Hello again Montclair! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: M y Big Beautiful Clear-Out Sale and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Montclair House Fire Displaces 3 Families, Blaze Extinguished With Aid From Nearby Towns (patch.com) — An early-morning house fire on Elm Street in Montclair displaced three families and a total of 11 residents, though everyone escaped without injury. Montclair firefighters, aided by crews from neighboring towns and the Red Cross, contained the blaze to the basement. Officials are still investigating the cause and are urging all Montclair households to check smoke alarms and plan two exits from every room.
2. Montclair Schools to Limit Chromebook Use in Classrooms (montclairlocal.news) — Families in Montclair should expect far less Chromebook use in classrooms this year, especially for elementary grades, as the district shifts toward more offline learning and tighter device rules. Superintendent Ruth Turner says the change responds to research, community concerns, and New Jersey's new Bell-to-Bell cell phone limits. Parent advocates with Screen Aware Montclair back the move, while broader tech and AI policies are set for Board review in September.
3. Accessibility Complaints Sparked Montclair Sidewalk Cafe Summonses (montclairlocal.news) — Accessibility complaints from Montclair residents about tight sidewalk space outside Fresco Da Franco and Bar Franco led to five township summonses over sidewalk café encroachment. Records show prior warnings and broader enforcement efforts, as advocates stress the impact on people using wheelchairs and walkers. The restaurant owner has pleaded not guilty, and the latest Montclair Municipal Court hearing was postponed.
4. Student Involvement (montclair.edu) — If you're a Montclair State student or attend another college nearby, you can plug into archaeology right here on campus and in the Montclair area through lectures, an archaeology minor, and hands-on artifact work. The Center also runs local and international field schools, emphasizing collaboration across departments to better understand how culture and environment shape our past and present.
5. Your Safety & Mental Health Matter (montclair.edu) — Students in Montclair have several immediate options for crisis help, including 988, campus counseling services, and University Police, plus clear instructions on how emergency alerts will reach your phone, inbox, and social feeds. Montclair State and Bloomfield College of Montclair also stress their tobacco- and drug-free policies and invite students to training and prevention programs to support mental health and campus safety.
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Ok Montclair! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
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