Montclair Police used its robo-call system shortly after 9 pm tonight to ask residents to watch for a missing 14-year-old boy, who was last seen this morning on Madison Street. By 10 pm, police dispatch said, the boy had been found. We have no more details.

It doesn’t take much to mesmerize me. The elegance of a Blue Heron (shown here grazing at Edgemont Park in Montclair on Friday afternoon) idling in a pond filled with ducks, geese, and even a Night Heron will usually do the trick.

Continue Reading

I was visiting friends who live near the Benson Street Station in Glen Ridge on Thursday and luckily, I had my camera with me. This is the station that had fallen into disrepair, but that was recently purchased by some experienced restorers. No matter what plans are in the works for the structure, this pretty stand of robust zinnias, marigolds and bright purple clematis jackmanii certainly bode well for the project. The walkways around the site sported cheerful, healthy perennials and annuals–usually a good sign.

Here’s your invitation.. Mark your calendar to meet with Congressman Pascrell and hear what he has to say about health care reform. Now tell us in comments what you think…

Montclair Police are investigating a residential burglary that occurred on Montclair Avenue between 11:00 p.m. on August 18th and 3:00 p.m. on August 19th. The burglar(s) entered the home through a first floor unlocked kitchen window after first cutting the window screen. Approximately $ 200.00 dollars in cash was taken from a wallet left on the kitchen table.
“This is the second reported burglary on Montclair Avenue in the past two days and both houses are in close proximity to each other. We are asking residents to report any suspicious activity and remind residents throughout the township to always secure their doors and windows,” says Lt. James Carlucci. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Joe Anderson at 973-509-4706.
Montclair Police are also investigating an assault that occurred on Elm Street near Bloomfield Ave on August 21 shortly after midnight.

Continue Reading

Holy Chutzpah! In a freaky “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” moment, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach writes in an Op-Ed piece of The Jerusalem Post that Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi is going to be his new neighbor Englewood. Full story here.

In these recessionary times families across the country are tightening the belt on back-to-school spending, says USA Today. Shoppers will cut down on extravanaces, high end items, and favor Dollar Stores over department stores.
Some families in Baristaville won’t have the money to buy everything their kids need for school this year. The Montclair Episcopal churches of St. John’s and St.James are sponsoring their third annual back-to-school backpack drive to help families in need. You can make a donation. Details on Barista Kids.