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Montclair Local
Sankofa Cafe: Hot Coffee, Cool Drinks, and a Warm Vibe in the South End
Walking into Sankofa Cafe, Montclair’s newest coffee shop, is a comforting blend of community and culture. And that’s precisely what Sankofa, an Adinkra symbol, is meant to convey: learning from the past. Jessica Troupe, a longtime Montclair resident, opened the doors for a soft opening on the day...
Obituary: Karen Nancy Testa
Karen Nancy Testa of Bloomfield, who had deep roots in that town and in Montclair through her coaching of young soccer players, died suddenly on Friday, June 21, 2024. She was 48. Born on the Isle of Man to Peter and Janet Clague, Mrs. Testa started playing soccer at age...
Inauguration of Montclair’s Historic New Council
Yesterday, the Township of Montclair celebrated a historic milestone with the inauguration of its new Council. Dr. Renee Baskerville made history as Montclair’s first woman of color to serve as mayor. She will lead a new council that includes five women out of seven members, a notable achievement not seen in a decade.
Eight Homes Proposed for Former Mega Mansion ‘Lloyd Estate’
There was a previous plan to build a 60,000 square foot mega mansion in Montclair that would be bigger than the White House. Now, a new plan for the 5.48 acre site situated on Undercliff and Lloyd Roads along Eagle Rock Reservation proposes something different – eight new homes.
See ‘A Life Lived in Color’ Needlework Exhibit by Vern Silberman at MPL
The Montclair Public Library’s popular art series continues with an exhibit of needlework by Vern Silberman. The exhibit will run during the month of July in the gallery of the Main Library (50 South Fullerton Avenue). An opening reception will be held on Tuesday, July 9, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks
Montclair’s Fourth of July Parade and Festival is one of the township’s biggest events of the season, but it doesn’t include a fireworks show. To enjoy fireworks in town, you’ll have to start the celebration a day early at Brookdale Park. Or, consider checking out other local Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks shows.
Obituary: Stephen Robert Lavin
Stephen Robert Lavin of Bloomfield, formerly of Montclair and the Bronx, died on June 27, 2024. He was 62. Mr. Lavin is survived by his daughters, Christina and Catherine Lavin; his father, Robert Lavin, and his sisters, Geraldine Lavin and Barbara Essig. He was predeceased by his wife, Lisa Lavin,...
Governor, Officials Announce Plan to Address NJ Transit Train Troubles
Montclair commuters will start paying more today for NJ Transit service, but the timing of the fare hike is a slap in the face after weeks of commuting chaos. The latest NJ Transit “Summer of Hell” featured service suspensions as well as cancellations or delays of more than 100 trains in recent weeks. The situation left thousands of disgruntled commuters stuck in in sweltering conditions and scrambling to find alternate routes to home or work.
Montclair Police Investigating Bomb Threat at Library (UPDATED)
Update: On Monday, July 1, the Montclair Police Department released an update stating that the bomb threat was made at approximately 4 p.m., the same time that the Montclair Public Library was planning on hosting a “Drag Story Hour” reading. They are investigating it as a bias incident and are working with Counterterrorism partners at the County and State Levels. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Pierre Falaise at (973) 509-4717.
Monday is Inauguration Day in Montclair for New Council
Montclair will hold an official inauguration of the new Montclair governing body on Monday, July 1 at noon. Dr. Renee Baskerville will take the oath of office to become Montclair’s new mayor, as will six new council members: Susan Shin Andersen (At Large), Carmel Loughman (At Large), Erik D’Amato (First Ward), Dr. Eileen Birmingham (Second Ward), Rahum Williams (Third Ward) and Aminah Toler (Fourth Ward).
Then and Now: Hahne’s Department Store to the Siena
In this edition of “Then and Now,” we look at the history of 56 Church Street. Hahne & Company, commonly referred to as Hahne’s, was a department store located on Church Street in Montclair from 1929 to the 1980s. The first photo represents the store’s final iconic design, which resulted from a 1950s renovation. The second photo is of the Siena at Montclair condominium complex, which has replaced the store. The Montclair branch of Hahne’s was the first suburban store for the Newark-based retailer.
Memorial Service for John Malvey to be Held in September
A memorial service for John “Jack” Malvey, a longtime resident of Montclair who had a notable career in finance and who died on April 11, 2024, will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Il Tulipano, 1131 Pompton Ave., Cedar Grove. Mr. Malvey...
Montclair Softball Still Stinging from State Playoff Defeat
Montclair High School’s softball team was on the brink of winning a state playoff game. Then victory slipped through their fingers. With just four outs remaining, Morristown managed to score three runs in the top of the sixth inning. That shattered the Mounties’ dream of securing a spot in the state sectional title.
Obituary: Barbara Ann ‘Bobbi’ Gille
Barbara Ann “Bobbi” Gille, a former longtime resident of Montclair who was active in humanitarian causes in the community and the state, both as a professional and as a volunteer, died of natural causes at her home in Morris Plains on June 20, 2024. She was 85. Mrs....
Baristanet Profile: Maria Tylek
How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion?. I own the “New Life Boutique” on Glenridge Avenue in Montclair. We have vintage bags, shoes, clothing, art, and accessories, with new arrivals daily! My passions are fashion and dance. Coffee, tea, or …?. Tea!
Montclair Ambulance Unit Reports Increase in Call Volume
Montclair Ambulance Unit (MAU) is seeing an increase in calls. And in May, MAU experienced one very busy Friday with the unit responding to 25 calls to 911 in one day. According to Chief James Mazza, call volume has been steadily increasing due to multiple factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a substance abuse crisis.
The Montclair Foundation Awards $62K to Empower Community Growth
The Montclair Foundation (TMF) has awarded $62,000 in grant funding to 19 diverse nonprofits dedicated to making a positive difference in the Montclair community and its environs. “There is no greater honor than partnering with these exemplary nonprofits as they continue to nurture growth in our community,” said Peggy Deehan,...
Montclair District to Pilot Program to Lock Up Student Phones at School
Montclair Public Schools announced that starting next school year, the district is partnering with Yondr on a pilot initiative to address student cell phone use. Yondr created the “Yondr Pouch,” a magnetic pouch that keeps phones locked. In order for students to unlock the phone, they will have to go to the “unlocking base.”
Bloomfield Suspends Boil Water Advisory After E. Coli Scare
Bloomfield suspended a Boil Water Advisory on Wednesday afternoon, a day after it had issued a boil water advisory to all residents after a routine water sample tested positive for E. coli bacteria. “You no longer need to boil your water and can resume normal use of the water. Follow-up...
MontClairVoyant: Wrongdoing Means More Suing and Residents Stewing
Your thoughts on the lawsuit filed by affirmative action officer Bruce Morgan against the township and interim township manager Michael Lapolla charging that Morgan was retaliated against for finding discrimination in two cases?. Sincerely,. Mom and Pop Torts. Sounds like a credible lawsuit with credible charges, as presciently predicted in...
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