September has certainly made its exit with this stormy, wet weather. It’s been another busy week in Essex County and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up. Among the highlights: Montclair residents launch an online petition about the Woodman Field trees; Livingston High School breaks its own highest number of National Merit Scholarship semifinalists; a Bergen County magician finishes in second place on America’s Got Talent. Read on for more news from Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond for the week ending October 1st, 2023.
New Restaurant + Banquet Space Coming to Former Franklin Steakhouse in Nutley
^ Rendering of The Hudson Rose. Photo Credit: Courtesy of GAC Hospitality Group
A new restaurant called The Hudson Rose is set to take over the former Franklin Steakhouse space at 238 Franklin Avenue in Nutley, and The Montclair Girl has all the details on what’s to come. 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. Read on to learn more about The Hudson Rose coming to Nutley, New Jersey.
Newark Teens Give Back
Several Newark teens took part in a community service event serving meals to honor the 9/11 anniversary through the United Community Corporation’s YouthBuild AmeriCorps Volunteers. Per Patch, the teens and young adults helped prepare a meal for 75 unhoused individuals. The program helps teens and young adults achieve a high school degree or equivalent while learning job and life skills.
NuYou Define Studio Opens in Montclair
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NuYou Define Studio has opened in Montclair at 24 Elm Street. This permanent makeup studio was founded by CydMarie Santiago. She specializes in various eyebrow techniques, including Nano Brows, Microblading, Ombre Brows, Combo brows, and Shading. CydMarie is skilled in Lash Enhancement Tattoo, eyeliner Tattoo, and lip blushing.
Italy-Based Eatery ‘Bacio Nero’ Coming to Bloomfield
Bloomfield Center has come a long way in the last decade. With new shops, restaurants, and more, there is much to do and explore around every corner. This fall, an Italian delicacy shop will open at 308 Glenwood Avenue, called Bacio Nero. Bacio Nero is an Italian franchise, and it will be part of the Bloomfield community soon. This location will be one of the international franchise’s first American locations. Keep reading to learn more about the newest cafe coming to Essex County, Bacio Nero.
Town Clerk Reappointed in Montclair
According to Montclair Local, Angelese Bermúdez Nieves has been reappointed as the town’s clerk. A vote of 5-2 confirmed her term. She has been a township employee since 2008.
Libelula Bakery + Kitchen Soft Opens in Montclair
Montclair’s food scene levels up with the soft opening of Libelula Bakery and Kitchen. Nestled in the heart of Montclair at 5 North Fullerton Avenue, this bakery and eatery serves a blend of Dominican, Peruvian, and French flavors. What was once home to Sushi Hana has now transformed into Libelula Bakery and Kitchen — where owners Veruska and Brian, two seasoned culinary experts, are set to impress their customers’ taste buds with their expertise. The new spot officially soft opened on September 26th, and will have bakery, breakfast, and lunch service until Sunday, October 1st. Read more to learn about the new bakery and eatery open now in Montclair, and the talented couple behind it.
Irvington Boxer Wins 3rd in a Row
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Irvington resident Jean Pierre Valencia has won his third boxing match in a row. Per Patch, the 23-year-old amateur boxer is ranked 8th nationally. Jean Pierre frequently trains at the Chris Gatling Recreation Center in Irvington.
Rabid Skunk in Bloomfield, Person Bit
The township of Bloomfield announced that a skunk that bit a person later tested positive for rabies. Per Montclair Local, the person received immediate medical attention and the skunk was contained. Residents are reminded to not interact with wild animals and to contact animal control if they observe animals acting strangely.
MTS Massage Open in Montclair
MTS Massage is now open at 18-20 Lackawanna Plaza in Montclair. MTS Massage is owned by Matthew Simonetti. His 18-year career as an LMT has led him through a wide array of therapeutic environments, encompassing clinical, chiropractic, spa, and professional sports settings. Matthew takes pride in having delivered Sports Massage services to the New York GIANTS for four consecutive seasons.
Essex County Hazardous Waste Collection Event
Per Patch, the Essex County Utilities Authority will host a free Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on October 7th. From 8:30AM to 4PM, residents can go to Essex County Public Works Department, 99 West Bradford Avenue in Cedar Grove to drop off items such as fluorescent light bulbs, barbecue propane tanks, and pool chemicals. Participants must bring proof of Essex County residency.
New Montclair Art Studio Aims for Inclusivity
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Art with All, which recently opened at 408 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair, caters to individuals who seek unconventional thinking. It offers visual art guidance to underserved groups, including seniors, adults with disabilities, communities of color, the LGBTQIA community, and those looking for a secure environment to explore their creativity.
Montclair Residents Launch Petition to Protect Trees at Woodman Field
Residents who are worried about the future of the trees at Woodman Field and unhappy with the responses from the township of Montclair have launched an online petition, according to Montclair Local. Over 300 residents have signed the petition, which was put on Sustainable Montclair’s website. The petition calls on the School Board and other local leaders to meet with citizens and preserve as many of the trees as possible, some of which the residents claim to be over 100 years old.
Volunteers Deliver Jewish Holidays to Seniors’ Doorsteps
In honor of the Jewish High Holidays, volunteers from Jewish Family Service of MetroWest New Jersey delivered Rosh Hashanah meals and packages to homebound seniors. Per Patch, the recipients were located in Essex, Morris, and Union counties. Several Holocaust survivors were among the recipients of the packaged meals, which included traditional food for the holidays including challah bread, apples, and honey.
Essex County Commits $3 Million to Improvements at Branch Brook Park
Work will begin on improvements to Branch Brook Park that ideally will reduce the number of rainouts for youth athletes. Per Patch, Essex County officials announced $3.15 million in funds to upgrade several playing fields to synthetic surfaces, install new dugouts and bleachers, and create new landscaping. The work will take place on the baseball and softball fields behind the Cherry Blossom Welcome Center.
Photography Talk at Montclair Library
Per Montclair Local, the Montclair Public Library will host Sophie Barbasch, an award-winning photographer, and James E. Young, a Holocaust scholar, for a presentation and discussion of photography and the Holocaust. The event will take place on Sunday, October 15th at 4PM and is part of the Library’s Stories of Exile Series. Sophie’s latest project was inspired by her discovery of a forgotten container of photo negatives in her Holocaust-survivor grandparents’ house.
Livingston High School Students Advance to National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finals
Per Patch, Livingston High School has a high number of semifinalists for National Merit Scholarships. The process to apply for the scholarships begins when students take the PSAT as a sophomore or junior, and they are also required to submit an essay and personal recommendations. Last year, LHS had eight semi-finalists, while this year there are 14. Students will be notified in the spring if they receive a scholarship.
New Podcast Revisits Legendary Montclair High School Football Game
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A legendary loss by the Montclair High School football team is the subject of the latest podcast from sports report Matt Stanmyre, per Montclair Local. The podcast, called Lights Out, follows the December 1990 state championship game between the Montclair Mounties and the Randolph Rams in front of a crowd of 13,000 people. The idea for the podcast grew after a 2019 article Matt wrote gained positive feedback.
New Zoo Exhibit Honors Longtime Essex County Teacher, Volunteer, + Supporter
A new exhibit at Essex County’s Turtle Back Zoo has been named in honor of Patricia Seebold, a longtime supporter of the zoo. Per Patch, she was a teacher at West Orange High School for over 30 years in addition to being an active participant in Livingston’s civic affairs. The new exhibit is called Island Giants and features Komodo Dragons and alligators.
Former Montclair Mayoral Candidate Yacobellis Winds Down Campaign, Donates Funds
As part of winding down his would-be mayoral campaign, Montclair Councilmember Peter Yacobellis is making plans to distribute his campaign funds, per Montclair Local. In an email to supporters, he asked for feedback on where the money should go. In winding down his efforts, he will contribute $1,000 each to Northeast Earth Coalition; Laptop Upcycle; Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates; Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless; Friends of the Howe House; Montclair Neighborhood Development Corp.; and Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place.
North Jersey Artisans Featured in Special Etsy Collection
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The Bibi Collective has been selected as part of artist John Legend’s special holiday collection for the craft website Etsy, according to a social media post from the organization. The Bibi Collective is a North Jersey-based organization that helps Afghani refugee women use their traditional embroidery skills to support their families as they build new lives in the US. Handmade, limited edition Christmas stockings from the Bibi Collective are part of the special project.
Bergen County Woman Finishes 2nd on America’s Got Talent
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Anna deGuzman, a magician from Bergen County, finished in second place on this season of America’s Got Talent. Anna specializes in close-up magic and card tricks, and her goal is to perform in Las Vegas. Best wishes, Anna!
NJ Transit’s 40th Anniversary Celebration at Hoboken Terminal
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As part of NJ Transit’s 40th Anniversary Celebrations, a heritage train display will take place at the Hoboken Terminal on Sunday October 1st from 10AM to 4PM on Track 17. According to a press release from NJ Transit, there will be locomotives in historic liveries, historic railroad cars, and other displays. The event is free and open to the public.
Financial Advisor to Montclair Resigns Amidst SEC Charges
A financial consultant hired by the township of Montclair has resigned after being charged by the Securities and Exchange Commission for failing to register as a municipal agent and failing to disclose material facts, according to Montclair Local. Robert Benecke of Benecke Economics has worked with the township since 2019 and resigned on Thursday, September 28th. Interim Town Manager Michael Lapolla said in a statement that the township was not accused of any wrongdoing by the SEC but had participated in an investigation in 2022.
Landscapers Sue Over Montclair Gas Leaf Blower Ban
Per Montclair Local, several landscaping businesses have joined together to sue the township of Montclair over its new ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. The ordinance will go into effect on October 16th. The plaintiff landscaping companies seek to stop the ordinance from taking effect at all, alleging several defects including constitutional violations.
My Salad Opens in Lyndhurst
Local salad spot My Salad has opened a second location in Lyndhurst at 415 Valley Brook Avenue. The restaurant will host a grand opening celebration on October 7th. My Salad’s first location is in Wayne, New Jersey and it specializes in fresh, healthy salads, sandwiches, and smoothies.
Concerns Raised over Field Conditions at Hillside School
Parents and players were in the crowd during a Montclair Board of Education meeting this week, sharing their concerns over the field conditions at Hillside Elementary School. Per Montclair Local, they shared comments about how dangerous and inconsistent the playing surface is on the field, which is used for soccer games. Several students shared stories about injuries suffered because of poor field conditions.
Montclair State, NJIT Team Up for Baseball Stadium Renovations
Montclair State University and New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) have announced a partnership to renovate Yogi Berra Stadium, which both schools’ teams will use. According to a press release from MSU, the $5.3 million project will be ready in time for the 2024 season. Improvements will include a new artificial turf playing surface, a new storage facility, dugout upgrades, and more. The facility will also be able to host conference-wide events.
