And now, in other skateboarding news, this just in from the Montclair police blotter...

Burglary: Occurred between 7:30 p.m. on the 28th & 8:30 a.m. on the 29th. Unknown suspect(s) entered the Division East Skateboard shop located on Bloomfield Ave by breaking a glass windowpane to the front door. Once inside, suspect(s) removed approximately $ 10,000 dollars worth of clothing (jeans, shirts, t-shirts, jackets & baseball style hats) and skateboarding equipment. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective James Milano at 973-509-4726.

Another "sports" store was hit in Montclair and suspects were caught on video surveillance...

Continue reading "$10,000 Stolen At Montclair Skateboard Shop" »

Posted by Liz George at 3:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

Find one fast tonight.

Posted by Liz George at 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments

Solution to Baristaville's geese problem? Certainly not this.

No, Alex MacDonald of North Caldwell, has a much gentler way to decrease the Canada geese population. He wants to put them on the Pill. From The Star Ledger...

MacDonald says it's easy to use. Target the flock of geese you want to control and feed them OvaControl each morning during breeding season -- late February to early April. It can be done by hand or by using an automatic feeder Innolytics developed.

"Our product looks, smells, tastes like a bread ball. We have not found a goose yet who has turned it down," MacDonald said last week at a forum at the Essex County Environmental Center. "It's a wheat-based product. Semi-soft. It's the size of Kix cereal. And it's very palatable to geese."

The downside? An increased incidence of swinging geese having wild key parties.

Posted by Liz George at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments

Pow!

Go see the original, campy and kid-friendly Caped Crusader tonight, 8:30 pm at Montclair Art Museum.

Did anyone else want to be Catwoman?

Posted by Liz George at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

Friends and family of Theresa Reilly are asking for help on her behalf. From the Star Ledger...

Family friend Bill Johnson said he initiated the fundraiser with the help of Ken DeGhetto, a friend from Livingston, and is circulating fliers with a picture of the girls and the headline "A Tragedy .... But You Can Help."

Those who would like to make a donation are asked to address checks to Theresa Reilly and mail them to the Johnsons at 27 Fellswood Drive, Essex Fells, NJ 07021.

More here.

Posted by Liz George at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments

From TreeHugger.com via EcoRealty:

Walk Score helps people find walkable places to live. It calculates the walkability of an address by locating nearby stores, restaurants, schools, parks, etc. All listings come directly from Google. Business owners can easily add updates.

So how walkable is it where you live? Walk Score "uses a patent-pending algorithm to calculate the walkability of an address based on: * The distance to walkable locations near an address. * Calculating a score for each of these locations. * Combining these scores into one easy to read Walk Score."

You type in your address and it puts it on a Google map and gives it a score. 70 to 90 is very walkable; 90 to a hundred is a walker's paradise.

Go here and try it.

Posted by Geoff Gove at 10:19 AM | Permalink | Comments

Cameron Kennon, a 15-year-old honors student at Montclair High, was arrested last Wednesday for criminal trespass for skateboarding in a bank parking lot on Valley Road. Kennon was handcuffed and taken to the Montclair Police station, where his mug shot was taken and he was put in a cell for about an hour before his mother arrived. His skateboard was confiscated. A friend of Cameron's, 15, was also arrested.

Cameron's arrest has inflamed his mother, Sabine, whose Watercooler post (registration required) shortly after the event has spawned dozens of replies. She's now renewing a campaign to get a skateboard park in town, which died a NIMBY death two years ago.

Continue reading "Skateboarder Arrest Fuels New Bid for Skate Park" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments

Brace yourself Montclair BOE. When public middle schools don't stack up in Brooklyn Heights, the back-up is Montclair. From the New York Times...

The pioneer spirit that drove Melissa Milgrom to enroll her daughter, Sabine, in P.S. 8 four years ago is less strong now that Sabine, who will enter fourth grade this fall, is approaching middle school.

“The stakes are higher,” Ms. Milgrom said. “We’re not just dealing with education but socialization.” Though she took a chance with P.S. 8, when it comes to middle school, she said, she would prefer to base a decision on something stronger than idealism.

“I’m not ready to move to Montclair yet,” Ms. Milgrom said somewhat woefully. But, she added, if no better prospects arise for her daughter’s middle school education, she may decide she has no choice but to leave the Heights.

Posted by Liz George at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

Montclair's Michael Strahan didn't show up for training and now his agent is saying he's mulling over retirement.

If not showing up was a stunt, it's not working. From the Daily News...

"We're very serious (about moving on)," Reese told the Daily News during yesterday's afternoon practice. "We can't sit on our hands waiting to see if the guy is ready to return.

"Do we want him here? Sure. But if he wants to retire, we'll wish him the best. We can win without him."

Strahan's
teammates aren't ready to buy him a rocking chair, yet.

Some possible replacements here.

Why Strahan might be too busy to practice.

Posted by Liz George at 1:06 PM | Permalink | Comments

Move over Lackawanna Plaza. The Glen Ridge Zoning Board has approved an application for a new shopping center where the old Montclair Bloomfield Ford used to be.

The parcel of land is on the border of both Montclair and Glen Ridge, but the approval in GR is a major hurdle crossed for the developers, Glenmont RR Crossing LLC, who had to deal with signage and lighting restrictions.

According to the Montclair Times, the Glen Ridge segment of land will host a bank with parking and three other retailers.

Several types of establishments are prohibited in Glen Ridge's C-1 (or commercial zone). They include tattoo or body piercing parlors, fast food restaurants and pawnshops. Professional offices, retail stores and gun shops are permissible in a C-1 zone.

Yes, you did read right. Tattoos bad, guns good.

Here's the rendering of what the GR portion of the development will look like...

Continue reading "Glen Ridge and Montclair Share Development" »

Posted by Liz George at 11:52 AM | Permalink | Comments

Diners at the Tick Tock Diner on Route 3 in Clifton got more than a side of home fries yesterday afternoon when lightning struck a transformer just outside the restaurant, causing an explosion and a fire in the parking lot. From the Herald News:

At about 2 p.m., Themis Themistokleous, a manager at the Tick-Tock Diner in Clifton, was seating a customer by the window when he saw the bolt of lightning enter the transformer.

"Everything outside went all white," he said.

The blast sent a high-voltage power line down into a patch a grass 50 or 60 feet away from the diner, Themistokleous said. A fire erupted. Diners panicked and dialed 911.

Nobody was hurt, but firefighting efforts slowed traffic on Route 3 for almost an hour.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

Congrats to Montclair's own Miki Barber who set a speed record last week...

The speediest woman at the Pan Ams is Miki Barber of Montclair, N.J., who took the 100-meter dash in 11.02 seconds, a Pan Ams record.

Let's see who's the fastest commenter. On your mark, get set, go!

Posted by Liz George at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments

The Star-Ledger is reporting the shooting death of a 23-year-old Montclair man in Newark yesterday.

Lee Jamar Henderson, 23, of Montclair was outside a home in the 200 block of Bruce Street when someone approached and shot him in the head at about 2:30 a.m., according to authorities.

Henderson, who was from Montclair, had been sitting on a bench with a friend when he was shot, said his grandmother, Maxine Henderson. His friend tried to run away, she said, but the shooter chased him.

Anyone with information should call Det. Marquise Carter of the Essex County prosecutor's homicide squad at 973.621.4586.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 3:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

On Tuesday night, July 31, Luna Stage will be hosting a benefit screening of the documentary "Darfur: Too Dark Too Far," directed by Hafiz Farid. See our calendar for details. The film, which examines the root causes of genocide, begins at 7:30pm. But try to arrive at 7pm for the welcome reception. And stay after the screening ends, if you can, for a Q&A with Farid and Sudanese activist Simon Deng. Minimum contribution is $50.

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 9:24 AM | Permalink | Comments

Were you among the 200+ concertgoers who caught The Reticents' al fresco performance at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center Thursday night?

The show was a tribute to Bob Dylan's music (The Reticents' specialty), with a mix of early and later Dylan tunes and a few songs from artists like Dusty Springfield and Mark Knopfler. The band offered just one encore (during which the crowd sang a far better rendition of "Mr. Tambourine Man" than William Shatner famously did in 1968), leaving the audience hungry for more.

As for the venue, I heard several people in the crowd (and even some band members) mention that they'd discovered it for the first time last night. It's a great little spot to hear live music under the stars.

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments

They're looking for extras for a movie with Kevin Bacon that will be shot in Glen Ridge. The audition is today in Bloomfield. From the Grant Wilfley Casting Agency.

Grant Wilfley Casting is holding an open casting call for the feature film THE SOPHOMORE, starring Bruce Willis and Mischa Barton, and the HBO film TAKING CHANCE, starring Kevin Bacon: Saturday, July 28, Noon-4PM at Bloomfield College Westminster Arts Center, 467 Franklin Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003. For The Sophomore, seeking actors who are 18 or older who can play teens, male basketball players, cheerleaders who can rollerblade, and adults to play teachers and parents. If you cannot attend the open call, mail submissions or email sophomore@gwcnyc.com. For Taking Chance, we are seeking NON SAG actors who can Self Report to set in Fairfield, and Glen Ridge, New Jersey. Looking for Men and Women ages 18 to 75 who can portray mid western types at a VFW and a funeral. If you cannot make the open call, email recent picture and contact info to chance@gwcnyc.com or mail them.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 10:32 AM | Permalink | Comments

I might be smarter than a 5th grader, but I'm sure I'm nowhere as smart as Meryl Federman of Livingston, who just won the final round of the Jeopardy Teen Challenge, which aired last night. Federman takes home $75,000, which she might just put towards her 2040 Presidential campaign. See an interview with her here.

Continue reading "Loaded in Livingston" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments

Peak Performances, Montclair State University's music and theater series at the Kasser Auditorium, announced this week that all tickets to its shows this coming season will be $15. That compares to an average ticket price of $35 last year, and tickets up to $115 at NJPAC.

Peak Performances kicks off September 16 with the Shanghai Quartet. Other shows include "The Full Monty" and a play based on Hurricane Katrina.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 3:14 PM | Permalink | Comments

You may want to avoid the blocks of Grove St. just north of Walnut St. today: There's a large film crew doing a full-day shoot (7am-9pm) for a Verizon commercial on Cambridge Rd., so they've got nearly a dozen trucks and trailers parked along that stretch of Grove. Cambridge is closed all day from Grove to Tremont.

Continue reading "Lights, Camera... Traffic" »

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments

If you went to the Glen Ridge presentation on playing fields this week, you probably came home with this flyer, handed out after meeting:

Do you know that a
bar is opening
in Glen Ridge
1 block from
our middle school?

The flyer went on to warn that the bar "will have a huge impact on the surrounding area including children attending the middle school and library" and was signed only by a resident called vigilance101@aol.com.

Continue reading "Echoes of Prohibition?" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments

If you haven't already checked out "Reflecting Culture: The Evolution of Comic Book Superheroes" at the Montclair Art Museum, consider stopping by this weekend.

There are plenty of vintage comics to ogle, and kids will love the life-sized statues of Superman and Spidey. But the exhibit, which offers insight into the serious role this lighthearted medium has played in our country's political history, is actually more likely to intrigue the older members of your household than the littlest ones.

But the best part may be the free outdoor film series that accompanies the exhibit. Movies, on the museum lawn, are Tuesdays at 8:30 pm. July 31: Batman: the Movie. Aug. 24: Superman. Aug. 28: Batman Begins.

And speaking of outdoor movies...

Continue reading "Look! Up in the Sky!" »

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sure we laughed at her when she suggested two years ago that people dump their fat friends. Now, MeMe Roth is joined by the New England Journal of Medicine, which published a study this week that also concluded that obesity was contagious, based on an analysis of 12,067 participants in the Framingham Heart Study.

Continue reading "MeMe Roth was Right?" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 9:46 AM | Permalink | Comments

Anyone jittery about a 311 point drop in the Dow? Or the housing bubble?

Posted by Debbie Galant at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments

The Quik Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning is this weekend, and the planners aren't taking any chances on the weather. From Philly.com...

According to an imported superstition, good weather can be assured through a ceremony involving a virgin, some knives and fresh, whole onions and peppers.

And, no, Victoria Brumfield won't be sacrificed.

Festival organizer Howard Freeman said a colleague heard about it in Singapore several years ago. For the past two years, it has worked in Readington. Partly because of the superstition, Freeman no longer buys weather insurance for the event, which is expected to draw 175,000 people.

Brumfield, 28, has worked with Freeman in the past and is a devout Mormon, proud of her adherence to the church's rules, including not drinking, smoking, gambling or cursing, and no sex before marriage.

Here's how she does it: She drives a golf cart to the four corners of the festival site, picks up some grass, mumbles some random words, then penetrates the produce with a knife before jamming it and the knives into the ground.

"I might be eligible for a few more years," Brumfield said. "I'm waiting until I'm married and no one has asked yet."

Here's the weather for that area.

Posted by Liz George at 3:42 PM | Permalink | Comments

From The Star-Ledger:
An appeals court rejected an effort by Lodi officials to force two private trailer parks to move and replace them with upscale housing and shops.

The ruling effectively ends a bitter four-year eminent domain battle between low- and fixed-income mobile home residents and municipal officials in the Bergen County community. It backs a 2005 Superior Court ruling that found the borough failed to provide evidence in deeming the two properties blighted and in need of redevelopment.

Trailer park residents and their supporters today described their plight as a David-and-Goliath struggle with a better-financed adversary. Others said that the ruling will help save a communal way of life that is quickly vanishing in North Jersey. They said the parks represent a rare affordable housing option in costly Bergen County.

Posted by Geoff Gove at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie, the flavor the baristas fell in love with at Applegate Farm, took the prize last weekend in Toms River's annual Ice Cream Fest. A peanut butter cup flavor from Baskin Robbins won for national brands. Is peanut butter the new chocolate? If you like peanut butter in your ice cream, and you commute through Penn Station, stop by the Sedutto counter near Amtrak. Yum!

Posted by Liz George at 1:08 PM | Permalink | Comments

Give a crook a headline-worthy moniker and you'll catch him/her that much faster. That's the theory, anyway (it also sells papers!). From The Record...

"We look at monikers as a marketing strategy," said FBI Special Agent Larry Carr, who is credited with some of the more unusual tags for bank bandits on the West Coast.

FBI agents in New Jersey insist that reporters nickname most of their serial robbers. That may explain why the bandit who struck some 18 banks statewide the past 10 months ended up with two monikers – "The Mad Hatter" and the "Hat Bandit" – depending on where you get your news.

New Jersey's most prolific serial bank robber in recent years also had one of the more memorable handles: Known as the "Puffy Cheek Bandit," Cazzie L. Williams of East Orange was accused of robbing 27 banks in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland and Virginia in a three-year period, netting about $100,000.

Williams, a former U.S. postal employee, thought he could foil surveillance cameras by puffing out his cheeks to distort his facial features, agents said.

Only in New Jersey do you get a crime spree and a pizza joint with the same name. The folks at the Mad Hatter Pub and Pizzeria in Sea Bright tell me they get people teasing them about the connection. They also boast having the #2 pizza locally.

More about the Mad Hatter and their pizza...

Continue reading "Mad Hatter: Silly Sobriquet's A Strategy" »

Posted by Liz George at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments

Watch the video here.

To newlywed Sean and Susan McDonald: You don't have to buy a mansion. We don't want your American dream to turn into the American nightmare. We have some very nice houses for you right here. In fact, I've been inside the first house under "Montclair Real Estate for sale" and it's lovely.

Posted by Liz George at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments

Having lunch at Bluestone in Montclair? If you leave your dog tied to a pole outside, you've got 30 minutes. In Montclair, there's an ordinance scheduled for adoption in August, that would regulate the restraining and tethering of dogs.

Animals shall not be chained, tied, fastened or otherwise tethered to dog houses, trees, stakes, poles, fences, walls, or any other stationary objects outdoors or indoors as a means of confinement for more than thirty (30) consecutive minutes in any twenty-four hour period.

§ 82-43. Violations and penalties. Any person who violates any provision of this ordinance shall, upon conviction thereof, be punished by a fine not exceeding $2,000.00, imprisonment in the county/municipal jail for a term not exceeding 90 days, or a period of community service not exceeding 90 days, or any combination thereof as determined by the Municipal Court Judge.

Posted by Liz George at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments

It's been the week of the Mad Hatter and Baristanet's lovely Lauren Mattia, sans hat, asks the hard questions...

Click To Play

Posted by Liz George at 3:45 PM | Permalink | Comments

Did you get the survey? The one from the Port Authority questioning whether some drivers like it HOT?

From CBS...

This week it sent out a survey to some E-Z Pass commuters asking if they would use a "HOT" lane or a special lane only for buses, high-occupancy vehicles or drivers paying a higher toll. The range of the extra toll cost for vehicles is from $12.50 cents to $30.

The higher the cost, the faster a commuter could get into Manhattan.

If $30 would get me in faster, what would $50 get me? Coffee and a hot breakfast sandwich? For $100, will someone jump in my car and give me a neck massage as I speed through the Lincoln Tunnel? What would make the HOT lane hot for you?

Incidentally, driving in today at 9:40 was a breeze. So they may have to up the ante...

Posted by Liz George at 2:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

Sure, we told you about Montclair's money going to Barack Obama and John Edwards. But wait there's more to go around. From Philly.com

One of the more interesting moments in the Democratic CNN/YouTube debate this week was candidate Mike Gravel's little rant against fellow candidates, advising viewers to follow the money.

"The Democratic Party used to stand for the ordinary working man," he said, "But the Clintons and the DLC [Democratic Leadership Council] sold out the Democratic Party to Wall Street.

Known for fighting to end the draft in the '70s and releasing the Pentagon Papers on the Senate floor, Gravel has as much chance of being president as he does matching Hillary's money.

But I like the fact that he reminds us all just what it costs to win high office and who's paying the way.

Turns out Gravel is dead last in the money raising race, with "$500 from a Montclair, N.J., firm specializing in employment and civil-rights litigation."

Posted by Liz George at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

A tipster writes: "What's in the water in Maplewood, NJ?"

A Southern Illinois University student was arrested after authorities say he threatened a "murderous rampage" similar to the Virginia Tech shootings that left 32 people and the gunman dead.

Olutosin Oduwole was charged Tuesday with attempting to make a terrorist threat, a felony. He remained jailed Wednesday in lieu of $1 million bail.

According to the affidavit, the 22-year-old student wrote a note demanding that money be deposited to a PayPal account, threatening that "if this account doesn't reach $50,000 in the next 7 days then a murderous rampage similar to the VT shooting will occur at another highly populated university. THIS IS NOT A JOKE!"

The detective said in the affidavit that Oduwole, of Maplewood, N.J., had recently bought three .38-caliber semiautomatic guns online but had not yet received them, and also had ordered a .45-caliber semiautomatic gun similar to an Uzi.

Kudos to a gun dealer who alerted authorities.

Posted by Liz George at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments

It's 1975 all over again this weekend in Little Falls, when high school students from all over north Jersey perform "The Who's Tommy," the rock opera about a deaf, dumb and blind pinball wizard. The show is put on by Passaic Valley Summer Theater, and is co-sponsored by the Glen Ridge Municipal Alliance. Glen Ridge performers are Andrew Meyer, Cary Gsell, Margot Levinson and Noah Levinson. The show runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm with a 2 pm Saturday matinee and takes place at Passaic Valley High School, East Main Street, in Little Falls. Tickets are $12/$10. For more info, call 973.890.2500 x 2522.

Photo by Margot Levinson.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments

The Mad Hatter/Hat Bandit is saying it's a case of mistaken identity.

From NJ.com

Some of these details came from Madison himself. In an interview at Passaic County Jail, his first, the 50-year-old Maplewood man denied the allegations.

"I don't rob people," Madison said, later adding: "I don't wear hats."

Posted by Liz George at 8:46 AM | Permalink | Comments

Baristanet's own Annette Batson has us sea green with envy as she takes a much-needed holiday. Of course, she packed her Baristanet schwag to remember you all by.

Can you guess exactly where she is? Obvious hint: it's an island.

Posted by Liz George at 3:22 PM | Permalink | Comments

Did you watch?

One critic panned both the questions and the answers...

But Jeff Jarvis, at PrezVid, a site that tracks presidential campaigns' use of web video, said he was "sorely disappointed."

"CNN selected too many obvious, dutiful, silly questions," Jarvis wrote in a blog entry. "The candidates gave us the same answers they always give."

C'mon, we knew the candidates would do that...

Posted by Liz George at 2:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

Sharpe James pleads not guilty and says grace to the press. From the New York Times...

During the hourlong court appearance, Mr. James, 71, wearing a dark blue suit, smiled and seemed relaxed, limiting himself before and after the hearing to a single, repeated comment to reporters: “God is good all the time.” He and Ms. Riley, 38, who also pleaded not guilty, waived their right to a speedy trial.

Well, James was certainly blessed with a lot of girlfriends.

Posted by Liz George at 2:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

So says the folks at The Early Show, and Parents mag editor Diane Debrovner, and Montclair's own Louisa Testa, who in a video here says "no one is going to know about Michelle. I haven't told a soul."

Michelle is the wonderful babysitter Louisa was able to find for her four kids. OK, Louisa, maybe you didn't want to actually bring Michelle on TV. And if you want to keep her, I'd have something better in the fridge than leftover macaroni.

Kidding aside, have you ever stolen a babysitter from someone else? Has someone stolen a babysitter from you? If you've got kids who actually want to sit, are they finding more work than they can handle? Do you need a sitter right now?

Tell us about the state of babysitting in Baristaville. We can also take requests here. And does anyone else hate the title of the segment "Perfect Parenting?"

Posted by Liz George at 1:02 PM | Permalink | Comments

A new day has arrived in the ongoing Glen Ridge turf wars, one in which former opponents sit side by side and try to "reach a consensus" to avoid the "uncomfortable acrimony" that happened last year. If they're not quite singing "kumbaya," everybody's at least thanking the other guy for all his hard work. This radically improved sportsmanship was evident last night, when the Glen Ridge Fields Advisory Group officially presented its July 2007 report. (Also available, as a word document on the borough website.)

Civility aside, though, solving the problem of the Glen Ridge playing fields will inevitably cause real pain in the form of higher taxes, the Hurrell Field neighborhood accepting 50-foot lights, or some kind of radical reduction in high school sports. Or possibly all three.

Continue reading "Turf: Who's Gonna Take One for the Team?" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 12:35 PM | Permalink | Comments

Where to go and not be seen, on Food.

Posted by Liz George at 10:40 AM | Permalink

Bad guys commit crimes. Still, lots of folks were surprised that the nebbishy looking Hat Bandit//Mad Hatter was actually a cold-blooded killer. Ever think you know someone? Think again. That's the message from NJ.com here reminding us that criminals aren't usually nice guys, even when we'd like to think so.

He was entertaining to some extent because he robbed without using a weapon, without making threats, without terrorizing anybody. Everybody loves a gentleman bandit. And everybody loves a mystery.

That was the Hat Bandit. A mysterious Everyman. A middle-aged white guy in a baseball hat, fishing hat or ski hat, like a million other white guys walking around out there, and who went Poof! after each holdup.

With his hats and the wire-rim eyeglasses he sometimes wore, he looked more goofy than sinister.

He wears a flannel or plaid shirt, a golf jacket, hats with logos. In one surveillance photo, he appears to be holding a half-eaten bagel. Just a regular guy, grabbing a bite while hitting the post office, bank and the hardware store.

A guy who looks older than middle-age, maybe even a little frail, certainly nervous.

We saw what we wanted to see.

James Madison looked like the average Joe, maybe even someone familiar. Boy, were we fooled.

Meanwhile, at Maplewood Online, they're already casting the movie.

Posted by Liz George at 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments

The parks and recreation committee of the Glen Ridge borough council meets tonight to hear a proposal from the citizen advisory committee created to study the town's playing field needs.

Already, artificial turf opponents are worried that the council plans to reverse a referendum earlier this year, which soundly rejected plans to put artificial turf on Hurrell and Carteret.

Into our e-mail box today came this (unconfirmed) alarm:

Continue reading "Turf on the Table?" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 5:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

Gerard Bizzaro (yes, his real name) captures this gal in front of the Montclair Center Stage/the perpetual Siena ad. The Starbucks sign is up, but who has signed up for New York Sports Club here?

Posted by Liz George at 3:47 PM | Permalink | Comments

The word is out that the Mad Hatter, Hat Bandit, or Mr. Sombrero is none other than James Madison, a resident of Maplewood, NJ.

More on James, here from the Star Ledger.

A law enforcement source said Madison was recently released from prison.

Madison was allegedly using his girlfriend's 2001 black Nissan Altima for the bank heists, Romankow said.

The girlfriend lives in Elizabeth, and the car was traced back to her, Romankow said. Madison also has a silver Honda Civic that was used as a getaway car, the prosecutor said.

Posted by Liz George at 2:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

As part of my never-ending quest to feel energetic and alert (despite having two small children who enjoy waking me at 3am), I stopped by a lecture last week about using nutrition to boost one's energy level and mood. It was run by Nicole deVries, a holistic health counselor (didn't realize that job existed, did you?) based here in North Jersey, who does nutritional consulting for families seeking to eat healthier while still liking what's on their plates. (And no, Hiding, she's not an advertiser. At least not as far as I know.)

Some of the info deVries offered was stuff we've all heard and probably ignored -- cut down on processed foods if you want to feel better, keep the caffeine and sugar to a minimum, etc.

But there were some surprises...

Continue reading "We Are What We Eat" »

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments

Disney wouldn't be in business without motherless children, and most of the great heroes of children's literature -- from Annie to Harry Potter -- are orphans. But the mother of two adopted girls in Long Island screamed insensitivity when Montclair theater company ArtsPower put on its play "Anne of Green Gables" at a school there recently. The controversy elicited apologies from the school superintendent, who agreed to seek adoption sensitivity training for the school district, Newsday reported.

Continue reading "What's Next? A Ban on Bambi?" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments

Well, we guess the red dye has worn off. The bank robber known as the "Mad Hatter," who robbed the Commerce Bank in Lackawanna Plaza on June 1, has struck again -- this time in Union. The baseball-hat clad bank robber apparently pulled off his 17th heist yesterday when he handed a note to a Bank of America branch inside a supermarket in Union.

He escaped with an undisclosed amount of cash.

UPDATE: According to NJ.com, a Mad Hatter suspect is under arrest and being held in Newark.

Continue reading "Mad Hatter Strikes Again" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 8:30 AM | Permalink | Comments

Today's New Jersey section of The New York Times tells the moving story of a 13-year-old boy, Alex Rogacki, who fought town hall to get Bloomfield to allow Mister Softee trucks in the neighborhood. Bloomfield had a health ordinance allowing only pre-packaged food to be sold by mobile vendors.

But what really popped out at us was this quote from Mayor McCarthy.

He said he never noticed the absence of Mister Softee's familiar song on Bloomfield's streets. "I am one of those people who never really cared for ice cream," he said.

Continue reading "What? He Doesn't Like Ice Cream?" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 9:51 AM | Permalink | Comments

We schlepped all over creation in van with a giant wienie on top.. We tried a lot of pizza -- some bad, some better, some pretty good. Yet after promising to bring us to Star Tavern, Pete Genovese turned out to be some kind of pizza tease. He's promising a rematch, but it's going to take a lot to regain my trust.

What I did like: Caffe Capri in East Rutherford and its thin-crust pies with cheese you could finally taste (everywhere we went sauce was overly dominant). I preferred the fried calzones to the slices at Pizzatown USA, which was close enough for Baristavillians in Elmwood Park.

The last stop was at Al Santillo's Brick Oven Pizza. If there was ever prohibition for pizza, Santillo's is like a speakeasy for pies, where you go in the alley behind the house and whisper "give me a 1957" (all the pies are by year here, the year the style debuted). The only negative: it's over in Elizabeth, a bit of a hike for pizza. But don't listen to my review -- get a load of this satisfied Santillo's customer who wants to give his wife some cooking lessons (caution profanity ahead)...

Continue reading "Pizza Hangover" »

Posted by Liz George at 9:21 AM | Permalink | Comments

The beer, Sam Adams on draft, was icy cold. The flat screen was screaming heavy metal bands. And if they held a beauty contest for pizza pies, the four pies brought out to us (plain, meat, sausage and pepperoni) would have won on looks alone.

Looks can be deceiving. The sauce was sweet. Think cloyingly sweet. So sweet you couldn't taste cheese, and could barely taste the meat toppings.

Continue reading "Things Go South in South Amboy" »

Posted by Liz George at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tonight's Christmas, New Year's and Fourth of July all wrapped up together in a shiny bow for the book industry, because the long-awaited final volume in the Harry Potters series, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is released at the witching hour. (Guess, we should throw in Halloween too.) Haven't reserved your copy yet? No problem, here's you handy-dandy last-minute roundup of the local parties and inventory.

Continue reading "Everyone's Crazy for Harry (Potters)" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

Mmmmm...Villa Victoria, Chianti, oh excuse me...

OK, the good news -- we're going to Star Tavern. The bad news? The first slice kind of left me cold. We hit The Brothers Pizza in Red Bank. Despite some really cute toddlers with pizza all over their faces, and their sweet moms who assured me I was going to taste great 'za, I was a little underwhelmed. The plain slice was just tolerable. The slice with sausage and mushroom was better, because the sausage and extra cheese gave it some much-needed sass. The bottom of the pie was way too light -- cardboard in color. Looks like a nice bar, though, good mix of characters midday. We're now heading north to South Amboy, where I will definitely switch to beer.

Continue reading "Pizza Road Trip, Stop 1" »

Posted by Liz George at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments

Just match the avatar above with the handle of the Baristanet poster below.

Continue reading "Play the Baristaville Simpsons Avatar Game!" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments

The 2007 Passaic County Fair will be held from July 18th to July 22nd (Wednesday through Sunday) in Garret Mountain Reservation, West Paterson, New Jersey. The fourth annual Fair presents the opportunity for the county's sixteen municipalities to come together, along with their varied cultures and ethnicity, to celebrate their rich diversity, traditions and history in cooperation with the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

This years expanded fair includes eating contests, police & fire demos, hand made crafts, carnival rides, dance performances and a music stage with a variety of bands and dance performances.

Dates & Hours
July 18th –- 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
July 19th -- 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
July 20th –- 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
July 21st –-12:00 noon to 11:00 PM
July 22nd–- 12:00 noon to 8:00 PM

Parking: $4.00 per vehicle
Includes free Shuttle and free admission to fairgrounds

Posted by Geoff Gove at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments

I'm on my way to this but late yesterday I found out from Peter Genovese exactly what I'll be scarfing down all day.

We're going to do pizza. It's practically the state food, it makes for good pictures, we haven't done it on the Munchmobile this summer, and we can get to a half dozen or more places. I have a few in mind; if you have a favorite pizzeria, let me know and we'll go there, see how it stacks up to the rest.

That sounds like six or more slices of pizza. Here's hoping they'll be some beer to, err, cleanse the palate. Let's take bets: Star Tavern, Cosimo's, or maybe Pizzaland? Park Tavern, Cathar's favorite bar in East Rutherford? Or as my children exclaimed when I told them I was going to eat at some of the best pizza places in NJ, "you mean you're going to Pizza Hut?"

Who knows -- maybe I'll finally get a slice at this place.

To refresh your memory, one of our many pizza-related posts here. Leave comments/suggestions now; I'll try and hijack the Munchmobile to taste your favorite slice.

Posted by Liz George at 10:05 AM | Permalink | Comments

New Jersey is experiencing its worst gypsy moth infestation in 17 years, the state said yesterday and 17,000 acres of trees are likely to die as a result.

The state sounded an alarm about the situation yesterday, when it released its latest aerial survey on the tree-hungry insects. Gypsy Moths feast on oaks and conifers, and while most of the meals are being served up in Sussex County and the Pinelands, the infestations have struck as close as Drew University in Madison, according to a story in today's New York Times.

Continue reading "Your Oak Tree May Be Breakfast" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 8:46 AM | Permalink | Comments

Yes, they're an advertiser, but Rio 22, the Brazilian steakhouse and sushi restaurant on Rt. 22, is having a big first-year anniversary bash tonight and they promise it'll be lots of fun. There'll be a big show with samba dancers, special food and other crazy stuff. Plus, a chance to win a free iPod, a cruise and other prizes.

To get there, go down the Parkway and exit onto 22 West. It's on the right almost as soon as you get on 22.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 3:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

We've gotten a bunch, but we'd love to get some more so we can showcase them. Send them here.

Posted by Liz George at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments

Bloomfield Life is keeping track.

Pat Spychala has been absent most frequently, having missed six meetings this year — a 25 percent absent rate. Janice Maly and Ray Tamborini have missed four meetings each, while Bernard Hamilton has been absent three times. Pat Ritchings and Peggy O’Boyle Dunigan have each missed two meetings in 2007. The council’s only voting member to attend all of this year’s meetings is Mayor Ray McCarthy.

Posted by Liz George at 2:15 PM | Permalink | Comments

After the shakeup, a Rand parent asks everyone to try and get along. From the Letters page of the Montclair Times...

A divisive series of events have occurred at Rand School over the past few years and in particular the past few weeks. While The Montclair Times seems to find it startling that parents refused to go on record, I commend those parents, because it means they are already starting the healing process. The most important thing the Rand community needs to remember is what is in the best interest of the children. Do we really want to teach our children to call each other names and point fingers? Or do we want to teach them the importance of coming together as a community, rising above a divisive issue and making the best of a situation.

Posted by Liz George at 12:47 PM | Permalink | Comments

Hint: It's not Walleroo. Find out on Food.

Posted by Liz George at 11:47 AM | Permalink

We've been asked by The United Way of Bloomfield to pass on this call for help: They're very much in need of volunteers who know their way around a computer. If you fit that description (and I'm guessing you might, if you're at your computer on Baristanet right now...) and you're willing to donate a bit of your time, please consider calling 973-748-1732 or e-mailing executive director Ida Pafundi.

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments

Hey Montclair, don't you know the correct way to calculate your tax bill? Don't you know that quarter payments aren't necessarily equal? Alright, you dopes, this should explain everything.

From the Montclair Times...

In an attempt to quell such frustration and confusion, Hartnett released details Tuesday evening explaining how the new estimated tax bills were determined.

“Taxpayers cannot multiply this third-quarter estimated bill by four in order to figure their annual taxes, nor can they use this bill to calculate what the annual tax would be. The estimated bill applies to the third quarter only,” Hartnett stated.

The correct way to calculate an estimated tax bill for 2007 is to add the first- and second-quarter tax bills to the third-quarter estimated tax bill and the fourth quarter actual tax bill still to be received, according to Hartnett.

There, there. If you saw your tax bill, experienced severe chest pains or put your home on the market, this should make everything better.

Posted by Liz George at 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments

If you work near the area of yesterday's steam pipe explosion, look here and here for service changes to trains/buses.

Posted by Liz George at 7:05 AM | Permalink | Comments

I'm not a plastic bag, and I'm not willing to wake up early and wait in the rain for any bag, unless of course, it's filled with enough cash so that I never have to do my own food shopping again. But that's just me. Plenty other folks came out today for the Prius of grocery bags. You have to see it to believe it. Best line: "It's status, my dear!"

Click To Play

More about the bag madness here.

Posted by Liz George at 3:10 PM | Permalink | Comments

Looking just a tad hot and bothered, Lauren Mattia rehashes what happened this week in Baristaville.

Click To Play

Posted by Liz George at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments

Remember the Emergency Broadcast System breakthoughs on TV when you were a kid? For me, it was usually in the middle of Romper Room or The Magic Garden. Remember how creepy you felt during that blast of noise, and the words, if this had been an actual emergency...

Well, Deb subscribes to the Emergency Email & Wireless Network. Their mission is to "provide notification to citizens of local, regional, national and international emergencies utilizing the Internet and electronic mail (email) in a secure and expedient manner." Deb thought you should all read their latest missive:

In an assessment issued Tuesday, the National Intelligence Estimate says an al-Qaida plot against the U.S. would likely focus on prominent targets. It says an attack would have the goal of causing mass casualties, visually dramatic destruction, significant economic aftershocks and fear.

Check out the google ads while you're there for sleeplessness, hot flashes and menopause, mesothelioma attorneys and other upbeat stuff. Makes you long for the days when we were blissfully unaware.

Posted by Liz George at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

If you've got loved ones at St. Joseph's Hospital in Paterson, they are currently without power. Here's a message from the state Department of Health and Senior Services:

ST JOSEPHS HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER IN PATERSON HAS LOST ELECTRICAL POWER AND HAS GONE ON A FACILITY DIVERT. THE HOSPITAL IS ON EMERGENCY GENERATORS BUT HAS LOST THE HVAC SYSTEM.

IN ADDITION, DUE TO FLOODING, THE SEWER SYSTEM HAS BEGUN TO BACKUP.

PSE&G HAS BEEN UNABLE TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE ELECTRICIAL PROBLEM. THEY ARE MAKING AN ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THE SITUATION AT THIS TIME.

TEMPERATURES IN PORTIONS OF THE FACILITY HAVE RISEN TO 86 DEGREES.

THE HOSPITAL HAS ASKED FOR EMS SUPPORT SHOULD AN EVACUATION BECOME NECESSARY.

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL MCC HAS MOVED TO A LEVEL II ACTIVATION.

NJHA has been in contact with the facility to receive updates and provide support.

Please do not attempt to contact the facility! NJHA can be reached at 800-457-2262.

Meanwhile, if you're driving, you may want to avoid the area.

Posted by Liz George at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments

Here's the call for extras...

Grant Wilfley Casting is seeking men and women 18 to 85 who are interested in working as "Extras" on the feature film "Taking Chance" staring Kevin Bacon. We are ONLY looking for men and women who can self report to our sets in Glenridge and Fairfield NJ. You must be available for a wardrobe fitting either on Weds. July 18th or Thurs. July 19th in Paramus NJ. You must also be available for the actual work on July 31, August 1, 2, and 6th 2007 in New Jersey. Please respond with a current picture, your stats, and the best number to reach you at. In the subject line please put "Can Self Report".

If you learned about it here, and get on set, you are required to blog about it for us! And is it just me, or does "can self report" make you laugh?

Posted by Liz George at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments

Would you rather have a wheelchair accessible healthcare practice that been in Montclair for more than 40 years, or another bank? We learn from the Montclair Watercooler that although the Upper Montclair shopping district has 10 banks already, Valley National Bank wants to join the fray.

Of course, they'll need a zoning code variance to move into the space at 539 Valley Road.

Tonight there's a public hearing with the Montclair Planning Board to hear testimony for and against. 7:30 pm, 205 Claremont Ave, 1st floor. Whether you're pro or anti bank, go be heard.

Posted by Liz George at 8:44 AM | Permalink | Comments

Here's the price that was paid for 6 Christopher Court (on the Watchung Ave. side of the development, next to the model) according to the GSMLS...

Listed for $1,095,000
Sold for $1,035,000
(Tax assessed for $1,142,600)

Also sold this month down the block...

Continue reading "A Crisco Sale Confirmed" »

Posted by Liz George at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments

Go and create avatars for your favorite Baristanet characters here.

Send them to us here.

Posted by Liz George at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments

Just kidding. Of course, it could happen. Congrats to the folks at Pegasus News, folks we like to think of as our hyperlocal distant cousin.

Go over and check out Mike Orren's baby and tell us what you like/don't like...

Posted by Liz George at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments

Hey Montclair -- have you checked your mailbox?

Dear Baristanet:

The Township of Montclair sent out tax bills today. I work at home so I was probably one of the first to open my bill. It included a letter from our Township Manager. I was floored when I saw what I owed for the 3rd Quarter. I've been following the tax discussion and I assumed that the tax rate per $100 of assessed value would be around 2.10. When I did the calculation for my 3rd Quarter bill - the rate was 2.54. Way above what I expected in terms of gross dollars and in terms of the rate. I called our Tax Collector - she explained that you need to take your new assessed value, apply 2.15 to it, and you'll get what your estimated annual taxes will be.

Unfortunately we all paid at the lower, pre-new assessment rate for the first two quarters, and the Township needs to make up for it in the 3rd Qtr. and 4th Qtrs. Thus, everyone opening their tax bills today is in for a shock. In effect, the new higher (for most us) tax rate is retroactive for the first two quarters and our tax bill reflects this.

Of course there is nothing in the Manager's letter that explains this, the tax bill itself (although the printed form says "rate per $100) doesn't list the new estimated tax rate, etc. etc. How difficult would it have been to explain to the citizenry how their taxes were being calculated and why the quarterly tax bill in their hand is probably $500 to $5000 more than they expected. It's one thing to waste our money building schools to replace schools that were sold at pennies on the dollar, it's another thing not to even bother to explain how our taxes are calculated. Tax revolt anyone?

Larry Rosenshein

Meanwhile, a little birdie sent us this email...

Continue reading "Get Ready For A Tax Backlash " »

Posted by Liz George at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments

Banner week for arrests in Montclair. From the MPD police blotter...

Burglary Arrest: With the assistance of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, Montclair Detectives charged Trent Janulis, 32, of Secaucus, and Brian Tice, 26, also of Secaucus, with the Burglary and Theft from Grove Liquors that occurred on June 7th. The charges were filed on July 13th. Both parties are being housed in the Sussex County Jail. Bail has been set at $100,000 dollars.

Continue reading "Busted!" »

Posted by Liz George at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments

At Drumthwacket, a pipe bomb threat, possibly linked to the Bloods gang, heightens security. From the Star Ledger...

Corzine, who has been staying at Drumthwacket while he recuperates from injuries in a serious crash three months ago, was not a target of the threat, police said. The governor's office said he was having dinner away from the mansion at the time of the threat.

The threat originated at the New Jersey State Prison in Trenton, according to a senior aide to the governor. Corrections officials learned early Wednesday evening of the threat to "pipe bomb" the governor's mansion from an inmate, according to the senior aide, who spoke on the condition he not be named because the investigation is ongoing.

The inmate suggested there might be involvement by the Bloods gang, the aide said, but was not cooperative with authorities, and no firm connection to gang activities was made.

In West Orange, a novelty clock that looked like a bomb resulted in a neighborhood evacuation.

The fake clock sounds like something out of Get Smart, now a movie.

Posted by Liz George at 9:27 AM | Permalink | Comments

If you're driving or plan to, turn on the radio. Tipsters are sending us reports...

parkway north closed exit 148 big accident, all I know heard on WOR am radio

Posted by Liz George at 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments

In our increasingly disposable world, Montclair's Jen Chaky has found a way to make precious things just a little more permanent.

Check out her site, where you can arrange to have a few special pieces of your kids' artwork preserved in book form. Of course, we're not talking about saving the entire flood of scribbled images and finger-painted smudges that junior carts home from preschool. These books are meant for the creations you instinctively put aside to save, the ones you linger over and can imagine showing your child when he or she is 25 (am I the only one who does that?).

Rather than let these keepsakes get yellowed and frayed at the bottom of a kitchen drawer, you can hire Chaky to bind them -- cover style and title are up to you. Makes a nice gift for grandparents, who are probably huge fans of your little Picasso's oeuvre. Contact Chaky here.

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 3:49 PM | Permalink | Comments

We're only up to Season 4 in our studies, so this episode really struck home with its parallels to the house "flipping" sections of James' indictment.
Then there was this story in The NY Times describing unnamed Bloomfield businesses that may have been connected to the alleged scam. We know at least one of them -- and it's not Holstens.

from EcoRealty

Posted by Geoff Gove at 2:18 PM | Permalink | Comments

The ultimate game room in Montclair will only cost you $700,000. Find out on Real Estate.

Posted by Liz George at 1:06 PM | Permalink

Where to chill out, on Food.

Posted by Liz George at 11:47 AM | Permalink

If new music royalty policys are enforced as promised, yesterday (Sunday) may be remembered as the day most Internet music sources dried up. Many of the most popular "free" music sites like Rhapsody, Pandora and Live365 say they cannot afford to pay the additional fees. But news late Friday from Wired suggests that a compromise plan may save some of the sites.

Posted by Geoff Gove at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments

We need signs with those crosswalks, says a tipster...

What's up with the new (7/10) "crosswalk", in a DARKISH red pattern, across grove, at wildwood. It seems useless unless one of those "yield to pedestrian" signs is put up in the middle of the road.

As an experiment, i approached it from the north on grove at about 38 mph, 3 mph over the speed limit but very typical of grove, and de facto, well within the real speed limit. The crosswalk was not even close to being noticable within braking distance. if i had seen people crossing the road, i would have to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting them, and i'd be wondering why they were so crazy to be trying to cross grove (i live on wildwood). i'm hoping that people don't get a false sense of security from the crosswalk - perhaps it will actually make it more dangerous to cross than before when pedestrians KNEW that they had to be extremely careful.

Does anyone know if any enhancements (such as signage) are planned?

Posted by Liz George at 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments

Hi - For the last 13 years we have been holding a block party on Brookfield Road in Montclair. We have a homegrown band made up of musicians who live in the neighborhood. It is a fantastic happening. Well today we borrowed a public address system for the Brookfield Road Band. It was dropped off on the street and the band leader went to the back of the house to get help putting it up. When he returned the PA system was gone in less than 5 minutes. A kid saw a black SUV and a couple take it but didn't stop them beause he didn't know it was wrong. There was a yard sale down the street so it may have been someone from the sale. We think it may have been an accidental mistake since other party stuff was also on the street. You know how people go around on bulky waste days and take things with the intention of using it. We'd love to get the story out because we borrowed the equipment and really feel it was taken by accident. No questions asked - we just need it back!!!! Thanks, Kimberley Smith 973-746-2657 John Goodlow cell 917-992-8268

Posted by Liz George at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments

If you've been wanting to check out Kip's Castle up close, here's your chance.

Essex County has scheduled the first public concert to be held the castle. It's a "Serenade Under the Stars" with The Marty DeRose Revue, a band that's been performing in the northeast for over 40 years. They play everything from Big Band hits of the 1930s, '40s and '50s to country western ballads, so come check out the tunes -- and the much-talked about castle -- next Tuesday night at 7pm.

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments

What happens when you misspell Baristanet? This. Talk about what key topics are missing from "barristanet", your Friday the 13th plans or anything else now. It's your open thread...

Posted by Liz George at 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments

Yesterday afternoon, Montclair Police responded to 1 Lackawanna Plaza (Popeye’s) on the report of a disturbance.

The victim, who is employed at the store, reports that he was assaulted by a female patron who climbed over the counter and struck him in the neck with a metal cup holder. The suspect then grabbed a long plastic grill brush and began striking the interior walls. Prior to leaving Popeye’s on foot, she struck the wall again and the brush ended up becoming embedded in the sheetrock. The suspect was located near the scene and identified as J.M., 18, of Montclair. Marshall was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and criminal mischief. Bail was set at $ 25,000 bond / $ 2,500.00 cash. Marshall will be transferred to the Newark County Jail. The victim suffered minor injuries.

Posted by Liz George at 1:44 PM | Permalink | Comments

We're hearing reports of an outage. Watchung School's summer program affected; also reports near Watchung Ave and Valley Road.

Tipster writes...

Headed over there right now to pick up my daughter...will try to give you an update later.

Posted by Liz George at 1:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

Look out Lackawanna Plaza. The Siena East is coming.

That was the hope anyway, of the plaza’s owner, Clifton-based ARC Properties, who went before Montclair's planning board with an idea to develop the parking lot space across from Pathmark..

From the Montclair Times...

Under the initial plans, the 62-foot-tall building would stand at the southeast corner of Grove Street and Glenridge Avenue, on the opposite end of the parking lot from the Commerce Bank on Bloomfield Avenue. The 87-unit edifice would be near a pedestrian tunnel under Grove Street leading to the shopping center, which is home to a Pathmark supermarket and around 15 retail and office tenants.

Monday night’s hearing was a concept review, not a formal site plan hearing. ARC, which has owned the Lackawanna property since it transitioned from a train station to a shopping plaza in the mid-1980s, was just seeking to elicit a response from planning officials, not approval of its plan.

Board member Paul Rabinovitch said Montclair could use a large, central town square, and the redevelopment of Lackawanna Plaza, one of the biggest lots in Montclair Center, could provide such an area. But this proposal fell short of accomplishing that, he said.

“It’s a big monolithic building you’re sticking on the corner … I’m not sure what the answers are, but to me this isn’t it,” Rabinovitch said.

Posted by Liz George at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sending out some major congratulations to Montclair's own Emmet Cohen and Wynton Guess.

Only four talented young jazz pianists were invited to participate in Bill Charlap's Master Class at "Jazz in July" at the 92nd St. Y (July 16). Montclair amazingly snags two of those spots with Cohen and Guess. Charlap's co-master instructor, Ted Rosenthal, thinks there may be something in the water in Montclair. At press time the event is sold out, but maybe we can get them to send us some video.

Posted by Liz George at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments

Now that the green concert is over, it's time for some great local music without the guilt. With funky rock, blues, folk and something that's described as "Jazz/Gothic" this weekend's Maplewoodstock 2007 will help (unlike our rainy July 4th) put you in a proper summer groove.

The schedule for Saturday and Sunday at Memorial Park should keep anyone looking to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Summer of Love and even their kids happy.
maplewoodstock_2007 Free admission, local food and for those harboring a garage band dream, they're raffling off...

Continue reading "Just Leave Your Weed At Home" »

Posted by Ellie Martin at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments

We're not kidding folks. This is one of the "blackmail" photos that had media outlets frothing all this week. On her second Today show appearance, the new Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo, turned the tables on the blackmailers by making public her private photos from her Facebook account (note to kiddies: nothing on the Internet is private).

The verdict on the photos: Embarrassing and goofy? Yes. Blackmail worthy? Hardly. The video of the segment is here. Meanwhile, the captions were supposedly really nasty. Hard to imagine with a photo like this...

Continue reading "Awww...He's Just A Growing Boy!" »

Posted by Liz George at 4:08 PM | Permalink | Comments

It really is a new day in Newark. Watch as the normally chatty Sharpe James gives the media nothing more than the weather report here.

Posted by Liz George at 2:54 PM | Permalink | Comments

Realtors are continually being asked to evaluate local schools or suggest where the best schools are, but they're not legally allowed to venture an opinion on the subject (lest we be accused of steering buyers to one neighborhood over another). They can point to links that make it easy to research school quality in many different areas.
NJ Monthly has a good site for simple countywide & statewide rankings. Essex County can be found here.
Links for more detailed breakdowns can be found over on EcoRealty.

Posted by Geoff Gove at 12:45 PM | Permalink | Comments

Tired of looking at the burned-out facade of the Upper Montclair Train Station? A developer has been chosen, according to the Star Ledger. Charles and Ralph Nuzzo and their family will be behind the new eatery. The former has been involved in restaurants in NJ and CA. The latter is managing member and senior partner at Notchwood LLC in Little Falls.

"We are thrilled with Notch wood's proposal," Penny Bassett- Hackett, a spokeswoman for NJ Transit, said yesterday. "They have a deep background in rehabilita tion and reconstruction combined with restaurants, so this process has really culminated into what will be a good addition to Montclair."

This year, the New Jersey Historic Sites Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing the demolition of the gutted station on the condition that a "historically accurate reconstruction" is undertaken. That would include the preservation of the porte-cochere and the creation of an "architectural savage plan" by NJ Transit.

As an enticement for the restaurant developer to undertake the reconstruction, NJ Transit, the station's owner, is contributing $287,000 toward the demolition- construction, which it said represents the settlement from the Gar den State Insurance Fund.

As for the restaurant, Ralph Nuzzo said it would be an "affordable" high-end place serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with fine wines and labor from Montclair State University. "So it's a youthful look," he said.

Posted by Liz George at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments

Maybe you're gnashing your teeth and mourning the end of the Harry Potter juggernaut, or maybe you've never been able to wrap your brain around the fact that this series of children's books has become such a monster hit among adults. Either way, you've probably heard that the seventh and final Harry Potter book -- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" -- hits stores in just 10 days.

Watchung Booksellers is celebrating with a week's worth of in-store contests and prizes, beginning this Friday (including a "Solve-the-Puzzle Scavenger Hunt" around Watchung Plaza). Then, next Friday night...

Continue reading "Calling All Muggles" »

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 10:17 AM | Permalink | Comments

Mayor Cory Booker brings flags in Newark to half-staff now through July 17. From the Star Ledger...

While other city officials have recognized the riot anniversary in a variety of ways through the years -- Booker went to marches when he was a councilman, and his predecessor as Central Ward councilman, George Branch, marked the event every year -- it's the first time a Newark mayor has ever bestowed this tribute on the victims.

"It's important for everyone to remember there was a serious loss of life during that time," Booker said. "And while we're having our various commemorative events, we should do so with a solemn and respectful understanding of that loss."

The city and its residents will mark the 40th anniversary of July 12, 1967, with a day full of ceremonies and remembrances that will include a visit from Gov. Jon Corzine.

Booker will begin the day at 10 a.m., when he dedicates a plaque at the 4th Police Precinct, the place where the disturbances began.

Today's anniversary may have a different significance for former Mayor Sharpe James.

Posted by Liz George at 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments

Baristaville is stocked with cool galleries and places to check out art. But this month, some of the most interesting imagery in town can be found at the Montclair Public Library. They're hosting an exhibit of pinhole photography (images created with a special type of camera, usually one that's homemade, though that barely begins to explain it -- more detail here) that's worth a visit.

The show runs throughout July and there's a reception tomorrow night honoring the artists from across the country whose work is on display. The images are stunning -- some are soft-focused and dreamy, others stark and unsettling. In our relentlessly high-tech world, it's refreshing to realize that something amazing can be created with little more than a cardboard box and a single strip of film.

(photo credit: Chris Ellinger)

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 2:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

In Montclair...

On 7-4-07, police responded to Union Street on a report of a burglary.The victim states that sometime between 2 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., someone entered the residence's kitchen window and stole the following articles: a safe (valued at $150), $20 US silver dollars, an iPod (valued at $400), a laptop computer (valued at $100), a bottle of rum, a bicycle (valued at $100), and a detachable bicycle wagon (valued at $200). There are no suspects at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective David O'Dowd at 973-509-4723.

Posted by Liz George at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments

Have you had a Curly Wurly? It sounds risque, but it's actually an English relative of the Marathon bar (flashbacks anyone?).

Some folks are mad for these and other chocolatey treats from across the pond. From the New York Times...

At the London Food Company in Montclair, N.J., about 17 percent of the store’s sales are British chocolate bars, said Samantha Codling, the owner.

Ms. Codling, who is from Essex, offers a range of Cadbury Milk bars, including the mint crisp, whole nut and Turkish delight with rose jelly. The British Smartie, which resembles an M & M but has a thicker shell, and the Malteser malt ball, also sell well.

“All the ex-pats definitely know the difference already and the Americans soon figure it out,” she said.

If you could only have one chocolate bar for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Posted by Liz George at 11:28 AM | Permalink | Comments

A tipster writes and sends photos...

I was wondering if you happened to see the new crosswalks being installed in the South End. My camera phone doesn't do the bright tomato color justice [see photo in jump]. I sure am hoping that they are only temporary until the town can install the much nicer looking brick look crosswalks that they installed in Upper Montclair and in the business district.

The trippy geometric crosswalk was snapped on Elm near Union. Another sighting on Grove between Bellevue and Watchung Ave.

Continue reading "Do Not Adjust Your Computer Monitors" »

Posted by Liz George at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments

Sent to Baristanet as a "Letter to the Editor"

On July 07, 2007 at 10 p.m., I went to check out at the A & P located at 510 Valley Road in Montclair, NJ, only to find a single line of about twenty people standing in the same line. None of the four self-checkout lines were available, nor were any of the other eight or so registers open. Nope. Just the one line of twenty people standing behind one-another. I have seen this type of scene played over and over again, in different places, including other supermarkets, and I just can’t stand it any longer. How is it possible that there are eight other registers and four self-checkout counters, with no other staff, to man them? Well, I’ll tell you what you’re probably going to say: “Budget”. Perhaps you’re on such a tight budget, because you continually alienate potential customers like myself, by making us stand in one line, when all these other registers are available, but you don’t want to pay staff to man the registers. Perhaps if you had at least a few lines open, you wouldn’t alienate so many of your customers, and you would therefore not be on such a tight budget, as to have to make customers like me stand in such a line ever again. It would be nice, though for some strange reason, you seem to want the majority of your cash registers to collect dust, than money from us customers. Sincerely,

Dan Barenholtz
Montclair, NJ

Posted by Liz George at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments

You loved them at the July 4th parade. Tonight, is the second Montclair Community Band Summer Concert, at the MHS Amphitheater, 7:30 pm. Tonight's concert features music by Leroy Anderson (think "Syncopated Clock" and "Blue Tango").

Sponsored by Montclair Recreation and Cultural Affairs, the concert is FREE. In the event of rain, music moves indoors into the MHS Auditorium. Bring a blanket, or grab a seat on the amphitheater steps.

Posted by Liz George at 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments

You may have noticed that Baristaville and its environs are chock full of feasts and fairs all summer long (begging the question: Are there really that many mini-rollercoasters shaped like dragons, or does the same one get set up in a different parking lot each weekend around here?).

Before you get lost in the annual haze of cotton candy and tea cup rides, take note: There's a feast coming up that promises to be special. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church is celebrating their 100th anniversary next month with three days (July 13-15, see calendar for details) of rides, yummy food and entertainment on Pine St. in Montclair. They're also planning a procession through the streets of Montclair and Glen Ridge on the 15th at 3pm.

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 3:24 PM | Permalink | Comments

What happens when you ask people in Montclair what they think about Michael Moore's Sicko? Pretty much what you'd expect. Unhappiness with the state of health care all around. Baristanet correspondent Lauren Mattia couldn't entice anyone to move to Cuba just yet, but there were a few heading over to Cuban Pete's.

Click To Play

To see Michael Moore's Wolf rant on CNN, go here.

Posted by Liz George at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments

In addition to those other HGTV shows you've been following, check out HGTV's Hidden Potential Show. My ranch listing in Wayne was being featured as a subject for a digital makeover on the show" Hidden Potential" recently. 3-D computer technology is utilized to show what can be done with houses in need of TLC.

Repeat showings can be seen:

• Tonight 11:30 PM ET/PT

More on EcoRealty

Posted by Geoff Gove at 11:31 AM | Permalink | Comments

From the Star Ledger...

Four teenage boys from Verona High School have been charged with aggravated assault in a "particularly brutal" and "unprovoked" attack against a West Orange boy during a late-night gathering in the parking lot at Verona High, police said yesterday.

"They jumped ... and repeatedly beat him about the face and head and back," said Capt. Peter Wojtal. "It was particularly brutal and cowardly ... The victim tried to get away two or three times, and they continued to knock him down and beat him."

Posted by Liz George at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments

From the Montclair Times

Mountainside Hospital narrowly avoided being the site of a labor strike this past Sunday, the expiration date on a couple hundred of its employees’ contracts, but the agreements were extended until mid-July.

Speaking of health care, we'll have video of reactions to the movie Sicko later today.

Posted by Liz George at 9:36 AM | Permalink | Comments

The train forecast looks ok today. Yesterday was a different story...

Reader Jonathan wrote the title above in an email to us. Dave from Bloomfield shares his angst.

5:18 that stops at nwk broad delayed. 5:45 broke down just. Before tunnel 6:18 delayed and is a cattle car, never seen it more packed.

Decamp isn't looking so bad after all.

Did anyone else get polled by Eyewitness News last night in regard to this?

Posted by Liz George at 8:42 PM | Permalink | Comments

From Bloomberg...

Milberg Weiss ex-partner David Bershad agreed to plead guilty to charges related to a scheme to pay illegal kickbacks to plaintiffs in securities lawsuits, federal prosecutors said.

Bershad, 67, will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy, the U.S. attorney's office in Los Angeles said today. He'll forfeit $7.75 million, pay a $250,000 fine and cooperate with the investigation, according to the plea deal. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Background here.

Posted by Liz George at 5:42 PM | Permalink | Comments

What happens when it's not you, on Food.

Posted by Liz George at 3:23 PM | Permalink

You asked for it. Here it is...

Continue reading "Mapping Crime in Baristaville" »

Posted by Liz George at 1:56 PM | Permalink | Comments

OK, our best bud Phil Read wrote the story, but Baristanet wants to make sure Mr. Montclair BID, Tom Lonergan, gets some well-deserved props. From the Star Ledger...

His life as executive director of the Montclair Center Business Improvement District is evident in the refitted industrial space that is his office on North Willow Street with banners proclaiming "Montclair Center: You've Arrived," green bike racks to be installed this month and stacks of newly arrived thigh-deep planters.

Outside, he waltzes up the avenue while eyeing colorful flowers.

"These planters are no joke," he said, "watching them like babies."

Or else they end up like these.

Continue reading "Everybody Loves Tom Lonergan" »

Posted by Liz George at 12:27 PM | Permalink | Comments

Used to be if you wanted to flaunt your earth-friendly cred, you could just shop at Whole Foods and walk out carrying a paper grocery bag. Do that now and you might be branded an environmental buffoon. Next week (Wed. July 18th) Baristaville's Montclair and West Orange Whole Foods get the red hot "I'm Not A Plastic Bag."

The reusable shopping tote comes from highend UK designer Anya Hindmarch who was disgusted (aren't we all) with the endless glut of plastic bags after shopping trips. The launch of these bags caused lines around the block and scuffles in London earlier this year. For $15 you can finally get your hands on one of this summer's "It" bags.

Continue reading "The Prius of Grocery Bags" »

Posted by Ellie Martin at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments

If you didn't get to see Jerry Mosier leading the Montclair Republicans during the July 4th parade, you can at least see what he's up to these days if you drop by Marrakech Restaurant, 708 Bloomfield Ave., Montclair, where JMo is exhibiting some of his photographs from the Middle East. Each photo goes for $200 and Mosier is donating the profits to Mercy Corps, a humanitarian organization.

Continue reading "Buy a JMo!" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 10:25 AM | Permalink | Comments

So, have you gotten your hands on "the book Hillary Clinton doesn't want voters to read" yet?

"Her Way: The Hopes and Ambitions of Hillary Rodham Clinton" hit stores last month. You can pick up a copy of this bestseller (or bring the one you've already got and get it autographed) on Tuesday, July 10, when co-author Don Van Natta Jr. appears at Watchung Booksellers for a reading and book signing.

Continue reading "Shhh... Don't Tell Hillary" »

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 9:06 AM | Permalink | Comments

From NJ Transit

Jul 09, 2007 07:42:30 AM Due to an earlier disabled Amtrak train, NEC,NJCL and MidTOWN Direct service subject to 30-40 minute delays in and out of New York.

Posted by Liz George at 7:57 AM | Permalink | Comments

Got plans for this afternoon? Outpost in the Burbs is hosting a special event you may want to check out.

The Outpost is known for cool performances by musicians who are passing through (or living in) Baristaville. But today they're offering something different: a "spiritual drumming" workshop led by Emmy Award-winning composer and musician Richard Reiter.

Continue reading "Let the Spirit Move You" »

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 1:35 PM | Permalink | Comments

His name may not sound blu-ish, but go check out Rich Cohen's website, or better yet, go down to Church Street today at 3 to check him out at Center Stage, the free weekly summer concert series put on by the Montclair Business Improvement District.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments

What happens if you're the first mom on your block to own an iPhone? In a charming New York Times column last week, Montclair * writer Michelle Slatalla details the emotional roller coaster of being an iPhone early adopter.

The first day, all three daughters were fighting over the iPhone, giving Slatalla an early glimpse of "what life will be like after I'm dead and they're fighting over my jewelry."

Continue reading "iBought, iDazzled, iFrustrated" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments

The rescheduled Montclair fireworks blast off tonight at 9 pm in Mountainside Park. Entertainment starts at 7 pm, explosions after sundown. More info here.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments

Missing:

Solid concrete frog (approx. 250 lbs) from the corner of Osborne Street & Waverly Terrace, Bloomfield. Last seen Friday, June 29.

$$ REWARD for RETURN $$
No questions asked - Call 862 202-1029

Posted by Debbie Galant at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments

The weather is going to be a ton better than Woodstock, so how come we haven't heard yet about anybody who's planning to go the nine miles to Giants Stadium today to take part in Al Gore's historic seven-continent Live Earth concert?

True, Montclair environmental czar Gray Russell has tickets, and there are plenty of tickets to be had on StubHub and other internet sources, but how come there's not one official Live Earth event in Birkenstock-wearing Montclair?

Will you watch on TV? Take the test? Or have you organized a bike brigade to the Meadowlands? Let us know of any local Live Earth events, official or otherwise, and for goodness sake, send us pictures.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 9:14 AM | Permalink | Comments

If you're a farmer's market fan, check out the goings on at Branch Brook Park this Saturday (and every Saturday, 9:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m., through Oct. 27): Alongside fresh produce, baked goods and other edible treats, you'll find live entertainment, cooking demonstrations, health screenings and a weekly two-mile “Walk/Run to Better Health."

And if that's not enough to lure you out of bed on a Saturday morning...

Continue reading "Berries, Baked Goods... and Blimp Rides?" »

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 1:22 PM | Permalink | Comments

From the Montclair Times...

A professional photographer from Montclair is awaiting trial after police accused him of having sexually explicit phone conversations with an aspiring teen model from Wyoming.

Police said the suspect, Jason Block, 37, found the 14-year-old girl’s picture and profile on a networking Web site, onemodelplace.com, which is designed to put models, agents and photographers in contact with one another.

But the night of Wednesday, April 11, Block revealed he was seeking more than a working relationship with the girl, police said.

The photographer called the house, located in Wyoming, and the teen picked up the phone, her mother said.

According to the criminal complaint from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, a copy of which was obtained by The Times, Block instructed the girl to stand in front of a mirror and touch herself during that conversation.
According to jasonblock.com, the suspect is a commercial advertising, portrait, event, sports and fashion photographer.

He has been released on $1 million bond.

He is only allowed to travel in New Jersey, New York and Wyoming, and he is barred from contacting the victim or any potential witnesses. Block is also under orders to cease working as a self-employed photographer pending the outcome of the case.

Posted by Liz George at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

Airing now on WNYC (82 AM and 93.9 FM), Leonard Lopate talks to guests about New Jersey:

We're in a New Jersey state of mind. On today's show: three writers and guest host Julie Burstein (all native New Jersey-ites) try to make sense of their home state's mixed reputation. We'll also find out why the construction of New Jersey's Pulaski Skyway caused a major political power struggle in the early 20th century. Then, a comic novel that follows three high school students through the college application process, from SATs the rejection letters. And today's Please Explain is all about smell.

Lenny has a way to go. As we all know, it's New Jerseyan, not New Jersey-ite.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments

Twelve Montclair High School students have discovered an important way to impact the environment and save money for the town.

Working under the auspices of Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), a free academic tutorial and leadership training program of IMPACT Community Development Corporation, the students chose, as their community service project, to investigate the trash currently generated by MHS.

YLI students conducted a garbage audit at the Department of Public Works (DPW), involving a hands-on analysis of several bags of garbage to see how much of the material could be recycled.

Here's what they discovered: Some 98 percent of the trash at the school is recyclable, with 70 percent being bond paper, 15 percent being newspaper and 8 percent other recyclables.

Continue reading "MHS Kids Have A Way With Trash" »

Posted by Geoff Gove at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments

This week, TaRessa Stoval of the Montclair Times writes about the Supreme Court ruling and how it might affect Montclair schools. And she also has a question. Read her essay here and then answer her query (excerpted below)...

As possibly the only Montclair parent who was a pioneer in Seattle’s “voluntary busing program” who moved here for the schools, I’ve got to weigh in on this whole school deseg thing.

As Montclair parents and educators wonder whether the recent Supreme Court ruling will trickle down to impact our fair school district, I can’t help but notice something no one ever seems to address. Montclair’s magnet elementary and middle school system seems to be driven by the same premise that underlies all “desegregation” efforts, voluntary, involuntary, mandated or whatever. And that is the unshakable belief that the whiter the school, the better it is. That children of color benefit from going to school with lots of white children and teachers, while white children suffer from going to school with “too many” children of color. While “too many” is a subjective and relative concept, I have yet to see a single opinion publicly expressed to the contrary by any person of any race.

Posted by Liz George at 10:11 AM | Permalink | Comments

An environmental battle is shaping up in West Orange, where Seton Hall Prep School has plans to expand its athletic fields, build tennis courts and a parking lot and erect a hamburger stand (!) on the site of an old growth forest. The Sierra Club has started a letter-writing campaign against the plan, which goes in front of the West Orange planning board on Wednesday July 11.

The trees are on the former estate of General George McClellan, a dishonored Civil War general and one-term governor of New Jersey.

Continue reading "Prep School v. The Trees" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments

You've heard the fireworks, grilled the burgers, maybe even soaked up some sun at the pool. It's time for a dose of indoor fun: This weekend, Baristaville real estate developer Denis Orloff returns to his roots as an artist with a one-man show of his paintings -- the first new works he's exhibited in two decades. The opening reception is tomorrow night (Friday, 7/6) at the Dan Epstein Studio on Church Street (see calendar for details) and Orloff's luminous landscape paintings will remain on view there throughout the weekend.

So put away the sunscreen and take in nature's beauty while indoors for a change.

Posted by Melissa Rayworth at 3:15 PM | Permalink | Comments

Remember this parking story and the 50-plus comments that followed? Norman Morris provides a response -- and the judge's verdict...

The purpose in reporting the story of our towing incident at a small shopping center in Montclair was not to meant to gain sympathy or to vent. Rather, its purpose was simply to warn others who might chance to park there after banking hours that they run a high risk that the property superintendent will tow their vehicles. I have pictures to prove that it is common practice for people to park in the same lot after banking hours!

Little did I suspect that the cautionary tale would be turned into a red meat topic for many blogsters intent on displaying their own blatant ignorance and jealousies. Who, in mean spirited, self righteous and smug characterizations chose to brand us as rich, spoiled and so called "entitled" individuals.

Continue reading "Parking's Not The Only Thing That Stings" »

Posted by Liz George at 1:33 PM | Permalink | Comments

Montclair police provide a composite of the suspect from a recent armed robbery on Portland Place.

Suspect wanted for a robbery during which a baseball bat was used to assault the victim. Suspect is described as a white male, 16-18 years of age, wearing a dark-colored baseball cap, green T shirt with writing on it and blue jeans. Suspect was hidden behind some hedges on a sidewalk and jumped out at the victim. He said, "Give me your money!" When the victim resisted, a second actor (no description) attacked the victim from behind with the bat. Please contact Det. Chris Barnes of the Montclair Police Department, Juvenile Aid Bureau if you have any information, (973) 509-4371.

Posted by Liz George at 12:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

Today's the 60th anniversary of the day Larry Doby, the longtime Montclair resident who died in 2003, broke the Major League race barrier by becoming the first black man to play in the American League. Left, a picture of Doby hugging Cleveland Indians pitcher Steve Gromek in celebration of winning game four of the 1948 World Series. Ceremonies honoring Doby take place today in Paterson, where Doby spent his teenage years. An interview with Larry Doby Jr., who still lives in Montclair,here.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments

You remember Mick Watson, the soccer player from Newcastle who came to Baristaville to coach soccer, whose involvement with a socially-minded soccer program for the homeless created a stir when reported on Baristanet?

Local TV newsguy, Steve Adubato, noticed our story and is giving Watson his 15 minutes of fame. "It was the longest 15 minutes of my life" says Watson about his interview for Adubato's show. "It's more about me than I'd like - I thought I'd talk more about the soccer program," says Watson, when we caught up with him after soccer practice at Brookdale Park.

Watch the interview with Mick today (Thursday, July 5) at 5:30pm on CN8 - The Comcast Network.

Posted by Annette Batson at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments

Corzine hobbling, BlueWavers and Montclair Republicans, robot builders and tree huggers (oh yeah, that was us.) The Montclair July 4th of July parade is always a bizarro blend of spectacle and politics.

For those of us who *work* the 4th, the cool weather was a real blessing. Thanks to our indefatiguable parade mistress Katie Mancine, who worked into the wee hours of the night sewing leaves onto baseball caps, and to Upper Mountain Landscaping for the loan of the trees and the truck!

Now, Baristavillians, tell us whose float floated your boat!

Continue reading "We Love a (Montclair) Parade" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments

Tonight's July 4th fireworks show in Montclair has been cancelled due to the rainy weather forecast. It has been rescheduled for Saturday July 7, at 9 pm.

(Thanks to Greg Spinelli at Church St. Cafe for calling the story in.)

Bloomfield fireworks are rescheduled for Thursday night. In fact, just about all of North Jersey's fireworks shows were rained out.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Continue reading "We Hold These Truths to Be Self-Evident" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 8:24 AM | Permalink | Comments

... like a patriotic ribbon inflatable. Seen on West Passaic Ave. in Bloomfield.

Posted by Debbie Galant at 9:43 PM | Permalink | Comments

There's a BB gun-toting delinquent on the loose, messing with parked cars. From Montclair police...

Vandalism: Occurred sometime between 10 p.m. on the 29th & shortly after midnight on the 30th. Complainant reports that unknown person(s) caused damage to her 2007, Toyota Highlander while it was parked on Myrtle Ave. The damage was sustained to the driver’s side window and was probably caused by a pellet being fired from a BB gun.

MPD tells us the same thing happened to someone's 2006 Kia Sport parked on Pleasant Way. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Juvenile Aid Bureau at 973-509-4751.

Posted by Liz George at 4:05 PM | Permalink | Comments

Is pay-per-view, On Demand, Netflix and Tivo making video stores obsolete? Or are rents in Montclair forcing out more tenants? First we lose Watchung Plaza's video store to a bank; now Town Video on Valley Road, across from the still vacant Olympic Store, is clearing their stock and preparing to close. You can still rent for the next few weeks, but you can also start picking up videos and DVDs for sale on the cheap.

Posted by Annette Batson at 2:21 PM | Permalink | Comments

Well, the 56-inch diameter tulip tree in my back yard is worth $87,388, according to Horticultural Asset Management, and my beloved Kanzan cherry, which I planted back in the 1990's, is worth $7,361. At least that's what they'd cost to replace. I'm not selling either tree on eBay anytime soon.

The motto of Horticultural Asset Management Inc. or HMI , a North Carolina company that introduced itself to Baristaville at a Van Vleck Gardens plant sale earlier this year, is "money grows on trees." (And by way of full disclosure, the company is now a Baristanet advertiser). HMI hopes to to do a brisk business quantifying "curb appeal" for Montclair-area homeowners, who may use the assessments to justify their selling price in the real estate market or to purchase landscape insurance (currently offered by AIG) for their property.

Continue reading "What's a Tree Worth?" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 1:14 PM | Permalink | Comments

You might want to practice your yoga breathing before reading what happened to two Baristanet readers.

Organizing guru Ariane Benefit blogs about losing Comcast internet and phone connection for three days, and the six phone calls it took to get back on line. Things got so ugly that customer service hung up on her. You won't believe what the real problem was when you get to the end of this:

Benefit says she's switching to Verizon as soon as she can, but she may want to consider...

Continue reading "Tales from Cyber Hell" »

Posted by Ellie Martin at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments

Payback's a bitch. Corzine wanted to cut the fat and found a lot in Montclair. From the Star Ledger...

The biggest cut was the elimination of a $1 million grant for the Minority Student Achievement Network in Montclair, requested by Sen. Nia Gill (D-Essex). Last week, Gill was the only Senate member to vote against Corzine's nomination of former Attorney General Stuart Rabner to become chief justice of the state Supreme Court.

Gill said today the minority program is nationally acclaimed for its educational success and was a model for others in the state. She declined to speculate on whether the cut was retaliation. "It doesn't do justice to narrow this to 'he didn't like her so he did this to her,'" Gill said.

Corzine spokeswoman Lilo Stainton said "The administration did not make funding decisions based on the names and addresses attached to those requests. But the criteria was entirely based on how much a program benefited the state or region as a whole."

Here are all the cuts -- you'll find the Montclair Art Museum got the shaft, too.
Meanwhile, we learn that Corzine is planning to celebrate the 4th with all of us in Montclair. Maybe we can offer him half a hot dog.

Posted by Liz George at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments

For most families, one annual long car trip with the kids is quite enough in the bonding department. But for Julia Roberts of Glen Ridge, one cross-country trip with three children in an RV was not enough. After taking the children all the way to the Grand Canyon in an unreliable RV in 2004, then excerpting segments of the family's journals in the self-published "RV There Yet?", Roberts got the travel itch again. This year, she's taking the kids on a trip from Maine to Florida with the help of a corporate sponsor, Magellan, and a GPS called Maggie.

Continue reading "RV There Yet?" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 8:41 AM | Permalink | Comments

Grab a cone on Church Street. Applegate Farm has a satellite location in Montclair's Hinck Building, with a roving cart on Church Street that debuted this weekend. Here's hoping they have my fave new flave -- peanut butter fudge brownie. Hours are noon to 9 pm every day. Or you could...

Continue reading "What To Do With Perfect Weather?" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 3:10 PM | Permalink | Comments

The prospect of an 80-foot T-Mobile cell phone tower has caused an uproar among residents of an otherwise quiet block on Park Street. Residents opposing Omnipoint/T-Mobile's request have set up an online petition that has nearly 300 signatures.

Why should you care? "This is not just a case of 'NIMBY,' the zoning board's decision has precedent-setting consequences for the whole town," says Terry Thornton, an attorney who lives directly across from First Lutheran Church in a house that posts this large protest banner...

Continue reading "The Pole, The Petition, The Pastor and Police On Park Street" »

Posted by Annette Batson at 1:09 PM | Permalink | Comments

Watchung, Rand, Nishuane...by now, most Montclair parents know where Junior has landed for kindergarten this fall. In light of the recent Supreme Court decision (discussed at length), Montclair's BOE website already has provided a statement...

The impact of the recent Supreme Court decision which has banned the use of race in assigning students to schools has yet to be determined for the Montclair Public Schools’ highly valued twenty-five year old system of magnet schools and choice. School officials are currently reviewing the opinion and engaging in conversations with legal counsel. The district is also awaiting the interpretation of the opinion by the NJ Department of Education and ensuing state level directives.

Mary Beth Rosenthal and Robin Kulwin, co-presidents of the Montclair Council of PTAs, sent us a statement they drafted to provide context "especially for many of our incoming kindergarten parents, who may have more questions than the rest of us."

Continue reading "Montclair's Magnetic Pull" »

Posted by Liz George at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments

They may be the brightest bulbs around, but they don't really light up.

Twenty-one 5-foot-tall hand-painted lightbulbs are on display throughout West Orange this summer, as part of Mayor John McKeon’s Energy Diet, a campaign to reduce energy consumption in West Orange by 20 percent.

For West Orange, this is the second townwide outdoor art exhibit (remember the 2001 Cow Parade?)

Continue reading "The Great Light Way" »

Posted by Geoff Gove at 11:09 AM | Permalink | Comments

County exec Joey D. comes to Brookdale Park at noon today to announce plans for a new dog park. Of course there's been an unofficial off-leash dog run in the park's top oval for years -- as well as occasional reports of county police handing out tickets to owners of unleashed dogs.

For the past week. the perimeter of the new 1.2 acre dog park has been marked by ugly orange plastic fencing, which makes one wonder what the aesthetic future will be for the loveliest, most natural space in the park.

Continue reading "If You Can't Beat 'Em, Fence 'Em" »

Posted by Debbie Galant at 8:45 AM | Permalink | Comments

July 4th falls on Wednesday this year. Hmmm, do you take off the weekend before, or the weekend after? Oh, what the heck, make some plans and take the whole week off!

Montclair is celebrating BIG for the 4th of July, with a parade-full of entertainment winding its way through the streets, beginning at 11 am. Look for the Big Apple Circus clowns and Baristanet's 4th annual parade entry (this time with help from Upper Mountain Landscaping in Montclair.)

Continue reading " The Longest 4th of July Weekend Ever" »

Posted by Annette Batson at 8:59 AM | Permalink | Comments