Record-warm temperatures, an ongoing drought, and Election Day 2024 have kicked off the first full week of November. 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’s Glenfield PTA officially has its new leaders; Eataly at Short Hills Mall opens this upcoming week; and a BFT location is coming to Montclair. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending November 10th, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- BFT Location Coming to Montclair
- Montclair Foundation Raises $4M for ‘Good Grows Here’ Capital Campaign
- Newark School Board Starts Partnership with NJ LEEP
- Montclair State Hosts NJ’s First Public University Facilities Apprenticeship Program
- Downtown West Orange Alliance Unveils New Sky Mural
- Eataly at Short Hills Mall Officially Opening This Week
- ShopRite of Nutley Celebrates Major Renovation
- Northern NJ Makes ‘Toughest Places to Rent in U.S.’ List
- Pasta Cooking Class Taking Place in Montclair Next Week
- Montclair Doctor Opens Second Clinic in Haiti
Best of Montclair Guide 2024: Nominate Your Favorite Local Businesses!
It’s that time of year again — our fourth annual Best of Montclair 2024 Guide is back! Just like last year, it’s time to nominate your favorite local businesses, people, and places in Montclair and the greater Essex County area for an award. Submit as many nominations as you want from now until Tuesday, November 12th. As always, we have lots of categories for the Montclair area — ranging from the ‘Best DIY Experience’ to ‘Best Breakfast Sandwich’ to ‘Best BYOB Spot’ and more. These reader-selected awards give businesses bragging rights for months (and sometimes years) to come. Click here for more.
Montclair’s Glenfield PTA Officially Has New Leaders
On Wednesday, October 30th, the Glenfield Middle School PTA in Montclair selected new leadership in a rare election run by the New Jersey PTA. This happened in lieu of the organization ousting its prior board in a landslide vote. According to Montclair Local, the Glenfield PTA now has Jeremy Pholwattana as its president, Julia Savoca to serve as vice president, Jared Miller as treasurer, and Betty Shvetz as secretary, in the uncontested race.
BFT Location Coming to Montclair
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Popular fitness train BFT is coming to Montclair at 469 Bloomfield Avenue. Construction is currently still underway and an opening date has yet to be announced. According to the BFT website, each workout is “custom-curated” to each member’s fitness goals, with an instructor leading 50-minute class programs, which vary between different fitness focuses like cardio, strength, functional, and core stability.
Montclair Foundation Raises $4M for ‘Good Grows Here’ Capital Campaign
The Montclair Foundation has recently announced the official launch of Good Grows Here, a transformational fundraising initiative with a goal of raising $4.25 million. The quiet phase of this campaign began in spring 2023, per Montclair Local, and has already raised $4 million from under just 50 lead donors. The Montclair Foundation’s strategic priorities for the Campaign include connecting the greater Montclair community to nature, supporting wellness and mental health, advancing educational opportunities, and resolving hunger. It also wants to ensure that Montclair’s Van Vleck House + Gardens remains for years to come. Interested supporters can visit its website for more information.
Newark School Board Starts Partnership with NJ LEEP
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At a recent news conference at Central High School, officials from Newark Public Schools (NPS) and NJ LEEP announced that a portion of its $2 million funding from the Yield Giving Foundation would go to a pilot program that would enable the nonprofit to expand its programming beginning with students at Central and East Side High Schools. NJ LEEP is a leading nonprofit that works with first-generation and low-income students, building their skills and providing experiences to help them achieve their college and career goals. NJ LEEP currently partners with over 375 students from middle school through college, providing a range of support from SAT/ACT test prep, opportunities to develop social-emotional skills, internships, field trips, volunteer experiences, and much more. According to Patch Newark, 100 percent of NJ LEEP students graduate high school, and 99 percent enroll in college; and of those who enroll in college, 74 percent complete their degree. NJ LEEP aims to hire existing NPS teachers or counselors who are deeply familiar with student needs as part of the partnership’s school-based pilot program.
Man Rescued After Fall into Passaic River
On Saturday, November 2nd, emergency responders rescued a 23-year-old man who fell into the Passaic River in Newark. Firefighters and police responded to the area of Jersey Street and Raymond Boulevard at 10:22PM after getting a report about someone falling in the water. He is reportedly in stable condition after being transported to University Hospital for treatment. This incident remains under investigation but is not currently considered suspicious, per Patch Newark.
Investigation Into Fire at Verizon Building In Montclair
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A fire occurred at the Verizon building on Gates Avenue in Montclair on Sunday, November 3rd, at 7:37AM. Firefighters arrived to find smoke on multiple floors of the building, which was vacant at the time. The blaze reached two-alarm status and caused major fire damage to the wiring in the building as well as smoke damage throughout the structure, per Patch Montclair. There were no reported injuries and the cause remains under investigation. Fire Chief Robert Duncan of the Montclair Fire Department has stated that there weren’t any Verizon service interruptions due to the early notification of the alarm system and “quick action” from his firemen.
Montclair State Hosts NJ’s First Public University Facilities Apprenticeship Program
Montclair State University has launched New Jersey’s first public university facilities apprenticeship program, which will provide employees with specialized training in plumbing, electrical, and HVAC trades. This landmark initiative supports career advancement for internal staff and establishes a pipeline of skilled workers ready and prepared for new opportunities at the school. The apprentices will attend evening technical classes at Passaic County Technical Institute while working on campus during the day. According to a press release from the University, the apprentices will be eligible to earn Journeyman status, a nationally recognized certification in their respective trades after completing the four-year program. The apprentices are affiliated with the International Federation of Professional + Technical Engineers bargaining unit and Montclair’s program is registered through the U.S. Department of Labor.
Downtown West Orange Alliance Unveils New Sky Mural
The Downtown West Orange Alliance (DWOA) has added a new Sky Mural, entitled Imagination Alley, at 40 Main Street with an official dedication ceremony on Thursday, November 7th. The mural was made possible by a $33,000 grant per a press release via Suasion Communications Group. An added fun feature to this mural experience is two “larger-than-life” illuminated butterflies that will give visitors “wings” when they stand in front of them.
Northern NJ Makes ‘Toughest Places to Rent in U.S.’ List
North Jersey is ranked the sixth toughest place to rent in the United States, according to a report by RentCafe via The New York Times. Rental competitiveness was based on five metrics, including occupancy and lease renewal rates and average days vacant. The number one spot was taken by suburban Chicago.
Eataly at Short Hills Mall Officially Opening This Week
After months of waiting, The Montclair Girl now knows that Eataly will debut at the Short Hills Mall on Wednesday, November 13th at 3PM, per a press release. The 17,000+-square-foot space will feature one restaurant + bar, several quick-service counters serving coffee, pastries, gelato, Roman-style pizza, + paninis, and a retail section with imported Italian and regional delicacies including fresh pasta. The restaurant and bar will have 230 total seats. Eataly will have a 10-day schedule of events to celebrate its opening in Short Hills — including educational workshops, producer tastings, DJ nights with specialty cocktails, and chef-led dinners, among other things. Click here for more on the MG scoop and what Eataly will have to offer.
ShopRite of Nutley Celebrates Major Renovation
ShopRite has announced the grand reopening of the newly renovated ShopRite of Nutley, located at 437 Franklin Avenue, taking place today, November 10th, with a community celebration and ribbon cutting starting at 9AM. The store will mark the completion of extensive renovations with a full week of festivities including food samplings, giveaways, raffles, and special promotions through Sunday, November 17th. LoCurcio Family Markets, a third-generation family-owned grocery business, completed a six-month-long renovation that transformed every part of the store with a focus on the produce and prepared foods departments. The state-of-the-art supermarket also features a fresh, modern design storewide with updated floors, walls, endcaps, LED lighting, and new refrigerated cases that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. ShopRites in Belleville and Kearny, which are also owned by LoCurcio Family Markets, will also provide special promotions throughout the upcoming week to mark the exciting milestone at Nutley.
Pasta Cooking Class Taking Place in Montclair Next Week
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A ‘Pasta Partners Cooking Class’ will be taking place on Saturday, November 16th, at Montclair Community Church (143 Watchung Avenue). People will be working in teams of two and can choose between two time slots of either 12PM to 1:30PM or 2:30PM to 4PM. The cost for two is $75. More information can be found by emailing Chef Mike or calling 212-844-9799.
New ‘Innovation Center’ Launches In Newark
Governor Phil Murphy recently announced that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and the New Jersey Innovation Institute (NJII) — a product of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) — have launched the NJII Venture Studio, the state’s latest Strategic Innovation Center (SIC) to date. The NJII Venture Studio will focus on accelerating and commercializing intellectual property with a focus on high technology and information technology developed by NJIT, NJII, and NJIT’s corporate partners, along with other academic institutions who also contribute to the advancement of the industry, per Patch Newark. The studio will be located in the Paul Profeta Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Newark and will seek to launch two to three start-ups a year over a period of four years. NJII, a non-profit subsidiary corporation established by NJIT in 2014, will operate and manage the studio. This is the seventh SIC in New Jersey announced under the Murphy Administration.
New Arcade Opens in Bloomfield
Essex County is full of carefree fun options, and the most universal pastime for all ages may be the quintessential arcade. Arcades are a multigenerational outlet, attracting families, teens, and adults alike. The new Hometown Arcade, located at 85 Washington Street in Bloomfield, mixes the past, present, and future of arcades in an inviting space that welcomes everyone. Click here for more.
Montclair Doctor Opens Second Clinic in Haiti
Montclair physician Dr. James Morgan has opened a second clinic in a more accessible location in Haiti after 18 years of serving patients at his medical clinic in the impoverished area just outside of Port-au-Prince. According to Montclair Local, the patients seen at the clinic primarily suffer from diseases linked to poverty, such as malaria, diarrhea, acute respiratory illness, and malnutrition. Dr. Morgan originally started the clinic in Haiti in 2005 after traveling there on a trip with a Jesuit priest and friend who was taking high school students.
Naxos Estiatorio Opens in Woodland Park
Naxos Estiatorio, which recently opened in Woodland Park, is the newest project from a New Jersey family with a longtime legacy of operating restaurants in the Garden State. Naxos Estiatorio is a modern Greek spot with the atmosphere of dining on a Greek island. Click here for more.
Essex County Nonprofit Organization Seeks Support
Essex County non-profit organization Family Promise is launching a new initiative, and it needs community support to see it come to life. The new effort is called Circles and is meant to support those living in poverty, per NJ.com. Interested volunteers can click this link for more.
Organizations + Non-Profits to Give Back to in Montclair
The city of Montclair has developed a great community over the years. Opportunities to engage with culture, music, well-being activities, the environment, and more. Montclair is also filled with non-profit organizations that are working to ensure everyone in the community can feel included and a part of the greatness. This work cannot be done without the support of volunteers. Whether it's giving back monetarily, with time, or with skills, there are over a dozen opportunities to give back in the community. Read on to find out more about how to support these Montclair organizations.
Aging in Montclair | Online
Since its founding in 2015, Aging in Montclair (AIM) has been the proud voice of older residents of the Montclair area. Its programs support and educate its 600+ members and provide the social connections that are so important as we age. Membership is free, and AIM invites all residents age 55 and older to join. Contributions will help AIM shape solutions to meet the needs and concerns of our community. Learn more about AIM here.
Read More: Fall 2024 Volunteering Opportunities in Essex County
Advocates for Children New Jersey | 35 Halsey Street #2, Newark
Advocates for Children New Jersey (ACNJ) work to help children thrive. They are aware that children cannot vote, have no political influence, and cannot communicate with state leaders. That's where ACNJ steps in. The Newark-based group works with local, state, and federal figures and leaders to create change to benefit the children of New Jersey. To get involved click here.
CASA for Children of Essex County | 212 Washington Street Room 912, Newark
CASA for Children of Essex County specializes in serving children placed in foster care. CASA aka "Court Appointed Special Advocates" helps children find safe, permanent homes as quickly as possible. CASA's values are rooted in believing that children in foster care deserve equal opportunities to thrive. To get involved click here.
The Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing
The Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing is a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing veteran facilities across New Jersey. The organization's mission is to provide subsidized housing for veterans in need, ensuring they have a safe and stable place to live. Currently, the Foundation is working on rebuilding American Legion facilities in five towns: Westfield, Montclair, Emerson, Hoboken, and South Amboy. These efforts will result in the creation of 150 housing units for veterans who need a home. To learn more about the organization's work and how you can support its mission, visit the website here.
Human Needs Food Pantry | 9 Label Street, Montclair
In New Jersey alone, over 1.1 million people are food insecure. The Human Needs Pantry has been able to add over 1,000 additional homes to service during this time of need. Through the help of generous donors and volunteers’ residents in need in Montclair and neighboring Essex County towns are able to pick up food or have a home-delivery grocery service. Close to 3,000 groceries are donated weekly throughout the area. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Jazz House Kids | 347 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Founder Melissa Walker was prepped to be a lawyer before opportunities in music kept showing up all around her. She attributes her ability to follow her heart and be a jazz artist to great mentors in her life. Now, through Jazz House Kids, Melissa is providing students with the opportunities she had by mentoring them. Jazz House Kids combines music, mentoring, education, and leadership to help serve students in the community who may face a financial gap in being involved with music. Her program opens opportunities to learn and grow with music. Jazz House Kids also hosts the Montclair Jazz Festival annually. Support from donors is needed to keep her “little wishes” going. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Jersey Cares | 290 West Mount Pleasant Avenue Suite #1320, Livingston
Jersey Cares is on a mission to increase the level of volunteer involvement in the state of New Jersey. Since 1993 this organization has been dedicated to the community to partner with volunteers of all areas. From environmental conservation to education, and more, Jersey Cares can provide opportunities in various areas of interest. To learn more click here.
Junior League of Montclair-Newark | 40 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
The true lifeline behind any organization, non-profit, or association is the volunteers. The Junior League of Montclair-Newark works to help develop and cultivate volunteerism amongst women in the community. The group of volunteers that are formed through this organization promotes education, health, wellness, literacy, and arts for children. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Keep Creating Art Wellness Center | 408 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
This nonprofit art center is dedicated to the inclusiveness and acceptance of all individuals, regardless of their abilities and levels of experience. The spot hosts various art classes and workshops for both children and adults. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Kids Helping Kids | 229 Midland Avenue, Montclair
The name of this non-profit is really all that needs to be known to understand the scope of the work. Kids Helping Kids engages middle and high school students in service projects that directly support underserved kids in the area. Since its inception, over 65,000 students have benefitted from this partnership across 139 schools through the help of over 5,200 volunteers. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Kids in Cleats
While this organization houses its roots here in New Jersey, its effects are felt globally. Over 46% of children living in the African country of Cameroon live below the poverty line, living with HIV/AIDS, and/ or experiencing malnutrition. Kids in Cleats was created by Julio Tasse, a native of Cameroon who was able to overcome the odds of success through the sport of soccer. He now uses his talents and love for the sport as a vehicle to help children rise out of the current situation. Proper soccer fields, community centers, and coaching staff are provided to help break the cycle of poverty. Support is needed locally and internationally. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair Ambulance Unit | 95 Walnut Street, Montclair
This nonprofit, independent first responders organization has operated out of Montclair since 1953 and is staffed around the clock, 365 days a year. Montclair Ambulance Unit "[believes] in providing professional, responsive, patient-first care and [is] dedicated to being a community based, industry leading, emergency medical service organization," as per the organization's website. This organization is separate from the Montclair Township, which means it relies purely on local fundraising. The end-of-the-year fundraiser is happening now and has reached 32% of its $300,000 goal. See here to donate to the Montclair Ambulance Unit.
Mental Health Association of Essex + Morris | 33 South Fullerton Avenue, Montclair
Mental health is often highly stigmatized in society and the media. The Mental Health Association of Essex and Morris is working to reverse this stigma and provide support to those living with mental illness as well as their caregivers. Through advocacy, education, prevention, early intervention, treatment, and services, the organization is working to achieve its mission. Case management services, suicide prevention work, and housing opportunities are just a small sample of the community work of this organization. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair Fund for Women | 41 Watchung Plaza, Montclair
Originally known as the Young Colored Women’s Christian Association, this organization was founded by African-American women who came to Montclair in search of education, employment, and opportunity. As time passed, the organization not only changed its name, but it joined forces with women of all backgrounds and became a prominent force in the community. Since its inception, the Montclair Fund for Women has given over $800,000 in grants to provide opportunities to women. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair History Center | 108 Orange Road, Montclair
The Montclair History Center is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promotes the preservation, study, and appreciation of local history. It was originally founded in 1965 to save the Israel Crane House, a Federal Revival-style landmark home built by a local entrepreneur in 1796. The MHC educates the community on local history and its importance through programs, advocacy, and exhibits. It shares the stories of the various persons and groups that have and continue to shape Montclair. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation | 228 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
Recreation, community, and education are essential to childhood development. Through various programs, the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation is able to provide a positive environment for children in the community. The year-long program, Project Oasis, is broken up into two seasons and focuses on closing the achievement gap among African-American youth. These services are only made possible by the support of volunteers, mentors, and donors. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Montclair Township Animal Shelter
Montclair Township Animal Shelter cares for and adopts homeless animals in Montclair with the support of Montclair Township and the Friends of the Montclair Township Animal Shelter (FOMTAS). FOMTAS is all volunteer-run and all of the money raised supports the animals at the shelter. The shelter was responsible for almost 1,000 animals in 2021 and Friends of The Montclair Animal Shelter (FOMTAS) paid for much of their care. It also raised money and paid for a renovation of the shelter to benefit the animals. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Pound Animal Welfare Society (PAWS)
Hundreds of animals need adoption across the state of New Jersey. For over 41 years, the Pound Animal Welfare Society has been helping place homeless animals. PAWS does not have a facility to house animals in need, but the support of generous volunteers makes the work possible. In addition to fostering animals, supplies are needed. Learn more here on how to get involved.
The Montclair Inn | 27 Hillside Avenue, Montclair
Affordable housing for senior citizens that includes food, mobility access, wifi, and more can be difficult to secure. For some time, the Montclair Shared Housing Association has been providing this opportunity while fostering a great community. All residents have access to a private bedroom, kitchen appliances, a semi-private bedroom, three meals a day, a laundry facility, wifi, and community space. While residents do have a monthly rental fee, services, and amenities are made possible in large part by donors. Learn more here on how to get involved.
Toni’s Kitchen | 73 South Fullerton Avenue
Toni’s Kitchen is an organization that has provided the community in need with food resources. Toni’s Kitchen now provides 20,000+ meals every week which is an increase of 4,300 pounds per week since 2019. Because of the support of generous donors and volunteers, 800+ families are no longer worrying about the next meal. Learn more here on how to get involved.
See More: A List of Hoboken + Jersey City Non-Profits to Donate to Year-Round
Van Vleck House + Gardens The Montclair Foundation | 21 Van Vleck Street
Similar to many of Montclair’s residents of today, the founders of Van Vleck House came to the area to move away from the hustle of New York City. Since 1868 the Van Vleck House has provided a beautiful garden refuge. Over the last two and a half decades the board of management has overseen the hard work and support of volunteers that keep up with the house and gardens. The gardens are open 365 days a year for meetings, retreats, fundraisers, and more. Learn more here on how to get involved.
