Coasting in Montclair

BY  |  Wednesday, Jan 26, 2011 10:02am  |  COMMENTS (2)

Barista Kids recently ran a list of some of the best sledding launches in Baristaville. Now historian, architect and curator Frank Gerard Godlewski gives us a history lesson on the best sledding launches of long ago.

This 1890′s photo illustrates a group of Montclairians begining a coasting descent from the intersection of South Mountain and Hillside Avenues, originally the site of a natural spring.

Defined by all old maps as a horseshoe-like configuration, this place served as a starting point for villagers’ sleigh riding meets. (On the pictured 1857 map, it looks like an amphitheater.) This spot was still a favorite public venue after the springs were closed; townspeople would meet there to go coasting. The springs site was replaced with a Second Empire French Mansion (pictured in the 1890′s photo) that was demolished to build the current Gates Mansion in 1902. Continue Reading

Prime Time Snowfall

BY  |  Wednesday, Jan 26, 2011 8:58am  |  COMMENTS (27)

Is it beautiful or do you hate it? Today’s snow, which — in our latest winter neologism vocabulary — I’ll refer to as “ohnonotagain” or “fallingfasterbytheminute” started mid-rush hour and isn’t expected to stop until the wee hours of Thursday (and then only for a little while). That’s a long stretch of precipitation for a winter-weary Baristaville populous.

According to the National Weather Service, the fluffy stuff will turn to sleet later, as the temperatures hover just above freezing. At least we won’t have too much wind — only 6 – 9 mph. And it isn’t supposed to accumulate to more than a few inches during the day (though by the looks of it, I’m doubting that prediction), however there is a warning for the evening commute, so cutting the day short might be something to consider, especially if you’re driving. Later tonight is when it’s expected to get really bad.

Here’s what the weather service says:

Accumulating snow will be falling by the end of the evening commute and travel will become more difficult as the evening wears on… Travel may be hazardous during Thursday morning’s commute… with the heaviest snow likely falling overnight.

So while today might not fully warrant a snow day — though the early dismissals are starting to come in — tomorrow is looking like a possible delayed opening at the very least. And then will come the next onslaught, which will last on and off through Saturday. Maybe February will be kinder, though it’s not generally known as a gentle month. Stay tuned for a happy snow story later today…

BaristaKids has a listing of early snow closings. Check throughout the day for the latest news about additional closings.

Hot From The Kettle: The Ace of Cakes, Duff Goldman

BY  |  Tuesday, Jan 25, 2011 3:00pm  |  COMMENTS (4)

Palisades CEO, Ed Fernandez and Chef Duff Goldman

“In a cake contest or any other aspect of life, it’s really whoever has the most fun that wins.”

That’s what the Ace of Cakes, Duff Goldman, had to say when I asked him what he would be looking for in the cake decorating contest that took place this past Friday at The Four Seasons Diner in Toms River.

As part of the Palisades Drive with a Smile Initiative, Palisades car insurance company recently conducted the first-ever Palisades “Jersey Diner’s Choice Awards.” The Four Seasons Diner was named the overall most popular Jersey diner by those who logged on to Palisades.com to nominate and vote for their favorite New Jersey diners.

In celebration of the victory, Four Seasons hosted an afternoon event on January 21, 2011. Randomly chosen voters who participated in the Jersey Diner’s Choice Awards program were selected for a cake decorating competition to be judged by the enormously talented, motorcycle riding, bass playing, cake decorating guru Duff Goldman.

Unfortunately I was unable to attend the event, but I did have the opportunity to chat with the very affable Chef Duff over the phone.

MK: Do you get to Jersey frequently?

DG: I do actually. I’m in Jersey a lot – not just driving through.

MK: Where do you like to eat when you’re here?

DG: All over the place. I really enjoy the countryside. I ride motorcycles a lot and Jersey’s one of the best states when it’s warm out to ride bikes in. And so just a lot of the diners and the road food you can get in Jersey is just really fantastic. Especially when you’re off the beaten path and you’re really out in the country. Continue Reading

The Sweetest Swing in Baseball

BY  |  Tuesday, Jan 25, 2011 1:30pm  |  COMMENTS (2)

Maplewood’s venerable community theater group The Strollers is coming out of the dugout with its latest production, The Sweetest Swing in Baseball. Written by Rebecca Gilman (who is perhaps best known for her race-tinged play from 2000, Spinning Into Butter), this comedy-laced drama is the story of Dana, an artist who lands in a psychiatric hospital and finds herself taking on the persona of none other than the man with the titular sweetest swing: Darryl Strawberry.

The company has been around since 1932, and many members of the current troupe are long-time Strollers: Dana is played by Strollers regular Dena Daniel, a Maplewood resident who by day edits ESL books, and Norman Metz, the director of The Sweetest Swing, who has a dental practice in Millburn and has worked with the group for nearly a decade. According to Maplewoodian Carol Cornicelli, who handles publicity for the company, “The production staff have all been members of the Strollers for 10 years and longer [and] the cast is a mix of veteran Strollers and new members.” Continue Reading

Lunchtime in Baristaville

BY  |  Tuesday, Jan 25, 2011 11:58am  |  COMMENTS (49)

This Hawk got the equivalent of a good Baristaville burger for lunch today, up near Mills Reservation in Montclair. What’s in your lunchbox?

Photo credit to Jason Seraydarian.

Bloomfield Town Administrator: Changing of the Guard

BY  |  Tuesday, Jan 25, 2011 10:51am  |  COMMENTS (24)

Last night was the final Bloomfield conference meeting for Township Administrator Frederick C. Carr. Several residents have sent emails to Baristanet expressing surprise and concern over this change, and the way it was handled. As of today, Yoshi Manale holds the position.

Here’s the letter that Carr sent out yesterday, stating his imminent departure.

Good Evening,

I will be leaving Bloomfield Township after the Conference Meeting scheduled this evening at 7pm 24 January 2011 and will not be returning.

This is an amicable and professional parting of the relationship between myself and the Mayor and Council.

As public servants many of us serve in our communities at the pleasure of the Governing Body.

Sometimes, it is their pleasure that you do not serve.

I wish you all the best in your upcoming endeavors, along with good health and a bright and vibrant future.
Thanks again

Frederick C. Carr
Township Administrator
Bloomfield Township

The Oscar Goes To…

BY  |  Tuesday, Jan 25, 2011 10:34am  |  COMMENTS (18)

Well, not quite yet, but the nominations came out this morning. Now’s the time to plan your Oscar party and tell everybody in Baristaville what the best picture of the year really was.

Take the Baristanet Best Picture poll after the jump. Continue Reading

Credit Card Fraud and Marijuana at the Short Hills Mall, plus more

Tuesday, Jan 25, 2011 9:34am  |  COMMENTS (0)

This just in from the Millburn Police:

On 1/22/2011 at approximately 4:22 PM a Millburn Police Detective at the Short Hills Mall detained two females on a report by Neiman Marcus loss prevention of a possible credit card fraud. On-scene investigation by the detective and patrol officers resulted in the arrest of a 26 year old woman from North Hollywood, CA. for allegedly fraudulently using the account of another to obtain merchandise valued at $3,317.00, and a 25 year old woman from Miami, Fl., for allegedly using the credit account of another to obtain merchandise valued at $1,347.90. The first woman was charged with N.J.S.A. 2C: 21-6C(1) Credit card theft, N.J.S.A. 2C: 21-6H Fraudulent use of credit cards, N.J.S.A. 21-17A(1) Impersonation; theft of identity, N.J.S.A. 21-1A(2) Forgery and 2C: 21-2.1C False government documents. The second woman was charged with N.J.S.A. 2C: 21-6C(1) Credit card theft, N.J.S.A. 2C: 21-6H Fraudulent use of credit cards, N.J.S.A. 21-17A(1) Impersonation; theft of identity, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-1A(2) Forgery, N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-10A(1) Unlawful Possession of a controlled dangerous substance and N.J.S.A. 2C: 35-10A(4) Possession of 50 grams or less of marijuana. Also arrested at the scene was a 36 year old man from Paterson for allegedly possessing two shopping bags of stolen merchandise (total value $4,664.90) fraudulently obtained by the co-defendants from stores at the mall. He was charged with N.J.S.A. 2C: 20-7A Receiving stolen property. Continue Reading

The Poetry of Snow (or Life in an Igloo)

BY  |  Tuesday, Jan 25, 2011 8:57am  |  COMMENTS (3)

In the spirit of “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” I declare myself creatively inspired by today’s snow. It’s beautiful and I love it, and I can say that ’cause I’m not under oath.

Really, I’m sick as can be of it, but I’m trying to have a good attitude. I’m reminded that once upon a childhood, nestled in lower upstate New York, where I lived in the woods, this same season of ongoing cold and snow brought nothing but wonder and pleasure. It was all about playing outside, any chance I got.

So, I declare this snow — and the weather that is promised for the rest of the week (see below) — inspiring of poetic creativity. I asked the Baristas to submit snow poems for today’s post. Below are a few, starting with my own (I don’t really write poetry, but tear it apart if you must). Please join us and share your favorite snow poems or write your own, below in the comments. Continue Reading

Pedestrian Struck During Rock Salt Robbery, Bagel Store Theft, Wellmont Purse Snatching and more

Monday, Jan 24, 2011 3:15pm  |  COMMENTS (1)

This just in from the Montclair Police:
Robbery
On 1/21/11 at approximately 2:45 PM, police responded to Kings Supermarket on Valley Road in Upper Montclair on a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle during a robbery. Police spoke to the store’s manager, who stated that an employee had been struck by a red Hyundai Elantra with New Jersey license plates. Police then spoke to the victim, who reported that he was not injured as a result of the incident.

Continue Reading

Featured Comment

I was very glad to see this post. The running in the street around here drives me crazy, mostly because the the majority of the runners I've encountered (not every runner)seem to think that it's their right to take up half the street when what they are doing is in fact illegal. And let's not be silly. Yes, concrete is hard on the joints, but the pavement isn't that much better. It's not like the roads are made of track rubber.
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sadie07

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