The crisp morning air and hints of gold amongst the leaves can only mean one thing — fall is nearly here. It’s been another busy week in Essex County and we’ve got all the headlines to get you caught up. Among the highlights: the town of Bloomfield will host a low-cost dental clinic for residents; the Montclair Public Library and Latinos of Montclair announce a month of all-ages programming in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month; and Newark Restaurant Week kicks off.  Read on for more news from Montclair, Bloomfield, and beyond for the week ending September 17th, 2023.

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Newark Restaurant Week Starts September 22nd

 

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Newark Restaurant Week will take place from September 22nd through October 1st. Per Patch, dozens of restaurants have already signed up to participate in the event, featuring prix fixe menus at participating venues. Several eateries will have Restaurant Week-only specials, and this year’s event has a passport-style contest where participants can enter to win a $1,000 prize.

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Barbie Makes Her Way to New Jersey

 

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After a summer of Barbie everything, the iconic doll is taking the show on the road, literally. According to NJ.com, Barbie is on a nationwide road trip with stops in New Jersey to show off exclusive merchandise in conjunction with the Barbie movie. The tour, called the Dreamhouse Living Tour, will make three stops in New Jersey in the coming weeks.

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Bloomfield Deli Closes

 

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Colmont’s Deli, located at 220 Hoover Avenue in Bloomfield, has permanently closed. According to a social media post from the business, the closure is effective immediately. Colmont’s opened in January of this year.

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Tax Break Package Worth $90 Million Approved for Newark Housing

A tax break package worth $90 million has been approved, according to Patch. The tax breaks are part of a funding agreement for a development at 81-93 Orange Street, which will have 350 residential units, 20 of which will be at affordable rates. The funding is part of the state’s Aspire Program, which requires at least 20% of new buildings built to have affordable units in order to take advantage of certain tax credits.

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New Jersey Ranks High in National Survey of Pizza

 

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In a recent roundup of the best pizza in the US, The Washington Post included 29 New Jersey spots in its list. The article organized the most popular type of pizza by state. Several Essex County spots made the cut, including Teglia Pizza Bar in Montclair, noted for its Roman-style pizza; Artie’s in Maplewood for its Neapolitan-style pizza; and Blue Steel in Bloomfield for its Detroit-style pizza.

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Bloomfield Announces Dental Clinic

The Township of Bloomfield announced a dental clinic for residents on September 29th. Reduced-price dental treatment will be available at the Bloomfield Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza, from 10AM to 3PM. Pre-registration is required.

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109th Freedom Fund Awards for Newark NAACP Announced

 

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The Newark branch of the NAACP announced the 109th Freedom Fund Gala, taking place on Saturday, September 30th from 11AM to 3PM. Per Patch, the Gala will celebrate this year’s honorees, who were chosen in keeping with this year’s theme, Affirming Social Justice with Action. Tickets are available online now.

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Hispanic Heritage Month at the Montclair Library

 

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In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Montclair Public Library and Latinos of Montclair have teamed up for a month of programming. Per Montclair Local, there will be events for residents of all ages. A variety of events featuring Hispanic music, crafts, literature, and more are free to the public.

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Car Seat Inspection Event at Bloomfield Fire HQ

On Saturday, September 23rd, the Bloomfield Fire Department will host a free car seat installation and check event. The event will take place from 9AM to 12PM at Bloomfield Fire Headquarters, located at 375 Franklin Street.

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Coach USA To Terminate Commuter Routes

Coach USA, a commercial bus company, announced this week that it will cut service on three lines that serve riders in Newark, Orange, South Orange, and East Orange. Per Patch, O.N.E. Bus routes 24, 31, and 44 will end on October 8th. The company cited increasing operating costs, decreasing ridership, and driver shortages as the reasons behind the closure.

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Longtime Montclair Restaurant, Daikichi, Closes

Sushi restaurant Daikichi, located at 608 Valley Road in Montclair closed on Saturday, September 16th after 35 years in business. According to a post on the business’s website, the family who owns the restaurant is ready to move on to its next chapter. ” Thank you for your support, thank you for the wonderful memories created together, thank you for allowing us to build a home here. We are forever grateful,” the post read. Read on to learn all about Dai Kichi and what we will miss about this sushi spot in Montclair.

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Tinjune Opens in Newark

 

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Tinjune Downtown, located at 494 Broad Street in downtown Newark, hosted its grand opening this week. Per Patch, the restaurant is Black-owned and has an Asian-inspired menu. The restaurant is open for dinner Tuesdays through Sundays, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

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Inclusive Art Studio Opens in Montclair

Art With All, an inclusive art space, will host its grand opening on September 23rd, according to Montclair Local. The studio is located at 408 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite A, in Montclair. Art With All is dedicated to providing art instruction to marginalized and underserved communities and encouraging creativity.

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Khem Fest Returns to Newark for 9th Year

 

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Khem Fest, a celebration of Black creators in animation, gaming, and comic books will return to Newark for the ninth year on September 23rd and 24th, according to Patch. The event will feature panel discussions, a film festival, gaming tournaments, art displays, and more. Tickets are available online now.

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Big Things Happening at Watchung Booksellers in Montclair

 

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This week, Montclair’s Watchung Booksellers celebrated the opening of its new annex space, The Kids Room, at 44 Fairfield Street. And, according to Patch, the owner shared some news about what’s to come for the beloved local bookshop. Owner Margot Sage-EL announced that her daughter, Maddie Ciliotta-Young, is now a co-owner of the business and is preparing to take over both stores. Read on to learn more about the expansion and what we love about Watchung Booksellers.

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Newark Gets $1 Million Grant for Policing

Per NJ.com, Newark has accepted a $1 million grant from the state to expand its Shot Spotter technology. Shot Spotter is an audio sensor system that alerts first responders to the sound of gunfire, but critics say that it leads to overpolicing of certain neighborhoods. The city plans to expand the use of the technology in the East and North Wards.

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Back to School Letter from Montclair Schools Superintendent

Read community letter outlining recent achievements & new programs across the District—from Pre-K expansion & the launch of the $188M bond construction plan to instructional advances, Community Schools, & new mental health & anti-bullying initiatives.https://t.co/oKLJeME3tP

— Montclair Schools (@montclairschls) September 12, 2023

With the school year beginning, the Superintendent of Montclair Public Schools sent a letter to parents and the community highlighting what’s new this school year. Dr. Jonathan Ponds highlighted the district’s offerings to support students’ mental and physical well-being in addition to academic successes. “We are committed to educating our youngest learners through high school in innovative, challenging, and engaging ways,” he said.

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