montclair Local. It offers one-on-one sessions, workshops and classes, community events, and inclusive programs for all visitors.
Tribute Service Held for Montclair Schools Superintendent
On Friday, July 19th, Montclair hosted a tribute service for its Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jonathan Ponds who died last Friday, July 12th. The service took place at St. Paul’s Baptist Church at 119 Elm Street from 11AM to 12:15PM and was also live-streamed. A private repast for the family also took place following the service. According to Montclair Local, Dr. Ponds’ final resting place will be in Alabama. The family requests that any expressions of sympathy be sent to the Central Office/Superintendent’s Office at 22 Valley Road, Montclair, NJ 07042.
Newark Football Star Gets ‘Key To City’ In Newark
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Al-Quadin Muhammad, a defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts and a Newark native, was recently presented with a ceremonial “key to the city of Newark.” According to Patch Newark, this is the city’s highest honor. “Receiving this award is everything to me because Newark is what made me, and the people of Newark have supported me all the way up to this point,” Al-Quadin said. “So, being able to come home and receive the key to the city means more than any award I’ve ever received.” He has played for the National Football League (NFL) since 2017 when he was picked as a defensive end for the New Orleans Saints.
State of New Jersey to Pay $153 Million to Rebuild Schools in Newark
The state agency responsible for funding school construction projects in Newark will spend nearly $153 million to build a new South Ward high school and relocate a nearby elementary school. The Schools Development Authority has stated that the project is in its early stages of development and it’s unclear when the plans will begin as building designs, construction proposals, and timelines have yet to be completed, per Chalkbeat Newark. The plans call for the construction of a new University High School to be located on the SDA-owned site on Hawthorne Avenue and Demarest Street — as well as the relocation of Hawthorne Avenue Elementary School students to the existing high school building — according to state and district plans. They also call for the demolition of Hawthorne Avenue Elementary, one of the district’s oldest buildings, which sits a block away from the existing University High School. The state’s Schools Development Authority is responsible for paying for construction projects in Newark Public Schools and 30 other high-poverty districts due to a 1985 state Supreme Court decision. It is to be noted that district officials have long raised concerns about Newark’s aging buildings and shuttered schools under state control.
Newark Fire Leaves Dozens Without A Home
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A three-alarm fire that took place at a multi-family building in Newark left dozens of people without a home on Tuesday, July 16th. According to Patch Newark, firefighters arrived at 263 South Orange Avenue at 12:14PM to find the three-story brick building ablaze as the fire extended to adjacent buildings at 261 and 265 South Orange Avenue. A second alarm was called due to “excessive outdoor and seasonal temperatures.” Then, fire officials called a third alarm at 1:45PM and the fire was placed under control at 3:38PM. According to public safety officials, three Newark firefighters were transported to University Hospital to be evaluated for heat exhaustion; no other injuries were reported. Mutual aid was provided by firefighters from East Orange, Irvington, Jersey City, Millburn, Montclair, Orange, and Verona. In total, 35 adults and 16 children had to be relocated due to the incident. The Newark Department of Public Safety’s Arson Unit is currently investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
Fundraiser Launches to Support Children of Late Montclair Schools Superintendent
The Montclair community is coming together to support the family of the late Montclair School Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds by starting a college fund for his three sons. According to Montclair Local, a GoFundMe started by Tessie Thomas and shared by Montclair Schools PTA groups has raised more than $40,000 as of Thursday, July 18th. The goal is to raise $150,000 to fund college for Dr. Pond’s three young sons, ages 10, 12, and 14. Interested patrons can donate to the GoFundMe online.
Montclair School District Announces Special Board Meeting to Appoint Interim Superintendent
Following the passing of Montclair Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds, the Montclair Board of Education will hold a special virtual Board meeting on Monday, July 22nd, to appoint an interim superintendent. The meeting is set to begin at 6:30PM and then immediately go into Executive Session; the Board will resume the regular public meeting immediately following this or at approximately 7:30PM. It is to be noted that formal action may be taken, per Montclair Local. The meeting will be available live on Montclair TV33 and via live stream.
Caldwell University Announces New Partnership with NY Jets
The New York Jets have announced a multi-year partnership with Caldwell University, making the institution, “An Official Higher Education” partner of the team. Beginning in the spring of 2025, the Jets will collaborate with the university to develop Jets-centric programs for the university’s students “to enhance student success through real-life experiences.” As a part of the partnership, Caldwell University will be a presenting sponsor of the 1JD Entertainment content series Origins, which will tell the story of the beginnings of New York Jets players’ careers. In addition, the University will be the presenting partner of a 1JD Entertainment series and will receive “brand-building assets” like stadium signage and commercial spots during Jets game broadcasts on iHeart’s Q104.3FM, per a press release from the University.
Montclair Cops Give Woman Lifesaving Aid
Montclair resident Devyani Shroff called up her sons, Neil and Niku, at 1:41AM last week to tell them she was having serious medical issues. The Shroff brothers immediately called 911, listening to their mother stop breathing in the process. Montclair police officers arrived at their mother’s home two or three minutes later. Neil Shroff said that if it wasn’t for the quick action of the first responders at the scene — Giancarlo Corbosiero, Zachary Davis, and Jillian Sofield — his mother “would not be here today,” per Patch Montclair. The Montclair PBA reported Wednesday, July 17th, that Devyani is on her way to recovery. The Shroff family personally thanks the three officers for going above and beyond the call of duty to help a “fellow Montclair resident in need”.
