Columbus
Montclair Local
Obituary: Concetta F. Jafraty
Concetta F. “Connie” (Petronaci) Jafraty of Bloomfield, formerly of Montclair and Nutley, died on Friday, July 19, 2024. She was 88. Mrs. Jafraty was born and raised in Montclair before settling in Nutley in 1973. She held various jobs over the years. From Bell Atlantic to local delis,...
Then and Now: Northeast Corner of Valley Road and Bellevue Avenue
In this edition of “Then and Now,” we look at Upper Montclair’s northeast corner of Valley Road and Bellevue Avenue. At the turn of the 19th century, pharmacies such as J.H. Laubenheimer at the northeast corner of Valley Road and Bellevue Avenue were ubiquitous, and there were often multiple pharmacies within a single block. This location operated as a drugstore at least into the 1950s, and many residents may remember it as Valvano’s or Val’s. The pharmacies often featured soda fountains; note the wooden counters running along the outside of the pharmacy.
Creating Spaces of Expansion and Embrace (Letter to the Editor)
In light of the recent anti-LGBTQIA+ events that have taken place in our community – the stealing of the Pride Flag and the bomb threat prior to Drag Story Hour at the Montclair Public Library – we, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair, wanted to send out this letter as a reminder of the strength that is found when we come together.
Fishing for Fun at Annual Derby (Photos)
Over two hundred anglers dotted the walls of the pond at Edgemont Park for the town’s annual Fishing Derby sponsored by the Montclair’s Police Athletic League. Montclair police captain Tyrone Williams Jr., the event’s coordinator, said the fishing derby started about 15 years ago at Yantecaw Brook Park. “We outgrew that space and moved to Edgemont. And from the looks of things we are outgrowing Edgemont.”
Montclair Pays Tribute to Dr. Jonathan Ponds
Congregants filled St. Paul Baptist Church on Friday morning in honor of Dr. Jonathan Ponds, Montclair Schools Superintendent, who died July 12. The Montclair High School Football team, Montclair Police Department and Moonachie Police Department stood outside the church as people filed in to remember the superintendent. Members of Montclair...
Baristanet Profile: Jake Lewis
SoBlo (evidently, that means South of Bloomfield, or so I’ve been told), Montclair. How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion?. I served a nearly 20-year stretch in NYC as an ad executive for a well-known mouse until my most amazing wife Cara, daughter Charley, and son Budd said I could chase some dreams. I dabbled in the local real estate market, but our latest family adventure has been opening our food truck, Baltimore North. The kids are saving up and plan to expand into Maryland-style snowballs next summer! Cara just helped start a new nonprofit, Media Ladies Conquering Cancer, so I’m looking forward to helping her with that project. She’s a breast cancer survivor and a huge advocate and inspiration to so many people over the past two decades, especially me and the kids. To watch and support her on that journey is unbelievably rewarding.
Montclair Township Website Down, Impacted by CrowdStrike (UPDATED)
Update: The Montclair Township’s website was restored and fully operational on Friday, 07/19/2024, @ 1:35 PM. Tony Fan, the town’s chief information officer and interim communications specialist, told Montclair Local that the town’s “hosted platform services were impacted by the CrowdStrike incident.“. The Township sent this...
Fundraiser to Support Children of Montclair Schools Superintendent
The Montclair community is coming together to support the family of Montclair School Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds, by starting a college fund for his three sons. A GoFundMe started by Tessie Thomas and shared by Montclair Schools PTA groups has raised more than $40,000 as of Thursday afternoon. The goal is to raise $150,000 to fund college for the Montclair Schools superintendent’s three young sons, ages 10, 12 and 14.
Walk + Read in Three Montclair Parks This August
This August, families can enjoy Walk + Read Montclair. This literacy-boosting initiative features storybook pages lining walking paths in three local parks. Families will encounter an unfolding children’s story, page by page as lawn signage, until they reach the end of the path. This initiative is free to enjoy any time of day. It is a partnership of the Judy Weston Garden, Montclair Public Library, and Montclair Public Library Foundation.
Council to Begin Manager Search Process, Lapolla Can Apply
It was almost a year ago when Montclair was supposed to start a search for a new town manager. Now, Montclair’s new council is moving the process forward. At the first regular council meeting of the new council, Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville addressed plans for the township manager position. Baskerville spoke after a public comment session where six town employees praised Michael Lapolla, the interim town manager.
District Announces Special Board Meeting Monday to Appoint Interim Superintendent
The Montclair Board of Education will hold a special Board meeting on Monday, July 22, 2024. The meeting, to appoint an interim superintendent, will be held virtually. The meeting will open at 6:30 p.m. and then immediately go into Executive Session. The Board will resume the regular public meeting at or about 7:30 p.m. or immediately following the Executive Session. Formal action may be taken. The meeting will be available live on Montclair TV33 and via live stream.
First Ever Montclair Mile to Support Toni’s Kitchen
If you love the Montclair Doughnut Run, get ready for the Montclair Mile. It’s a new kind of race event plus summer block party that’s kid and canine friendly, taking place in the evening on August 7th, in partnership with Montclair Brewery. The event will include a series...
Montclair’s Pfeifer Heads to Lafayette for Next Stage in Lacrosse
Montclair’s Drew Pfeifer will be looking to make winning plays in his next stage of life on the lacrosse field in college. Pfeifer, who was a New Jersey Group 4 first team player this past spring for the Mounties, could be a key piece for the Lafayette College men’s lacrosse team next spring.
Keep Creating Announces Launch of New Art Wellness Center
Keep Creating Corp has announced the opening of its Art Wellness Center. The nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity and promoting well-being through the healing power of art. This innovative center provides a supportive and encouraging environment for individuals of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. It champions the transformative impact of artistic expression on mental and emotional health.
10th Congressional District Special Primary Election Results
Eleven Democrats were on the ballot in Tuesday’s special primary election day running to fill out the term of the 10th Congressional District seat of the late Rep. Donald Payne Jr. who died in April. Carmen Bucco ran uncontested as the Republican on the special primary ballot. Bucco and...
Three Suspects Steal FedEx Packages from Delivery, Police Say
On Friday, July 12 officers responded to the rear parking lot by the Grove Street stores on a report of a strong-armed robbery. The individual is a delivery driver for FedEx. She reported that she entered the rear parking lot from Oxford Street and parked her truck to make deliveries. She began unloading her truck when three individuals ran up to her from behind, grabbed the packages from her arms, and fled in different directions. Two men ran towards Oxford Street to an awaiting gold Honda. Another man entered an awaiting silver Honda which fled towards Walnut Street.
Menendez Found Guilty, More Calls for Resignation
Senator Bob Menendez was found guilty Tuesday in Manhattan federal court of all 16 counts in his corruption trial, becoming the first sitting senator convicted of acting as an agent for a foreign government. Federal prosecutors accused Menendez of bribery, acting as a foreign agent for Egypt, obstruction of justice, extortion and conspiring to commit those crimes, reports Politico.
Tribute Service Friday for Montclair Schools Superintendent
Montclair will gather Friday at a tribute service for Montclair Schools Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Ponds who died Friday. “Dear Families, we continue to mourn the passing of Dr. Ponds who worked tirelessly to serve the students and families of the Montclair Public Schools. He will live forever in our minds and hearts and his legacy will continue,” the district wrote in a message to Montclair Public School families.
Two Montclair Businesses to Close
Montclair is losing two food favorites as Guerriero Gelato and Brick Lane Curry both announced plans to close in the last week. After providing the community with sweet treats for the last nine years, family owned, Guerriero Gelato, (571 Bloomfield Avenue) announced plans to close the Montclair location in October. This is their second location to close; last month, the Guerrieros announced the closing of their Morristown location.
11 Dems Vie in Special Election to Succeed Late Rep. Donald Payne Jr.
Democratic voters in New Jersey’s 10th Congressional District will choose from a crowded field Tuesday to fill the vacancy left when Rep. Donald Payne Jr. died in April. Eleven Democrats have filed to run in the overwhelmingly Democratic district, and whoever wins their primary is all but assured of being elected to finish out Payne’s term at the Sept. 18 special general election. Payne was a Democrat.
Montclair Local
6K+
Posts
3M+
Views
The mission of the Montclair Local is to make our hometown stronger through independent, in-depth, factual reporting on the issues and events that affect you; your tax dollars, your schools, your elected officials, the institutions and businesses that serve you, the restaurants and cultural events that enrich your life.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.