Halloween brought some scary-hot temperatures in its wake as November arrived this week. 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: Out Montclair is seeking donations immediately as it faces a financial crisis; the Riverfront Park expansion in Newark has its grand opening; and firefighters rescue civilians in multiple North Jersey incidents. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending November 3rd, 2024.
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Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- Winners Announced for Essex County Parks Photography Contest
- New Holiday Pop-Up Shop, ‘From Italy, With Love,’ Opens in Montclair
- North Jersey Resident Opens New Workout Studio in Montclair
- Road Closures Continue in Montclair Due To PSE&G Work
- Expansion at Riverfront Park in Newark Officially Opens
- Bruce Springsteen Biopic Starring Jeremy Allen White Films at Montclair Library
- 25th Anniversary Giants of Jazz Event in South Orange Announces Honoree
- New Dart Arena, DartsGood Social House, Opens in Bloomfield
- Montclair Firefighters Rescue Trapped Occupant in Flipped Vehicle
- New Sugar Tree Cafe Location to Open in Livingston
Massive Wildfire Occurs Near Livingston
As of Sunday, October 27th, a massive wildfire near Route 10 in the Livingston area is nearly contained, but smoke from the blaze is expected to linger until the next rain comes. According to Patch Livingston, crews the fire started the previous day on October 26th around Mount Pleasant Avenue and Eisenhower Parkway in Livingston. The fire became 90 percent contained on Sunday evening. There were no reported injuries and no buildings caught on fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Out Montclair Seeking Immediate Assistance
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Out Montclair is facing an unprecedented crisis, and without immediate financial support, it will be forced to shut down its programs and services that community members depend on. As it is facing severe funding shortages, online donations are strongly encouraged and needed to keep doors open. Out Montclair has been a resource for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking connection and support for three years.
Montclair State Sparks Debate Over New Limiting Protest Speech Rules
Montclair State University announced a new policy last week that limits the locations on campus where expressive activity — demonstrations, symbolic speech, and physical performances — can be held. The policy also states how “silent or symbolic expressive activity” has to be registered five days in advance and only allows the activities to happen between 8:30AM and 6PM. This comes after a rise in protests on college campuses in New Jersey and the country during the Israel-Gaza War. Yitzi Halberstam, a humanities major and organizer with the student and faculty group ‘MSU For Palestine,’ believes the policy is a reaction to his group’s activities, per Montclair Local. MSU For Palestine has been trying to book a protest.
7 Montclair Eateries Included in Yelp North Jersey’s Top 50 Places To Eat in 2024 List
Photo Credit: Cindy Blanco
Montclair has seven businesses included in the list of Yelp’s ‘Top Places to Eat in North Jersey in 2024.’ This year Montclair dominates the list with seven businesses. Faubourg and Luigino’s Parmigiana made the top ten.
Winners Announced for Essex County Parks Photography Contest
On Tuesday, October 15th, Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. presented awards to nine winners in the Annual Essex County Parks Photography Contest. According to Montclair Local, three of the winners in the Adult category are Montclair residents, with Beth Calamia Sheckel receiving second place for “Branch Brook Park.” Alexandra Barrios from Newark received first place in the Youth Category for “Branch Brook Park” while Arthur J. Ballinger III from Cedar Grove received first place in the Professional Category for “Verona Park, Sunrise.”
New Holiday Pop-Up Shop, ‘From Italy, With Love,’ Opens in Montclair
Among the highlights of pop-up shops coming to the Montclair area this holiday season is From Italy, With Love, a holiday pop-up shop that just opened yesterday, November 2nd. This pop-up is located at 602 Valley Road — down the street from its sister brand Jafajems — and features Italian decor, gifts, artisanal leathers, and more. Click here to learn more about From Italy, With Love in Montclair, New Jersey.
Defamation + Fires Set at Montclair Mechanic Shop
Vandals broke into a mechanical repair shop located at 15 Alvin Road in Montclair on Thursday, October 24th, where they set fires and defaced the walls with spray paint, including a drawing of a swastika. Authorities responding to the call also found a light smoke condition, and firefighters found several “small piles” of burning debris, which they extinguished. The case is currently under investigation as a potential bias crime because of the swastika, per Montclair Local. Anyone with information can contact Montclair Detective Joseph Juliano at 973-509-4724.
More Updates on Eataly Location Opening at Short Hills Mall
The long-awaited Eataly location is set to arrive at Short Hills Mall very soon. While the exact opening date is still unknown at this time, a construction worker at the site told MG that Eataly is aiming for a mid-late November debut in Short Hills. The eatery is reported to be located on the first floor of the mall, near Bloomingdales’, in the space that formerly held Mercado. Eataly provides a variety of dining options like a pizzeria, a pasta bar, a meat and cheese counter, and a gelato shop. Aside from dining, Eataly is also a retail market that has Italian groceries, cookware, and tableware. Our post will be updated as more news comes along about Eataly’s opening.
North Jersey Resident Opens New Workout Studio in Montclair
Marissa Herrman, a New Jersey native, recently opened Move House Fit, a great place to try a fitness program that expresses change, growth, and fun. Move House provides two group classes in sculpt and barre as well as on-demand classes. Personal training is also provided in person or via Zoom. Click here to learn more about Marissa Herrmann and her new Move House Fitness Studio in Montclair.
Road Closures Continue in Montclair Due To PSE&G Work
Road closures are continuing this week in Montclair due to PSE&G main replacement and repairs. According to Patch Montclair, the work will take place between 7AM–5PM at several locations. These include Bellevue Avenue between Norwood and Grove Streets until Monday, November 4th; Lorraine Avenue between Norwood and Grove Streets until Wednesday, November 6th; Duryea Road between Lorraine and Inwood Avenues from Tuesday, November 5th to Friday, November 8th; and Haddon Place between Park and Grove Streets from Wednesday, November 6th to Friday, November 8th. Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes during work hours, anticipate delays, and be careful when passing through the area.
Montclair Film Festival Announces 2024 Award Winners
Montclair Film has revealed the 2024 Montclair Film Festival competition winners. According to Montclair Local, the festival featured four main competitive categories: Fiction, Documentary, Future/Now, and New Jersey Filmmaking. All We Imagine As Light (directed by Payal Kapadia) was awarded the festival’s Fiction Feature Prize. The Audience Award for Fiction Feature was awarded to The Piano Lesson (directed by Malcolm Washington). A full list of winners for all of the categories can be found online.
Newark Teacher Killed in Car Crash
Laura Cuevas recently passed away at 66 years old on Saturday, October 26th, after a car crash occurred outside of Arts High School on Martin Luther King Boulevard in Newark on Wednesday, October 23rd. Two vehicles collided and one of them lost control, striking Laura and pinning her against the building, per NJ.com. Another teacher and the two drivers were treated for minor injuries. Laura was an art teacher at East Ward Elementary School, a Pre-K–7 school in the city’s Ironbound neighborhood. It is not clear why she was at Arts High School on the day of the accident.
Longtime SOMA Community Leader Retiring
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The South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race is bidding goodbye to Audrey Rowe, who is retiring after 23 years of dedicated service with the group. Audrey, who is also the mother of Maplewood’s Grammy Award-winning artist SZA, has been a significant member of the SOMA community for decades and has served as a member of the coalition’s staff for 23 years. According to Patch Maplewood, she will retire at the end of the year. The coalition released a thank-you message for Audrey on its website.
Expansion at Riverfront Park in Newark Officially Opens
Newark and state officials came together to celebrate the opening of a new stretch of Newark Riverfront Park on Friday, October 25th. The new 2,400-foot area of parkland is known as “the Notch,” after a geological feature of the river, and includes three yellow kiosks made from shipping containers that will be occupied by food vendors this upcoming spring. Its opening expands the waterfront access and recreational space available to nearby residents. The expansion was built for $14 million with city and mostly state funds from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, per NJ Advance Media.
Bruce Springsteen Biopic Starring Jeremy Allen White Films at Montclair Library
After it was confirmed earlier this year that The Bear and Shameless star Jeremy Allen White would be playing Jersey native Bruce Springsteen in an upcoming biopic, the movie was filming at Montclair Public Library’s Bellevue Avenue Branch this week. Aside from MTC, Deliver Me From Nowhere will be filming all over New Jersey in the coming months — including Asbury Park and Morris County. Allen White himself has even been spotted in Montclair and Hoboken in the last two weeks. Click here for more about the filming for Deliver Me From Nowhere in Montclair.
$43K Lottery Ticket Sold in Newark
A lottery ticket worth $43,797 was recently sold at Arcos Doce Baker (located at 88 Wilson Avenue) on Sunday, October 27th. According to Patch Newark, a Quick Draw Progressive ticket was drawn for 30 percent of the progressive jackpot. The identity of the winner is still unknown to the public.
New Jersey Man Who Is A Cop + Firefighter Saves Trapped Woman
A police officer in Millburn who volunteers as a firefighter in Clark helped save the life of an 83-year-old woman trapped in a house fire on Sunday, October 27th. Millburn police were called around 3AM to a fire in a house on Old Short Hills Road when Captain Thomas Sweeney entered the burning home without protective gear or an air pack. He crawled eight to ten feet to find the woman and saved her, per NJ.com. The victim sustained burns and was taken to a nearby hospital, while two other residents (a mother and daughter) got out safely.
Affordable Housing Provider Reportedly Owes Montclair Thousands in Back Taxes
The integrity of Montclair’s affordable housing nonprofit, HOMECorp, is in question now after 10 of the entity’s 13 properties in town appeared on the annual tax sale list. According to Montclair Local, this is something the housing provider blamed on high inflation, rising property taxes, and its inability to raise rents. The list of properties on the tax sale, which closed on Wednesday, October 23rd, shows HOMECorp owed $49,977 in tax, water, and sewer charges to the township. It marks a portion of the nonprofit’s debts to the township, which officials at a Housing Commission meeting earlier in the month said amount to just over $200,000 in back taxes. HOMECorp’s properties represent about 10 percent of the township’s affordable stock. Fourth Ward Councilor Aminah Toler said that the township hadn’t heard any updates from HOMECorp as of Monday, October 28th.
25th Anniversary Giants of Jazz Event in South Orange Announces Honoree
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The South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Giants of Jazz event by honoring Grammy Award-winning drummer and bandleader Lewis Nash on Saturday, November 30th. Nash is known as “Jazz’s MVP,” per NJ.com, and has had a career spanning four decades featuring collaborations with jazz legends like Betty Carter, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, and many more. This year’s lineup also features musicians including Eric Alexander, Don Braden, Cyrus Chestnut, and Roberta Gambarini. Tickets for the event start at $55 for general admission with a $120 VIP package available. Interested attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets early online.
Montclair’s Tiny Art Gallery Debuts New LAND BACK Show
^ Wükadügü-ku Tabedzupa (Stacked Sunset) Photo Credit: Karma Henry (Paiute)
Standing proudly on the corner of 8 Stanford Place is Montclair’s own Tiny Gallery, a small showcase of miniature art pieces from local artists. Created and directed by Montclair resident Francesca Castagnoli, the gallery features themed, month-long exhibits and is free for any curious passersby. After hosting a variety of different shows since its inception in February 2023, Tiny Gallery’s newest exhibit — LAND BACK — made its debut on Friday, November 1st to kick off Native American Heritage Month. Click here to learn more about the new show, and the Montclair resident behind the project.
Defying Gravitea in Pequannock Opens New Event Space, The Cottage House
Defying Gravitea, located at 211 Newark Pompton Turnpike in Pequannock, is a cozy café that is entirely gluten- and dairy-free, with every dish made from scratch in small batches. The local eatery serves up a delicious breakfast and lunch menu while also providing in-house catering for special events and carry-out dinners, too. The cafe recently launched its new event space, The Cottage House, for special and intimate events including bridal and baby showers, birthdays, and more. Click here to learn about the Defying Gravitea’s menu and its new event space in Pequannock.
New Dart Arena, DartsGood Social House, Opens in Bloomfield
DartsGood Social House, located at 293 Glenwood Avenue, recently opened in Bloomfield and is ready for darts players of all ages. Beginners can even learn the ropes by taking lessons during off-peak hours. Click here to learn more about DartsGood Social House, New Jersey’s premier darts arena located in Bloomfield.
Essex County Nonprofit Seeking Volunteers for Poverty Relief Program
Family Promise of Essex County is seeking volunteers for a groundbreaking poverty relief initiative called Circles. The mission of Circles is to focus on building a dedicated and organized community that works together including local individuals, organizations, and civic leaders collaborating to share resources and provide mutual aid, per Patch Montclair. The organization seeks individuals who offer mentorship and coaching can help coordinate its weekly meetings, can help participants access community services and job opportunities, and assist with childcare and youth programming. Interested volunteers can register for a virtual information session (weekly on Thursdays at 7PM) online.
Pilgrim Medical Center Unveils Radiant Tomorrow Mural
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The winning mural of the 2024 ArtCONNECTs Mural Project, Radiant Tomorrow, by Christina Kwan, was unveiled this week at Pilgrim Medical Center, transforming the facade into a beautiful, community-centered artwork. The Montclair Center Business Improvement District (BID) called on artists for its 2024 ArtCONNECTs Mural Project back in May. The goal was to transform the facade of Pilgrim Medical Center located at 393 Bloomfield Avenue, per Montclair Local.
Montclair Firefighters Rescue Trapped Occupant in Flipped Vehicle
A vehicle overturned and trapped someone inside on Friday, October 25th, in Montclair and trapped someone inside. According to the Patch Montclair, the crash took place at Grove Street and Alexander Avenue when the vehicle was positioned up against a tree after hitting a parked vehicle and the front porch of a nearby home. Montclair Fire Chief Robert Duncan reported that firefighters used specialized rescue equipment — including struts, chains, and extrication tools — to help get the trapped person out of the car. Emergency responders transported the victim to a nearby hospital for treatment afterward.
New Sugar Tree Cafe Location to Open in Livingston
In an MG exclusive, it’s been confirmed that Nutley’s Sugar Tree Cafe will be opening a new location at 107 East Mount Pleasant Avenue in Livingston in early December. This location will be a little smaller but have the same look and feel as its original space, including a patio area for guests to enjoy their beverages and delights. Click here to learn more about the new Sugar Tree Cafe location opening in Livingston early next month.
Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day 2024 in Montclair + Essex County
Turkey season is here and Thanksgiving has arrived. For those who are looking for a place to eat for the holiday, The Montclair Girl has curated a list of local restaurants and bakeries that will stay open for the holiday. Read on to learn more about restaurants in Montclair and Essex County that are open on Thanksgiving Day 2024.
Bloomfield
Bloomfield Steak + Seafood House | 409 Franklin Street
Hours: 1PM-5PM
Special Menu: The historic Bloomfield Steak + Seafood House will provide indoor and outdoor dining on Thanksgiving day. Guests can look forward to a wide selection of Thanksgiving classics, such as roasted white + dark meat turkey, spiral ham, homemade garlic mashed potatoes, and more. The restaurant’s regular menu will also be available. See the full menu here. To make a reservation, call the restaurant at 973-680-4500.
The Brookdale | 1099 Broad Street
Hours: Starting at 11:30AM
Special Menu: The Brookdale will have a pre-fixe Thanksgiving menu that includes herb-roasted turkey breast, dark meat roulade, cornbre\ad stuffing, broccoli soufflé, sweet potato casserole, and homemade cranberry sauce. The meals costs $48 for adults, and $24 for kids 12 and under. Reservations are recommended.
Read More: Holiday Pop-Up Markets + Bars in New Jersey Happening for 2024
Caldwell
Calandra's Italian Market + Deli | 234 Bloomfield Avenue
Hours: 9AM-5PM
Il Vecchio Café | 234 Bloomfield Avenue
Hours: 12PM-2PM, 2:30PM-4:30PM, 5PM-7PM
Special Menu: Essex County locals can expect a menu of fall classics. This restaurant will serve arugula salad, sweet potatoes, house-made focaccia bread, and more for appetizers. The menu will include a turkey carving station, rigatoni vodka, salmon, and more for dinner. Adult meals will be priced at $70, and kids’ meals for children ages four to ten will be priced at $25.
Fairfield
Calandra's Bakery | 244 US-46, Fairfield
Hours: 6AM-5PM
Cucina Calandra | 216 Route 46 East, Fairfield
Hours: 12PM-6PM
Special Menu: Cucina Calandra will serve an Italian-style Thanksgiving menu. Guests can choose between various options, including butternut squash, eggplant rollatini, pumpkin ravioli, Tuscan salmon, and more. See the full menu here.
Montclair
Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue
Hours: 12PM-7:30PM
Special Menu: Faubourg will serve an a la carte menu with holiday specials for Thanksgiving.
Fusionista | 14 Park Street
Hours: 12PM-10PM
Pappardelle Ristorante | 77 Walnut Street
Hours: 2PM-6PM
Zeugma Grill | 44 South Park Street
Hours: 3PM-9:30PM
Special Menu: Zeugma Grill will have its a la carte menu available for Thanksgiving.
The Oranges
The Fox + Falcon | 19 Valley Street, South Orange
Hours: 12PM-8PM
Special Menu: This restaurant will serve a three-course menu on Thanksgiving, priced at $75 per person. For appetizers, customers can choose from butternut soup, burrata salad, and more. For the main course, the menu will consist of turkey, Atlantic salmon, and more. See here for the full menu.
See More: Your Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Planning in Hoboken + Jersey City
McLoone’s Boathouse | 9 Cherry Lane, West Orange
Hours: 11AM-8PM
Special Menu: This waterside restaurant will provide guests with a Thanksgiving buffet for $50 for adults and $18 for children ages three to eleven. Patrons can expect sliced turkey breast, mac + cheese, apple stuffing, a raw bar, and seasonal pies like pumpkin and pecan, among other things. See here for the full menu. To make reservations, call McLoone’s Boathouse at 862-252-7108.
Village Hall | 101 South Orange Avenue, South Orange
Hours: 1PM-7PM
Special Menu: Village Hall’s Thanksgiving menu will consist of four courses. Expect roasted pumpkin soup, crispy calamari, shrimp cocktail, and more for appetizers. In addition to family-style sides, this spot will provide various entre options, including an herb-roasted turkey, homestyle lasagna, short rib, and more. See here for the full menu.
