Okay folks, it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Or at least we have. You’re most likely, if you’re not on RSS at the moment, looking at the new version of Baristanet, let’s call it version 2.0, for amusement’s sake.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve rolled out forums, a calendar section, and a few more things are on the way. What you’ll notice most here is that the navigation is much lighter, and mostly focused on the top of the page. Shortly, you’ll see a new “tabbed” section of featured content that will sit below the “feature” entry that is sitting at the top of the page. Most notable, however, is comment registration. We are not using an outside source – TypeKey, for instance – but are using our own Forum logins in order to a) maintain some reasonable behavior and ability to “cite” people’s behavior and b) keep the spammers away without having to close posts, ever. While you don’t have to use your real name to register, you will have to use an email address to confirm your commenting abilities. Should you find any problem with that, or have a hotmail address (those have been disastrous so far, as they mark anything from a forum as spam right now), then please contact me directly at tom@baristanet.com. I’ll do my best to get back to you in a reasonable amount of time.
You’ll also notice a list of things that are also to come here at Baristanet, or that I have to take care of, at least. Hopefully, you’ll enjoy the new site. Let us know if there’s anything else we can do to make your stay better!

Part of a continuing series about places to explore in the Garden State.
You don’t go to the Oldwick General Store for the food, you go for a drive in the country and for the atmosphere. It’s only about a 45 minute drive from Baristaville, but with the blazing white country church right across the street, you’ll feel like you’re in a small New England town.
The store, which functions more as a deli and grill than it does a general store, offers counter service. They’ll make you a sandwich, a burger, an omelette or a salad. You put in your order, choose one of the small cozy rooms to sit in (some of which will remind you of a much higher-priced country tavern) and then they call your name. Or you can look around in the front room, where lanterns and boots hang from the ceiling, where you pour yourself a cup of coffee, buy a paper, look in the bakery case or buy an Oldwick General Store t-shirt to take home.

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Here’s a heartwarming story behind yesterday’s three-alarm blaze in Bloomfield. From 1010 WINS, it was the family’s two-year-old son, sitting in his high chair, who saw the flames first.

1010 WINS’ Terry Sheridan reports, Ethan Molina was eating lunch in his high chair when he screamed to his father and grandmother to look outside the window. That’s when the spotted the flames.
Ethan’s dad was able to get the family out before the house became fully engulfed.
Four other families had already evacuated, but nobody knew the Molinas were still inside the home.
Eric Molina called his son Ethan a hero. “He saved our lives today. I thank God for him.”

Hat tip to Geoff Gove for letting us know.

A tipster sends us this pic of folks lined up early to sign up for YMCA’s summer camp. Where are the kids going this summer? Tell us your camp plans.

The next presidential election is still far off on the horizon, but residents of Baristaville are already gearing up for the battle.
The New Jersey for Obama Meetup Group, formed to organize, fundraise and register voters for Barack Obama, is holding their Glen Ridge “Kick-Off Event” this Saturday afternoon (check our calendar for details). Obama won’t be there in person, but they’re bringing him in via video from Iowa, as he speaks live to a family there. The group is using this event to “kick off a week of support” for Obama and his “movement to change America.”
To talk Barama, Hillary or other politics, go here.

Find out what’s new in all things Soprano here.

Soprano Sue is stuck on the Garden State Parkway going north, along with hundreds of other cars, as a result of a raging fire in Bloomfield. One or two homes are burning, adjacent to Home Depot, by Exit 148. “Flames have engulfed the rooftop of a three story building,” says Sue. “Water is spraying everywhere. There are big clouds of white smoke pouring out. The parkway is backed up in both directions.”
Debbie Galant is at the scene. Avoid driving on Bloomfield Avenue east, past the Glen Ridge border! Cars are being diverted onto the GSP, whether you like it or not. If you are heading west from Newark, you’ll hit a detour at Orange Road in Bloomfield.
Police, fire trucks and ambulances have reported from Bloomfield, Newark and Montclair. Smoke is coming from what looks like a four-family home, next to O’Donnell’s Signs. Rooftop spectators across the street taking it all in.

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In what looks to be a settling of scores, two different groups of teens beat up two students from Montclair High within hours of each other.
Deputy Chief of Police Roger Terry says the assaults occured yesterday at 3 pm in the vicinity of Rand School, and at 5 pm in Nishuane Park.
The first call came from security at MHS to the police officer stationed in the school. A fight was going on near Rand School, across the road. Both men went to investigate and found a 16 year old student sitting on a park bench, bleeding from the left side of his head. One of his assailants was looking on. The victim says a group of several boys “jumped him” when he went to the park to settle an argument that started in school with another teen. The victim came alone, the other guy came with some friends.
Police called an ambulance. The victim received first aid on the scene and was taken to Mountainside Hospital. He was received two staples as a result of lacerations to the head; he also suffered a knee injury and abrasions to the left elbow.
Terry says the victim doesn’t know all of his assailants. But police investigation led to the arrest of two juveniles and one adult.

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It’s almost 2 pm, do you know who’s skipping lunch today?
If you’ve ever had the incredible, stick-to-your-ribs breakfasts served here, you’ll know why. Find out on Food.

Got plans for April Fools’ Day? The Montclair Community Band invites you celebrate their 25th-anniversary season at their annual Family Concert (Sunday afternoon at Monclair High School — see calendar for details). The show, titled “Music and Magic in Montclair,” features a hour of exquisite music and a performance by professional magician Ron Owens.
Martin Felder (pictured here with Owens — can you guess who’s who?) will narrate, and Jim Wasko will conduct the band. No tickets needed.
The Band, comprised of adults from the Baristaville area, will also play Friday, May 18, as part of the “May in Montclair” festivities, and they’ve got three outdoor shows planned for June and July.