I’m almost afraid to mention MHS again, but over at the gym, they are holding a huge overstock sale of vintage athletic gear. I’m not sure what that means, but it sounds interesting. All at unbeatable prices, some as low as $1, all priced to sell! Today, November 20, 2:30-7:00 p.m. MHS Gym – Midland Avenue Entrance
Sponsored by the MHS Crew to benefit the MFEE Athletes Equity Fund.
Tonight and Saturday, get your dose of Greek classics at Bloomfield High’s production of Antigone.
Saturday, November 21 MSU NCAA Division III playoffs. Montclair State University’s football team captured the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) championship qualifying the Red Hawks for the NCAA Division III playoffs. Montclair State will face Maine Maritime Academy in the opening round. This NCAA playoff bid is the third consecutive postseason appearance for Montclair State football and its ninth overall. Montclair State’s Sprague Field. Noon kickoff.
Sat. Nov. 21, 2 – 4pm at Yogadesha: Gift Show Benefit
Get a jump on unique holiday gift-buying: 2nd Annual Benefit for MVP(Majalgaon Vikas Pratishthan) empowering and educating women and children in the rural villages of the Majalgaon area of India. Vibrant handmade sari quilts * silk and cotton scarves, sari tops and bags * handmade paper products * block-print napkins, jewelry with semi-precious stones. Join us for a cup of chai and a henna tattoo. 100% net profits go to MVP. 25 Watchung Plaza, Montclair.
Give Green Holiday Gift Fair November 2,11am to 4pm
Support local businesses and purchase eco-friendly gifts while enjoying music, refreshments, and activities for children. Admission is free. Essex County Environmental Center, Roseland. 973.228.8776

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UPDATE: Adult Arrest Information (in the jump)
The mood was peaceful today as school let out at Montclair High. After two days of after-school disturbances and multple arrests, maybe the kids have had enough fighting, screaming, and punching for the week. Or maybe the 18 police officers, bolstered by a flock of undercover cops, detectives, and unmarked patrol cars stationed around the school had something to do with it.
The scene was somewhat bucolic – a warmish afternoon, sun streaming through the fall leaves, students leisurely making their way home. But seeing six uniformed cops at the corner of Midland and Chestnut, another six on Chestnut at the circular driveway in front of the school, and another six at the corner of Park and Chestnut sent a chill up my spine. I wonder what the kids were thinking.
Chief of Police David Sabagh was on the corner with his men, keeping the peace. After the students were gone, Sabagh huddled in conversation with Assistant Principal John Porcelli, councilors Roger Terry, and Rich Murnick.
“All went well today,” said Sabagh, as we all let out a collective sigh of relief. The end of the day was quiet, although Sabagh said two more students were arrested today for fighting inside the school building, bringing the number of this week’s arrests to about 20. He also confirmed three of his officers sustained minor injuries. One officer was bruised in the face because a student slapped him; one officer suffered a sprained ankle, another dislocated her finger while attempting to subdue the crowd during the afternoon melees.

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This just came in from MPD’s Deputy Chief Todd M. Conforti.

Shortly before 3:00 PM on 11-18-09, police assigned to Montclair High School as School Resource Officers responded to the area of North Fullerton Avenue and Chestnut Street on a report of a fight. Upon their arrival, they observed an adult Newark male, an adult Montclair male, and a Roselle juvenile female being detained by school security. The officers were informed that the detained individuals had been involved with a physical altercation with six Montclair High School students.
During the course of the investigation, a quantity of marijuana was discovered. The three detained parties were placed under arrest. The Newark male was charged with multiple drug-related charges, Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Trespass, and Riot, with bail set at $30,000 bond. The Montclair male was charged with Criminal Trespass and Riot, with bail set at $500. The Roselle juvenile was charged with Criminal Trespass, Disorderly Conduct, and Riot. She was later turned over to the custody of her guardian.
In the presence of the police officers, an additional East Orange adult male came to the area, seemingly with the intention of instigating a fight. When the East Orange male refused to leave the area and continued his behavior, he was arrested and charged with Criminal Trespass, Disorderly Conduct, and Hindering Apprehension after police learned that he had misrepresented his identity due to having an outstanding warrant out of East Orange. Bail was set at $20,000 bond.

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Montclair High School just sent out this letter from Principal James Earle in an e-blast to the parent community concerning this week’s incidents of after-school violence. He states that the two incidents resulted in both non-MHS and MHS students being “processed” by Montclair Police, and states “no weapons were discovered.” The email states this letter will be distributed to students today.

November 20, 2009
Dear Parents and Caregivers:
On Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at approximately 3:00 p.m., several Montclair High School students were approached by individuals who are non students as they walked home from school. Both parties engaged in a verbal argument which eventually led to physical altercation. Police were dispatched and the non-MHS students were processed. Montclair High School students were processed using the school Code of Conduct. No weapons were discovered!
On Thursday, November 19, 2009 at approximately 2:55 p.m., four students were engaged in a physical altercation after school. Police were dispatched and students were processed by school and law enforcement. While police were attempting to disperse the crowd, several students were non-compliant which led to police intervention; therefore, other individuals had to be processed.
Both events took place approximately 20 minutes after dismissal. Montclair High School’s Resource Officers, Security, Administration, Faculty and Staff have the responsibility of monitoring and supervising dismissal outside so the response was immediate. No weapons were involved in either incident.

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