How long does it take to set your clocks back an hour? If you’ve got tons of time-keeping devices in your home, like our photo editor, Fran Liscio, you’ll lose more than an hour tonight.
Say goodbye to daylight savings time before you go to bed. If you’re confused about what time it really is, you can always check here.
The end of Daylight Savings Time is also time to put fresh batteries in home and office smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

October 29, 2009
Dear Councilor Africk:
We, the undersigned residents of the 2nd Ward were disappointed to learn that you are supporting the effort to change to an elected school board with annual school budget votes. As your constituents, we support retaining our current appointed school board. We urge you to reconsider your position and join with those who are committed to preserving our schools and our school system.

The above letter, signed by 47 of Councilor Cary Africk’s constituents, was sent to Africk last night, underscoring the divisive nature of the BOE question on Tuesday’s ballot.
Africk’s response (of course), after the jump.

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Glen Ridge sports fans will have to wait for the field to dry out before they can cheer high school football at Hurrell Field. Tomorrow’s game has been changed to an away game, but JV is scheduled for Monday and the high school varsity team is scheduled to play there next Saturday.
So says Michael Rohal, Glen Ridge Borough manager. Turns out there’s a problem with the gazillion dollar upgrades made to the field this summer. Rohal says there are drainage problems, which only recently became apparent, after heavy downpours.
He’s not sure if the problem stems from a design flaw or improper installation, but the borough’s hired three independent consultants to find out. When the studies are completed, says Rohal, they’ll fix the problem — but not at taxpayer’s expense. Approximately 40% of the contract funds have been withheld, so there’s cash in the bank.

Over at the Essex County Presby Memorial Iris Gardens this afternoon, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In addition to cider, cookies, free pumpkins and a chance to see jack-o-lanterns glowing around the iris beds, the Essex County Turtleback Zoo is scheduled to stop by with some fun animals, too. Come with or without a jack-o-lantern to light. It’s free and all are welcome. For more info, hop over here on Baristakids.

Pumpkin-lighting at Presby Iris Gardens today: 4-7 p.m. Bring your carved pumpkins to light up the gardens! Hot cider and fun for the family. After you’re done, get over to the Haunted House at Edgemont Park.
In a panic because you’re without a disguise for tomorrow night? You could run over to Montclair Art Museum, and go green using recycled bits to create your scary look, 1-4 p.m… Or, you can just face your fright, at Bangz. Halloween makeovers for all guys and ghouls, from girlie to ghastly. You’ll have to sit still for about an hour, and it costs $65 – $100 depending on how scary you get. Now, through Sunday, Nov. 1. Appointments: (973) 746-8426. BYOB (bring your own blood, glitter – call to see what you’ll need).

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Gotta love that MFEE…they’re always on to something good, while raising money for Montclair Schools.
MFEE is selling raffle tickets to win a big weekend at Superbowl XLIV for two. The odds of winning are pretty good, as only 300 tickets are being sold, at $100 a pop. The winner will get round trip airfare for two to Miami, two tickets to the game on Feb.7, 2010, four nights at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 Resort & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, and a rental car for the entire stay.
Today, they announced another prize included in the weekend package: two VIP tickets to the “it” party, “The Event,” hosted by ESPN.
To buy a ticket, download the entry form here. Then send it in to MFEE and they’ll send you the raffle tickets. The drawing will be held on Monday, Dec. 21 at a Monday Night Football party hosted by Egans, 7:30-10:30 p.m. It’s a cash bar event, but Egans is providing a free buffet, and the public is invited. Devils and Yankee tickets as well as sports memorabilia will also be raffled. Questions? Call Lois or Robin at MFEE, 973 509-4021.
Speaking of fundraising, a big congrats to MFEE/Parents Who Rock, who raised $100,000 for MFEE at the amazing party last Saturday night. Not even the torrential downpour could dampen their spirits!

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.
Cats and kittens are living in comfortable new surroundings at Montclair Animal Shelter, formerly known as PAWS. The feline interns are all out of their cages (except sick ones) enjoying freedom to play, run, climb, crawl and socialize in two open rooms. “They’re happy,” says Lindsay, the attendant on duty yesterday.
Shelter Director Melissa Neiss says the town asked MSU students in the Industrial Design program under Prof. Denis Feigler, PhD, to submit ideas for cat-friendly habitats. One of the winning plans is the basis for a ‘”streets of Montclair” decorated room – where adult cats hang out. A second design – a colorful kitty playground with its own playhouse – was chosen for the larger room housing rambunctious kittens. The student designs were provided free of charge…And on the doggy side of the building, there are two “hotel rooms” with blanket, mini couch, and lamp for dogs with special needs.

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