The weather this week is reminding us to blast Taylor Swift’s Red (TV, of course) as we drive through the colorful New Jersey foliage. 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: East and Gulf Coast dockworkers go on strike before it ends a few days later; clothing store Francis Henri is accepting donations for its diaper drive; and Sabatino’s in Maplewood gets mobbed as SZA buys pizza for teenagers. Read on for all the news in Essex County for the week ending October 6th, 2024.
Have a news story or press release? Email it to [email protected].
Among the Headlines (read on for full stories):
- $337K Awarded to Montclair Foundation to Replace Van Vleck House Roof
- Adam Sandler Spotted at Multiple Local Businesses in Essex County for Happy Gilmore 2
- Montclair Film Festival To Host ‘Evening of Conversation with Jon Bon Jovi’
- Francis Henri Accepting Donations for Diaper Drive
- Tony Boys Sandwich Shop to Open Montclair Location
- Tree-Planting Volunteers Needed in East Orange + Newark
- Jiang Nan Relocates to Fort Lee
- Essex County Native Actor, John Amos, Dies
- Sabatino’s in Maplewood Mobbed as SZA Buys Pizza for Teens
- Company Hired to Replace Dangerous Lead Pipes in Newark Faked $10.2M
$337K Awarded to Montclair Foundation to Replace Van Vleck House Roof
The New Jersey Historic Trust announced Wednesday, September 25th, that the Montclair Foundation has been awarded a grant of $337,197 to pay for half the cost of replacing the roof of the main house at Van Vleck House + Gardens. According to the executive director of the Montclair Foundation, Mark Packer, the main house roof had been limping along with patching and in need of replacement for a long time, per Montclair Local. Since the building is located in the historic Mountain District, contributes to the history of the neighborhood and is registered as a historic site, The Foundation learned that it could apply for grant funding from the New Jersey Historic Trust. The work is planned to take place in spring 2025 and is reportedly a big undertaking as it’s expected to cost a total of $650,000; The Foundation’s Capital Campaign is willing to raise the balance of the funds if needed.
Adam Sandler Spotted at Multiple Local Businesses in Essex County for Happy Gilmore 2
View this post on Instagram
Happy Gilmore 2 — a sequel to the 1996 film Happy Gilmore starring Adam Sandler — has been filming all over Northern New Jersey these past few weeks. A casting call was even sent out to locals recently seeking Essex County and New York City residents to portray 2000s-era golf spectators in a West Orange shoot. While MG doesn’t have another casting call to share for those looking to make their on-screen debuts, the movie continues to film locally, and Adam Sandler himself has even been spotted at a few local businesses. Click here for more about the Happy Gilmore 2 filming in Essex County this month and which businesses Adam Sandler was spotted in.
ACME Markets Foundation Donates 10K to Toni’s Kitchen
On Tuesday, September 24th, representatives from ACME Markets Foundation presented Toni’s Kitchen with a $10,000 check to launch a new weekly Neighborhood Mobile Market at the Neighborhood Child and Infant Care Center (NCICC) in Montclair. Neighborhood Mobile Markets allow visitors to choose fresh produce, protein, and groceries best suited to their families in a farmers-market-style setting, typically serving approximately 100 visitors per run in Montclair, Bloomfield, and West Orange. According to Montclair Local, this will be the sixth market Toni’s Kitchen will open in the community after partnering with NCICC for a decade. NCICC nurtures children from ages six weeks to five years in a supervised program led by certified teachers and teacher assistants. More information on how to get involved is available at Toni’s Kitchen’s website.
Montclair Film Festival To Host ‘Evening of Conversation with Jon Bon Jovi’
View this post on Instagram
Montclair Film announced on Tuesday, October 1st, that Jon Bon Jovi will join Stephen Colbert on stage at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in downtown Newark, on Saturday, October 26th at 8PM. The pair will sit down for an evening of conversation during its 2024 Film Festival celebrating Jon’s career as one of “our most beloved performers,” per a press release provided by FRANK PR. Tickets are available on NJPAC’s website.
Francis Henri Accepting Donations for Diaper Drive
Clothing store Francis Henri is set to start its Diaper Drive this month to benefit Raphael’s Life House — a transitional residence for teens and young women who are pregnant and experiencing homelessness. It will collect donations at its Montclair and Westfield locations from Tuesday, October 8th through Tuesday, October 22nd from 9AM–4PM. The drive will accept new and/or opened diaper packs of all sizes (especially sizes 4+) and unopened wipe packs. Its Montclair location sits at 47 South Park Street and its Westfield shop is located at 258 East Broad Street.
East + Gulf Coast Dockworkers Go On Strike, Ends Days Later
Nearly 50,000 dockworkers along the East and Gulf Coasts went on strike as of 12AM on Tuesday, October 1st. The strike briefly affected all major ports from Maine and all the way down to Texas — including the Port of New York and New Jersey, which is the largest on the East Coast and one of the busiest in the United States. The dockworkers, who are members of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), went on strike for higher pay and more job security. ILA has agreed to suspend its dockworker strike as of Friday, October 4th and return to work at the ports after reaching a tentative agreement on wage increases. According to The New York Times, the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), a shipping industry group representing terminal operators and ocean carriers, offered to increase wages by 62 percent over the course of a new six-year contract. While this increase is still lower than what the union had asked for, it is higher than the alliance’s original offer. The dockworkers’ current contract (which ended at 12AM on Tuesday, October 1st) has been extended until January 15th, 2025 while the ILA and USMX continue negotiations. Click here to learn more about the strike, its ending, and what this means for New Jersey residents.
New ‘Reading Space’ in Newark Gets Aided By Jets Cornerback
A new “reading space” in Newark, located at 1 Avon Avenue, recently got a kickoff with a special appearance from New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed. The Boys + Girls Club of Newark unveiled the new space earlier last month, which was funded through a donation from UnitedHealthcare of New Jersey, per Patch Newark. The new space provides a safe zone for children to “read, learn, and imagine” by supplying comfy seating and fully stocked bookshelves. In partnership with Reed, UnitedHealthcare also donated school supplies to families and children for back-to-school season. The unveiling event also passed out free backpacks and other supplies, along with D.J. personally donating “health journals” for the kids to support their emotional well-being.
New Jersey Devils + Prudential Center Launch New Food + Beverage Experience with Levy
With the anticipation of the 2024-25 season, the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center announced a multitude of arena upgrades on Monday, September 30th. The upgrades include the launch of a new hospitality brand in collaboration with Levy Hospitality, including a new premium club space, and much more. Eastback Kitchen, the newly launched official culinary and white-label hospitality brand of Prudential Center, will deliver world-class hospitality this upcoming season, ranging from concessions to premium clubs and suites. Fans can also enjoy more than 20 new signature options available at redesigned concessions destinations across all levels, reflecting New Jersey favorites and local traditions. In addition, Prudential Center will welcome Mighty Quinn’s to its roster in Section 4 as well as new signage throughout the concourse at concession stands. Game presentation elements have also been enhanced for this upcoming season, including a 3D ice projection system that will consist of a refreshed ‘Light Up The Rock’ concept and a full projection light show airing before every Devils’ home game. According to a press release, this redefined fan experience is part of a continual rollout of enhancements to further elevate Newark’s Prudential Center as a marquee destination for sports and entertainment.
3 Newark Teens Arrested After School Social Media Threat
Newark police arrested three teenagers on Thursday, September 26th, for a social media threat involving the Newark Public School District. According to Patch Newark, police issued an update around 4PM that afternoon reporting that three 13-year-olds (two males and one female) had been arrested in connection with the threat. The suspects each face charges of 3rd-degree terroristic threats, 4th-degree cyber harassment, 3rd-degree creating a false public alarm, and disorderly person (otherwise known as harassment). Police are actively seeking a fourth juvenile male in connection with this incident.
Car Crashes Through Home in Montclair
View this post on Instagram
The Montclair Fire Department responded to a motor vehicle accident on Ridgewood Avenue on Sunday, September 29th, after a car crashed through the wall of a home. According to the Montclair Police Department, a crew was dispatched to the home around 10:25AM after a crash occurred near the intersection of Tuxedo Road. One of the cars involved traveled approximately 75 feet off the road where it then careened through the wall of the garage, per Montclair Local. Glen Ridge Police, Glen Ridge EMS, and the Montclair Fire Department arrived to discover that the driver was able to get out of the car, which came to rest just inside the structure. It was reported that none of the residents of the home were injured. The building department was on location to evaluate the structure and confirm that it was not in danger of further collapse. Montclair Fire Units stayed on the scene for two hours to ensure that the building was safe until permanent repairs could be made.
Woman Encounters Juveniles with Knife in Maplewood
On Thursday, September 26th, a woman had a suspicious encounter with a group of juveniles — including one wielding a knife — in Maplewood. According to the Maplewood Police Department, officers received a 9-1-1 call from a 20-year-old woman around 8PM. The woman reported that she was walking towards her vehicle on Park Avenue when three unknown male juveniles wearing all-black clothing approached her. One of the juveniles proceeded to brandish a knife at the woman and said, “Let me get in the car,” per Patch Maplewood. When the woman started to call 9-1-1, they fled the scene. The suspect, a 14-year-old male, was eventually apprehended after a foot pursuit through local backyards and was transported to police headquarters before being released to a guardian. The woman was reportedly unharmed, no property was taken, and no charges have been filed.
Tony Boys Sandwich Shop to Open Montclair Location
View this post on Instagram
Tony Boys Sandwich House, known for its homemade sandwiches and salads, is set to open its new Montclair location in mid-November. It will be located at 8 South Fullerton Avenue. Its other locations include Livingston, Madison, and Montville.
Comfort Zone Camp Hosting ‘New Jersey Silver Lining’ Gala
Comfort Zone Camp will be hosting its upcoming New Jersey Silver Lining Gala dedicated to supporting children who have experienced the loss of a parent, sibling, or primary caregiver. The event will be taking place on Friday, November 22nd, from 7PM–11PM at Edgewood Country Club in River Vale. The evening will include an open bar, cocktail hour, full seated dinner, silent auction, photo booth, wine pull, and more. Comfort Zone Camp’s mission is to provide a safe and supportive environment where children can navigate their grief journey alongside peers who have experienced similar losses. Its programs combine traditional camp activities with grief education and emotional support, helping children build coping skills, resilience, and lasting friendships.
Apricot Sky Productions Celebrating 24 Years in Business
View this post on Instagram
Apricot Sky Productions is celebrating its 24 years in business with a two-weekend run of eight one-act original plays made by New Jerseyans. The shows run Friday through Sunday on October 18th–20th and the following weekend, October 25th–27th. Friday and Saturday performances take place at 8PM with Sunday matinees at 1PM. The company’s mission is, “to make theater more approachable and to introduce new audiences to high-caliber writing, directing, acting, and staging.” Tickets can be reserved via telephone at 973-509-2350 or bought at the door.
Tree-Planting Volunteers Needed in East Orange + Newark
The New Jersey Tree Foundation’s Renaissance Trees Program (NJTF) is recruiting volunteers to plant trees in multiple Northern New Jersey cities this fall. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and are needed to dig holes, lift and set trees in place, and then spread mulch. No experience is necessary as tools and gloves will be provided and all training will take place on site. All tree planting events begin at 9AM, rain or shine, and typically finish by 12PM. It is advised to wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that can get dirty. The next tree plantings will take place on Saturday, October 19th, at Centerway Street in East Orange and on Saturday, October 26th on Ridge Street in Newark. Individuals and volunteer groups will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and should email the organization or call 609-439-1755. According to Patch Newark, NJTF believes in planting the right tree in the right place and has done so in cities across New Jersey since 1998.
Jiang Nan Relocates to Fort Lee
View this post on Instagram
Jiang Nan, originally located at 379 Bloomfield Avenue, has closed its doors and moved to a new location in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Its new address is 1642 Schlosser Street in Fort Lee. The restaurant is known for its Chinese fusion dishes that are prepared with traditional recipes and seasonal updates.
‘Vogue The Vote’ Campaign Launches in Attempt To Increase Voter Registration in Newark
Newark Pride Inc., Dollhouse Unlimited, and The City of Newark’s Advisory Commission for LGBTQ+ Concerns have partnered to produce the “VOGUE The VOTE” campaign — a non-partisan initiative aimed at increasing voter registration, education, and civic engagement for young eligible constituents from the ages of 17 through 34. According to Patch Newark, the aim of “VOGUE THE VOTE” is to provide Newark’s LGBTQ+ community voter registration and education through informative seminars and grassroots campaign experiences in the final weeks leading up to National Election Day on November 5th, 2024. Two events will be open to the public on Saturday, October 19th, and Election Day (Tuesday, November 5th) to participate, volunteer, sponsor, and promote. More information about the campaign can be found via email or by visiting its website.
Essex County Native, Actor John Amos, Dies
View this post on Instagram
Essex County native John Amos, a famed actor known for his roles in Roots and Good Times, recently died at the age of 84. According to Patch Newark, he died of natural causes on Wednesday, August 21st per his publicist, and did not elaborate as to why the announcement was delayed. John was born in Newark and grew up in East Orange before he became a “TV Dad” for many across the country for his role as James Evans in the 1970s television show, Good Times.
Glen Ridge Public Library Begins ‘Your Library, Your Voice’ Survey
Glen Ridge Public Library is launching a new long-range strategic plan with a focus on how it can best serve the community and meet the needs of users through a survey available to the public. All responses are confidential and will be reported in aggregate, per Montclair Local. The survey is available online until Wednesday, October 30th, and should take no more than five minutes.
Sabatino’s in Maplewood Mobbed as SZA Buys Pizza for Teens
View this post on Instagram
Sabatino’s, a pizzeria in Maplewood, was mobbed by Columbia High School Students for hours on Tuesday, October 1st due to the possibility of a mainstream artist showing up. The crowds came after SZA, the Grammy-winning singer and Maplewood native, posted on social media that she was buying lunch for all the students at her alma mater, and also teased that she might stop by after a doctor’s appointment, per NJ.com. The free lunch started around 11AM as hordes of students soon followed with some skipping class for a chance to spot the star. SZA appeared hours later after her tweet and posed for a picture with some attendees (pictured above).
Company Hired to Replace Dangerous Lead Pipes in Newark Allegedly Stole $10.2M Using Fraudulent Documents
Federal authorities announced on Thursday, October 3rd, that a company hired to replace 18,000 dangerous lead water pipes in Newark billed the city for $10.2 million while using misleading photographs. The CEO of JAS Group Enterprise and a company foreperson have each been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. CEO Michael Sawyer of Burlington, and his employee, Latronia Sanders of Roselle were due in court Thursday. According to NJ.com, JAS received a contract worth $10,209,870 to complete work at up to 1,500 sites, according to charging documents. Authorities reported that the company didn’t do the job they signed on for after being hired by the City of Newark in 2019. Locations cited in court documents were on Hawthorne Avenue while the other was on Badger Avenue. It has been reported that the lead pipes neglected by JAS have since been replaced, adding that the company was one of eight contractors hired by the city to do the work. Any civilian with additional information is asked to call the FBI at 973-792-3000.