Home Care In Montclair, NJ

Montclair has a $1.3 million plan to build a new playground at the park. Officials are hoping to score some state funds for the project.

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A plan is in the works to build a “completely inclusive playground” at Nishuane Park in Montclair, and local officials are hoping to score some state funding to make it happen.

This week, the township announced that it is seeking funds through the New Jersey Green Acres Program to make improvements at Nishuane Park, located at 48 High Street.

According to a municipal advisory:

“The Township of Montclair proposes to renovate the playground located at Nishuane Park to create a completely inclusive playground that includes state-of-the-art accessible playground equipment, new playground safety surfacing, seating, perimeter fencing and other related improvements.”

The preliminary engineer’s cost estimate for the proposal – which includes a 10 percent contingency cost and demolition fees – comes to $1.33 million. It can be seen online here.

View a conceptual rendering for the project here.

A public hearing to discuss the proposal will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The hearing will be held in person as part of the regularly scheduled township council meeting at the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue.

Written comments on the proposed application may be directed to Norberto Hernandez, PE, Township Engineer, [email protected], 219 North Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ 07042.

Montclair residents can also take an online survey to offer feedback on the proposed upgrades here.

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New Jersey legal marijuana dispensaries will soon be able to have "cannabis consumption spaces" – if they follow some strict guidelines.

NEW JERSEY — It’s not just about having a place to toke a joint and relax – it’s about providing equitable access and creating a community. That’s what the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) had to say on Friday as it released its long-awaited guidelines for “consumption areas” such as weed lounges.

The rules will take effect upon approval by the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law. When they do, licensed Garden State dispensaries will be able to create cannabis consumption spaces – if they follow some strict guidelines.

The rules include:

TOWN/CITY APPROVAL – Dispensary operators will need municipal approval for a consumption area in order to get an endorsement from the NJCRC.

ONE LOUNGE PER COMPANY – A cannabis consumption area must be attached to a dispensary, and operators will be limited to a single consumption area, regardless of the number of dispensaries they own.

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VENTILATION – Consumption spaces must have HVAC systems robust enough to ensure proper ventilation and prevent smoke or vapors from affecting neighbors.

FOOD, DRINKS, TOBACCO – The sale of food, alcohol, tobacco, or nicotine products will be strictly prohibited, though patrons will be allowed to bring in or order food and non-alcoholic beverages.”

MEDICAL VS. RECREATIONAL USE – Registered medicinal marijuana patients must be allowed to bring in cannabis items from other licensed retailers for their own use in the consumption areas. Recreational-use customers may bring in personal use cannabis items if authorized by the retailer.

FEES – Fees associated with consumption area endorsements are $1,000 for the initial or renewal fee for a microbusiness, and $5,000 for the initial or renewal fee for a standard consumption area. Endorsements through the NJ-CRC are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

OPERATING A LOUNGE – Businesses will have flexibility in their operational decisions, like particular hours of operation, fees to enter a consumption area, priority access to medicinal patients, and authorizing paid events. However, all businesses must adhere to any restrictions imposed by the municipality they’re located in, including restricting the number of consumption areas allowed in their town, business signage and communication with municipal emergency services.

“Having space to consume cannabis is not just about recreation – it is also about providing equitable access and offering people a safe place to consume legal cannabis products,” said NJCRC chair Dianna Houenou said.

“This move holds particular significance for communities that are limited in where they can enjoy cannabis – most notably, renters who cannot consume cannabis at home, unlike homeowners who enjoy greater freedom within their own homes,” Houenou said.

NJCRC executive director Jeff Brown said that legal marijuana is well on its way to being a billion-dollar industry in the Garden State.

“Consumption areas will likely bolster that – fostering a communal experience for those 21 and older around cannabis in a regulated and secure space,” Brown said.

Watch a video of this week’s NJCRC meeting below, which includes the vote and discussion on the new rules.

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Who’s ready for the weekend? There are some fun family events to enjoy in and around town, and we’ve rounded a bunch up for you. Check ’em out!

Lego Day at Glen Ridge Library240 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen RidgeSaturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PMCost: Free

Drop into the library this Saturday and let the kids build and create with LEGOs. The library will provide LEGO, as well as Duplos for younger children.

January Family Saturday at Newark Museum of Art49 Washington Street, NewarkSaturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

January Family Saturdays feature fun activities for the whole family, including planetarium shows, creative play, science activities, and more. Visit the website for a timeline of events and a description of each activity.

Wild Animal Experts: Winter Birds at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center247 Southern Blvd, Chatham TwpSaturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AMCost: $10 per child

Join a naturalist for this popular series and learn about the birds that choose to stick around the area during winter. This activity is suitable for children ages 6-10.

Making Potholders at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm73 Kahdena Road, MorristownSaturday at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PMCost: $10 per person

Using potholder looms, create your own unique potholder to use in your kitchen! This activity is suitable for ages 7 and up. Registration is required.

Winter Carnival Open House at The Goddard School2 Seymour Plaza, MontclairSaturday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Stop by for some carnival fun! You’ll also have the opportunity to see the school, learn about the curriculum, and meet the teachers.

Spark!Lab at Morris Museum6 Normandy Heights Road, MorristownSaturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Children ages 5-12 can enjoy a new informal approach to hands-on learning. Spark!Lab ignites ingenuity with fun, hands-on challenges that tap into their natural creativity. There’s a specially designed Young Inventor Space for kids ages 1-4 with a train and an exploration table filled with unique tools to spark creativity and learning.

State Theatre New Jersey15 Livingston Avenue, New BrunswickSaturday at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PMCost: $15-$49

Dare to experience the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live in this roarsome interactive show for the whole family. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favorite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, a Giraffatitan, a Microraptor, and a Segnosaurus! Don’t miss this entertaining and mind-expanding Jurassic adventure live on stage.

Maple Sugaring Demos at Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center247 Southern Blvd, Chatham TwpSaturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM and 2:30 PMCost: $6 per person

Learn how to identify and tap maple trees, collect sap, and make real maple syrup over a wood-fired evaporator. Finish with a syrup taste test! This activity is for ages 6 and up. Preregistration is required.

Hot Chocolate Walk at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm73 Kahdena Road, MorristownSaturday from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PMCost: $10 per person.

Join Fosterfields staff on a walking tour around the farm and warm up with a cup of delicious hot chocolate. See how the farm changes when the weather gets cold.

Guitar Bob at Cedar Beans Coffee Joint575 Pompton Avenue, Cedar GroveSunday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AMCost: Free

“Bobstock” returns on the third Sunday of every month. Stop in for a fun, family-friendly show with Guitar Bob Messano.

January Family Sundays at Newark Museum of Art49 Washington Street, NewarkSunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PMCost: Free with general admission

Enjoy a day of fun activities for the whole family, including a MakerSPACE for kids of all ages and Family Drop-In for kids ages 5-12.

Sunday Studio at Montclair Art Museum3 South Mountain Avenue, MontclairSunday at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PMCost: Free with museum admission and for members

Each Sunday, the museum hosts this fun family art-making activity inspired by current exhibitions. This week, artists can explore collage and layering techniques with paper and found images to create 3-dimensional tunnel book art. This program is aimed at families with children ages 5-12, but all are welcome. Registration is required.

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine: Cinderella at NJPAC1 Center Street, NewarkSunday at 3:00 PMCost: $39-$79

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine returns to NJPAC with Cinderella, one of the most beloved fairy tales of all time. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the colorful costumes, enchanting music and charming love story.

On the corner of Bellevue Avenue and Valley Road in Montclair sits an adorable cafe lined with beautiful pastries and sweet treats. But a cute Italian bakery wasn’t always so easy to find in Montclair. That is until Mattarello Bakery + Café opened its doors in 2020 at 254 Bellevue Avenue. Since its inception, the heart, soul, and passion poured into the desserts found here can be felt. We took a trip to Mattarello Bakery + Café and connected with owner Amin Deroui to find out all about this sweet spot. Read on to learn more about this Montclair gem.

While New Jersey has no shortage of Italian eateries, the owner of Mattarello knew there was still a void to be filled. During the 2020 pandemic, an opportunity arose and Amin knew his dream could come to fruition. “The idea to open a True Italian Bakery in Montclair has been in the works for a few years and when the opportunity came we didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger,” he said.

Amin continued, “Our entire area had a lack of Italian pastries, having the closest ones to us in Bloomfield and Verona, but there was nothing in Montclair.” He went on to share how Montclair has been more than just a location, it has become a true community. “After 3 years under our belt, we have built a daily clientele that we love dearly and most of our customers visit us several times per month. Montclairians know that they can trust us for their daily espresso dose, special occasions such as birthdays, and during the holidays where we go full on for our community, making sure we over-deliver in every interaction.”

Read More: Nicolo’s: Montclair’s OG Italian Bakery + Deli

Mattarello Bakery + Café has a great ambiance for both working solo or enjoying sweets with loved ones. Guests can choose between quaint outdoor seating based on the weather or an abundance of seating inside. The front of the shop is adorned with beautiful rotating cases showing off full cakes and pastries for sale.

To the left of the entrance is a stocked market full of items for the home chef. Amin shared “When it comes to sourcing our market items, we focus on the uniqueness of the product, quality, and value. We like to offer items that are interesting and fun to try. We try to focus mainly on Italian products imported directly from Italy.”

Customers can find Mattarello swag, coffee beans, a variety of jams, and different spreads for purchase. When looking for freshly baked goods, keep moving towards the focal point of the bakery, the long case of pastries.

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Mattarello is stacked with everything Italian bakeries are known for. It offers a variety of traditional and contemporary pastries such as sfogliatelle or lobster tails, pignoli cookies, babas, cannolis, and a wide selection of cakes and mousses. Amin knows his customers well and says their favorites are “definitely the sfogliatelle, lobster tails, bombolone (Italian donuts), and cannolis.”

What sets this bakery apart from many others is its extensive gluten-free menu. Guests who need or prefer gluten-free desserts will be able to choose from a wide range including pistachio ricotta cheesecake, lemon or chocolate caprese, macarons, and a few different Italian cookies.

Because no trip to a bakery is complete without a nice beverage, the menu doesn’t stop at pastries. The beverage menu at Mattarello starts off with both hot and cold coffee and tea drinks. There are also drinks like cappuccino, cold brew, lattes, and herbal teas.

But of course, some specialties really stand out. Starting with Italian hot chocolate and whipped coffee then getting a bit more bold with choices such as a mokaccino made with espresso, frothed milk, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce, and a Palermo, which is made with espresso, frothed milk, gianduia cream, and chocolate flakes are among the list as well.

See More: Best Bakeries to Visit in Hoboken + Jersey City

Matterello’s desserts are a great addition to any event or gathering. For this purpose, catering is available. The bakery’s website is complete with a form to place large or custom orders. A popular choice for catering is the cakes. The cakes range in size from six to 12 inches and come in a variety of flavors. larger orders of pastries and mini pastries can be accommodated — customers should reach out to the team for more information ahead of the event. To stay up to date on giveaways, store hours, and events, Mattarello can be found on Instagram.

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In Montclair, clearing snow from the sidewalks in front of your home is your responsibility. Residents and property owners who didn’t clear the snow resulting in hazardous sidewalks are getting tickets.

Acting town manager Michael Lapolla told Montclair Local that code enforcement inspectors were out on snow removal complaints today.

“Under 297-31, property owners must have snow/ice removed after a grace period of 12 hours of daylight. Tickets were issued beginning at 10am today. Residents with specific complaints should contact code enforcement,” said Lapolla.

If you’re new to town, here’s the language: “every owner, lessee, tenant, occupant, or other person having charge of any building, lot of ground or premises in the Township abutting or bordering upon any public street in the Township shall remove or cause to be removed all snow, slush and/or ice from the abutting sidewalks of any such street within 12 hours of daylight.”

According to the Township’s code, first offense is $100. The “second offense and each additional within a six-month period from the date of the previous offense, a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $500.” The Township can also charge you to remove it.

Requirements for Snow and Ice

The Township’s snow removal requirements state that “removal of any slush and/or loose, granular, or packed snow should be conducted along the full paved width, or a minimum of 48 inches wide, of such sidewalks and in a manner that ensures the orderly flow and safety of pedestrian traffic upon such sidewalks.”

The same goes for ice, but if it is too hard or impractical to remove, you are in compliance if you make the ice level and completely cover it with “sand, sawdust, rock salt, or other appropriate traction-producing material to prevent slipping and shall, as soon thereafter as the weather shall permit, thoroughly clean such sidewalks.”

If your sidewalk also leads to a crosswalk, you are also responsible for removing snow, slush and/or ice so to ensure access to the crosswalk is clear.

Where to put all that the snow and ice? Not in the street. And make sure you clear any snow/ice from around fire hydrants, so that in the event of a fire, firefighters don’t lose precious time locating and shoveling them out before being able to hook up to them. Firefighters need a three-foot clearance on all sides of the hydrant.

If you use salt or ice melt, think about Montclair’s four-legged friends and pick up the pet-friendly kind.

The Township of Montclair released this message Thursday about snow expected tomorrow:

Please be advised of an upcoming snowstorm expected to start Friday (1/19/2024) morning and persist until Saturday (1/20/2024) morning. The forecast predicts an accumulation of 1 to 3 inches of snow. Our team will closely monitor the situation, and if street clearance becomes necessary, a prompt alert will be issued.

In the event of escalating weather conditions leading to a town-announced snow emergency, residents are permitted to park their vehicles “free-of-charge” in municipal lots and the Midtown Deck (located at 292 Glenridge Ave.) from the declaration of the emergency until 6 hours after the state of emergency is lifted (Terminated).

Please note that Bay Street, Fullerton, and Crescent Decks are excluded from this free-of-charge parking provision.

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New York Polyphony, the internationally renowned vocal group comprised of four classically trained, but forward-singing voices -- two tenors, a countertenor and a bass-baritone, will perform in concert at St. Paul’s Church in Westfield on Sunday, January 21^st at 5 PM. Steeple Concerts at St. Paul’s is delighted to present this highly touted early music ensemble as part of its 2023-2024 concert series. Founded in 2006, the New York-based quartet is praised for their “perfect cohesion that translates into a common breath, unfailing accuracy, shared phrasing [and a] homogeneity of dynamics.” (La Croix)

Critically acclaimed for a “rich, natural sound that’s larger and more complex than the sum of its parts” (NPR) and as “singers of superb musicianship and vocal allure” (The New Yorker), New York Polyphony is one of the foremost vocal chamber ensembles active today. Their innovative programming spans everything from Gregorian chant to contemporary, ground-breaking commissions. Their focus on both the familiar and rare works of the 12^th-17th centuries artfully marries the mystery and enchantment of early music with the more open musical tastes and sensibilities of modern audiences.

Concert tickets, priced at $30/adults and $15/students, are available on the Steeple Concerts website at www.steepleconcerts.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 414 East Broad Street in Westfield, NJ. Church and area parking are free. A “meet-and-greet-the-performers” reception will follow the event.

The quartet’s discography includes two GRAMMY-nominated albums. Many of their releases have topped the “best of” lists in The New Yorker, Gramophone, and The New York Times.

The group tours extensively, performing in concert halls and participating in major festivals in England, The Netherlands, Norway, Germany, Spain, Colombia, Canada, and Taipei. In the US, they have performed in all but eight states and, advises St. Paul’s Music Director Mark Hyczko, “Steeple Concerts is thrilled and honored to add Westfield to the group’s growing list of concert venues.”

Steeple Concerts at St. Paul’s are sponsored by The Friends of Music at St. Paul’s, a 501c3 organization that promotes musical events in the Westfield area and beyond. Steeple Concerts are also made possible per funds from the Union County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, a partner of the NJ Council on the Arts. For more information on the 2023-2024 Steeple Concert season, go to www.steepleconcerts.org.

Montclair High School senior Benjamin ‘Benzo’ Bernstein is now among the best-of-the best in the NBA 2K video game esports world.

Bernstein was the top overall pick last week in the NBA 2K Gaming League Draft.

Benzo was selected by Washington District Gaming (WDG), the Washington Wizards’ NBA 2K League affiliate, at Full Sail University in Orlando and was aired on the NBA 2K League’s Twitch and YouTube channels. He had been playing 2K for the past three years.

“Being the first pick felt great because I didn’t have to worry about the feeling of not being picked at all,” said Bernstein who joins the best NBA 2K players in the world.

NBA 2K is a basketball sports simulation video game that has been around since 1999 and the league has been competing since 2018.

The Mounties senior had his name placed in the pool for the NBA 2K draft after winning a 2K eligibility tournament in November and had been one of the top NBA top prospects in the Pro-Am scene for the last few years before becoming eligible for the league this year.

“We’re thrilled to welcome an elite level talent and instant difference maker like Benzo to Wizards District Gaming,” said Patrick Crossan, Wizards District Gaming head coach and general manager.

Even NBA Insider from ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski mentioned Bernstein in a tweet on X formerly Twitter: “First pick in the NBA 2K League Draft: Wizards District Gaming will select Benjamin “Benzo” Bernstein out of Montclair, N.J., per source. Come on down, Benzo.”

And check out the Montclair senior’s profile before the draft:

The WDG acquired the top selection via a trade with Mavs Gaming (the NBA Dallas affiliate) in September.

Benzo will be ready for the new NBA 2K season that is expected to begin at the end of February, and he will already have graduated from Montclair in 3 1/2 years. He added that he wants to concentrate on the NBA 2K season instead of heading to college right away.

NBA 2K is part of the ever-booming global eSports market that is projected to grow from $1.72 billion in 2023 to $6.75 billion by 2030, according to Fortune Business Insights.

Bernstein named himself ‘Benzo’ after current Chicago Bulls NBA player Lonzo Ball. But said that his current favorite player is Los Angeles Lakers NBA player LeBron James.

“I gave the name to myself because obviously Ben is my first name and Lonzo Ball, who plays for the Chicago Bulls, was my favorite basketball player at the time, so I pretty much combined the two,” added Bernstein.

He added he was very excited about being picked by Washington since he had played with some members of WDG outside of the NBA 2K league.

While a simulation Bernstein is not a stranger to real sports and has played on several sports teams over the years including Montclair High School football, Seton Hall Prep junior varsity basketball team, Montclair Bulldogs baseball as well as flag football.

For those who want to follow Benzo’s career, NBA 2K League is live streamed on the NBA 2K League Twitch and YouTube channels.

The NBA 2K League, a professional esports league co-founded by the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., launched in 2018 and features 25 teams and the best NBA 2K players in the world.

For more information about the NBA 2K League, visit NBA2KLeague.com.

This year as we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday on Monday, January 15th, it’s a good time not only to review his legacy but remember his connection to New Jersey and his visit to Montclair High School. Read on to learn more about MLK’s history.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) visited Montclair High School (MHS) on Sunday, September 11th, 1966, to give a retirement speech in honor of Reverend D.C. Rice of Union Baptist Church in Montclair, according to the Montclair Dispatch. Rev. Rice had been a family friend of the King’s. When MLK was young, he met the reverend on a summer trip to visit family in Paterson, NJ. Eventually, Rev. Rice became a mentor to MLK.

When news broke that MLK would be speaking at Rev. Rice’s retirement ceremony, many people, not just congregants, wanted to attend. The reverend’s church didn’t have enough room to hold everybody and Montclair High School was chosen as the alternate venue.

Read More: The History Behind Essex County Town Names

At this time, in the mid-1960s, Americans were divided about the Civil Rights Movement, and the announcement that Dr. King would be speaking in the high school’s gym sparked controversy. It caused a public outcry among some of Montclair’s white residents, angry that the church was using public property for the event. In response, the municipality ordered the church to take back half of the tickets already promised to the congregation.

The outcome was that MLK gave two speeches that day. Dr. King delivered the first to a mainly white audience in Montclair High’s new gymnasium; the topic was the inequalities of school segregation. His second was directed to Rev. Rice’s church congregation in the auditorium. Dr. King waited in the high school’s band room between the two speeches. From there, he saw the many civilians lining Park Street and protesting his visit.

Despite this, there were few places outside of large cities where MLK could speak to an integrated audience in 1966, according to Leslie Wilson, professor of history at Montclair State University. “Montclair has always stood out, in the country and New Jersey, as different,” Professor Wilson stated to northjerseynews.com. “There is this very diverse community, and it’s been diverse since the 1920s, which is somewhat unique in American history, especially for a suburb.”

In 2016, on the 50th anniversary of MLK’s visit, the students in the Montclair High School Civics and Government Institute (CGI) unveiled a new bronze plaque, as mentioned in the Montclair Dispatch, to commemorate Dr. King’s visit. It was a replica of a long-lost but ultimately found black and white photo of MLK sitting on a chair in the music room, waiting to give his second speech.

See More: Stevens Park: The Little Hoboken Park with a Big History

Wondering how to remember and honor Dr. King’s legacy? Focus on civil rights work; highlight nonviolence to promote change; and sign up for public service or volunteer work, as the Constitution Daily mentions.

One final thing to do is sing Stevie Wonder’s rendition of “Happy Birthday,” which he wrote in honor of MLK in 1981, and sang it at a rally on the Mall in Washington to highlight King’s birthday. Stevie Wonder also sang it at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial dedication in 2011.

Montclair State University has launched the first Teacher Certification Apprenticeship Program in the state of New Jersey backed by the U.S. Department of Labor, directly addressing the national teacher shortage by creating an earn-while-you-learn pathway for current paraprofessionals to become classroom leaders.

The University hosted a special signing ceremony to announce the historic initiative, which is slated to welcome students for the fall 2024 semester, on November 14 in honor of the 2023 National Apprenticeship Week. The program is one of only 27 such initiatives in the country.

“Montclair State University has been in the business of preparing teachers for more than 100 years,” Montclair President Jonathan Koppell said during the event. “Initiatives like this are part of our DNA. Montclair was founded as a normal school to prepare teachers for the classroom and to have a profound impact on students’ lives, but that must be done differently now. We are thrilled to enter into this partnership with the Department of Labor and Wayne Township Public Schools to create new and innovative opportunities for people to become teachers.”

School district leaders joined the Department of Labor at the ceremony, which also featured remarks from Department of Labor representatives Michael Blatt and Nicole Field.

“New Jersey, like many other states, faces significant challenges in attracting and retaining education professionals,” says Blatt, a state director for the Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. “By creating this apprenticeship program, Montclair State University is addressing this challenge by providing a high-quality pathway into the teaching profession that creates opportunities for those who have never had that door opened for them before.”

How Does the Teacher Certification Apprenticeship Program Work?

Montclair’s College for Education and Engaged Learning (CEEL) will oversee the program, and will work to partner with school districts to provide access and opportunities to the teaching profession for underrepresented populations.

The Paraprofessional-to-Teacher Pathway will offer current paraprofessionals the chance to complete a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification. The program enables apprentices to gain real-time teaching experience while simultaneously completing teacher certification requirements through an alternate route program.

Wayne Township Public Schools is the first New Jersey school district to partner with Montclair for the program, with more than 30 paraprofessionals expressing initial interest.

“Finding solutions to large-scale problems like the national shortage of teachers will require outside-the-box thinking, and our partnership with Montclair State University is an example of what is needed to start solving it,” says Wayne Superintendent of Schools Mark Toback. “We are thrilled to partner with Montclair to develop a unique solution to one of the most pressing problems in public education while supporting our employees in advancing their careers.”

Innovating to Solve the Teacher Shortage

School districts nationwide have felt the impact of the teacher shortage, with a recent study from the National Center for Education Statistics reporting nearly 90% of districts surveyed struggled to hire teachers for the current school year.

With a more than 115-year history of preparing New Jersey’s teachers for the classroom, Montclair is uniquely positioned to solve one of the state’s most pressing educational challenges.

“Montclair has a national reputation for preparing high-quality teachers,” says CEEL Acting Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Sumi Hagiwara. “The apprenticeship program will provide students access to quality teacher preparation while meeting their needs through a flexible pathway.”

For more information on the College of Education and Engaged Learning at Montclair State University, visit montclair.edu/ceel.

It’s hard to believe January is almost over, but we have one more weekend full of family-friendly fun! Check out these activities happening in and around town.

Where the Wild Books Are at Montclair Public Library 50 S. Fullerton Avenue, MontclairFriday from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM

Second through fifth graders can stop by the Green Room in the Children’s Department, where teen volunteer Claudette will read different chapter books.

Family LEGO Night Challenge at Glen Ridge Public Library240 Ridgewood Avenue, Glen RidgeFriday from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Register as a family team and come to the event with your own LEGOs. Participants will be given a building challenge and have 90 minutes to build their creations. A snack will be provided. Registration is required.

Monster JamPrudential Center, 25 Lafayette Street, NewarkFriday through Sunday, various times

Don’t miss this action-packed motorsport event, with some of the most famous trucks in the world taking center stage at the Prudential Center. See legendary Grave Digger, mighty Megalodon and more show off crazy skills, massive stunts and all-out racing.

Cats: Young Actor’s Edition at Watchung Presbyterian Church375 Watchung Avenue, BloomfieldFriday at 7:00 PM and Saturday at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PMCost: $20

Set in the back alley behind a theatre, the Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night each year. One by one, they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader. This performance features the NiCori Teen Performance Ensemble and features the Kitten Chorus.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Montclair Art Museum3 South Mountain Avenue, MontclairSaturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PMCost: $7 per person or $25 per family up to 5 attendees.

Ring in Lunar New Year 2024 with AAPI at the Montclair Art Museum! Usher in the Year of the Dragon with exciting performances, local Asian food, kid-friendly crafts and activities. There will also be unique retail vendors in a night market atmosphere. Visit the website for more details.

Montclair Improv Comedy’s Kids Show505 Bloomfield Avenue, MontclairSaturday at 4:00 PMCost: $10-$12

Montclair Film hosts Montclair Improv Comedy’s Kids Show! Geared for children 3-10 years old, this high-energy performance featuring professional improvisers will be 100% Family-Friendly (G-Rating) and absolutely hilarious! So bring the kids to an improv show, and let’s laugh together! Concessions will be available for purchase.

Around the World in 7 Tails at The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts10 Durand Road, MaplewoodFriday at 7:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 PM and 3:30 PMCost: $10

The Strollers will present Around the World in 7 Tails, a children’s show that takes the audience on a wild ride to learn about fables from different cultures and climates through history.

January Family Saturday at Newark Museum of Art49 Washington Street, NewarkSaturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

January Family Saturdays feature fun activities for the whole family, including planetarium shows, creative play, science activities, and more. Visit the website for a timeline of events and a description of each activity.

Passaic Family Festival at Dayton Ave Educational Campus63 Dayton Avenue, PassaicSaturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PMCost: Free

First Lady Tammy Murphy’s Family Festivals connect families with state, county, and local resources. Children can enjoy free food, music, activities, and more while you sign up for services, get direct answers from providers, and learn more about the programs and resources available to you. There will also be a variety of information sessions held throughout the day.

Spark!Lab at Morris Museum6 Normandy Heights Road, MorristownSaturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Children ages 5-12 can enjoy a new informal approach to hands-on learning. Spark!Lab ignites ingenuity with fun, hands-on challenges that tap into their natural creativity. There’s a specially designed Young Inventor Space for kids ages 1-4 with a train and an exploration table filled with unique tools to spark creativity and learning.

Puss in Boots at Studio Playhouse14 Alvin Place, Upper MontclairSaturday and Sunday at 1:30 PM and 3:30 PMCost: $10

Who’s the cleverest cat in the kingdom? Who else? Puss in Boots! In a delightful re-telling of the classic tale, Tom, the miller’s son, is left his father’s cat for an inheritance. The cat promises that if Tom gets him a pair of boots, he will make his fortune. This is a family-friendly performance filled with laughter and hijinks.

Family Nature Club at Turtle Back Zoo560 Northfield Avenue, West OrangeSunday at 10:00 AMCost: $15

Children ages 6 and up can discover the world and play WITH nature, not just IN nature. Experience the sounds, smells, and sights of the outdoors. This week’s theme is Snow School: Footprints!

January Family Sundays at Newark Museum of Art49 Washington Street, NewarkSunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PMCost: Free with general admission

Enjoy a day of fun activities for the whole family, including a Family Drop-In for kids ages 5-12 and their families, all about acts of service!

Montclair's Bivio Pizza Napoletana is reopening this weekend, with a promise from the new ownership to retain the same qualities that made it so popular in its original run.

The Pine Street restaurant announced on Instagram Tuesday night that it will hold a soft opening from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The new owner, Davide, said he has been working with his predecessor Tomasso Colao to ensure customers will continue to enjoy authentic Neapolitan pizza at the eatery.

"Be assured that Bivio will continue using the highest quality ingredients imported from Italy and fresh local," the post read.

Bivio closed in September 2022, a move Colao called "a bittersweet decision, much like a Napoletana espresso." The owner had previously shuttered the restaurant for three months starting in October 2021, citing health issues and a recovery from minor surgery.

The pizzeria opened in 2018 and quickly became known for its lengthy list of rules, including no takeout, no slices, no groups larger than five and no alcohol served (the restaurant was BYOB). It also did not accept reservations initially, although Colao eventually instituted a policy that reserved tables for up to 90 minutes.

But those who did secure a seat were treated to Bivio's signature Neapolitan pizza. The pies were made using "00" flour from Naples mixed into a natural yeast culture known as "lievito madre," which Colao referred to as "my baby."

Fans of Bivio will be happy to learn that the restaurant will still use the yeast culture, which has now been around for 27 years, to create its pizza. Starting this weekend, the new owners are looking forward to restarting a Montclair favorite.

"Presently we are accepting reservations on OpenTable and are waiting for you to come and enjoy the same great flavors as you did before," the Instagram post read. It also encouraged the public to check in on the page for more updates "as we navigate our new journey."

Lululemon has left one North Jersey town for another.

The popular athletic apparel retailer closed its downtown Montclair store and relocated it to the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne. The spot is located on the lower level in the Macy’s wing near Apple.

The Lululemon in Montclair, at 520 Bloomfield Ave., opened 10 years ago before closing this month.

Lululemon did not return requests for comment, but the executive director of the Montclair Center Business Improvement District told Montclair Local that Lululemon Corporate appears to be shifting away from downtown locations, favoring mall settings.

Lululemon is known for its yoga-inspired athletic wear. It carries women’s and men’s pants, shirts, outerwear, shorts, swim trunks, underwear, shoes, backpacks and more.

The company has a popular “We Made Too Much” weekly restock on its website, where it features overstocked merchandise with top finds on apparel and accessories.

Lululemon opened its first standalone store in 2000 after starting in 1998 as a design studio during the day and a yoga studio at night, in Vancouver, Canada.

There are 15 Lululemon locations in New Jersey and over 670 throughout the U.S. and Canada.

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ELIZABETH, N.J. - Montclair State University has announced the outstanding academic achievements of 96 students from Elizabeth, who have earned a place on the prestigious Fall 2023 Dean's List.

This accolade, issued by academic deans at the conclusion of each semester, celebrates students who have attained a commendable semester GPA of 3.50 or higher. Eligibility criteria include earning a minimum of 12 credits in courses contributing to the GPA, with no incomplete grades for the specified semester.

Maruah Abedin of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

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Klaudia Acevedo of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Cathy Almendarez of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Alexandra Argueta of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Sarah Avila of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Myah Bautista of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Melizza Bermeo of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Lithcy Berrocal of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Kevin Bono of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Sebastian Boris of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Jess Burgess-Lampley of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Keyla Calderon of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Valentina Cano of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Nicole Carey of Elizabethport, NJ (07206)

Caroline Carvalho of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Clarissa Castro Rivera of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Brianna Ceballos of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Ashley Chirino of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Emily Cisneros Cisneros of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Jazmin Contreras of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Jeniffer Cuahutitla of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Celine Da Silva of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Bruno Dias of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Sherlyn Diaz of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Laura Disla of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Alexis Drayton of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Isadora Duarte Fonseca of Elizabethport, NJ (07206)

Da'Nae Dunham of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Jeremiah Eanes of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Athalia Elder of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Ruth Fernandez of Elizabethport, NJ (07206)

Oscar Fernandez Urias of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Emily Ferreira of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Ashley Flores of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Torie Gilles of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Samantha Gonzalez of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Aileen Guillen of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Aliza Gutierrez of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Nicole Guzman of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Dee Henderson of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Edriany Henriquez of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Juan Hernandez Ordonez of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Hector Herrera of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Crystal Infante Santos of Elizabeth, NJ (07207)

Danjay Jacome of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Bryan Jaimes of Elizabeth, (07202)

Jessica Larin of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Nathalia Lopez of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Mark Lopez of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Brenda Lores of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Kelly Lovos of Elizabethport, NJ (07206)

Emili Luna of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Jocelyn Manzano of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Luciana Martinez of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Natalie Martinez of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Samantha Maya of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Emely Mejia of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Joseph Mendez of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Jazmin Merced of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Mary Miranda Atausupa of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Maria Morales of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Alondra Munoz of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Jessica Navas of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Eunice Nwaji of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Omaira Olivera of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Areli Ordaz of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Georgia Penaloza of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Camila Picado of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Elizabeth Pineda of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Yanira Pyroll of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Bianca Quispe of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Jennifer Quito of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Nicole Ramos of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Kylie Reyes of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Katerine Rodas-Barros of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Fernando Rodriguez of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Nicole Rodriguez Ortiz of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Christian Romero of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Gregory Salador of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Alyson Sanchez of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Krishna Santerre of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Carmelina Santiago of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Valeria Segura of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Aida Sevillano of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Wanda Silva of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Natasha Soto of Elizabeth, NJ (07206)

Ashly Valdez of Elizabeth, NJ (07201)

Annie Valencia of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Nayzeth Valverde of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Brandon Vazquez of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Justin Velasquez of Elizabeth, NJ (07208)

Jimena Velazquez of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Angel Verma of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Lilyette Verma of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Ashley Vizcaino of Elizabethport, NJ (07206)

Yaseen Zafer of Elizabeth, NJ (07202)

Founded in 1908, Montclair State University has undergone an evolution from a recognized leader in teacher education to an R2 research institution. Presently ranked among the top 100 best public doctoral universities in the nation, the university serves a diverse community of 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Offering a comprehensive array of over 300 doctoral, master's, and baccalaureate programs, Montclair State University operates across 13 colleges and schools, solidifying its commitment to academic excellence and research innovation.