Over the hills and through the woods, it’s back to work and school we go. It’s been another busy week in Essex County and we’ve got all the news to get you caught up. Among the highlights: item 1; item 2; and item 3. Read on for more news from Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond for the week ending November 26th, 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!
Public Planning Sessions Held for Montclair Schools
Last night more than more than 60 people attended the first Strategic Planning Forum where they broke out into small groups to discuss the District’s strengths and challenges. View the presentations and register for the next Forum in 11/29.https://t.co/JOborv2WPW pic.twitter.com/TqhDDH0cCs
— Montclair Schools (@montclairschls) November 14, 2023
The first of a series of three public forums on school planning drew big crowds in Montclair, according to Montclair Local. Two more will take place before the end of the year. Community members are invited to participate in these strategic planning sessions to discuss the future of the district.
The Montclair Girl’s Holiday Shopping Deals Guide 2023
It’s that time of year again here in Montclair + Essex County — the holiday season is approaching and there’s no better way to cross some names off your gift-giving list AND get into the festive spirit than by shopping at local North Jersey businesses. To help make it easy, we’ve put together a holiday shopping guide so our readers can get acquainted with local businesses in the North Jersey area. Keep reading to find out more about where to shop for local gifts, support small businesses, eat, drink, be merry, and ring in the holiday season.
Essex County Holiday House Tour Returns
The Essex County Holiday House Tour returns in 2023 with 11 homes on the route, according to Patch. The self-guided tours will take place December 2nd and 3rd throughout the county. Read more about this quintessential holiday event in MG’s piece here.
Montclair Temple Organizes Trip to Rally in Washington
Members of three local synagogues traveled to Washington DC earlier this month to take part in a March for Israel rally on the National Mall. Per Montclair Local, over 100 people took part, joining a crowd of 290,000 in Washington.
Newark Boys Chorus School to Temporarily Close
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The Newark Boys Chorus, a private, tuition-free school for boys in grades 3 through 8, will close. Per Patch, the school hopes to reopen soon, based on fundraising that could solve the school’s financial problems. The school has performed nationwide at notable locations including The White House and Lincoln Center.
Nuts Factory Opens in Montclair
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Nuts Factory, an NYC-based nuts and snacks company, has opened a storefront in Montclair. According to an Instagram post from the company, the store is located at 26 S. Park Street. The store sells nuts and other goodies in bulk, including seasoned and roasted nuts.
New Japanese Restaurant ‘Kinjo’ Open in Newark
Photo Credit: TRBO Media
A new Japanese restaurant has opened in Newark — and it’s coming from the same owner of three other well-known restaurants, including Cellar 335 and Madame in Jersey City. Kinjo is a new Japanese-inspired restaurant and the most recent addition to the dining scene in downtown Newark. Located at 155 Washington Avenue in Newark, the new business has a straightforward menu with Japanese items loved by many. Read on to learn more about Kinjo in Newark, New Jersey.
Montclair’s Winter Wonderland Returns for 2023
To kick off the holiday season, the Montclair Center Business Improvement District (BID) has announced the return of the Winter Wonderland event. Teaming up with The Wellmont Theater and Pharmacie Kitchen + Bar, this event will transform Montclair into a magical holiday experience for everyone of all ages to enjoy. The Winter Wonderland event will have a lineup of activities from selfie stations to raffles. Read on to learn more about this Winter Wonderland event taking place in Montclair next weekend.
Multi-Agency Task Force Investigation Yields Seven Handguns, 17 Kilos of Narcotics in Hudson and Essex Counties
PRESS RELEASE: Seven Handguns, Over 17 Kilograms of Heroin Fentanyl Seized in Narcotics Investigation pic.twitter.com/D4nj5H2tmi
— ProsecutorSuarezHCPO (@HCPOProsecutor) November 17, 2023
According to a press release from the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, six people were arrested after a multi-location search in Hoboken, Jersey City, Elizabeth, and Montclair. The months-long investigation yielded seven handguns, two of which were reported stolen, over 17 kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl, over 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, and various illegal narcotics with a street value in excess of $15 million recovered. Additionally, over $20,000 in suspected proceeds from narcotics transactions was seized. Prosecutor Suarez credited the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force and Hoboken Police Department with the investigation, with assistance from the Essex County Tactical Response Team, Union County SWAT, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Unit, the Montclair Police Department, the Elizabeth Police Department, the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, and the Essex County K9 Unit in the arrests.
Work Proceeds at Montclair’s Woodman Field Despite Protests
Despite a city-issued stop-work order pausing work for a few days, and a citizen-led protest against the work, renovations continue at Montclair’s Woodman Field. Per Montclair Local, several trees were cut down as part of work to improve the fields. Residents showed up to protest the tree-cutting, after months of back and forth with the school board, the city, and an online petition.
New Brunswick’s Delta’s Restaurant to Open in Newark
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A restaurant opening in 2024 in Newark already has New Jersey ties. Delta’s Restaurant will open in a historic building located at 810 Broad Street, according to Jersey Digs. Delta’s is based in New Brunswick and is known for its Southern-style menu.
Reader Submissions Welcome to The Montclair Girl’s Event Calendar
MG readers can now add their own events to our community calendar. Using this link, readers can use the form to submit event information and images that will populate our site.
Bloomfield Police Dispatcher Memorialized
Joseph Raimo, Jr., was a police dispatcher in Bloomfield for many years until his death in September 2023. The Bloomfield Police have honored his memory by creating a memorial wall in the Central Communication Dispatch Room, according to Patch. The wall, which includes a plaque in memorial of Joseph, was revealed at a ceremony earlier this month attended by his family and colleagues.
Montclair Church Unveils Monument to Covid-19 Victims
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Immaculate Conception Church in Montclair recently became the site of the first memorial to COVID-19 victims in New Jersey with the unveiling of its newest statue. According to Montclair Local, the memorial was commissioned by the parish and dedicated by Archdiocese of Newark Auxiliary Bishop Manuel A. Cruz, D.D., Vicar for Essex County at a ceremony earlier this month. The Immaculate Conception Church is part of the St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, located at 1 Munn Street in Montclair.
Changes to Newark’s Fire Fighting Plans in Response to Deadly Port Fire
Months after a fatal fire onboard a boat at the Port of Newark, leaders are recommending changes to the existing protocols for fire safety at the port. According to NJ.com, several officials are calling for a task force to take a closer look at what failed during the fire, and to make recommendations on legislative and other changes at the port. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka has said that he wants a marine fire fighting training facility created at the port, in addition to creating a specialized unit of the Newark Fire Department to respond to shipboard fires.
Montclair State University Takes Big Step Toward Inclusivity
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Montclair State University announced a new certificate program for students with intellectual disabilities. According to a press release from the university, the Certificate in General Education Studies is part of an effort to make the campus more inclusive. MSU is one of ten New Jersey colleges with programs that allow students with intellectual disabilities to learn inclusively while earning credits. The program will debut in Fall 2024, and applications are available now.
Low Scores for Newark Housing Authority from Federal Survey
A recent report card issued by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gave the Newark Housing Authority (NHA) low marks, according to TapInto. In this study, housing authorities are rated in four areas: physical conditions, finances, management, and capital funds. The NHA’s overall score was a 39%, when a 60% is considered passing. HUD now classifies NHA as troubled agency and will be taking a closer look.
Newark Teen Honored at Rutgers Game
A Newark teen was honored at a recent Rutgers University football game for his bravery while undergoing treatment for cancer, according to Patch. Jeriel Penson, 15, was honored as a Scarlet Knight of the game against Ohio State. In addition to receiving a special on-field recognition, Jeriel had a full slate of game-day activities including leading the team off the buses into the facility.
Bloomfield Residents Take On Landlord
Tenants of 34 Cross Street in Bloomfield say that the building’s landlord is harassing them. According to Patch, the apartment residents have issued a statement accusing the landlord of withholding essential utilities like heat and hot water, harassment, and other issues creating an unsafe environment. Residents also say that the building owner doesn’t have the correct certificates to run the building as a rental.
