Awwww!

While I was there, I ventured inside to look at the halloween candies, I purchased the candy corn. and when I got home I was transported back to 1965!! I am told it is home made and believe me when you taste it you will say the same!! TREAT yourself and go down there and buy some before its gone!!! I haven't tasted candy corn this good in years!! Bravo Holstens!!

Tell us what you remember about past Halloweens, what you're doing tonight, and where the ghosts are. It's your Halloween thread...

St. Mark's United Methodist Church, the oldest African-American Church in Montclair, celebrates its 126th anniversary with three evenings of prayer and song starting tomorrow. They'll begin each evening with an old fashioned revival led by honored guest, Bishop Raphael Green from Metro-Christian Worship Center in St. Louis.

Featured artists will be Montclair YMCA fitness instructor and fabulous R&B/Gospel singer Angel Williams, the Drew University Gospel Choir, and many more. The revival will be held from November 1-3 from 7:30 pm-9:30 pm.

Wednesday: Community Outreach Night begins with a town youth walk from St. Mark's through some of the 4th ward to reclaim our youth and our streets. At 7 pm there will be a prayer service for the Montclair Police and Fire departments. Angel Williams performs.

Thursday: Youth Night with a special pizza dinner at 6:30 pm; Drew University Gospel Choir.

Friday: Family Night, St. Mark's youth choirs performing and the St. Mark's Praise Team.

All are welcome to join the congregation at St. Mark's for some "foot stompin' praise and worship." 51 Elm Street, Montclair (973) 744-2345. Free.

There are still places to go see the ghosts and goblins today and after the neighborhood trick or treating:

A tipster recommends: My son and his friends on the Montclair H.S. "Tech Crew," along with siblings and neighbors have taken over 107 Christopher St. - with speakers, lighting trusses, and smoke; live action from a casket in the ground and goblins repelling from the roof; a witch crashing into the minivan. Should be fun.

Kids and their pets: Trick-or-Treat at Bloomfield Center at local businesses and then enjoy a great Magic Show at Venner Park from 5-7pm. The best kid & pet costume will win a great surprise.

Nutley: Spooktacular Halloween Celebration, 5-7 pm
Parks and Recreation Building, 44 Park Ave. 973-284-4966

And we hear this eerie place was blowing smoke last night...

Later, adults can "Do The Time Warp Again"
Tonight, live the Rocky Horror Experience. After closing your door to trick or treaters, treat yourself to the campy cult horror flick plus a live stage show by the Home of Happiness. 9 p.m. Bellevue Theater, 260 B ellevue Avenue, Montclair. 973-744-2543. Afterwards, go taste the pumpkin beer on tap, at Egan’s Pub and The Office Beer Bar and Grill.

Among the pages of the 1922 Montclair Times Houses Collection, this retouched photo stands out as an almost perfect imitation of The Addams Family House. Did Charles Addams actually mischievously insert one of his "New Yorker" cartoons into our community photo book? Probably not, but this is remarkably ironic! Baristaville does have a strong connection with the Addams Family however. Addams' work is a satirical view of suburban NJ's "nightmare landscape" and modeled after the artist's hometown of nearby Westfield. Leafing through Addams' insane drawings we realize that this is our landscape of quaint, hilly little towns occasionally dotted with crumbling gothic mansions that peer out from behind bare deciduous tree limbs.

For the "Whole" story, go to Food.

You remember the little thrift shop in Montclair, with entertaining window dressing? Driving by this week, we see that manager Dawn Candy is serving up her usual sexy seasonal sensations.

Continue reading "Morticia Would Approve" »

Every Fall, Baristaville commuters on NJ Transit experience delays around Glen Ridge when slippery black ooze appears on the rails. Rotting leaves and dirt gets smushed under the tracks - it's called "black rail." NJT is using the powers of Aqua Track, a machine blasting 10,000 gallons of water to rid the rails of the nuisance goo that creates a slippery slope. From The Star Ledger:

Black rail is an issue around the state and beyond, but because the tracks just east of the Glen Ridge Station climb one of the steepest grades in the NJ Transit system, the area was always among the most vulnerable.

When the rails were stained with ooze, NJ Transit's trains couldn't get purchase at Glen Ridge. Westbound, they couldn't make it up the hill. Eastbound, they couldn't brake in time for the station.

Continue reading "NJ Transit Fighting Evils Of Ooze" »

Want to see the Seafood Shack, La Cantina, Candy Island, Gelato Bar and the rest of the new Whole Foods Market in West Orange? Tune in tomorrow for a sneak peek at the store and the festivities planned for opening day, Wednesday, Nov. 1st.

Crisco's slashing prices yet again. On October 7th, we told you about a price drop to $1.395 million. Yesterday, in an advertisement in the New York Times' real estate section, the price was down another $100 grand to $1,295,000. Will prizes be next?

Noah Levinson. He won comedic honors as the funniest kid in NJ, and he went on to play Stand Up NY. Now Noah Levinson comes back to Baristaville, to perform at the Bloomfield Steak House, Wednesday night, as part of The Comedy Quarry showcase. Headliners are Robin Fox and Eric Tartaglione. Noah will compete with two other comics as part of the show's Digging for Gold contest.

Call 973-731-2967 to reserve your seats for the November 1st show. Tickets are $15; no drink minimum.

Bloomfield may have banned cupcakes in the classroom and trans fats may be on their way out, but over in Glen Ridge, the latest fundraising idea is selling Krispy Kreme donuts. Money goes to the Glen Ridge Home and School Association's High School Scholarship Fund. The order form is here. (PDF file)

Fat? Calories? Not to worry. Everyone knows the antidote to childhood obesity is artificial turf .

Our chatroom opens now, so please join us and Joe Chiusolo, candidate for Essex County Executive.

Chat room is closed. For the text of the chat, click through to the jump...

Continue reading "Chat Now On Baristanet, With Joe Chiusolo" »

Montclair may not have its own performing arts center, like South Orange, but it does have the Montclair Emerging Filmmaker's Festival, this week.

Highlights include "Saving CBGB" by Verona's Pat Byrne, a first look at "The TV Set," a film starring David Duchovny and Sigourney Weaver, as well as the intriguingly-titled "A Death Sandwich" by Bloomfield filmmaker Daniel Gurewitch. Here's the entire festival schedule. For ticket info, click here.

The campaign for county executive has been mud free so far, according to the Star Ledger...

If elected, Chiusolo said, he would eliminate the county's department of public works and transfer the road maintenance and snow removal services to the county's 22 municipalities. He said he would also eliminate the county's office of inspector general and refer all ethical questions directly to the state attorney general, as well as conduct an audit of every county position to find savings.

Finally, Chiusolo said he would impose a moratorium on borrowing until the county's outstanding debt is brought under control.

"We're hemorrhaging debt, hemorrhaging taxes and you can't keep putting Band-Aids on hemorrhages. You need to make drastic changes," Chiusolo said. "We've gone through the whole gamut of controversy over high taxes and no one's really come up with a plan. Before my plan is shot down, I'm asking the voters to at least roll up their sleeves and look at it."

DiVincenzo, on the other hand, highlights the 125 capital improvement projects completed during his first term, including the restoration of the historic county courthouse, completion of the new county jail, construction of a new psychiatric hospital and upgrades to every county park and reservation.

In a second term, DiVincenzo said he would continue to use public-private partnerships and state grant dollars to revitalize the county's parks and buildings, as well as build a new park behind the old county jail in Newark.

Tune in at noon today to have Joe Chiusolo answer your questions live.

Last weekend's post on animals available for adoption triggered a lot of questions about Baristanet favoring different nonprofits. Just to show you we're not in the business of playing favorites, here's our criteria. The animal with the most interesting personal back story (imagined or real) gets the weekly plug. Here's who we like this week, from Bloomfield-Bukowski Animal Shelter...

My name is Josh. I arrived at the shelter because someone found me in a local park. Well, since I haven't been claimed, I know what that really means -- that I was dumped in a local park. I refuse to think about my past.

I've been told at the shelter that I am a very nice dog. I like to go for walks and am getting good at my leash skills. The walks are nice, but the shelter routine does get a bit boring. I so want to go to a park again, but this time with a loving, new family who will always want to take me back home with them. I am about two years old, so I am full grown. I have a good personality, lots of love to give and would like to meet you soon.

Note: Josh is eligible for the NJ State $20 neuter program! And, he has been micro chipped.

If you've been feeling rejected, please know it's nothing personal.

The porn spambots were in overdrive last night on Baristanet. In an attempt to cold shower them, we enabled a verification prompt to identify the human posters from the machines. Unfortunately, it's not allowing some readers to comment. We'll get to the bottom of it shortly -- in the mean time, come back and try to leave your comment. We'll update as soon as we have it fixed. Thanks -- the Baristas

The New York Times goes to Ridgewood to get a feel for the thisclose New Jersey Senate race. And the residents there don't disappoint:

“They’re all crooks,” said Mrs. Doogan, a retired theology teacher. Her husband, Dennis, seconded the notion with a nod.

So we ask you...

The weather's bad, but it won't affect the fear factor at The Ice House of Horror at Floyd Hall Arena, 1 Hall Drive, Montclair State University. Tonight, from 6-10:30 pm, scare yourself chilly. $8; proceeds support scouting programs in Essex County.

Sunday, the West Orange Film Society presents the original Frankenstein with Boris Karloff, tomorrow at AMC Essex Green Cinema at 12:30 pm and 2 pm. Your favorite horror film of all time...?

If you prefer your Halloween festivities with cleavage, the Red Cheetah has their Halloween bash tonight. Costume contest with $1000 cash prize, Pink Vodka promos and ice shots. Email here to get on the list for $5 before 11 pm. If you know of any other good parties/Halloween events, list them here.

It's the same new story. Girl meets girl and falls in love. Girls set up house together in Brooklyn. Girls get tired of the city and move to the suburbs. Girls get big cat. Girls' girlfriends visit to see what all the fuss is about. Should they move to Maplewood, or would they be happier in Montclair (we do have 60-plus restaurants)? Watch the video here.

If you have pocket puppies or doggies who weigh 20 lbs or less, have we got a shindig for you! You're invited to the grand opening party tomorrow, 10 am to 2 pm, of Four Paws Daycare.

Although we love all doggies, we find those that are small need a special place to play and socialize. Our place is at 168 Pompton Avenue, in Verona. Tomorrow, we'll have contests for best costumes and lots of yummie food for pooches and their moms and dads.

Before you yell at us -- we just received an email about this event. If you go -- please take pictures of all the cute poochies.

Crab and Roasted Corn Cannelloni, Saffron Bechamel

Grilled Skirt Steak

Spice Rubbed Salmon, Lobster Mash, Mango Chutney

Grilled Octopus, White Bean Salad, Preserved Lemons

Co-owners and chefs Jorge Rodriguez and Alex Garcia hail from Gotham's Chimichurri Grill and Calle Ocho respectively. Call for reservations tonight at 973.233.1520. And tell them Baristanet sent you.

After you eat, as always, leave your review here.

He's the "other Joe" running for Essex County Exec, and since you got your questions answered by Joey D (or not...) a few weeks ago, we figured you'd like to have a chat with his electoral opponent. Here's a chance to ask him how he feels about dog runs, Kip's Castle, taxes, whatever. Chiusolo told Baristanet his platform is all about shaking up the status quo in county government, no more business as usual. “The state tax revolt starts when you elect me."

Joe Chiusolo joins Baristanet for a live, open chat this Monday at noon. You know you are all invited. And if you want to get prepared, you can always read this.

SHAKESPEARE ON ICE (Without The Ice!)
Glen Ridge High School Drama Club performs this weekend at the Ridgewood Ave School auditorium. A humorous view of several of Shakespeare’s most famous romances, including Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The first theater production in the newly renovated Ridgewood Avenue Auditorium. Tonight and Saturday night at 8 pm and Sunday at 7 pm. Tickets are $5.00.

For more weekend thrills, read on, then add your own...

Continue reading "Thrill Seeker " »

It seems like just yesterday, (actually it was March) when we celebrated reaching the one million number -- one million visits to the site.

Well folks, as of midday today, Baristanet received its two millionth visit. All thanks to you.

And it seems as good a time as any to ask this...

Continue reading "We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Posting..." »

Glen Ridge residents: did these guys miss you? The Glen Ridge Votes Committee still needs more signatures on their petition requesting a public referendum on the $6.9 million bond. If you didn't hear them knocking on your door, chances are they left you this:

SORRY WE MISSED YOU. Glen Ridge Votes is a committee formed to request a public referendum on the recently passed bonds totaling $6.99 million – for repairs to the municipal building, library, town yard, a bathroom at Sherman Field and artificial turf at two sports fields in town. It is the position of the committee that these two bonds should be voted on by the registered voters of Glen Ridge, before the spending is approved.

We came by to give you an opportunity to sign the two petitions and missed you. If you want to sign either or both petitions please drop by to: 525 Belleville Avenue, Sunday, October 29th, 6-9pm.

If 15% of the number of registered Glen Ridge Voters in the last general election request a vote, it will be voted on before the bonds/ordinances can be approved as is. If fewer than 15% sign, there will be no vote, and the bonds/ordinances will move forward in accordance with council's vote to pass them, without a public referendum.

Continue reading "Glen Ridgers Pushing Petitions" »

The fight over eminent domain continues as Bloomfield township makes another play for its $160 million redevelopment plan. The plan has been rejected twice in the courtroom - once in August 2005, and again in August 2006. Now another appeal has been filed, which if accepted could take the case to New Jersey Supreme Court. From The Independent Press:

Attorney Catherine Tamasik said that the township had filed the petition for certification of the appeal to the last decision on Sept. 27. The attorneys for defendant 110 Washington Street Associates, the firm Carlin and Ward, have filed the response brief to the petition. The paperwork that remains is the township’s reply, to be submitted later this month.

But that’s as much as anyone can foresee. Tamasik said that the likelihood of the Supreme Court hearing the case — let alone the outcome — is undetermined. The Court could even take a year to decide whether or not to hear the appeal, and even then could decide against taking it on at all.

Continue reading "Bloomfield Won't Take No For An Answer" »

At this weeks's Reval Meeting in Montclair, Appraisal Systems told the audience that they've completed 90% of the home inspections and that letters announcing homeowners' new tax bite would be sent out in early December. And good news for tree huggers: your lovely wooded lot will not affect the value of your property. But if you have one of the million dollar views of Manhattan, be prepared. From The Star Ledger:

On Wednesday night, the appraisers noted that location can affect the value, or new assessment, of a home whose back yard is the equivalent of a cliff. "That may be a negative to value," Rick Del Guer cio said.

Conversely, a view of the Manhattan skyline would be a positive. "Some have a winter view, some have a summer view (too)," he said.

...Still, the questions about what factors determined the new market values covered the gamut. "We don't pick up trees. No," Rick Del Guercio said.

It would have been more exciting if the Mets or the Yankees were in the series, but there's still nothing like watching the World Series with none other than Yogi Berra. No, he didn't come over to our house. But my man along with some 80 other fans got to join Yogi in the amphitheater of the Yogi Berra Museum. Yogi was in rare form, as always. From the Star Ledger...

Every year, at least one person asks Berra if he has changed his mind on one of the most famous plays in baseball history, Jackie Robinson's steal of home in the 1955 World Series, one of the few times in his career when the Yankee catcher was known to shout at an umpire in protest.

"No, I haven't changed my mind," said Berra with a grin. "He's still out."

Talk about sports, or anything else now. Your chat begins...

What do you do when you have a persistent neighborhood parking problem for residents, teachers, and high school students? In Montclair, you quickly call a meeting, invite the neighbors, and pull out the big guns.

Apparently, that was the scenario Monday at MHS. Second Ward Councilor Robin Schlager tells us about 20 neighbors showed up to talk about parking problems and the abundance of trash. Principal Mel Katz and Assistant Dennis Murray attended as well as Mayor Remsen, two police officers, three parking authority representatives, and Councilor Schlager.

Neighbors are sick and tired of seeing trash littering the neighborhood, and cars parked too close to their driveways. Students have a beef with current posted parking restrictions and how during school they need to duck out every two hours and move cars or risk getting ticketed. Teachers, who have special permits to park, all too often find students taking their spots.

Continue reading "Remedial Parking 101" »

A tipster writes that NJ Transit police was in Upper Montclair this morning ....

On the platform were about 12 NJ Transit police handing out notices regarding the elevated security level of “yellow” and the TIPs phone number. There were also many police cars in the surrounding parking lots and a police helicopter circling above.

We also noticed a swarm of 10 vehicles, transit police, state troopers and the K-9 unit lined up at Watchung Avenue station around 9 a.m. We were told by an officer that they were on "Terror Duty." Not to worry, the officer said, "it's just a routine preparedness drill, and we do them all the time."

Works for me.

You told us you hated this. Now take another look...

Continue reading "The Boil, Revisited" »

When you want to complain about the throngs of kids at Montclair High who grab all the parking, and leave lunch souvenirs on your property, just remember they may be destined for fame and fortune.

Continuing its annual tradition, MHS Alumni Association has chosen these four distinguished graduates into the high school's hall of fame: Dr. Frederick Douglas, Class of '32, Susan Finney Lefave, Class of '86, Allen DuMont, Class of '19, and Rees Jones, Class of '59.

Dr. Douglas was the first African-American to become an attending physician at all three Montclair hospitals at a time when segregation still limited professional practice; Dr. DuMont perfected the cathode ray tube for use in television, was a major contributor to the invention of radar, and founded DuMont Broadcasting;
Rees Jones is a world-renowned golf course designer, famous for incorporating environmentally sound practices in his designs;
Sue Finney Lefave was a pioneer in MHS girls sports, voted Best Female New Jersey High School Athlete in 1986, and went on to be a four-year starter in ice and field hockey at Princeton.

The new honorees are keeping company with other notable MHS Hall of Famers like Buzz Aldrin, John McMullen, Leonard Coleman, Joe Walsh, Virginia Harkness-Sawtelle, and Aubrey Lewis.

Tickets ($75) are still available for tonight's event at the Yogi Berra Museum at Montclair State University. Cocktails are at 5:30 p.m. followed by the ceremony at 7:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit MHS Alumni Association and its scholarship funds. Call 973-509-1425 for tickets or more information, or visit the Alumni Association's website here.

Now there's a slogan. The mood was jubilant tonight at the Garden State Equality's statewide rally at the Unitarian Church of Montclair. With a rainbow of balloons floating overhead and rousing speeches punctuated by emphatic cheering, there was both excitement and expectation for the continuation of the fight for civil rights. Separate not equal doesn't cut it -- and that was the prevaling sentiment among speakers tonight, who rallied the crowd of same sex couples from all over the state, many who came with their children. Clergy stood up at the end of the rally to take props for their work in the fight -- including a number hailing from different houses of worship in Baristaville. It was announced tonight that Garden State Equality would be opening a headquarters in Montclair, in the Unitarian Church, which we hope will irritate this clergyman just a bit.

The fight for "100% marriage equality -- and nothing less," according to Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality, starts now.

Unions yes, marriage no? That's the good news, bad news scenario delivered today. From the Star Ledger...

The high court adopted an approach similar to that taken by the Vermont Supreme Court in 1999, which ruled lawmakers can reserve the term "marriage" for the union of one man and one woman, but must grant all couples equal legal protections. Vermont lawmakers responded by allowing same-sex couples to form "civil unions."

When the case was argued on Feb. 15, David Buckel, the lawyer for the gay rights organization Lambda Legal, urged the justices to reject that option.

"The message is still there: 'Not married.' It creates a stigma the New Jersey Constitution does not allow," Buckel told the justices.

Even so, today's ruling exponentially increases the legal benefits available to same-sex couples who formalize their unions. A 2004 law allowing same-sex couples to form "domestic partnerships" gave them only a fraction of the more than 800 rights conferred by marriage, albeit some of the most important ones. There are an estimated 20,000 same-sex couples living together in the Garden State.

For the legalese, click here.

Disgusting and ugly soccer parents screaming at kid refs?!?! That's what came in through tips, along with this e-mail...

Incident With Parents and Referees at Girls 4/5 Game Background Montclair is notoriously short on green space. Through negotiations with Essex County and the Montclair Board of Education, we have managed to secure permits for just enough fields for our games. However, all 5 fields that MUSC occupies on Saturdays are completely utilized from 9 AM to 5 PM. We actually had to turn away dozens of children due to the lack of field space.

The Town League's use of Brookdale park has been compromised and skewed because of Essex County Community College in Week 1, Art in the Park in Week 3 and Travel State Cup games in Week 4. In addition, field C was found to be soggy from Friday's rain this past Saturday morning so a decision was made to move to the field below the Stadium for the day. This decision was communicated as thoroughly as possible throughout the day to Commissioners, Coaches & Referees.

The referees employed by the MUSC town division are local children, most products of the MUSC experience, who have received their series 8 or 9 referee licenses through a certification process. They also attend an MUSC training program where they receive instruction on particular aspects of the MUSC program. The referees are instructed to strictly end each game on the hour so that all games can be completed with the 9 to 5 period when we have permits. This becomes especially critical in late fall when darkness can prevent completion of the last game.

Saturday's Incident
At the beginning of the girls 4/5 4 PM game on Field B there was some confusion among the coaches as to which field they should be playing on. The coaches moved the teams and parents to the field below the stadium. That field was occupied by 2 teams who were originally scheduled to play in the Stadium, were moved to field C but actually played at the field below the stadium due to the soggy conditions on C. Seeing this, the teams and parents them moved back to field B. This was obviously a frustrating experience for all and the game started 15 minutes late.

The referees, as instructed, reduced the game time to 35 minutes and set up 2 - 17 1/2 minute halfs. When the game ended several minutes before 5, some parents confronted the referees in an argumentative, abusive manner, claiming they were being cheated out "of goals" and demanding payback for lost game time. The referees became quite distraught.

Continue reading "Parents Behaving Badly" »

Continue reading " Scary Dentist" »

Attorneys for seven gay couples argued before the court in favor of gay marriage back in February of this year, with the state arguing that marriage should be between a man and a woman.

...New Jersey is one of only five states without either a law or a state constitutional amendment blocking same-sex marriage, but local clerks have refused to sell marriage licenses to such couples. Currently, only Massachusetts allows same-sex marriages.

The ruling is to come on Deborah Poritz's final day as chief justice. Under the state constitution, she must retire Thursday, the day she turns 70.

Gay rights advocates are optimistic about the decision, citing the court's liberal record (remember the Boy Scouts' case), and the timing of the announcement. Whatever the outcome, Garden State Equality will hold a statewide rally for marriage equality tonight in Montclair. The rally starts at 7:00 pm, at the Unitarian Church of Montclair, 67 Church Street.

Watch ABC eyewitness news video. Baristanet will post an update here later today.

You can't help noticing the former optician's shop on Valley Road in Montclair has been bathed in lime green. And there's that poster in the window proclaiming "Life is Good." We hear that on November 11 the awning goes up, the door will be open, and Laugh Out Loud - Life is Good, Genuine Neighborhood Store will be inviting you in.

Two Montclair moms got their hands on cool store space, which comes with the surreal looking vault of the former Montclair Bank and Trust. In the old days, the vault was guaranteed to keep the mob out, but now it's going to be a walk in showroom for the Life is Good line of clothing, accessories, sleepwear and shoes. When we sneaked a peek, Hoboken muralist Jane Migliore was working her magic on the store's interior.

"We're not a franchise," owner Karen Curro is quick to point out. Montclair is one of 40 locations approved by the Boston based company to harbor their wares. "This is about fun, optimistic, cool lifestyle clothing," Curro told us. "Laugh Out Loud is a perfect match for Montclair."

Continue reading "Laugh Out Loud, Life Is Good In Baristaville" »

As election day appoaches, New Jersey’s nasty "too close to call" senate race between democratic incumbent Senator Robert Menendez and republican State Senator Tom Kean Jr. is increasingly in the national spotlight. The Washington Post who says Kean "looks like a Mountie and fights like a Crip" suggests a new drinking game based upon Tom Kean Jr’s penchant for the phrase “under federal criminal investigation”

If there were a drinking game whose rules required a swig each time Tom Kean Jr. asserted that his Senate race opponent is "under federal criminal investigation," you would be drooling drunk 10 minutes after meeting the guy.

Kean says "under federal criminal investigation" about once every 28 seconds, uttering the words as if they were tragic and beyond dispute. After a day in Kean's company you are prepared to think terrible things about Robert Menendez, the Democratic incumbent.

Continue reading "Senators Taking Shots" »

The "Erie Park Association" residents in Montclair's Walnut Street area want to put their neighbor, The Deron School on detention. They're getting worked up about the school's plan to alter the local landscape by adding a new wing on the school building. Last week, Kenneth Alter, the school's owner hosted an open house with his architect, attorney, and engineer present for the residents to get information about the planned expansion.

Neighborhood spokesperson Dawn Candy says residents object to the project's current design. The 100'x50' addition is going to damage an historic building and encroach on what little green space is left in her neighborhood. The school is seeking variances for cut throughs and larger parking areas which will increase traffic and congestion, Candy claims. "The new building will sit really close to our homes. We'll be facing a massive stone wall." And don't get her started about the dozen or more school busses that idlle for up to 60 minutes every day along Christopher Street.

Continue reading "Residents to Deron School: Not In My Back Yard" »

Applications for state wide funding are available next week, and it will be a competitive process. "We are going to spend the money where the risk is the greatest,"he added. Grants will be awarded by the end of the year. Essex County Administrator Joey D told NJDOT Commissioner Kolluri to show Essex County the money. "I know you'll do the right thing" Di Vincenzo chuckled. Montclair resident and Bike Montclair president Jerry Fried received major props from Remsen for his diligent work pushing forward bike and pedestrian safety plans.

NJDOT picked Montclair's Rand Park for today's media event launching a statewide program to improve pedestrian safety. (Maybe they've been reading about Montclair's infamous life threatening cross walks on Grove, Watchung, Bloomfield, Valley, and the rest. Lots of local pols are expected on the scene this morning. Congressman Bill Pascrell's office sent a press release:

Continue reading "Pedestrian Safety Initiative Announced in Montclair" »

Police are on the hunt for 27 year old Aaron Buie, a prime suspect in multiple home and vehicle break-ins in Montclair's north end. Buie, a Montclair resident, has been positively identified, and linked to crimes committed over the past weeks. A Friday night police raid of a Bloomfield Avenue business and a Pine Street residence turned up a cache of stolen iPods, cell phones, small electronics and a camera. From The Star Ledger:

Yesterday, police said Aaron Buie, 27, of Montclair has since been charged with burglary, theft and receiving stolen property and is being sought in connection with the break-ins.

"I would strongly recommend Mr. Buie turn himself in to the Montclair police," said Lt. James J. Carlucci. "We will continue to search for Mr. Buie, and anyone found to be harboring him will be charged accordingly."

The raids came less than 48 hours after 21 vehicles -- all unlocked -- were entered on Bellevue, Lorraine and Summit avenues as well as Haddon Place and Christopher Street. Taken in the overnight crimes Wednesday were loose change, a Dell laptop, cell phones and iPods.

Continue reading "Montclair's Most Wanted" »

From NJ Transit...

Due to police activity at the Port Authority Bus Terminal, NJ TRANSIT buses are discharging and picking up passengers on 9th Avenue between 37th and 39th Streets. NJ TRANSIT bus tickets and passes will be cross honored on NJ TRANSIT rail services operating from Penn Station New York.

If you've ever spent sleepless nights with crying babes, you know you'll try anything (short of a thimble full of Scotch) to get them off to dreamland. If this sounds like you, Parent/Infant massage classes are being offered Thursday mornings (10:45-11:45 am) at Aspen East Health Club (122B Watchung Plaza) beginning November 2. Four classes are $160; classes are suited to parents with children (age birth to 2 years). Teaching you how to soothe baby, and get him/her hooked on the healing benefits of massage early on, is Cheryl Mjehovich, CIMI (Certified Infant Massage Instructor) and nationally certified massage therapist (NBTMB).

Class Description: Parents will be learning the art of Infant Massage and be guided through instruction on how to massage their own babies. Some of the many benefits of Infant Massage include relief of gas pains, relaxation for baby, strengthening of baby’s organ systems, and promoting bonding between parent and child. Bring a soft, comfortable blanket to lay your baby on and dress baby in easy to remove clothing to massage. Please contact us to reserve your place.

For more information about infant massage, click here or call Cheryl at 973 746-2408.

Congressman Bill Pascrell and Congressman Jack Murtha are together today for a town hall meeting at Montclair State University. The topic of discussion? National security and ending the war in Iraq. From 3-4:40 pm in the Student Center ballroom.

Expect a lively discussion.

Nobody puts Baby in a corner kindergarten, that is, unless she's really ready.

Were you the youngest in your class in kindergarten? The oldest? Somewhere in between? More and more people are opting to hold boys and girls back another year, so they won't be the youngest of the class. Of course, Montclair is no exception. From the New York Times...

“It’s kind of crazy to hold them back,” said Jessica Siegel, 40, whose daughter, Mirit Skeen is back for another year at Montclair Community Pre-K in New Jersey, although she turned 5 in late August and the public school cutoff there for kindergarten is Oct. 1. “Someone’s going to be the youngest. Someone’s going to be the smallest.”

Ms. Siegel and her husband considered the decision for months, waiting until the week before public school started before making it final in case Mirit “suddenly had some kind of huge emotional shift.”

“I felt like her whole experience is about being the smallest and the youngest, and I wanted to change that experience for her,” Ms. Siegel said, adding, “The more people do it, the more people do it — partially because you don’t want yours to be the last.”

A tipster writes with these thoughts...

Continue reading "The Not Ready For Kindergarten Players?" »

If you own Birkenstocks, this would be the weekend to take them out and go out stomping. On Friday night, Arlo ("Sargeant, you got a lot a damn gall to ask me if I've rehabilitated myself, I mean, I mean, I mean that just, I'm sittin' here on the bench, I mean I'm sittin here on the Group W bench 'cause you want to know if I'm moral enough join the army, burn women, kids, houses and villages after bein' a litterbug") Guthrie is coming to Outpost in the 'Burbs. Tickets are $40.

And if that weren't enough to get an old lefty's heart racing, Montclair's official liberal establishment, BlueWave NJ, is holding its Blue Pumpkin Ball on Saturday night, featuring music "fashioned after the band-leading styles of Van Morrison and James Brown," plus a silent auction with lots of fabulous prizes, including posters made from this original painting by Glen Ridge artist Lori Loebelsohn.

Continue reading "Just Like the Sixties, Only More Expensive" »

Meet Michael Ceaser, Sr. He wants to tell you something. From letters to the Montclair Times...

Please allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Michael Ceaser Sr., and I’ve owned Ceaser Jewelers, 510 Bloomfield Ave., for the past 22 years, and I’m a black man, born and raised on Glenridge Avenue.

I think I possibly am the one public figure that can represent virtually all the black people of the Glenridge Avenue, Bay Street and Baldwin Street and Pine Street area of the 4th Ward of Montclair.

Continue reading "The Voice of All Black, Bread-Loving Folk From The 4th Ward" »

Meet Tommy Boy...

Notes: Handsome, brown and white ..neutered...all shots...housebroken...very energetic...VERY FRIENDLY...needs a strong arm when walking, ..perhaps too active for small children....ideal jogging partner for active adult family,Please come and meet our Tommy-Boy!!! PAWS is open EVERY day of the year 12-4.

Continue reading "Take These Pets, Please (Take Two)" »

Add your own...

Check out EcoRealty to see just how wild it gets over in Bloomfield. While you're there, tell a city girl if that's a fox, coyote or wolf that's roaming around Liongate Drive, part of the tract that The Bloomfield Third RiverBank Association is fighting to keep au naturel. If you want to keep seeing animals like these -- and not some developers' 150 townhouses -- head on over to the garden party fundraiser today, 4-7 pm, at 96 Lakewood Terrace.

In other bird news, Ecorealty also has the scoop on the Dirty Birdies, the oldest jug band in America right here in Baristaville. Hear them here.

There are already folks who will come to your home and decorate your Christmas tree, so why not professional pumpkin carvers. If someone were to snap up this new industry, it would be our own Katie Mancine, who carved doggie "Mister," above (on the left, is a pumpkin burping by boyfriend Mark). Go to StopKatie and tell her what you think.

If you're not as talented as Katie, here's an easier design.

Terra, opening Sunday in the old digs of the Rainbow Health Food store on Church Street, bills itself as a Tea Salon and Fair Trade Eco-Market.

We like to think of it as a Karma Bank, because spending your dollars there produces a ripple of good around the globe. Owners Grace Grund and Carla Gilruth met as Edgemont School moms and found a common ground when they decided to open a business whose motto is "Hospitality, Civility, and Sustainability."

Continue reading "Baristaville's New Feel-Good Shop" »

A tipster writes this morning...

We live on Park Street, just down the street from Montclair High School, and received a mysterious flyer in our mailbox last night. It said that there will be a meeting "about parking near the high school" on Monday at 6:30. It was signed by Joseph Hartnett. Since we won't be home from work at that time, we can't attend, but would love to. All are welcome--the meeting will take place at the Montclair HS library.

We think it could be about a couple of things...but not sure:

1) On Wednesday, at school dismissal (2:45-ish), there was a HUGE police presence on our street--6 cop cars, 2 Police SUVs, several security personnel from the high school. All seemed very concerned--cops were out of their cars talking to several teens--it wasn't just a normal patrol. We watched the scene from our porch, and it seemed like all the fuss was about some young men--perhaps they were not attendees at the school? Some threat of violence/fight/gang issue?

2) The periodic complaints of residents on our block and nearby blocks that high school students, teachers, etc., park all day long, litter, etc.

Other than that, we have no idea. The flyer was extremely vague, which of course, makes us very curious and perturbed that we won't be able to be there. Any ideas as to what is going on?

Baristanet will follow up on the flyer; meanwhile, if you are planning to attend the meeting and want to file a report, send it here.

Sure, we see you picking up java at Starbucks, wearing those cute green shorts (nice legs!), but you're not the only celeb popping up in Baristaville. Last night, Queen Latifah showed up again in Montclair, this time wowing folks at Diva Lounge. Now if Stephen is really still searching for a black friend, we'd like to see the two of you get freaky on the dance floor.

If you've spied any other interesting folks around town, post here.

Tonight, Montclair's MEDC is throwing a huge party "A Taste of Green" to honor seven people they feel have made a positive impact on the environment and community. This year's honorees are Merwin Kinkade, Viridian Environmental Consultants (Environment Award), Adrian Shelby, The Montclair Art Museum (Arts Award), Jim Franciose, The Olympic Shop (Business Award), Gillray Brown, P.D. Brown Contractors (Community Award), Audrey Fletcher, Montclair Child Development Center, Inc. (Education Award), Bill Farlie, Jr., Gilbert, Farlie & Partners and Former Mayor of Montclair and Barbara Farlie, Partner, Finders Design Associates (Montclair Award).

A Silent Auction, live music, martinis, and a lavish presentation of food from local restaurants is in the lineup for the gala affair at the Upper Montclair Women's Club. But the evening's big prize is an environmentally correct 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid, to be raffled off at 10 p.m. Tickets for the party ($135 per person) and raffle ($100) are available at the door. Information: 973-509-1188.

And while we're promoting green, here's an idea to float by the parking authority.

Friday, October 20

Watchung School's Annual Tag Sale
Today, Noon-5 p.m. This PTA fundraiser, which started during the depression, has household goods, books, clothing, furniture, toys, and baby items. The sale continues through Saturday 9-12:30 (bag sale from 1-2 pm). Corner of Garden Street and North Fullerton in Montclair. Entrance on North Fullerton Street - use the gym door. The sale is a fundraiser for the PTA.

Illusionist Michael Turco
Magic, tricks and a brilliant new stage show tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. High tech lighting, hot backup dancers and pop music provide an exciting backdrop to Michael Turco's show. At 12 Miles West Center for the Arts, 596 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield. Tickets $20/ adults, $18 seniors and kids. Information and reservations: 973-259-9187.

Continue reading "Thrill Seeker " »

You know you want to look. Now here's your chance.

Glen Ridge hosts its third "A Taste of Glen Ridge – Gourmet Kitchen Tour", Sunday, from 11 am to 5 pm.

We can't tell you which homes will be open for viewing, but for $45 (tickets on sale day of event at Glen Ridge Train Station), you get to leisurely tour all 10 kitchens on the tour, gawk at granite and nibble on goodies from area caterers as well as treats from The Chocolate Path and The London Food Company.

It's also a great chance to get good intel from kitchen designers and builders on hand to answer questions about the kitchens' innovative designs. Props to Rhodes Van Note & Company Realtors for underwriting for the event. All proceeds from the tour will be dedicated to the replacement of the exterior entrance to the Ridgewood Avenue School Auditorium.

Lawmakers in Trenton say they've found a way to cut New Jersey's soaring property taxes: consolidate our 616 local school districts into 21 county administrations. Estimated local savings: $553 million. But will such a drastic change from home rule fly? Consider the tradeoffs. From The Star Ledger:

The offices, each controlled by a single superintendent and four- member county board, would replace hundreds of local superintendents and central office staff.

Specficially, the bills proposed by state Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex) would ask voters in each county to decide whether to replace the current system of locally administered districts with the county office. The county superintendents, appointed by the governor, would oversee everything from teacher hiring to salary negotiations to curriculum.

Local school boards would still be elected, but their function would become merely advisory.

Smith has cited Maryland's county-based school system as an example of one that works.

Continue reading "How Does "Essex County School Board" Sound?" »

U.S. District Judge Jose Linares recently issued a 28 page opinion on Christina Perna's wrongful dismissal lawsuit against Montclair Township, ruling in favor of the township on all but two charges. Perna, employed for over 20 years, says she was a victim of a departmental cleanout, and penalized for her involvement in union organizing activities. The dismissed charges release Mayor Ed Remsen and the town council from liability, but there are still unresolved claims against town manager Joe Hartnett. From The Star Ledger:

Linares, however, would not dismiss a claim that Hartnett retaliated against her for associating with a union, the Communications Workers of America, or a claim against Montclair for potential liability based on Hartnett's alleged motive.

Yet Hartnett praised the judge's Sept. 28 ruling as an affirmation that Montclair acted "completely properly" in its treatment of Perna.

"The one count that he could not dismiss -- that is, alleged retaliation for union organizing -- falls under a different set of laws, under which a judge must give a plaintiff an opportunity to at least state their case," Hartnett said.

"As with all the other charges," he said, "this allegation is also completely without merit and if it is pursued, it will surely be dismissed, just as the other charges have been."

Here it is: your open thread for Game 7 of the National League Championship Series.

Calling all financial wizards. Now's your chance to add your two cents about how to manage Montclair's municipal funds. Joe Hartnett will be looking for a replacement for Dianne Marus, the town's current CFO, whose job sharing acumen has sparked local controversy. From The Montclair Times:

After 31 years in the field and 20 months working for Montclair, Dianne Marus will retire as chief financial officer (CFO) effective Jan. 1, 2007.

Marus intends to relocate with her husband to Arizona.

This morning's newstory in the Star Ledger serves to remind us that we can never be too vigilant of our children. A nationwide bust of 100 men involved in a "nightmarish" child porn ring nailed 14 New Jerseyans, including Verona resident Stephen Lasher, who volunteers at a Blairstown summer camp for disabled children.

"As this investigation amply illustrates, there is no safe haven for child sex predators," said Kyle Hutchins, the special agent in charge of Newark's ICE office.

The New Jersey suspects include three men with ties to law enforcement: Jonathan Burke, 37, a private security officer from Keyport; Vincent Gambale, 43, of Deptford, a customs and border protection officer in Philadelphia, and Sean McMichael, 23, a patrolman in Voorhees. Each was charged this summer, immediately after they were identified as subscribers, so prosecutors could remove them from their positions of authority.

The rest of the defendants were identified earlier this year but arrested only yesterday. They include Stephen Lasher, a 49-year-old pharmaceutical researcher from Verona who was profiled in a 2002 Star-Ledger article for his volunteer work at a Blairstown camp for children with epilepsy and other disabilities. Lasher's attorney, Michael Critchley, said neither he nor Lasher would comment on the charges.

Continue reading "Crimes Against Kids" »

Not long ago, John's Pizza on Bloomfield Avenue in the middle of the Montclair Mile morphed briefly into an Italian cafe, then promptly shut its doors. The restaurant, recently re-opened, is into its third reincarnation within a year. Now it's a cozy, casual Trattoria serving more elegant dinners. Find out what's cooking in their kitchen, in Food.

For some, it wasn't just about the deals. Catherine Kreider of Montclair was the first in line this morning. “I got here at 8:33 a.m.,” says Kreider, waving her letter for the invitation only sale, “and I’ve come to say goodbye.” Kreider, 77, is a long time customer: “When I was 18, I started working at Olympic - it was on the corner (where Williams Sonoma is now). It’s a great store, it had so much charisma and added so much to the town. At Christmas time, it was such a happy place,” she says. “I hope whatever comes here next will keep with the town tradition.”

Behind Kreider was David Popiel, also a Montclair resident who came for some bargains. “I’m disappointed to see them close, the shop’s a Montclair institution.”

We saw a lot of shoppers leave bagless, perhaps planning to come back when there were less lines to make purchases or register for the confusing prize system. A flyer given to contestants today states that next Wednesday, the 25th, prices will climb to the more sale-friendly 50% off -- but only on pajamas, belts and odds and ends. The contest ends on 12/23, making us wonder if this will be the longest going out of business sale in Montclair history.

Continue reading "Note To Olympic: Save The Prizes, Slash The Prices" »

Herbert Maisenbacher, the accused murderer of Joan Gallligan in her Glen Ridge home last December, turned up in Newark Superior court yesterday with a new lawyer, and a plea of not guilty. From The Star Ledger:

Maisenbacher had been represented by Anthony Mautone, a longtime Essex County attorney who was once a high-ranking official in the prosecutor's office.

But the defendant, who is free on $250,000 bail, appeared yesterday with attorney Deborah Factor. Factor said afterward she is still in the process of discovery in the case and could not comment.

Maisenbacher won a civil court battle earlier this year in which Kimberly Cicala, Galligan's daughter, sought to prevent him from selling his $1.25 million home in Verona.

The defendant, who was accompanied by his wife, Patricia, told Judge Michael Casale that he is now living on Biscayne Boulevard in Union.

Casale ordered Maisenbacher to appear for a status conference on Nov. 27.

Galligan, 58, was found strangled and bludgeoned in her home on Dec. 7, 2005. Maisenbacher was charged with the killing after his DNA was matched to material found under her fingernails.

All four of Glen Ridge's public schools held a lockdown drill* yesterday. Apparently it went better than this one. A response to the horrors of Columbine, the recent Amish shooting tragedy and other school-based bloodbaths, a lockdown drill, as our 18 year old describes it, is "no big deal": you just lock the door, and everybody crouches in the corner of the room out of gun range.

Not so different than the famous "duck and cover" drills that we baby boomers went through in the 1960's. Or is it? And, pray tell, how do they explain this to the kindergarteners?

Discuss.

Continue reading "Duck and Cover, 2006 Version" »

/>Jewish gospel artist Joshua Nelson will appear Saturday night at Temple Ner Tamid, 936 Broad Street, Bloomfield. Nelson is being billed as a talent with a "voice that channels Mahalia Jackson's, a fan base that includes Oprah Winfrey and Bill Clinton and a body of work that marries Jewish liturgical music to songs sung by African slaves." Tickets are $36 for adults and $18 for children. The concert starts at 8 pm. For more information, call the temple at 973.338.1500. Check out Nelson's appearance with the Klezmatics on this YouTube video.

Early Saturday morning on Mission Street, Montclair police busted three guys wearing latex gloves on a weapons violation. Detectives were patrolling the area after a succession of vehicle breakins, says Deputy Chief Perry Mayers. The officers watched the three suspects toss shotgun shells on the ground. When they investigated, officers found their sawed off Remington shotgun in a nearby trash can.

From The Star Ledger:

...Brandon Brown, 19, and Kourtney Chavis, 21, both of Montclair, were charged with weapons violations and held on $100,000 bond or $10,000 cash bail, police said.

The juvenile, a 16 year old of Montclair, faces the same charges but was released to his father because of a medical condition, police said.

Police say suspects have not admitted what they were planning to do with the gun that night..

ve-to Pronunciation[vee-toh] noun, plural -toes, verb, -toed, -to-ing.

noun 1. the power or right vested in one branch of a government to cancel or postpone the decisions, enactments, etc., of another branch, esp. the right of a president, governor, or other chief executive to reject bills passed by the legislature.

2. the exercise of this right.

(Source: dictionary.com.)

A: When it happens in Glen Ridge.

Yes, Mayor Carl Bergmanson yesterday vetoed the council's decision to borrow $1 million to turf Carteret Park. But, since it takes the same number of votes to override Bergmanson's veto as it did to pass the measure in the first place, his gesture is, well he even admits, "symbolic."

His letter to the council, which takes a conciliatory tone, appears in full after the jump:

Continue reading "Q: When Is a Veto Not a Veto?" »

Plummeting gas prices are a welcome sight in Baristaville. It wasn't too long ago, that we were groaning at gasoline selling over $3 a gallon. A quick and dirty recon on Baristaville stations yesterday turned up gentler prices at the pumps ranging from a high of $2.30 at the Montclair Gulf on Orange Avenue to the Clifton winner, above, on Valley Road. Eastern Oil in Montclair and Exxon at Broad and Watchung, in Bloomfield tied for second cheapest gas in town: $2.05. If anyone's seen better, let us all know.

Montclair's People with Disabilities Committee helps the Township decide how to best meet the needs of persons with special needs. Recently this group worked with Police, Fire, and Emergency Services to establish a registry for those who would need special attention in the event of a fire or police emergency. Now they want to get the word out about this service.

To be listed in the registry, just fill out a questionnaire to provide information helpful to emergency responders. If you know of anyone who could benefit from this program, get them to register now.

The questionnaire can be dowloaded from the Police link on the Township's website, and is available at the Police Department. Call 973-509-4740 for more information.

If you want to stop smoking, but those little gummy chews and patches just aren't doing the trick, maybe you want to try hypnosis. The Glen Ridge Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC) will sponsor a Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation Program at the Glen Ridge Train Station next Monday, October 23, 7-9 p.m. It's FREE for all Glen Ridge residents and employees. For registration or questions, contact Kathy Weissenberger at MAC@glenridgenj.org.

And what about the rest of us in Baristaville? Get over to Mountainside Hospital, whose Community Health Department is offering a similar program November 2, 7-9 pm. The class, offered by a certified hypnotherapist costs $60. Want more? Mountainside also offers to help melt off those extra pounds through hypnosis (can they convince me I hate chocolate?) on December 7, 7-9 p.m., $60. Call 800-247-9580 to register.

Whole Foods is the local host for CancerCare's Cupcakes For A Cause this week through Sunday, October 22.
Whole Foods wants you to buy their smiley face cupcakes and will even put your name in for a prize drawing if you buy them 24 at a time. 100% of the cupcake sale proceeds benefits CancerCare for Kids, a program which provides free professional support services to children and families affected by cancer.

Looking for something to celebrate? Government workers in D.C. are eating cake to mark the birth of the 300 millionth American.

A final ruling on a lawsuit that will determine if seven gay couples are allowed to marry in New Jersey is expected on October 25. This provoked a rally in Trenton recently, where organizers presented the Corzine administration with a petition from 2,000 churches to ban gay marriages. Among the more vocal naysayers is a pastor from Montclair. From The New York Blade:

The Rev. Anthony Franklin, of Christ Church in Montclair, said children are better off in either single-parent homes or foster care than with a same-sex couple..."It was never intended for families to be brought up where there is same sex,’’ Franklin said. "It is unnatural.’’

Continue reading "Thou Shalt Not [Gay]Parent" »

"Everybody has their own little preferences and ideas about the best way to ride the trains," said Lynn Bowersox, NJ Transit's assistant executive director for external affairs. "We're all going to have to start over to figure out the best way to ride these."

Although the new cars include extra leg room, better lighting, more trash bins and better bathrooms, we’re kind of bummed that there's no bar car...

Continue reading "How Do You Like It: Top, Bottom, Front or Back?" »

Tomorrow's the last day you can. Go here to find out where to register.

Meanwhile, some folks would like to see voting change in NJ...

Continue reading "Are You Registered?" »

Our favorite avatar of cool, punk rock chronicler Fran Liscio, was there last night (of course) for CBGB's swan song.

I was told by a friend who was there on saturday night that CBGB was full but not packed--she was able to walk the length of the bar. Blondie was playing, and Walter Lure of the Heartbreakers, and there was a general feeling that while CBGB was a much loved institution, it was alright to say goodbye on and move on.

Therefore, i actually anticipated being able to get in without a ticket last night, Sunday, if i showed up by about 6, which i did. HAHA, foolish me. The place was swamped. As in, overflowing with humanity and press -- most of whom had been there since early afternoon, and many fans who had been waiting since 7:30 that morning to get in.

Continue reading "CBGB RIP" »

Whole Foods Market is coming to West Orange and it sounds like it's going to make the rest of NJ arugula green with envy. Find out on Food.

We've had Elaine Bramhall on Wife Swap. We've had Anwar on American Idol. Now meet the latest local victim to be fed to the Reality TV lions: Vinnie Tunnero, owner of So Cal Studio and Salon in Verona, who swapped lives with a posh Boca Rato hairstylist for a hair stylist swap show called "Split Ends," which premieres on the Style Network this month.

But, woh horsie, if we're used to being the suburban sophisticates in swap TV, think again. In this press release, Verona is portrayed as a distinctly downscale burg with a blue collar vibe:

Meet Vinnie, a twenty-nine year old, macho bad boy who likes to party. His home base, Verona, New Jersey is where Livia's (Tony's Mother) house in the Sopranos is filmed. His staff has a kind of gothic, Harley style, who "had lots of tattoos and pierced just about everything as far as I could tell," says Jody [Jack, co-owner of Salon Oasis in Boca Raton].

Salon Oasis, on the other hand, has white sheer curtains that flutter from a two-story height and serves its clients mimosas on silver trays.

No wonder Jody missed home so much. At So Cal Salon---a work in progress-- she found herself discarding towels, trying to keep clients out of the drips of an air conditioner leak, and spackling and repainting the walls herself. She says she tried to manage with grace and charm in an environment to which she was unaccustomed, but as the camera crew video taped from dawn through the night, we'll know what really happened come November.

To make matters worse, Vinnie took all his haircutting tools with him to Florida, not even leaving Jody a pair of scissors.

Continue reading "And For the Final Indignity, She Took a Pratfall at the Red Cheetah" »

Continue reading "Let's Play One Degree of Separation" »

We are closing our doors forever. All of our merchandise, store fixtures, furniture and equipment must be sold. You are the first to know. We are extending a special invitation to our local customers and wonderful friends like you to come to outrstore on October 19th through October 25th, one week before we publicly announce this sale in the newspaper. Only those who receive an invitation are invited. However, feel free to bring a friend or relative as your guest. Our opening is on Thursday, October 19th at 9 am sharp!

A fantastic prize contest is part of this sale. To get you started toward winning -- simply return this invitation to the store on Thursday, October 19th, and you'll recieve 1,000 Bonus Prize Dollars just for stopping by.

I've got a golden ticket. Run over to the store before these special invitations are all snapped up.

Tonight at Nandi School of Art, have dinner and fight hunger at the same time. To observe World Food Day, the school is hosting an Empty Bowls project. Buy a handcrafted bowl or mug (made by local artists and students), then fill it with a selection of salads, breads, and drinks donated by local organic farmers and bakers. All proceeds go to the fight against hunger. 5-7 pm; 179 Glenridge Ave., Montclair.

Tune in to 60 Minutes Sunday night, for a double segment on the Duke Rape case. Essex Fells' Reade Seligmann will speak about the nightmare that's become his life, since being accused of rape. Seligmann, who has an alibi, has not been questioned since he was picked out of a photo line-up by the accuser.

For more about the case, check out Kurt Andersen's attack on the Times coverage here. Slate chimes in here.

We think they should have called themselves Plastic Grass is for Easter Baskets instead of Glen Ridge Votes, but an opposition cell has at last organized itself in Glen Ridge to fight the just-passed $6.9 million bond issue, which includes a controversial measure to put artificial turf on two fields in town.

The group is now collecting signatures to bring a referendum on the bond, which was divided into two parts.

From one of the leaders, Kit Schackner:

Continue reading "Turf Battle" »

If you didn't check it out yesterday, we hear there was some good gift hunting going on at the Junior League of Montclair-Newark Holiday Boutique. Today from 10-2, shop 20 merchants from the tri-state area selling jewelery, handbags, mens accessories, kids' gifts, home decor, teacher tchotkes, stationery and more. St. James Epsiopal Church, 581 Valley Road, Montclair.

Also today, go hang with the Girl Scouts and see our very own Katie Mancine drawing caricatures at their international festival in Newark. Click here for info.

We hear last night that Joey DiVincenzo met with fellow castle loving citizens to unveil Essex County's master plan for the future of Kip's Castle. Meeting in a private home, DiVincenzo, joined by Daniel K. Savante, Director of Essex County Dept. of Parks, Recreation & Public Affairs, and Mary Gotz-Rother, Director of Legislation, announced to a group of 60 Verona and Montclair residents how they want to preserve the castle, carriage house and site for public use.

Frank Gerard Godlewski was at the meeting and tells us what could be in store for the property if Essex County becomes Kip’s keeper:

Di Vicenzo intends to make this site a “Showcase” for Essex County modeled after Montclair’s Van Vleck House & Garden. The castle, carriage house and land shall be designated as landmarks and preserved. The Parks & Recreation Dept offices will be housed in the buildings and the site will become a cultural center (like the Clark Center). The castle could also house volunteer groups and organizations like the Audubon Society, DiVincenzo suggested.

Who’s gonna pay? Godlewski says DiVincenzo proposed that 50% of the purchase funds for the $8.2 million,10.5 acre estate would be funded from Green Acres and 50% through state funding & grants. The county will also seek the participation of environmental groups. The county must obtain two appraisals within 30 days, and should the deal go through, DiVincenzo says this project will be completed quickly.

Continue reading "Joey D: King Of The Castle?" »

For more fun events this weekend, keep reading...

Continue reading "Thrill Seeker" »

Newark's Prudential Tower, less than eight miles from Baristaville, was confirmed as a target of terrorism in a London court yesterday. Dhiran Barot, a British national arrested two years ago, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to murder and plotting to attack financial institutions in Newark, New York, Washington D.C., and the UK. From The Star Ledger:

For New Jerseyans, it was perhaps the most chilling image evoked since the Twin Towers fell: An al Qaeda operative sitting patiently in a Newark coffee shop, eyeing the exits and entrances at the nearby Prudential tower, studying security shifts and employee traffic, and sketching out a plan to bomb the city's skyline jewel and kill thousands of people.

Continue reading "When Evil Lurks At The Coffee Shop" »

What is the public good for the Montclair PD to ticket small scooters left chained at train stations to bike racks and fences? Is this just a revenue question, or are these scoots a danger to public safety, chained to bike racks or fences? If a permit spot was available, and if I wanted to pay the fee to park my scooter in a permit spot, I doubt the scooter would be there at the end of the day when I got off the train. Chaining it is necessary, and other than a technical violation of statute about where you can park a 'motor vehicle', I'm not seeing any harm to public order. Now, if only 25% of Montclairions rode these things, think of all the parking spaces that would be opened up to the Hummer loving public.

A rash of car break-ins and tire slashing in the middle of the night last week plagued residents in parts of Bloomfield. Bloomfield Police say windows on eight vehicles were smashed on October 2, 4, 7, and 8, and they received complaints from five individuals who found tires on their cars slashed on October 7. The tire slashings occured on Beardsley and Ampere Avenues. The window smasher(s) damaged cars on Vernon Terrace, North 17th Street, Turnbridge Plaza, Waldo Avenue, Watsessing, John, and Walnut. These crimes, classified as criminal mischief did not involve any theft. Captain Chris Goul says the affected neighborhoods are being flooded with patrols and unmarked cars. This week, no other incidents of this kind have been reported.

Sure, baseball and pizza go great together, but not like this. From letters to the Montclair Times, comes word that Zuchette's is taking a beating, across the field.

Beware of the lurking dangers at Paul Kaveny Field and the Montclair Municipal Building. My parents have operated Zuchette’s Pizzeria just across the street from Kaveny Field, for the past 34 years. In the past six months, family vehicles, including my husband’s, my mother’s and my father’s have had their windshields shattered by baseballs coming from Kaveny Field.

On all three occasions as instructed we submitted to the township the proper paperwork, including a police report along with billing invoices for repairs. On all three occasions we have been rebuffed by town officials with lame excuses, the most recent being, “We may have misplaced or lost your paperwork.” If that’s our town government at work, shame on them.

It should be further noted that my mom and dad would never deny a child, parent, athlete, umpire or spectator the use of our bathroom facilities. However, because of the negligence of the township in cleaning and maintaining the bathroom located at Kaveny Field, people using this field continue to use our facility at the expense of paying customers, not to mention the added business expense of soap, water, paper towels and toilet paper. If my parents had a penny for every individual that used our bathroom over the many years, they would be able to take a much-needed vacation.

To add insult to injury, the recently established sewer utility tax makes the excessive flushing of toilets no laughing matter.

To Township Manager Joseph Hartnett, and to the mayor and Township Council, I’m not going to roll over and go away. The money issue has become secondary. It has now become a matter of principle of being put off by the township that we have faithfully served for many years.

GIA STANISCI

Montclair

This month's chatfest with Glen Ridge's BOE is being held tonight, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Glen Ridge Senior Community Center (Train Station) on Ridgewood Avenue. They want to see commuters, parents, seniors - all 'Ridgers - and hear what's on your mind. The BOE didn't promise a happy hour, but refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact Elisabeth Ginsburg, 973/743-0729.

Fire Chief Kevin Allen's doin' it, Deputy Chief of Police Roger Terry's doin' it, this guy (Oscar) is doin' it -- are you doin' it?

All over Montclair, people are paging through Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner" as part of the town-wide read sponored by the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) and the Montclair Public Library. Tonight, you're invited to a panel discussion of the novel set in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Meet at the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, at 7:30 PM.

Continue reading "Everyone's Doin' It" »

Last night, Montclair Parking Authority's public hearing drew a crowd of about 70 people wanting to hear why it is going to cost more to park. John Teubner, Executive Director of the MPA says 36 people - business owners, residents, renters, and shoppers - spoke out against the proposal to jack up the rates and extend pay parking hours. "The public got their message across" says Tom Lonergan, who turned in a petition with 652 names opposing the plan. And apparently there are more signatures coming.

Teubner issued a statement this morning:

After last night’s public hearing, during its regular meeting which followed, the Montclair Parking Authority determined that the ad hoc rate setting committee will convene a series of meetings with various constituency groups to gather more public input.

The planned schedule for consideration of rate recommendations on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 has been deferred until such time as the rate setting committee has met with the various groups.

So all deadlines are off, Teubner told us. Park all you want while the price is still right. It may take a while to come up with a palatable parking plan...

Continue reading "Your Quarters Are Safe For Now" »

Montclair's town council voted unanimously to designate parts of Upper Montclair a historic district at Tuesday night's meeting. As a result, 94 properties in the historic district will be subject to a new protocol for exterior renovations. From The Montclair Times:

The historic designation means that any exterior renovations made to any properties in the vicinity will have to be presented to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to attain approval, or a "certification of appropriateness." This is a fairly involved process. Property owners are required to submit plans and pictures of what they intend to do. The HPC then determines if the renovations comply with the district's historic character.

This measure bodes well for the preservation of the area's historic look, which will prevent architectural surprises like this.

Continue reading "Upper Montclair Business District - Don't Touch It!" »

If you're quick, have an open calendar this morning, and are a mommy, there's a TV opportunity for you... A reader just sent us this:

Alexandra Jewett, the executive producer of the Rachael Ray talk show and a Montclair parent, is seeking some parents to be on the show this morning, to ask questions (on camera) of an "expert" on education and parent/school relations. You would need to be able to ask a question relating to your personal experience (real or imagined--here's your chance to act!) with a teacher or school situation that involved your child. The show tapes at 11 a.m.; you would need to be there by 10 for hair and makeup, and they will send a car for you. If you are interested, please call the producer, Robin Hommel, at 917-332-3146 ASAP!

Yesterday afternoon at James Caldwell High School, varsity football player James Bliss, age 16, collapsed and died in front of teammates on the field during practice. From the Star Ledger:

West Caldwell Police Chief Charles Tubbs said James Bliss was taking part in a regular after-school practice and after catching a pass and being tackled, he got up to walk over to a bench and collapsed face-first onto the field. A team doctor who was on the field responded to the teen and checked for a pulse, then coaches called 911 at 4:17 p.m., the chief said. The boy then went into cardiac arrest, Tubbs said. When West Caldwell police officers arrived, they treated him with an automatic defibrillator. Bliss was then taken by ambulance to Mountainside Hospital where he was pronounced dead around 4:45 p.m.

Superintendent Dan Gerardi, who oversees the school district for Caldwell and West Caldwell students, said the boy had no known medical conditions and had passed a physical before being allowed to play football. "We're trying to piece together what happened," Gerardi said. "It was right on the field."

Continue reading "Tragedy On The Football Field" »

Update: The New York Times is reporting that Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle is among the fatalities.

Update from CBS News:

A fixed-wing aircraft has crashed into a high-rise apartment building on the upper east side of Manhattan at 72nd and York Avenue, CBS-2 News has confirmed.

The crash occurred at the Bel Air apartment building on 524 E. 72nd Street.

There is word that a helicopter was seen flying near the area on an apparent photography tour, but there is NO confirmation that that is the helicopter which collided into the building.

The FAA is saying they believe the incident was an accident.

Massive flames and plumes of smoke can be seen pouring from the building, from apparently the 40th and 41st floor. The building is 50 stories and holds 183 apartments. Several apartments appear completely engulfed in flames. NYPD and firefighters are on the scene.

CBS-2 News' Pablo Guzman said police and emergency units have cordoned off the surrounding areas, and there was a mild panic from onlookers and bystanders.

Gordon McMahon, who lives in a nearby apartment building, witnessed the accident. He told CBS-2 News he heard a strange sound just before the impact.

"The sound before the impact -- really we hear a lot of choppers around here -- and the sound did not have the normal sound of a chopper. It sounded more like a firework, as if it's going up into the air," McMahon said. "Before the impact, it was sort of a buzzing sound. I was reading something, and then heard that sound and then the impact and then saw the fireball."

Continue reading "Plane Helicopter Small Aircraft Crashes Into New York City Building" »

Tomorrow, the Montclair Health Department will be providing flu shots at the Municipal Building, 205 Claremont Avenue, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The flu vaccine is recommended for those 18 years and older. The cost is $20/dose and is free to residents age 65 and older. (Seniors must bring proof of residency and Medicare Part B card.)

Flu Shots will also be available at Montclair High's annual Health Fair, November 16, from 6-7 p.m. only.

Glen Ridge
Get your flu shots at the Glen Ridge Train Station, Wednesday, October 25, 1:30-4 p.m. The cost is $20/dose and is free to residents age 65 and older. (Seniors must bring proof of residency and Medicare Part B card.) Provided by Montclair Health Department.

Questions? Call 973-509-4970

Bloomfield
Bloomfield Health Department says the vaccines are in, but they haven't scheduled where or when they'll be administered. Call their Flu Vaccine Hotline for an update: 973-680-4060.

An 11 year old Montclair resident was recently assaulted by three teenage boys while riding his bike down Midland Avenue. Chief of Police David Sabagh reports on Friday, September 29, at approximatley 4:30 p.m., the teens, two African-Americans and a Hispanic approximately 14 or 15 years old approached the bike rider and grabbed the handlebars, stopping him near Chestnut Street.

One of the teens asked "what's in your pockets?", then reportedly lifted his shirt to reveal the silver handle of a hand gun stuck in his pants. The bike rider handed over a cell phone, and and left unharmed.

Juvenile detectives are investigating this incident with help from the County Prosecutor's office. Anyone having additional information should call MPD at 973-509-4732.

This week at Indigo Smoke, they've been serving up more than Kansas City barbecue. Owner Lance Knowling is one of many Montclair business owners collecting signatures from patrons on a petition opposing Montclair Parking Authority's proposed parking rate hike. "My customers already complain about the parking problem in Montclair. Increasing the cost and extending hours on the meters is going to turn people off and drive business away. Just about everyone I've asked has read and signed the petition, " he says.

In fact, business owners are canvassing each of the town's business districts. Steve Shuckman is covering Upper Montclair, Judy Typaldos has Watchung Plaza, Dr. Davis is petitioning the South End. Tom Lonergan says he's got nearly 700 signatures from central and Walnut Street business areas alone.

We're hearing the same complaint around town: How can MPA make this decision without getting input from the people who will be affected? "The business community should have been consulted, there has to be some dialogue," Judy Typaldos says.

Continue reading "Petition Proliferation" »

These days, you may have to think twice about where you decide to start snapping photos. Two visitors from Norway were detained and questioned by hospital security guards when they were seen taking photographs of the hospital's flag pole, sign, and main building.

Glen Ridge Police tell us they were called to Mountainside Hospital on October 3 at 10:50 a.m. to investigate "suspicious activity" in the area. An officer arrived on the scene and forwarded the details to the detective bureau. Lieutenant Bruno tells us the two visitors, who had been born at Mountainside, were just getting a souvenir photo of their birthplace. A check of vital statistics records confirmed their story.

The Glen Ridge Borough Council voted 5-1 Tuesday night to borrow $1 million to artificially turf Carteret Park, but it appears almost inevitable that opponents to the measure will bring a public referendum and hand the decision back to the citizens.

Continue reading "Turf Passes, But Public Likely to Get Say" »

Switching problems are causing "big delays" at Penn Station, we are hearing from commuters there tonight. The 6.40 Midtown direct was cancelled. One commuter on the Montclair Line List Serve says riders are being told that "trains can't get into the station". DeCamp maybe your best bet.

Jeffrey Wands, psychic/author and popular guest on national radio and TV, hosts his own weekly radio call-in program "Psychic Sundays." His personal appearances are always sold out events.

He's having a book signing and discussion (and he already knows you're coming.) "Another Door Opens" previous title "The Psychic in You" tonight at 7:30 PM, Barnes & Noble, 395 Rt. 3 East, Clifton.

"Another Door Opens" talks about what deceased loved ones teach us. Wands explores the connection we maintain with those who've passed...For information call 973-779-5500.

Tomorrow night, at Montclair State University, there will be a fundraiser concert sponsored by activist Peter Yacobellis and campus organizations for the Matthew Shepard Foundation in support of its work against hate crimes and LBGT rights.

On Wednesday, October 11th some of the nation's top LGBT activists will come together to bring you a special benefit concert performed by Randi Driscoll – the famed creator of “What Matters” – the official tribute to Matthew Shepard. Shepard lost his life in one of the most well known hate crimes in Laramine, --. Matthew's mother Judy has become one of the most successful LGBT activists internationally.This concert will be held at the Montclair State University’s Memorial Auditorium - 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, NJ at 7:00pm.

While the debate over the quality of a public school versus a private school education may never be settled, there was a clear winner last weekend on the football field, when the Montclair Mounties took on rival Don Bosco Prep.

Our commiserations to Montclair, who got thrashed 68 – 0 by the Ironmen, the Star Ledger’s #2 ranked team in the state. Apparently the Ironmen haven’t lost a game to a public school in almost a decade. After the game Mounties coach Ed Lebida was still optimistic about the future. From the New Jersey Herald News:

"I'm still expecting to win a State championship," Montclair coach Ed Lebida said after Don Bosco's 68-0 victory before a crowd of 1,500 at Granatell Stadium. "They're obviously not in our league, and I'm not really sure who is in theirs."

We wish the Mounties better luck this week against Ridgewood.

A house at 262 Park St. in Montclair is on fire. There are many firetrucks on the scene, lots of smoke and flames. No reports at this time of an injuries or rescues. --above photo courtesy of Montclair Realty.

UPDATE: Lizabeth Phelps, who lives next door, first noticed the smell of smoke around 11:45 am, when she went out to get coffee. Twenty minutes later, she got home, and was working upstairs when she noticed smoke pour out of the second floor window and then big flames erupt.

Phelps said the fire department arrived quickly after her 9-1-1 call and "Rambo-like" kicked in the front doors, and then went after the windows with sledgehammers.

The house is between Watchung Ave. and Gordonhurst. Annette is on the scene and we'll have photos and updates shortly.

Continue reading "House on Fire on Park St." »

If crisp Fall temperatures and the explosion of color awakened your cravings for an apple picking, pumpkin carving, hay-wagon riding kind of adventure, you can find out which farms readers recommend here. New Jersey farmers are reporting the finest apple harvest in years, but the pumpkin crop is iffy.

The Baristas have to admit we're suckers for high-tech gadgets. So when we heard an NPR piece a couple of weeks ago about two Montclair guys who'd figured out a cheap way to combine cell phones, Google maps and global position systems, we were intrigued.

Meet the Mologogo guys: Jason Uechi (left) and Chuck Fletcher, two unassuming Montclair dads in their late 30's who've figured out a way for people to track the physical location of their friends using cell phones. It only works on Nextel, so most people use it on cheap Nextel Boost phones, which retail for $50, and which you can buy from Jason and Chuck pre-loaded with the Mologogo software for $100.

Continue reading "Boys and Their Toys" »

Barring a last-minute compromise, the borough council of Glen Ridge seems set to go ahead tonight to approve a controversial plan to borrow $2 million to put artificial turf on two fields -- Hurrell Field, where the high school plays football and other sports, and the multi-use Carteret Park.

If it does so, it will be over the objections of Mayor Carl Bergmanson, two council members and a large segment of the community, including most of the residents whose homes surround Carteret -- a park that was at the center of a lengthy and disruptive Superfund remediation process.

But the Glen Ridge Voice reported this week that the town attorney has already been instructed to prepare for a citizen lawsuit against the divisive bond. Residents also could file a petition demanding a public referendum on the issue. According to the Voice, there is a possibility that a referendum could be included during the regular election on Nov. 7.

Continue reading "Hearing, Vote on Turf Tonight" »

Good news for commuters waiting for those oddly-spaced Midtown Direct trains home in the middle of the afternoon, or anytime. Those looking for reading material, a cappuccino, or just a sunny place to kill half an hour now have the new Borders bookstore at Penn Plaza. The two-story store (which did have a copy of "Rattled" on the shelf, not that we were checking or anything) is about three minutes from the NJ Transit waiting room. Although it's been open for a couple weeks, this week's the official opening. We saw balloons garlands going up last Thursday and there are prizes and lots of special events, which you can learn about here.

Well not exactly an unidentified flying object, more like a helicopter that landed last night on the baseball diamond at Grove and Walnut in Montclair, with much fanfare and no explanation. Streets were closed, firetrucks and police on hand, and several people have written today wanting to know went down.

Turns out it was a MEDVAC unit transferring a patient from Mountainside to Englewood Hospital. According to a safety official on the scene, the patient was a 35-year-old religious Jew who was going to Englewood for bloodless surgery because he was not allowed by his faith to have a blood transfusion.

Online source we checked say blood tranfusions are permitted by Judaism, though not allowed by Jehovah's Witnesses.

The baseball diamond is apparently the closest copter landing site for Mountainside.

Baristanet's teardown map mention in the NY Times got us a lot of response, including these far-flung reminiscences...

I was almost blown off the couch when I read the piece in today's NY Times about Montclair.

Here's a little story about the Marlboro Inn.

When I was a kid living in Hasbrouck Heights my grandmother on my mother's side (Trina Pontier) lived a couple of blocks from us. This was the late 1940's and early to mid-1950's. At family gatherings on weekends we were often visited by Trina's sister (my great aunt) Sophie Boone. Sophie owned and ran the Marlboro Inn in Montclair.

Sophie was a great character who didn't wait for the women's liberation movement to tell her she could be a hell of a business operator. She would tool up to our house on Burton Avenue in the Heights in her HUGE Packard automobile. I clearly remember her upsweep hair-do, large hats, and red fox stolls.

Continue reading "Postcards From The Marlboro Inn" »