Spooky season is here so it’s time to break out the jack-o-lanterns and skeletons in preparation for Halloween. 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 begins annual fire hydrant flushing and inspections; the Bloomfield Animal Shelter has a call out for supplies; and over 2,500 Newark high school seniors take part in a college fair. Read on for more news from Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond for the week ending October 8th, 2023.
Montclair Launches New Records Portal for Residents
The township of Montclair has launched a new way for residents to request information. Per Patch, the new portal is meant to make it easier to get records and information under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA). The new platform is live now.
NJ Lottery Winning Streak in Newark
In a six-day period, 11 winning lottery tickets were sold in Newark. Three of those tickets were worth $50,000, according to Patch. Lottery buzz is high this month as the Powerball drawing is at a record-setting billion dollars.
Bloomfield Shelter Calls for Donations
Per Patch, the Bloomfield Animal Shelter is asking the community for supplies to help support the families that rely on Manna Food Depot. The Bloomfield Animal Shelter + the Animal Shelter Advisory Board are working together to collect supplies for Manna Food Depot. The most needed items are dry dog and cat food, and more information is available online.
Montclair Fire Hydrant Flushing
Per Patch, the township of Montclair will begin the process of flushing all hydrants, which will take three weeks to complete. The flushing will take place during daytime hours and residents may experience lower water pressure or discolored water. Crews will inspect the hydrants and pipes to ensure adequate fire protection.
Historic Building in Newark to Get Modern Mural
The lobby of the historic Essex Plaza One Building, located at 1060 Broad Street in Newark, will soon be adorned with a modern mural. According to Patch, the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is organizing a contest to get local artists involved with the building’s design. The winner of the contest will win a $7,500 stipend. More information for applicants is available here.
Bloomfield Schools Recognized by State
Per Patch, Bloomfield Public Schools have been recognized by the New Jersey Department of Education as a ‘high performing’ district. The district also passed the NJ Quality Single Accountability Continuum. This is the second time the school district to received high marks from NJDOE.
Montclair Public Library Foundation Board Adds Four
The Montclair Public Library Foundation has named four new members to its board, according to Patch. Elizabeth Rich, Henry Neff, Michael Cocco, and Eileen Brackenbury were announced as the board’s newest members via a press release. The MPLF is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports the Montclair Public Library and its programming.
Newark Schools Host College Fair
According to a press release from the Newark Board of Education, over 2,000 Newark high school seniors attended a college fair. Over 50 colleges participated in the event, which was held at the NJIT Wellness and Events Center. All 2,689 student participants received the Class of 2024 College Fair Resource Guide and a bookbag to collect college applications and scholarship materials.
Maplewood Art Walk + Music Fest Announced
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The Maplewood Arts and Music Fest has been announced for Sunday, October 15th from 11AM to 5PM. According to Montclair Local, the family-friendly event will feature local vendors, live music, food, drinks, and more. There will be a Children’s Corner with arts and craft activities for children.
12th Annual Montclair Film Festival Starts October 20th: Event Schedule
Film lovers who want to connect with other cinephiles or attend Q+As with some of the biggest names in the industry will want to mark their calendars for the 12th Annual Montclair Film Festival. The festival begins on Friday, October 20th, and runs through Sunday, October 29th with a plethora of events in both Montclair and Newark — including screenings and panels at The Clairidge, NJPAC, and The Wellmont Theater. Keep reading to learn more about the Montclair Film Festival schedule and how to snag some tickets.
Essex County Announces Three Pup Parades
According to Montclair Local, Essex County will host three ‘Strut Your Mutt’ events for dogs to show off their Halloween costumes. The family-friendly event is free and there are prizes for many participants. The dog parades will take place on Saturday, October 21st at 9:30AM at Essex County Branch Brook Dog Park; Saturday October 28th at 9:30AM at Essex County Branch Brook Dog Park; and Saturday October 28th at 1PM at Essex County Grover Cleveland Park.
Newark City Council Approves Two New Loan Options for Homeowners + Homebuyers
The Newark City Council recently passed two ordinances that will make it easier for some homeowners to access loans for home improvements, according to Patch. The funds are available through the Live Newark program, which offers no- and low-interest-rate loans for buyers and homeowners who meet certain criteria. The two new ordinances address loans for closing costs for first-time homebuyers and loans for facade improvements.
Montclair Gateway to Aging ADU Design Contest Attracts Dozens of Entrants
A competition hosted by Montclair Gateway to Aging in Place to design livable Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for seniors has attracted entries from graduate and undergraduate students from top programs nationwide. Per Montclair Local, over 60 entries have already been received as part of the contest, which is funded by a grant from AARP. The winners will be announced at a ceremony on November 5th.
Lululemon Closes Montclair Location
A staple of the Bloomfield Avenue shopping scene in MTC has quietly closed its doors. Lululemon, which was located at 520 Bloomfield Avenue, is now closed and has merged with the Willowbrook Mall location of the athletic apparel brand in Wayne. Read on for what we know about Lululemon’s closure in Montclair, New Jersey.
Montclair State Student Wins First Place in Newark Fashion Week Competition
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A student at Montclair State University has won first place at the Newark Fashion Week Festival, according to The Montclairion. Aryanna Salmon, 22, was inspired by childhood memories of designing clothing and costumes with her mother. Her winning collection, Sophi, incorporated her mother’s Peruvian culture and her father’s alternative, metal-inspired style.
Montclair Event Space Loop Hosts Montclair Film Fest Launch Party
According to a press release, Montclair’s newest event space Loop hosted the 2023 Montclair Film Festival Launch Party for a first look at the upcoming festival schedule. Loop, located at 80 Maple Avenue, is a new community space with a beautiful, eco-conscious design and a powerful mission built on living responsibly, mindfully, and with purpose. Read more about this innovative space here.
Dog Rescued from River in Bloomfield
Bloomfield first responders rescued a scared, shy dog from the middle of the Second River this week. According to Patch, Bloomfield Police and Animal Control officers responded to a call on Wednesday, October 4th about the dog. He was safely transported to the Bloomfield Shelter where he was not found to have a collar or microchip.
Congestion Pricing Proposals Panned by New Jersey Leaders
Four proposals for the NYC congestion pricing scheme were panned by New Jersey officials after a presentation by the MTA’s Mobility Review Board earlier this week, according to NJ.com. The board was able to agree on some principles of the tolling system, but not others. For example, some crossings will give drivers toll credits, but others won’t, and that’s one of the specifics that New Jersey leaders including Governor Phil Murphy don’t support.
New Principal at Northeast Elementary School in Montclair is a Familiar Face
Dr. Joseph Putrino will be the next principal at Northeast Elementary School in Montclair. Per Montclair Local, parents were informed that Dr. Terence Somerville would be replaced by Dr. Putrino effective October 2nd. Dr. Putrino was previously a principal at the Renaissance by Rand Middle School and was removed from his role in 2020, but a judge ruled earlier this year that the school district must reinstate him.
NJ Transit Launches New Commuter Routes in Essex County
NJ Transit has announced new routes that will ensure continued service for riders who rely on the soon-to-close A&C bus company to get around Essex County. Per NJ.com, private company Coach ONE discontinued several Essex County routes, including one that many workers used to get to and from their jobs at Jersey Gardens Mall. Newark Councilman Patrick O. Council started working with NJ Transit at the beginning of the summer to establish the new routes.
Some Newark Apartment Buildings Must Have Backup Generators
Apartment buildings with 40 or more units must have a backup generator, according to a new policy approved by the Newark City Council. According to Patch, the purpose of the new policy is to ensure resident safety in case of power outages. The generators are also required to be inspected yearly.
Celebrate Diwali in Montclair
AAPI Montclair invites neighbors to join in for two weekends’ worth of activities to celebrate Diwali, a festival of lights. Per Patch, on October 14th the festivities will begin with a lamp-lighting celebration in Montclair. On October 15th, residents are invited to join for an evening of traditional dances called Dandiya Raas and Garba. Finally, on October 21st, the Light Up Montclair festival will take place at the Montclair Art Museum from 2PM to 6PM.
New Policy for Newark Fields Requires Emergency Plans
A new policy approved by the Newark City Council requires those using city fields to have emergency plans in place. According to Patch, the emergency plans must be submitted along with the permit and other application materials to use the fields. All coaches, staff, and volunteers must be CPR/AED certified.
Newark Animal Shelter Needs Help
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The Associated Humane Societies Newark Shelter is at capacity and needs help from the community in the form of donations, supplies, and fosters. Per Patch, an influx of owner surrenders of animals is the main source of the overcrowding. Those interested in helping out can visit the shelter website for more information.
