Another sighting from the nanny files. A reader writes us yesterday (Sunday)...
I'm not sure what else to do with this info but as a mom, I feel like I have to let someone know about it and I can't think of any other way to get this out to the Montclair parents who need to know about the danger their nanny put their child in today.
It's that time of year when many of us are thinking "what am I going to do differently in the next year?" This year's buzzword, replacing Reduce, Reuse, and Recylce is "Green;" EcoSeek has come up with some interesting green resolutions, like championing the work of the Red Wiggler:
I resolve to continue to spread the word about the red worm's abilities to improve soil through enriched microbial activity when their casts are used in each person's garden, either vegetable or flower garden. In doing this we can all save landfill space, save our organics from the waste water treatments plants and enjoy bountiful crops and flowers.
Personally, I like the idea of a national ban on styrofoam and environmental unfriendly take-out containers:
A part of Newark's culture we seldom hear about is getting attention from Mayor Booker, for promoting AIDS prevention and fighting discrimination...From The Star Ledger:
These days, the House of Jourdan and seven other gay "houses" in Newark are finally getting respect. The city's gay ball subculture -- in which men and women compete in rituals of posing and runway walking, sometimes as the opposite gender -- is earning a place for itself in civic life, with outreach efforts and charity drives.
Congratulations to the Renaissance Nerds for taking first prize in a regional research competition this month. This group of 13 green teens mapped out an earth-friendly resolution for their community in 2008.
They call themselves TORN — the Technological Organization of Renaissance Nerds — and competed in the FIRST Lego League at Mt. Hebron on December 1, guided by Todd Smith, 6th Grade science teacher and robotics coach. From Montclair's BOE website:
"Each year a project is required, based on a theme consistent with today's issues and technologies. This year it was energy, and we conducted a complete energy audit in our school. "We proposed an energy efficient revamping of the building's energy infrastructure consisting of fluorescent lights, LED Exit signs, radiator reflectors, door weather strippiing, and water flow restrictors, among other suggestions.""The proposed upgrade," continued Smith, "would cost over $30,000 and save over $11,000 per year in energy cost savings — a very nice return on investment, and very earth-friendly too."
Whaddya do when you've got a handful of paper, cups and cans from snacking on the run, far from your recycling bin at home? Yeah, most of us probably trash and dash, green with eco-guilt.
Thankfully, we can trash guilt-free, at Baristaville's most popular pedestrian hang-out, Church Street. Recently spotted in front of Terra Tea Salon: this pristine photo of Mother Nature on a public recycling box. Terra recycles and composts everything from their store - and put the container out as a gentle reminder for passers-by.
The holiday season can be stressful, but even more so when your car becomes a conflagration. Our own FrankGG recounts how he narrowly missed becoming road fondue...
I'm just fine but my car became the world's largest Christmas candle on a 280 exit ramp in Orange. My car began to smoke....(more than usual)...I got an inkling....pulled over...jumped out....and it just BURST into flames! (the picture I took is of the firemen trying to ax open the hood!) I'm cross because I just spent $2000. to repair it...just to have it blow to smithereens!!!!In January it will be in my budget to buy another $700. eventually exploding car. (I would look stupid in an Escalade anyway!)
Frank -- we're glad you escaped.
Wait a minute, don't all shout out at once. We're talking pound losers. No, it's not a casting call for the TV reality show; Montclair Y, the social hot-spot where everyone knows your name, has signs all over the club announcing a competition in 2008 for big losers.
If your holiday feasting has been over-indulgent, are feeling things a bit tight around the middle, or plan to make "lean and mean" your New Year's Resolution, then get thee to the Y. They say weight loss works better using the buddy system. Form your team, prepare to lose, beginning this February. And that's all they're saying...for now.
Ted Mattox's decision to run for mayor of Montclair may indeed become the center of local political controversy in 2008. John Reichman opines, from The Montclair Times:
In announcing his candidacy for mayor, Ted Mattox is promising "out-of-the-box thinking." Mr. Mattox's previous "out-of-the-box thinking" has consisted of suing his fellow council members and former running mates when they would not vote with him.To date, this debacle has cost Montclair at least $200,000 in legal fees. Mr. Mattox's lawsuit makes him unqualified for any position in town government, much less mayor.
This Wednesday, acting Governor Richard Codey signed a new law requiring AIDs tests be administered to both expectant mother and baby, as part of their routine prenatal care. From The Star Ledger:
The mandatory tests are urgent in light of statistics in New Jersey, said Robert Johnson, interim dean of the New Jersey Medical School.One in 313 women age 13 or older is living with HIV/AIDS in the state, according to New Jersey Department of Health statistics quoted by Johnson.
Medicaid or the insurance carrier will be footing the bill for the screenings; according to the law however, a woman can opt out of the test, but only if she clears it with her doctor. Nevertheless, the infant must still be screened.
Continue reading "NJ First To Require HIV Screening For Mother & Child" »
After 107 days of fasting to protest global warming and heighten awareness about the climate emergency, Bloomfielder Ted Glick is eating again. Coinciding with the year's last day of Congress, his first bite on Dec. 19 was into a couple of potatos and veggies. Glick's full statement can be found on Contested Terrain:
It was good to eat, but it would have been much, much better if the end to this fast were not so bittersweet.I do give thanks that a pretty weak energy bill was passed which does represent
the beginnings of a turn away from our fossil fuel addiction, as limited as that
bill is and problematic as parts of it are, particularly its dramatic support for
corn-based and other forms of ethanol.
Still don't have a party to go to on New Year's Eve? Well, there's always First Night Montclair, this year featuring the Fab Faux and, as always, midnight fireworks. And many Baristaville restaurants will also be celebrating.
Richie Cecere's serves up its 18-piece orchestra with showgirls (pictured), comedy by Muzzy and London Lee and a pasta dinner with champagne for $175 per person. Drinks are extra. $25 deposit required. 973.746.7811.
Over in Bloomfield, Senorita's is celebrating with a masquerade party, dancing, open bar and Latin food, $80 per person. 973.743.0099. Masks are included.
Celebrating its location in the midst of all the First Night fun, Church Street Kitchen offers up a Gala Tasting Menu during the evening and a Midnight Brunch. 973.233.0216.
An argument over the fare on NJ Transit's #27 bus turned ugly yesterday in Newark. From the Star Ledger...
Newark police have filed aggravated assault charges against the passenger, Benjamin Gainous, 35, of Irvington. Gainous struck the driver in the face with his cane, causing an injury to his left eye, NJ Transit officials said. Authorities also said they were considering charges against the driver, whose name has not been released.The bus driver suffered serious trauma to his eye and was being treated at University Hospital in Newark, while the passenger declined treatment for minor facial injuries, police said.
The bus was heading north, on its route into Bloomfield, at about 11:10 a.m. when the fight occurred near the intersection of Broad and Market streets. NJ Transit officials said there were between 20 and 25 riders on the bus. They were transferred to another bus after the incident.
Watchung Booksellers reminds us that Junot Diaz will be in Baristaville tonight, from 7-8 pm at the Montclair Public Library. Some background from the Watchung Booksellers newsletter...
This is the long-awaited first novel from one of the most original and memorable writers working today.Things have never been easy for Oscar, a sweet but disastrously overweight, lovesick Dominican ghetto nerd. From his home in New Jersey, where he lives with his old-world mother and rebellious sister, Oscar dreams of becoming the Dominican J. R. R. Tolkien and, most of all, of finding love. But he may never get what he wants, thanks to the Fukoe -- the curse that has haunted the Oscar's family for generations, dooming them to prison, torture, tragic accidents, and, above all, ill-starred love. Oscar, still waiting for his first kiss, is just its most recent victim.
George Warrington, the former NJ Transit official who presided over the opening of Montclair's midtown direct service, died Monday after an eight-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Warrington was recruited by then-Governor Jim McGreevey from Amtrak, where he was corporate president from 1998 to 2002. At Amtrak, Warrington launched the Acela Express.
More on the NJ Transit website.
Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was killed at a rally today. A huge suicide bomb explosion killed at least 14 supporters at the rally, and some observers also report gunshots. More here.
Baristaville locals have been enjoying Lawrence and Kim Hackney's smokin' good ribs and chicken for months. But The Star Ledger's Pete Genovese has always thought of North Jersey as a "barbecue wasteland," that is, until he discovered "the real deal", at The Wood Pit (Just wait until The NY Times finds out.):
Put the Wood Pit, and Montclair, on your barbecue speed-dial. Next time, I think I'll buy a gallon of that hot sauce, smother it on whatever I can find at home, and be a very happy guy.One bite of the tender, delicious dry-rubbed pork ribs (large, 10-bone dinner, $21.95, with two sides) and you know you've hit the barbecue jackpot. Add some of the outstanding homemade sauce, and there's just no need to head south -- South Jersey, South Carolina, wherever -- for good barbecue.
Thanks Pete, but we already knew that.
From the Pet Peeve Department:
This photo was taken by my man, Mr. B, at Watchung Train Station's Park Street drop-off last week. He bid me a quick adieu, exited the brown mini-van, walked up the stairs to the platform, then snapped this iphone pic -- as the occupants of the SUV continued a deep and meaningful conversation for several minutes, oblivious to the gridlock they were creating behind them.
This happens to us all the time at the Watchung drop-off. We're held hostage between several cars as the first guys in line take way too long kissing or discussing what’s for dinner. Ya know, they can wait curbside, and really get into it...and let us get on with our stressful lives.
Baristavillians -- what would you do? Tap gently on the window, honk the horn, or sit and stew?
Jersey boy Jon Bon Jovi is the celeb du jour being courted to lend his star power to politicians on the campaign trail. JBJ has been on the A-list since the Clintons brought him into the fold in the early 90's - even Republicans are smitten. From The New York Times:
There were dinners in East Hampton with Mrs. Clinton and another Democratic presidential candidate, John Edwards. Senator Barack Obama, her fiercest rival for the nomination, asked Mr. Bon Jovi to hear him speak in Midtown Manhattan. And Al Gore caught up with him in London for a photo op.In New Jersey, it is practically a requirement for any high-ranking politician to attend at least one of his shows. And despite his left-leaning political allegiances, Democrats and Republicans alike seek him out as if he were New Jersey’s very own Bono...And as someone who sings about his “plastic dashboard Jesus†and performs at concerts to fight global warming, his appeal is broad.
We can't even imagine the liquor store or the Shoprite, if this is the line at Gina's Panificio. The indefatigable Anthony Batson sent the picture and reported that there were 20 people waiting for their artisinal goodies. Any other gridlock alerts for your fellow readers?
If you're a fan of Garth Kravits (in chef's hat, left), the Baristaville resident who taught for years at Luna Stage and is now adviser to the Glen Ridge High School Drama Club, and you haven't been yet to see him in The Drowsy Chaperone, it's time to go. Drowsy closes on Sunday.
We went last Thursday and were all absolutely smitten by the show, a parody and love letter to the glittery Broadway musicals of the 1920's. The show is narrated by a semi-depressed theater fanatic with a large vinyl collection, who plays the record of a long-forgotten musical in his living room and periodically stops it -- leaving the cast frozen in their 1000-watt smiles -- as he makes arch observations and double entendres. The show started as a wedding present to a Toronto theater couple, Bob Martin and Janet Van De Graaff, which are also the names of the lead characters.
Drowsy is playing at the Marquis Theater in the Marriott Marquis.
The store is so new that the wifi hasn't even been set up, and there wasn't even any music going or CD's to buy. But there is plenty of parking. Open Christmas Eve til 11 pm, but closed on Christmas Day.
Not too put too fine a point on it, but if I were Mrs. Claus, I'd be telling my husband right now that he ought to be in Toys R Us or checking the oil in the reindeer, rather than out joyriding with Verona's bravest. Nevertheless, the fat guy just can't get enough riding around in fire engines and giving out candy canes. Photo by Anthony Batson, who can't get enough of his iPhone, from what we think, by his description, must be the Pilgrim Shopping Center in Verona.
We were there last night - it was a family-fest, as kids got their ya-yas out running between the open exhibits, and searching in the dark for reclusive animals. Our little ones were excited when we thought we'd come upon a reindeer, but it turned out to be an elk. He was cool, nevertheless. The inhabitants of the reptile pavilion were active, very active.
Bundle up, take a walk, get your turtleback. Hours and early holiday closings - after the jump.
Massages and spa treatments are always a nice indulgence...In Baristaville, we have our fair share of suppliers that will let you spa-it-up in style: in Bloomfield, there's the posh Flic Spa; in Montclair Center, there's Sahana Spa, and in Caldwell, Harmony Day Spa offers a sort of drive-through feature this weekend to cut down on stress for you and your giftee: just call ahead, make your purchase over the phone, pull up curbside to their shop, and they'll deliver your spa gift to your car, today and Sunday. Now that's service.
For all those little Hannah Montana fans, the official palace of trinkets and souvenirs opens tomorrow in Newark at the Pru Center. Forget about trying to buy tickets, though. But tell us if you're going.
...we are seeing more people buying for other people's pets." Thanks to the empty-nesters on one end, and young professionals too busy to marry and have children on the other, pets have become the stand-in for kids and spouses. Which means friends, family, and business associates must remember them at the holidays. Or else.If you need some ideas for the purr-fect pressie, you can find it all in Baristaville:
You'll find lots of cool and Christmas-y events on our calendar this weekend, including a new twist on an old favorite: 12 Miles West is doing a radio play version of the classic film "Miracle on 34th St" at Playwrights Theatre in Madison. Although 12MW is temporarily residing just outside the confines of Baristaville, the cast is still local -- Soula Garcia, an 8-year-old budding starlet from Bloomfield, is among the actors lending their voices to this project.
When you see this in a restaurant window, along with a sign offering both Latin and soul food, you're apt to do a double-take. At least we did. Read more about it on our Food page.
The AP has crowned Stephen Colbert "Celebrity of the Year.
He finished just a nudge above J.K. Rowling, who authored the final book in her enormously popular "Harry Potter" series. Finishing third was Al Gore, whose year included an Oscar, an Emmy, a Nobel Peace Prize and the global concert Live Earth.Colbert has declined interviews during the writers strike that has shuttered his show, but he told The Associated Press by e-mail:
"In receiving this award, I am pleased that I was chosen over two great spinners of fantasy — J.K. Rowling and Al Gore. It is truly an honor to be named the Associated Press' Celebrity of the Year. Best of all, this makes me the official front-runner for next year's Drug-Fueled Downward Spiral of the year. P.S. Look for my baby bump this spring!"
Other celebs Colbert trampled on his rise to the top include Britney Spears, Hannah Montana, Kenny Chesney and Kanye West.
Lionel Jordan of Michigan is missing. Jordan was visiting friends in Montclair and was last seen at the Bay Street Station on December 15. Jordan is 5'8", about 165 pounds and was wearing blue jeans and a black shirt. If you have any information, please contact the MPD at 973-744-1234.
Fliers are posted around town; more on the story here.
Here's an existential question for the times. The Star Ledger reports today about an 8 1/2 foot, 350 pound holiday nutcracker, which was temporarily removed from the Nutley Belleville Public Library because of liability concerns.
"I told the manager I didn't think it was safe," [Councilman Kevin] Kennedy said. "What if kids are running around in there and push it over? A kid could get killed, look at the size of that thing. As long as it's insured, I mean it's fine."
So after the man who built and donated the nutcracker to the library privately acquired $1 million of liability insurance, it was allowed back in.
Which leads us to scratch our heads. If the nutcracker toppled, killed a kid, and insurance paid the parents $1 million, that would be okay?
Liz George just called to tell us it just took her 45 minutes to go from exit 154 to exit 156 on the Garden State Parkway and implores northbound commuters to find another route.
Confirmation from 1010WINS:
8:19 AM (NEWARK) GARDEN STATE PKWY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN EXIT 144 (SOUTH ORANGE) AND EXIT 145 (RT 280) HEAVY TRAFFIC . THEN BEFORE EXIT 156 (CLIFTON) - VEHICLE ON FIRE - ONLY THE LEFT LANE IS GETTING BY (UNAUTHORIZED TRACTOR TRAILER FIRE) . TRAFFIC REPORTED JAMMED ABOUT 4 MILES INTO THE AREA
Meanwhile, if you're coming home late from the city these days, don't take Route 3. Traffic narrows to one lane over the Passaic Bridge, and it can take an hour an a half to get from the Meadowlands to Baristaville.
Why should the folks at the New York Times have all the fun? Did a public official say something funny this year? Send us your faves of 2007 -- either in comments or here, and we'll compile a list of bon mots from Baristanet.
Running out of ideas? We're here for you. If you hate that loud, noisy alarm sound of most smoke detectors, here's a soothing alternative. More gifts here.
Go here and read the latest Decamp public relations mess.
A reader writes...
I went for a blood test at the LabCorp office on Greenwood Avenue. Hoping to get in and out as fast as possible, I arrived 15 minutes before the office opened. The office was dark except for a flat screen TV playing LabCorp infomercials. There were two people in front of me waiting by the front door. On the other side of the parking lot I noticed a neatly dressed man in an SUV (with the engine running) reading the Post. I schmoozed with the guy in front of me until a nurse came to open the office. As we queued up to the front desk, the guy in the SUV stood next to the guy in front of me. The ensuing conversation went something like this:
Continue reading "Curb Your Enthusiasm: Montclair Edition" »
Not your usual pick-up...From the police files of Lt. Carlucci, Montclair PD:
A Montclair woman at South Park Bar & Grill on December 14 noticed her purse was missing and suspected a rip-off. She then left the bar and discovered her 2003 Saturn Ion, which she had parked on South Park Street, had been stolen.
A witness told police he saw an unknown suspect enter the victim's vehicle and drive away at approximately 12:45am. The suspect is described as a black male, 5'10", 175 lbs., early 20s, wearing a dark gray hooded jacket, a baseball cap, and sunglasses on top of the cap's brim. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Terence Turner at 973-509-4724.
Tonight, catch an Angel of a diva, for a devil of a good time. If you didn't get to Angel Williams' last local performance, don't miss her "So Damn Sexy Hip Hop Christmas Show."
Singer, songwriter, dancer, and choreographer, Angel Williams, will be hopping and bopping and bringing on the holiday cheer. Enjoy the dancing while Angel belts Christmas carols and songs from her So Damn Sexy CD. Admission tickets can be purchased at the door for $10, and includes a copy of Williams' new CD.
7:30 pm at the Diva Lounge, 369 Bloomfield Avenue, in Montclair.
Montclair wants to go on the offensive to control underage drinking and wild parties - but parents, as well as teens could become the target. Last week, the council floated three new ordinance proposals regarding serving, offering, and consuming alchohol including one that would make it illegal to serve alcohol in your home to minors. Exceptions, of course, are if the minors are your own kids, or if consumption is for religious purposes. From The Montclair Times:
Second Ward Councilwoman Robin Schlager oppoosed the introduction of this law, saying that she does not support underage drinking, but also does not believe that parents should act as police.
Offenders can be fined up to $350, and have their driving license suspended for six months. You can peruse the legalese of Ordinances 07-61, 62, and 63 in their entirety, on the town website.
While Soprano's director David Chase is defending his creative integrity in Trenton, we have a Sopranos-worthy real-life mob scene in the tri-state area. Law enforcement officials have busted the Lucchese crime family's multi-billion dollar gambling operation, allegedly with ties to the Bloods. From The Star Ledger:
"We discovered a disturbing new twist on old-school organized crime," [Attorney General Anne] Milgram said at a news conference at the West Orange Armory. "The alliance between the Lucchese crime family and the 9 Tre Gangster set of the Bloods was born of common interests these groups share: namely, violence, illegal drugs and quick profits."Among those charged were two of the Lucchese family's three New York bosses -- a triumvirate known as "the ruling panel" -- plus the highest-ranking member in New Jersey, reputed capo Ralph V. Perna, 61, of East Hanover, Milgram said.
In and around Baristaville, mob heavies were arrested in West Caldwell, Clifton, and Glen Ridge. 'Ridger Sam Juliano, 62, recently nailed for having live grenades at his Highland Avenue home, was arrested for money laundering, racketeering, conspiracy to distribute heroin, and bribery.
David Chase's controversial ending of the Sopranos left many of us questioning what really happened. Now, there are questions about the series' beginning.
If you've been following the latest Sopranos episode, turned daytime drama, you know that Chase feels he was backstabbed by attorney and former judge, Robert Baer, who claims to be a co-creator of the show and wants his payoff. Baer is suing Chase for consulting fees, claiming to have given Chase inspiration for the show; yesterday, Chase was in Trenton to testify in US District Court: From The Star Ledger:
"'The Sopranos is me, my mother, my uncles. He tried to take credit," Chase said of Baer. "It was my life, it was me. I try to be original in everything I do, and to have someone say I'm not original, well, it made me sick."
A friend at a weekend Christmas party told us of bizarre interaction with evangelists in Montclair Center last week.
He says he was walking past the Chase Bank on Bloomfield Ave., when he encountered a man and a woman with a sign that said, "Accept Jesus and the Roman Catholic Church."
When he walked past without acknowledging them, the evangelists told our friend, "You're going to hell" and "Oh, you're possessed."
Our friend started to argue, "Ghandi said-"
But the woman cut him off before he could finish the quote, "Religions are different roads, converging to the same point."
"Ghandi's in hell," she snapped.
Ok, so this is Outer Baristaville. Sue us. If you live in Essex County, you're plenty close enough to New York City to make a jaunt to this charming little Soho eatery over your Christmas break. And if you have out-of-town guests coming in, we're sure this will put a smile on their faces.
We're talking about Rice to Riches, the rice-pudding only establishment on 37 Spring Street between Mott and Mulberry, which only sells the carb-heavy mucilaginous Midwestern standby, but in such flavors: Perfectly Legal Pecan Pie (highly recommended!), Gingerbread Joyride, Secret Life of Pumpkin and even Sex Drugs and Rocky Road. (And many more. Flavors change daily.) Single-serving size is $5, but you can take home the Moby size for $35 and serve a party of 10.
Crossing the river cost 50 cents in 1937 when the Lincoln Tunnel opened. The Port Authority now wants to raise the price to $8 from $6.
You got a problem with that? If so, today's your last day to formally complain. The two final public hearings on the fare proposal, which includes a PATH fare hike, are today at 5 pm, one in Teaneck and one in Manhattan. Details here.
Is religious Christmas music really in short supply in Baristaville? Seen and heard last night at the Glen Ridge Train Station: the Glen Ridge High School Chorus, under the direction of Thomas Langmaack, performing "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Silent Night" and other standards.
In a historical footnote, Langmaack's previous job was at the South Orange-Maplewood school district, where the administration's ban of even instrumental Christmas music made national headlines in 2004.
The chorus raised $180 at last night's commuter caroling event.
If it's hard to imagine high-end hedonism happening on Broad Street in Bloomfield, you can be forgiven. The area known as the North Center is a mishmash of nail salons and pubs, anchored by a McDonald's and a CVS. But Lerrick Santos and Oliver Dimaya have carved a brand new spa out of the former Village Cupboard, and both the opulence and the prices may have you thinking you're actually on Church Street in Montclair.
Santos was an executive at Estee Lauder for 17 years, and got tired of hopscotching around the globe. Dimaya was a high-end optician, finding just the right specs for the Barbara Walters crowd. They have created Flic Spa as a place to practice both traditional and unusual forms of massage, including the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, an "ancient royal massage." That's one of the three two-hour Pacific massages that take place in the Raindance Room (left), which start with a sauna and end with a rain-like spritz from overhead. Not cheap: $195.
Over at the Deron School in Montclair, diggers have begun clearing the land for a new addition. The imminent construction has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood for months. Now there's concern about the longevity of the grand old oak trees bordering Christopher and Oxford Streets. At the site, two of the towering oak trees have been reduced to stumps, and ten others have been discreetly flagged with orange surveyor's tape. A tipster writes:
You may have seen the letter to the editor in last week's Montclair Times from a concerned citizen/neighbor regarding Deron School (Grove near Walnut) planning on cutting down the magnificent oak trees on their property. The writer said it is planned to happen this week. This would be a travesty...These oaks are easily over 100 years old....so it is like 1000 years of trees going all at once if this is true.
Calls to the Deron School went unanswered, however we got the low-down from Joe Hartnett, Town Manager. Four oaks will go, eight will remain.
Continue reading "Deron School's Old Oaks: Perish Or Persist?" »
Covering the restaurant scene in Montclair reminds me of a wedding: something old, something new, something borrowed, something Blu. Find out what's happening on Food.
Minutes ago, Governon Jon Corzine signed off on a bill abolishing the death penalty in New Jersey. NJ is the first state to say no to capital punishment in 40 years. The eight men currently on death row will serve out a life sentence. Rome, in celebration, is all lit up. Read more, from CBSnews.com.
Tom Parente, Associate Professor at Westminster Choir College of Rider University and a Baristaville piano teacher says our kids are missing out when schools outlaw traditional holiday music. Parente's got a freshman daughter at MHS and a son who graduated last June, now in college. "During the first three years of high school," writes Parente, "all the choruses and band would perform the Hallelujah chorus form Handel's Messiah along with a musical program in which some of the pieces were Kwanzaa, Christmas of Hanukkah oriented. It abruptly stopped the winter of 05." But, he insists, the musical tradtion must go on.
"This season has been marked by a conspicuous lack of musical joy in Montclair's high schools and middle schools. This is a great pity in view of the fact that much of the world's greatest masterpieces were written to mark this season and to celebrate the three great holidays of Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas.""When we, as a community, deny our children the opportunity to learn, perform and hear this rich body of music we withhold an essential part of our heritage. We also prevent our children from experiencing the joy, inspiration and uplifted spirit that has the power to counteract the crass commercialism and selfishness of the season."
Are we now to extend this censureship to other courses of study?
Montclair Police report there's been a rash of recent apartment and residential burglaries in the last few weeks. The most recent hits occured at Claremont Avenue, Walnut/North Fullerton, Orange Road and the 600 block of Valley Road.
We warned you not to leave your motor runnin', and now a word of caution from MPD: lock your windows, keep the exterior doors secure and report anything that seems unusual or suspicious to the police immediately. If there are problems with exterior doors or windows that do not lock, report it to the building super.
Locals who love the lay of the land around Brookdale Park met recently, to kick off The Brookdale Conservancy. Mary Shaugnessy reports:
"I've been waiting for this to happen for 50 years," said one of the first to come to the inaugural meeting of the budding Brookdale Park Conservancy, attended by over 30 local residents from Bloomfield and Montclair. The meeting was held at the Brookdale Reformed Church on Bellevue Ave. in Bloomfield, last Monday. Those at the meeting felt that Brookdale Park is a community treasure that needs a lot of thoughtful attention and care. It has a big community. Most of those at the meeting live on the streets next to the park. Thousands more come to the park from miles around. Many moved here because they wanted to live next to the park.
The Conservancy is an organization of people who want to take responsibility for protecting and nourishing the park.
Bundle up and hold on to your hats -- gusty winds are pushing temps down in the 20's, but with the wind chill it feels in the low teens. Roads are icy, slippery, and if you're flying today, local airports say check with your airline for delays. Drivers need to watch out for possilbe downed tree branches and power lines.
And in Baristaville, the top block of Berkeley Place, Montclair - a really steep cut-through between Upper Mountain and Valley Road - is particularly treacherous. Police have the area closed down. Resident Brian Latimer who lives on the slippery slope says "I fell down four times just trying to get out of the house."
A wind advisory is in effect this morning until 11 am.
Updates from tipsters, after the jump:
Guest writer Stephen Wells reviews the production of Doubt, playing at the George Street Playhouse in New Brunswick:
Perhaps more than any playwright of our time, John Patrick Shanley has the rare skill to create potent drama using an economy of words. His Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Doubt," currently being given a brass-knuckles production at George Street Playhouse through December 23, runs only 90 minutes yet works on so many levels that it needs no more time or verbiage to achieve full visceral and intellectual impact.
Where did you go -- what did you do? Did you spend the night home by the fire or were you at a holiday party or at one of the many restaurants in Baristaville (if so, where did you have dinner and what did you order)?
Indulge us dear readers, and tell us what you did last night and whether weather worries affected your decision making process.
All roads lead to Rome, even the Garden State Parkway. From The Associated Press:
The Sant'Egidio Community, which is at the forefront of an international anti-death penalty movement, said in a statement the Colosseum - once the arena for deadly gladiator combat and executions - will be illuminated next week, once Gov. Jon Corzine signs the legislation [banning the death penalty in New Jersey.]
With a doozy of a winter storm allegedly heading our way, we hear the parking lots at the Baristaville CVS and supermarkets are already crazy. There's only a few hours left to get out before the storm.
Freezing rain, sleet, snow, ice - New Jersey's going to get it all over the next 36 hours as two storm fronts converge over the region.The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch through tomorrow evening.
The wet stuff is predicted to start out as snow and sleet tonight before changing to freezing rain.
Sounds like it'll be a good night to stay off the roads.
Grist has become a leading contender to be The NY Times of Environmental Web Sites. [We've just had honor of previewing their soon to be revamped site in a usability study.]
Since yesterday marked the conclusion of the pre-Primary debate season it seems like a good time to compare the candidates' green positions using their handy chart. You can also watch videos of some of the candidates speaking at the first-ever presidential candidate forum focused on climate change and energy policy, co-sponsored by Grist.
Grist also teamed up with Outside to interview the candidatesabout green issues. They've published Q&As with all of the Democrats and a number of the Republicans.
from EcoRealty
Nat King Cole’s daughter Natalie made her mark on pop music, but did you know Nat's younger brother also has music chops?
Freddy Cole is a Grammy-nominated pianist and jazz singer who croons his need to break away from his famous sibling’s shadow with songs like “I’m Not My Brother, I’m Me†(Watch Cole on YouTube). Judging from the gushing reviews he's received from the likes of The New York Times, People magazine, and legendary jazz lyricist and singer Jon Hendricks, he's clearly made a name for himself in his own right.
Hear him for yourself when he performs holiday jazz standards at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (sopacnow.org) at One SOPAC Way in South Orange on Saturday December 15 at 8 p.m.
Eileen at PlanetMom watched online as our readers responded to their free tee contest. But as usual, the Baristanet crowd proved to be a different breed. She writes:
Funny how the readers have decided to brainstorm their own lines rather than post ours : ) That's never happened before and we've run this in CA, CT, Hawaii and IL.
Well, whaddya expect? Nevertheless, rules are rules; and as much as we loved hearing your childhood stories and original suggestions -- only one of you followed instructions! "civilservant" wins!
See more images of yesterday's storm taken in Brookdale Park by Peter Gargiulo, after the jump:
Hibernating at home probably looks pretty appealing this weekend. But if you're considering venturing out in the cold in search of entertainment, our calendar is bubbling over with good theater for people big and small. Check out A Christmas Carol, Stuart Little (pictured here), This Is What I Really Think, Pooh's Christmas Carol and the Santaland Diaries. And for dance fans, 'tis the season for the Hip Hop Nutcracker.
The political correctness police has taken away candy, soda and junk food, said no to cupcake parties and in some cases, banned the "C" word (...er, that's Christmas) in schools across the country. OK, so we're learning to live with it. What's next? Some schools are regulating how kids have fun during recess, and want to put a stop to playing soccer, tag, dodgeball, and keeping score. From The New York Times.
The traditional recess, a rite of grade school, is endangered not only in the Oakdale School here in Montville, [CT] a town of 18,500. From Cheyenne, Wyo., to Wyckoff, N.J., recess — long seen as a way for children to develop social competence, recharge after long lessons, and resist obesity — is being rethought and pared down.Instead, children are encouraged to jump rope, play with Hula Hoops or gently fling a Frisbee. Balls are practically controlled substances, parceled out under close supervision by playground monitors...In Wyckoff, N.J., freestyle recess has become a “midday fitness†class. Student have fewer options for activities and are told to keep moving.
A tipster who's been behind the wheel reports on this morning's road conditions:
I had the pleasure of driving through Montclair, Verona, West Orange and Millburn between 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. this morning, after yesterday's storm. I felt compelled to pass along my observations on the snow plowing/clearing on public roads by these towns.
Find out, according to the tipster, who made the grade, who flunked:
New Jersey is about to become the 14th death penalty-free state. From The Star Ledger...
After more than two hours of emotional debate about justice and retribution, the Assembly yesterday gave final approval to a bill to abolish New Jersey's death penalty, sending the measure to the desk of a governor who is eager to sign it into law.The lawmakers voted 44-36 to replace the state's never-used death penalty with life in prison without parole. The Senate passed the bill Monday. Gov. Jon Corzine said yesterday he expects to sign it in a matter of days, making New Jersey the first state to repeal its capital punishment law in more than 30 years.
They tried to stop it -- unsuccessfully. Now you can watch the space between these houses (pictured) get filled. From the Montclair Times...
A Harvard Street couple’s unpopular plan to build a new house next to their own home squeaked past the Planning Board by a single vote Monday night.The issue was decided through a rare split decision, 5-4.
Some board members felt the property owners were entitled to put up the two-story house, and that it would fit in seamlessly with the street’s other dwellings.
Watch it here; comment here...
But if I were, I wouldn't be able to tell you about a great holiday babysitting fundraiser held by high school sophomores in a nearby Maplewood troop. Why? Girl Scouts nationwide are not allowed to publicize their fundraisers via posts on message boards, blogs, or Web sites. Nor can they send e-mail blasts to people they don't know without prior consent. And it's not just a rule in the books. A detailed post on Maplewood Online about the event (happening through Dec. 22 according to flyers around town) was summarily taken down, per the request of a local scout leader.
Seem old-school (or at least sooo not Web 2.0) to you?
Mutant cantaloupe-sized Christmas ornaments appear miraculously on trees along the Garden State Parkway.
From Fox News...
It started before Thanksgiving at mile marker 58.2 with two glass ornaments, with a shiny red ball about the size of a cantaloupe, and a smaller oblong red ornament with swirly gold glitter running from top to bottom.Then, one by one, more decorations started popping up. On Monday, a large silver bell appeared hanging from a branch on a tree on the other side of the road. Tuesday it was a burgundy apple-shaped ornament about the size of a medium pumpkin.
Joseph Orlando, a spokesman for the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, which also operates the Parkway, was unaware of the decorations until he was contacted by The Associated Press.
His first thought: "Somebody has a lot of holiday spirit, which is great, but a lot of spare time at night, which is not so great."
His second thought: "I'm just afraid in today's climate we're going to have to put up a Menorah on the northbound side."
Random acts of ornamenting -- sounds like a great way to advertise...
Continue reading "Secret Santa Strikes GSP, Authorities Mystified" »
Bloomfield gets 20%, Glen Ridge sees a 10% gain and Montclair? Just 2%!
From the New York Times...
The proposed increases represent the largest gain in state aid in more than a decade for some affluent suburban districts, but they were a sharp disappointment for many historically poor urban districts that have received more support in the past. Last year, every district also received an increase in state aid, with the increases varying from 3 percent for wealthier districts to 10.3 percent for those less well off.
Mouse over your town to see more details here.
Montclair Councilor-at-large Ted Mattox announced he will run for Mayor of Montclair in the 2008. If you've been following the local council circus, or have attended any of Mattox's "Listening Nights" it wouldn't take a crystal ball to predict Mattox's decision.
In a press release received last night, Mattox says his priorities as Mayor will be "to rein in taxes, promote environmentally progressive initiatives, support educational excellence for all students, restore Montclair’s historic charm, and aggressively pursue an open and transparent municipal government that serves as a model for all of New Jersey."
“Montclair residents deserve to get their money’s worth at every level, from the municipality as well as the school district," says Mattox.
Mattox will run on a "Thrive Montclair" ticket. Three residents have already joined his team: Starr Daniels, Roger Plawker and Mark Reynolds.
Today's first early school closing notice came in for Little Falls:
THE LITTLE FALLS TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS WILL HAVE A SINGLE SESSION DISMISSAL ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13TH AS A RESULT OF THE IMPENDING SNOWSTORM SCHOOL #1 WILL DISMISS AT 12:50 P.M, AND SCHOOOL #2/3 WILL DISMISS AT 1:20 P.M
And MKA, we've just learned, is closed for the whole day in anticipation of the weather.
Update: We hear that Clifton schools will have an emergency half-day schedule.
The PTA Council meeting scheduled for tonight in Montclair has been cancelled.
UPDATE: This just in from Glen Ridge.
ALL After-School Activities and Athletics have been cancelled due to inclement weather. Discovery Series is Cancelled. After-Care will be open until all children are picked up. Please pick up your children as soon as you are able. Drive safely.
After school activities in Montclair are cancelled in all schools; after care will remain open.
If you should hear about other district closings in and around Baristaville before we do (gasp!) post the info here, in comments, or email us here.
Barista Deb Galant just loves to talk about the weather. She's hooked up with weather monitoring devices and subscribes to emergency weather alerts, just so she'll know when it's ok to start panicking, canceling book signings, and stocking up on chicken soup... Did you know about her amazing meteorologist imitation?
Deb passes on the latest word on the cold, snowy stuff heading to Baristaville - up to six inches predicted tomorrow morning in Northern NJ:
A STORM SYSTEM WILL BRING SNOW TO N. PORTIONS OF THE FORECAST AREA & A MIXTURE OF SNOW & SLEET TO S. PORTIONS.COLD HIGH PRESSURE BUILDS INTO N. NY STATE TONIGHT BEFORE SLOWLY MOVING INTO N. NEW ENGLAND THUR AFTERNOON.
But wait, there's more:
Yeah, it's cold in the morning, you get your motor runnin' to warm up the car, but don't be getting too much comfort, lest you want to spread happy tidings to a joy-riding thief, says Montclair Police.
For the past two winters, MPD says eight to ten cars were stolen from right under the owners' noses, when left unattended with the motor running. Don't do it!
Need to run in the house for something or bolt into a store for a cuppa joe? Take your keys with you - or invite an opportunist to steal your car. Sounds elementary, it happens all the time, says Lt. Robert Rowan; cars disappear from people's driveways in seconds.
On Monday, Lt. Carlucci reported this season's first two victims:
Just bag it. That's what you can say to the recent parking meter increases in Montclair, at least through Dec.26, because it's free, for two hours - your holiday gift from the local parking authority. And although the no-pay and play policy would've been nice through New Year's Eve, I'll take what I can get.
But one tipster in town today photographed meters at the South Fullerton Lot, wondering: is this a test? Some meters are baggy and right next to them, others are bagless. Whassup?
The Word from MPA: all one-hour and two-hour metered parking in town is free. Don't make the mistake of pulling into a three-hour spot without plunking down some quarters.
If you have questions, see some meters crying for a bag - or a good scrubbing - call the Montclair Parking Authority, Monday – Friday 8:00am - 4:30 pm, at 973-509-4997. And in the spirit of the season, don't be naughty, be nice.
Continue reading "Montclair 2008: Time For A Total Makeover?" »
We all love free stuff, right? Especially at this gift-giving time of year. The Executive Moms at PlanetMomTshirts.com are offering our readers the chance to win an apparel item of their choice bearing clever slogans for today's uber-moms and dads. My favorite, at left, is "In My Next Life, I Want to Come Back As My Kids."
All you have to do to enter the contest is visit PlanetMomTshirts.com, read over the slogans on their tees, boxers, hats, pants, and hoodies (Whine? No. Wine? PTA Reject, I need a playdate, Star of my own Reality Show, etc.) and post your favorite line below, in comments, with a short statement about why it's your favorite.
The Baristas will decide on the winners and let you know by Friday. We know you'll be funny, witty, creative, and winners will get their tee in time to slip it under the Christmas tree.
Our sources at Bloomfield High say the BOE was quick to get a job posting up for a new music teacher, to replace David Scheck, who was fired after his arrest on suspicion of sexual misconduct with a minor in another school district.
In the meantime, the music must go on! A tipster reports that District Supervisor Dr. John S. Pierce is picking up the slack - conducting music classes with the help of Superintendent of Schools Frank Digesere, who's keeping the school band in tune. Digesere was teaching band last Thursday morning, and seen with students on the green when the bomb scare came in.
Continue reading "Bloomfield High Marching To Beat Of A Different Drum" »
Monday, NJ Senate voted 21-16 in favor of abolishing the death penalty, which historically dates back to 1668, when 11 criminal acts, including being a witch, could warrant execution. Tomorrow, the state assembly will have a final vote to bury the death penalty law. From The Independent:
The New Jersey decision will have minimal actual impact – only eight inmates are currently on death row and no one has been executed for more than 40 years – but the passage of a law finally repealing the death penalty would resonate across the country.
A poll released yesterday says that New Jerseyans are on the fence about killing the death penalty altogether.
Continue reading "NJ Death Penalty Facing Final Execution" »
Yet another environmentally friendly twist on the holidays: When Cory Booker flips the switch to light the Christmas tree tomorrow afternoon at Newark's 22nd annual tree lighting, he won't be adding any cost to the city's electric bill. The lights on the 30-foot Norwegian Spruce are powered by solar panels.
Last Thursday, neighbors on Highland Avenue in Glen Ridge were evacuated when a live grenade was found during a cocaine-related bust of a 62-year-old man.
Continue reading "Bomb Squad Called To Glen Ridge Drug Bust" »
After a lifetime of being told to be quiet inside libraries, tonight's your chance to make noise: It's open-mic night at the Montclair Library (the party happens every Tuesday, 6:30-8:30). You're invited to jump up on stage to sing a few bars or tell a joke. Or just join the crowd as an audience member -- no cover charge, and Cafe Eclectic contributes free food and drink. So show up unannounced or call 973-744-0500 x2235 for more info. And if one open-mic night isn't enough for you...
Continue reading "Shhh... the "No Talking" Rule is Temporarily Suspended" »
Not necessarily. At an informal Democratic caucus held last weekend at a restaurant in Roselle Park, contender John Edwards was the winner. Over at the Blue Jersey blog, they weren't just surprised at the outcome, but by how ham-handed Clinton organizers were in the caucus room.
Lead paint. Lethal magnets. Asbestos fibers. Holiday toy shopping is a little different this year. Instead of just making sure our kids won't put their eyes out, we're now wondering if new holiday goodies will poison our offspring, lower their future SAT scores or perforate their digestive systems.
Montclair mom Ashley DiGeronimo was among those quoted in a MarketWatch piece yesterday about toy safety, saying she never gave a thought during previous holidays to the risks from things like lead paint. Still, she's not panicking this year: "After three months of this, I would think the recall situation is under control," she told MarketWatch.
Odds are many toys out there are safe, but parents and other gift buyers may not be entirely satisfied with those odds. How about you? Has this year's recall drama impacted your holiday shopping?
Last year, the scheduled demolition of a historic home at 354 Orange Road took Montclair's town council by surprise. Unable to delay the demolition of the circa 1890 residence, in a matter of hours the house was gone.
The council wants to prevent that from happening again, and tonight they are introducing an ordinance to establish a demolition review process for any "potentially historic" building. From The Star Ledger:
This gives us the ability to send demolition permits to the historic preservation commission for expedited reviews," said Joyce Michaelson, the deputy mayor and at- large councilor who has repeatedly floated the idea as an alternative to "knee-jerk" reactions to head off teardowns.If adopted, Montclair -- ranked as one of New Jersey's most teardown-prone communities -- would extend an oversight it now affords to designated homes under its historic preservation ordinance.
Sure, make fun if you want. You can call our realtors deluded, but living here is still good enough for half the staff of the New York Times.
Here's the entry...
A couple of real estate agents are seriously deluded and declaring Montclair, NJ as "Park Slope West" (something The NY Times covered two years ago). They stand by their claim and the town's "urban-suburban setting" which boasts a theater, a museum, shops and even a "great commute".SuckersProspective buyers are brought to the suburbs in a limo, and are wined and dined at the “Park Slope-style†restaurant, Raymond’s. Recently a curious Brooklynite and a Brooklyn Paper reporter took the tour de Jerz...only to be picked up in a minivan (reportedly the limo was out of service that day).
If you saw a Tonka toy on steroids in Montclair on Friday, this is why.
While we're at it -- what was your all-time favorite toy as a child?
Are you going for jury duty soon? Here's what you can look forward to...
The new Essex County jury rooms opened last week, boasting amenities that make it "the best in the state, says Joyce Goldman, director of constituent services, who adds "It's a far cry from our old dingy rooms on the 4th floor of the Veterans Courthouse. We moved the Jurors to the lobby floor, with a separate entrance, separate rest rooms, plasma TVs, a quiet reading room, and a room of carrels fit for laptops. Also, vending machines, and a coffeebreak area.â€
What's next -- lattes and wireless? We can only hope.
UPDATE: Houston, we have wifi.
From the New York Times...
On a recent Friday night this fall, while a number of my neighbors were watching Jodie Foster blow away bad guys at the Maplewood Cinema, I was a few blocks away in this middle-class New Jersey suburb, getting mugged.Mugged? When I told people in the days after, it almost seemed retro, as if I had decided to put on A Flock of Seagulls album or go to a roller disco.
The "Tuscan-inspired" "sophisticated urban village" that will be the Siena at Montclair was having an open house yesterday, but unfortunately this was all we could see of it when we visited at 4:30 pm. A sudden elevator failure stopped the tours cold, and Siena reps wouldn't let prospective visitors use the stairs.
While sitting in the Siena Starbucks, we did hear about the Siena from people who got in earlier, when the elevators were still functioning. The most surprising feature they reported was that the entire building is heated by electricity, individually metered. Maybe that explains why it was positively frigid in the Starbucks -- at least in the lounge seats near the window.
For others who missed the apartment tours, you can see it virtually.
Daniel Fishbein, Glen Ridge Schools Superintendent, spoke out against Governor Corzine's proposal for a new school funding formula that would redistribute one billion Special Ed dollars - based on the relative wealth of school districts... Guess who the winners would be, and who stands to lose. From The New York Times:
In Glen Ridge, where total state aid makes up 4.5 percent of the $23.8 million school budget, the superintendent, Dan Fishbein, pointed out that the district had already had to shift money from regular education programs to cover the increasing cost of special education. He said the new formula could create divisions between parents who have special education students and those who do not.
Continue reading "Smaller Piece of the Special Ed Pie For Baristaville?" »
A big Baristaville High Five goes to jazz pianist Emmet Cohen, who'll be making the scene in Los Angeles to perform at the 2008 Grammy Awards in February. Emmet, a senior at Montclair High, won a national competition - and was singled out from hundreds of high school jazz musicians to play in the Grammy Jazz Band. He was selected to play in a 4-person combo - the highest award.
17-year-old Emmet gigs locally, and jams on Tuesday nights at Cecil's in West Orange on the Hammond B3 organ. He started playing piano at the age of three-and-a-half, and just recently switched from classical to jazz.
We got to listen to a DVD of his rendition of "Cheek to Cheek," submitted for the competition - it blew us away. Now, we'll plan to catch a local performance.
You can also catch the Emmet Cohen Trio performing at the Shanghai Jazz Club, Madison, on Wed., Jan. 2nd Thursday, Jan. 3.
The Passaic River basin will acquire a new crop of environmental stewards thanks to an environmental education grant awarded this week to Montclair State University.
At a ceremony in Branch Brook Park, EPA Regional Administrator Alan J. Steinberg presented a $39,888 check to Dr. Susan A. Cole, President of Montclair State University, and Dr. Kirk Barrett, Director of Montclair State University’s Passaic River Institute. The Institute is training teachers and high school students to study the ecology and quality of the Passaic River waters.
from EcoRealty
Continue reading "MSU's Passaic River Center Wins EPA Grant" »
Bobby should get back to music anyway.Posted by Joe South | February 2, 2007 5:01 PM
This is one of the 123 comments posted on Baristanet, when we bid our farewell to Montclair's nexus of nostalgia, the Soda Pop Shop. "Bobby," of course, is the former restaurant's owner, Bobby Restaino. Bobby told us he planned to reopen a Soda Pop Shop in a different location, but from what we hear, he's still taking a break from the restaurant business. And as our readers know, the comments - well, he can take 'em or leave 'em.
But Bobby, a life-long muscian, has apparently taken Joe South's comment to heart. Here's what he told The Montclair Times:
Check out our calendar for a slew of cool events that will feed your brain and body this weekend, including...
Readings and book signings at Watchung Booksellers and yummy treats and lots of kid-centric fun at the Women's Club of Glen Ridge. You can also visit the Imagination Station at Montclair Art Museum or show your love for Bloomfield Avenue businesses by stopping in at the launch party for "Shop on the Avenue."
The topic is "Global Warming: The Latest Developments with the Science, with the State and with the Federal Government."
Gray Russell, Environmental Coordinator, Montclair, Matt Elliott, Global Warming and Clean Energy Advocate for Environment New Jersey, and Bill Wolfe (invited), Director of the N.J. Chapter of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, are among the forum participants.
They will present findings from the recent report of the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the dangers and ramifications of severe climate change, and what we can do about it.
Walnut Street merchants are having a party - to get you in the holiday spirit! Their holiday street fair is Saturday, December 8, 11 am-3 pm.
Get to know the neighborhood, and stop in at some of great shops, restaurants, bakeries and galleries. Enjoy special discounts, food sampling, and live music. Luis Manuel (percussion), John Ehlis (roving mandolin), and Carlos Morales (guitarist) will be performing at the Kling Gallery. For other holiday events and entertainment, be sure to check our Calendar.
Baristaville's resident historian and art collector, Frank Gerard Godlewski, recently lept over the hill from Montclair, to inhabit a wooded retreat in Essex Fells. He's been telling us for months what a special place his new digs, "Fellsbridge" is -- a striking 1957 "concept house" designed by Edward Bowser Jr. -- overlooking what is virtually his own private Idaho, surrounded by wildlife, woods, and stream.
Fellsbridge is the first of eight stops on this year's Christmas Walk - a holiday house tour sponsored by the Women's Club of Caldwell. The tour is this Sunday, December 9, noon to 4:30. Tickets, $20.00, can be purchased at 249 Runnymede Road in Essex Fells or the Women's Club Headquarters at 31 Westville Avenue, Caldwell during their Holiday Food Festival, 11-5pm. For more information, call 973-226-2307.
Bloomfield Police arrested two boys - ages 15 and 16 - suspected to be involved with the recent spate of bomb threats at the school. From Bloomfield Life:
Two Bloomfield High School (BHS) students, both juveniles were arrested yesterday in connection to at least four bomb threats made against the school in the past two months.The four threats were among 11 that have been made against the school recently.
The juveniles – both males, one 16 years old and one 15 years old – were arrested at around noon. One of the suspects was in the cafeteria and one was in class.
Continue reading "Bloomfield Teens Arrested For Bomb Threats " »
There were more entertaining comments from CleverCommute, this time, like a storybook adventure. Earlier this week, a Baristaville commuter on her way home sent these two messages from the train:
Slippery tracks by Glen Ridge...prepare for a little trouble (we can't get enough traction to get up the 'hill') "The Little Train That Could:...After a running start from somewhere between Bloomfield and Glen Ridge, we made it up the hill."
NJT's Dan Stessel slipped us this explanation:
Soaring taxes and high real estate prices are responsible for a reshuffling of the racial mix in Montclair schools, say officials at Montclair's Board of Ed. At the most recent meeting, the BOE announced enrollment of African-Americans has dropped by 106 students, mostly in the elementary schools. From The Montclair Times:
“We have roughly the same percentage of minority students today that we had back in the 1960s,†Alvarez said...As black students have moved out of the district, their numbers have been replaced by other minorities, including Hispanics and Asians, he said.“Many families simply can’t afford to live here in Montclair,†[assistant to the superintendent Bruce] Dabney said in explaining the reason for the drop. “The cost of living here is just too much.â€
Dabney, who spoke to many of the affected families, said they were migrating to West Orange and other neighboring Essex County municipalities where they were able to find less costly housing, yet remain near Montclair.
Continue reading "Montclair Schools: Diversity Up, Black Enrollment Down" »
As a person whose first hour of work takes place in bed, where the only logistical issues have to do with the angle of the pillow and the angle of the laptop, it's always interesting waking up to a flurry of messages from CleverCommute. It makes me feel sort of like an anthropologist, studying the harried lifestyle of the briefcase-toter.
This morning, all the excitement was about a drawbridge in Kearney, stuck in the up position, which caused delays, made it impossible to run Midtown Direct and temporarily rerouted trains through Hoboken.
Everything's fixed now, but the record of the crisis remains.
If you're in the city tomorrow or Saturday, stop over at St. Malachy's Church/Actors' Chapel Square, where you'll experience an amazing art exhibition created by orphaned children of Russia as part of Project Radiance.
Guests are invited to enter a world of fantasy as seen through the eyes of Russian children. The children’s work, part of an art therapy project, is available for sale. All proceeds go to Project Radiance. Schedule in the jump; events are open to the public...
Continue reading "Project Radiance: Winter Through The Eyes Of Children" »
At least I feel like I did, after reading up on Baristanet staffer Katie Mancine's recent trip on her blog. Favorite moments: the close-up of Hercules' face, this photo and her hunger-inducing description of gnocchi with Parmesan and pears. Check it out (and be sure to scroll down for her incredible photos) at stopkatie.com.
Montclair State's University Hall is closed. Students were evacuated in response to a bomb threat.
University Hall has been evacuated until further notice. Please stay clear of the building. Further information will be posted as soon as possible.
There has not been any evacuation at Bradford School.
Update:
University Police conducted a full search of University Hall, after a bomb threat was received earlier this morning. After a complete search no device was found. Faculty and staff are now allowed to re-enter the building. Students may re-enter the building at 2:15 p.m. Classes will resume at 2:30 p.m.
Bloomfield high school students were evacuated yesterday and this morning in response to bomb threats.
From the school's website
BHS SAFE HAVEN EVACUATION UPDATE: Bloomfield High School received bomb threats on the afternoon of Weds., Dec. 5 and on the morning of Thurs., Dec. 6. In both instances all were evacuated from the building. Established emergency management procedures were followed. The school building was searched by both emergency and district personnel; students/staff re-entered when the building was deemed safe for occupancy. BPD personnel are making every effort to identify those responsible for these events.
Big boom in a building on Olive Street this morning. From the Star Ledger...
A gas-fired boiler exploded this morning in a Bloomfield duplex basement, buckling floors, blowing out walls and leaving residents startled but unharmed, officials said.
Residents were unharmed; a fireman was injured.
Know how to wield a baton and coax Elgar out of teenagers? Bloomfield High is looking for a new band director. The Board of Ed has fired the music teacher David Scheck, arrested Friday on charges of having sexual relations with a 15-year-old (in a previous job). More from Bloomfield Life, here.
Why are these women playing point and shoot?
Several tipsters alerted Baristanet to a distressing lawn sign spotted in the Oakview section of Bloomfield. It's a shout for help from the homeowner who says an intruder stole the family's three pet rabbits from their home. The rabbits are described as medium/large English mini-lops, with black and white fur.
"My kids are devastated. I'm numb, I'm exhausted," she told us. Thousands of commuters pass our street every day. I'm hoping someone who knows something will contact Bloomfield police immediately."
How many reasons do you need to check out Baristaville's newest gourmet deli? Well, we have a few. Read about what's cooking at Jackie's Grillette, on Food.
One of the long-standing controversies of New Jersey high school sports is whether it's fair for public school teams to be competing against private schools who are known to recruit students for their athletic prowess. Many sports directors are saying no, and in Baristaville, some of the schools want out. From The Star Ledger:
Athletic directors in Bloomfield and Nutley said they will inform the Northern New Jersey Interscholastic League tomorrow they plan to leave the athletic conference after a statewide vote to split public and private schools into separate leagues fell eight votes short. Several other public school athletic directors say they are considering such a move.John Porcelli, athletic director at Montclair and a member of the NJSIAA's special committee to address the public-private issue, said his school is "seriously considering" opting out of the NNJIL.
"I would hope the NJSIAA doesn't turn its back on what 50 percent of its membership is saying," Porcelli said. "But how far they are willing to go is up in the air. We're not going to continue putting our athletes on an unlevel playing field."
So we ask you, readers:
We hear a lot of complaints from Baristaville commuters, but this is a new one: A tipster writes:
Dear Baristanet: I want to draw the attention of your readers to a dangerous eyesore that I and many other commuters have to battle each day. It's the Walnut Street station platform which also doubles as outside smoking, drinking and vomitorium area for patrons of the Erie Restaurant and Bar.Apparently when some patrons are finished with their Buds it's the custom to throw it to the ground, seeing how many pieces they can smash it into. I have lost count of the number of times I have dodged broken beer bottle glass making my way up the steps from the parking lot. I snapped a pic to show show one of today's (Tuesday's) broken bottles.
A reader named Greg writes...
Wife and I got a night away from the baby last night. We go for a nice dinner at Bangkok Kitchen in Caldwell.Then we want to relax and have a cozy drink. We'd prefer not to go back to our couch at home, since that's our typical evening.
Theater-critic-at-large Stephen Wells reviews The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's "A Christmas Carol."
The obvious challenge facing any theater company in mounting "A Christmas Carol" as its seasonal offering is how to make this Dickensian chestnut fresh for an audience that knows the tale inside out.
While Bonnie J. Monte, like most directors, uses a grab bag of theatrical tricks and conceits to achieve this in her production, the difference is that none of her choices are imposed on the material but rather grow organically out of it.
Continue reading "Bah-Humbugging (Without the Treacle) in Madison" »
It's not easy being near a college. MSU and Clifton aren't getting along. Meanwhile, in South Orange, they've got troubles, too. Shari Noland reports...
You'd think the obvious hot topic at a special public safety meeting for residents who live near Seton Hall University in South Orange would be the four recent armed robberies that occurred near the campus within the span of one week. Not so. Upon learning the assailants are still on the lam and that the back-to-back incidents are somewhat being shrugged off by police as a fluke (the cases are still open), several residents started in on a litany of troublesome stories about big kids behaving badly.
From the Star Ledger...
New Jerseyans would eventually be able to buy liquor, beer or wine at supermarkets or convenience stores -- like consumers in 45 other states -- under a bill debated before a Senate committee yesterday.The director of the state Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Jerry Fischer, said the proposal is opposed by the Corzine administration.
"When I see a 15-year-old walk into a liquor store, I assume there is a problem," said Fischer. "When I see a 15-year-old walk into a supermarket, I can't assume anything. I have very valid concerns. The Economics Committee needs to consider very carefully the idea of changing the two-license limitation."
Deana Lykins, a consultant retained by the N.J. Food Council, the lobbying arm for such supermarket chains as Acme, Stop & Shop, Pathmark, Whole Foods and Quick Chek, spoke in favor of changing the current system.
"The existing law is anti-competitive, unfair and riddled with loopholes," Lykins said. "It is a protectionist measure for one part of the liquor industry."
Real Estate developer Jay Schweppe has been speaking with Montclair officials about a proposal to construct townhomes or condos around the corner from The Siena condos. According to The Star Ledger (link not available), Schweppe is making plans to develop his 1.23-acre property on Plymouth Street - home to the former Gibbs College. His plans will be formally presented in a few weeks, according to Director of Planning, Karen Kadus. Jim Faloni, owner of a 17-unit apartment building across the street on Trinity Place, was positive about the proposed changes. From The Star Ledger:
"The makeover of the long-vacant property with overgrown hedges," he said, "would be a welcome addition"..."Anything would be an improvement," said Faloni...
A reader writes...
Yesterday, Montclair High's football team lost to East Orange, 31-13, in the Division I championships. I'm not much of a football fan, but did go to Giants Stadium to watch the game ( and to hear the Montclair High marching band...) Two disappointing ref calls hurt Montclair: 1. A (2nd Quarter?) Montclair interception of an East Orange pass, in the end zone, was ruled as a trap rather than a catch; the ref said the ball hit the ground before the Montclair player caught it. 2. In the third quarter, on an East Orange kickoff, the kicker grazed the ball, which toppled from the tee, and rolled about 6 inches before stopping. The ball was grabbed by a Montclair player, who ran it to the end zone for an apparent touchdown. But the ref said that a whistle was inadvertently blown right after the kick. He nullified the play, and the kickoff was repeated...without a Montclair end zone run. Montclair's star running back, Tahron Green, left the game with a sprained ankle in the first quarter, and his replacement suffered an ankle sprain in the the third quarter. Lots of Montclair fans were there. The players and the band deserve plenty of recognition for enduring the frigid cold - it was really freezing - and there was a very nice show of support from their high school classmates and from other Montclair football fans.Here's the play by play of yesterday's game from the Star Ledger.
You think Christmas is coming early this year? Try Chanukah! The Jewish festival of lights starts at sunset tomorrow. That's right, December 4.
What to get for the Yiddishe Mama on your list? Well, here's one suggestion. Go down to the Gas Lamp Players Costume Shop, 17 Herman St. in Glen Ridge, and pick up some of the free-trade, guilt-free and whimsical delights that have been collected by Gas Lamp impresario Jessica Sporn. Pictured finger-free handwarmers $15. Also for sale: many charming bracelets, necklaces and cuff links made from old typewriter keys (starting at $30), cruelty-free leather journals (no animals slaughtered for these diaries, $12 to $15), candy-wrapper bags ($20 to $250), jean pocket refrigerator magnets ($10) and unbelievably cuddly hats that are in fact 85% recycled plastic bottles ($25).
Hours are Wednesday and Saturday, 10 to 2, Tuesday and Thursday 4-6 and by appointment: 973.707.7884.
Remember we told you about the councilman from South Orange who needed to wash his mouth out with soap and the e-mail campaign that followed. Here's more from the Star Ledger...
Jennings said she will not accept Rosner's apology until she believes it is sincere. She said Rosner's outburst fits a pattern of verbally abusive language that has surfaced in e-mails."I do not accept the conduct of Isaiah Thomas, Don Imus, music recordings and other media and entertainment outlets that promote vulgarity, violence and misogynist products toward women and people in general," Jennings said. She said the comments do carry racial overtones because she doubts Rosner would have disparaged her if she was white.
Rosner, 54, said he regrets his remarks and apologized to Jennings before hundreds of people at a Nov. 19 meeting.
"I did not realize how much some words hurt and how my words hurt you," he said, seated next to Jennings. "It is clear to me now that certain words hurt people more than they hurt other people."
Montclair is pulling out all the stops for their twentieth annual town-sponsored First Night party, including signing on The Fab Faux, a Beatles impersonation band, to the tune of $30,000. But there's more...Cirque le Masque, New Jersey Ballet, and Sponge Bob. From The Star Ledger:
"We really think this is a slam-dunk. We really do," said Eileen Sheehan, Montclair's senior events coordinator, who was summoned to appear before Montclair's council on Tuesday night amid worries about the price tags for the premium acts.The council was asked to sign off on resolutions authorizing a $30,000 contract for the Beatles tribute band, and another $30,000 contract for the European-style circus.
A fatal accident has closed Rt. 3 eastbound, starting right before the Meadowlands. Traffic is being diverted onto Rt. 17 north. Expect delays.
Load up on candy, sprinkles, and frosting: tomorrow, creative fun and a contest for budding gingerbread-house architects of all ages.
At "Gingerbread Workshop" you'll create, and enter your unique gingerbread home or habitat in Essex County's 3rd Annual Gingerbread Homes and Habitats Contest.
Sweet! Some materials will be provided; however, builders are advised to bring their own supply of gumdrops, licorice, Necco wafers, M&M's, etc. to build their brightest and best. Entries for the contest must be completed for the judges by 7 pm. This program is free, and open to the public. Monday, December 3, 3-7 pm.
The sugary masterpieces will be on display Dec. 5 - 14. Essex County Environmental Center, 621B Eagle Rock Avenue, Roseland, NJ
Volunteers at the John A. Bukowski Shelter in Bloomfield are trying to find good homes for these guys for the holiday. They even dressed up for the pictures! The animals thank you!
And don't forget about Reba who's been in the shelter way too long!
Read the doggie descriptions after the jump!
From The Montclair Times:
Considered one of the greatest defensemen in the history of NJ high school ice hockey, Johansson's kindness and ability to light up a room are the qualities friends will truly remember him by.Johansson passed away on Nov. 15 after a five-year battle with brain cancer. He leaves behind a wife, Michelle, and four children: Jennifer, 12, Cameron, 11, Madison, 8, and Kirsten, 7. His parents, Janet and Lenny, had to bury their only child much too early. Johansson was 39.
Donations in Lars Johansson’s honor may be sent to Ann Jennings, 61 Lloyd Road, Montclair, NJ 07042. Please make checks payable to “Fidelity Investment-Michelle Johansson Account.†Friends and family will celebrate Johansson’s life at The Commonwealth Club on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008. Please e-mail Laura Stockel at lalesdk@comcast.net for more information.
I can't get enough of this one...
Still, there are other songs that get played a wee bit too much... From top 40 charts.com:
Continue reading "Holiday Songs You Will Hear Too Much This Season" »
Who says the suburbs are boring? This Sunday, go to Parlor Hair Studio in Montclair to catch some art with real edge. The show features the work of tattoo artist Jay Reyes, who paints and stencils on vinyl (records), and Frances Pelzman Liscio, a former Rolling Stone photo editor and chronicler of the punk rock scene, whose interest has turned, of late, to botanicals. In this show, she merges her subjects in a psychedelic style reminiscent of the 1960's.
At the Sunday opening, from 3 to 5 pm, the artists are also raising money for Little Kids Rock, an organization that provides musical instruments to public schools. The artists ask everybody to bring a mix CD to the show. For a $5 donation to Little Kids Rock, you can pick up someone else's mix.
Parlor, which serves as a hair salon as well as a year-round art gallery, is located at 223 Glenridge Ave., Montclair. The art will remain up through January.
Put a smile on the face of a soldier in Iraq who can't be home for the holidays. A reader tips us how we can reach out and touch someone. It's called "Operation Holiday Card." From the founder:
I started the project with a goal of collecting 200 cards to send to one base in Kuwait. When the collection was over I had over 1500 cards sent to Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and Balad Air Base in Baghdad, Iraq.The cards were passed out to the troops at dinner on Christmas Day. My 2007 goal is to collect over 2000 cards.
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