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May 16, 2006 in Buzz | Permalink | Comments (13)

Shop anywhere in Montclair, and you can't help noticing bright paintings on the storefront windows.  It's the artwork of "2006 Paint Montclair", sponsored by the Montclair Art Museum.  Last Saturday, 160 kids who participated in the contest found their inner artist.  MAM provided paints, brushes and palettes (ok, paper plates) and instructions to paint a springtime picture.  The junior painters spread out in seven business districts from the South End to Upper Montclair

About a dozen judges made the rounds to admire  the masterpieces, including Mayor Ed Remsen, Jim Peskin, Director of Montclair Arts Council, Councilors Sandra Lang and Gerald Tobin, and Andy Foster, owner of Gallery 51. At an award ceremony later that day, the first prize winners in each area received a coupon from Applegate Farms for an ice cream cone and a certificate from Nauna's Bella Casa for a slice and a soda. 15 kids received honorable mentions.  All participants had a chance at the grand prize - the winner's name was pulled out of a hat, lottery style. The prize was a two week class at the Yard School of Art at MAM. Thanks, kids, for brightening up our town!

May 13, 2006 in Buzz | Permalink | Comments (13)

Was this the reason Friar Tuck's closed?

For some great ideas for yummy weekend dining – and where to take Mom --  check out Food.
-- Photo: Anthony Batson

May 13, 2006 in Photo of the Week | Permalink | Comments (9)

 

(The clubhouse and majestic scenery that is...Ballyowen)

The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and the greens are greening.

For many of us in the area, spring marks the rite of passage known as the golf season.  And unlike golfing in any other part of the country, only in New Jersey will you see hackers hacking at one another over ball placement.

But fear not, there are still some places in the state where civility is upheld -- not to mention breathtaking landscapes. 

Ballyowen is such a place.  Nestled in Sussex County (about a 45 minute drive up Route 23), Ballyowen is the crown jewel of the Crystal Springs 6-course golf network.  Through the years, greens fees have risen to jewel-like highs (Weekend Primetime rounds cost $140).  But I dare you to walk away from the Scottish-styled links course (high fescue, hilly terrain, bagpipers, and a sheep meadow on the 13th) no matter your playing ability unsatisfied by the experience. 

Some tips:

• Show up an hour prior to tee time and take advantage of the free range balls (they should comp you something for the pricey greens fees) and putting area.  With mutli-tiered and fast greens, you will need all the practice you can get.
• It pays to be a member - through all 6 courses, you can get a $99 Rewards card that gives you discounts on greens fees, merchandise, and opportunities to play in members-only tournaments, as well as 12-day advance tee-time reservations
• Make sure as the days get longer, you take advantage of the twilight and super-twilight specials.  Not only do you play for less, you will also hear the bagpiper play "O Danny Boy!" at sunset.

Matt Caruso

May 13, 2006 in Happenings | Permalink | Comments (12)

Governor Corzine's proposed budget includes a $169 million funding cut for higher education, and Montclair State University will be among the institutions to feel the financial pinch.  Their Office of Government Relations has released this statement looking for support of the University.

Call to Action: NJ Higher Education Budget Crisis

Governor Jon Corzine's proposed Fiscal Year 2007 budget proposes to cut funding to higher education by $169 million. The New Jersey Legislature will be reviewing the Governor's budget and undoubtedly making some modifications to it as it does every year. You are urged to contact your legislator to advise them that the proposed cuts would be extremely harmful to higher education in general and Montclair State in particular.

To assist you we have  a sample letter  you can  send to your State Legislator. For your convenience the letter  specific to your relationship with Montclair State is available in two formats. Click on any of the links below to view a sample letter:

Who Is My Legislator?
Click Hereto view, listed by town/city, the name, U.S. address, phone number and email address link to your NJ State legislators.

Talk about it here, or whatever you like...And have a good weekend.

May 12, 2006 in The Daily Chat | Permalink | Comments (15)

Cary Africk doesn't work for American Properties, but he would like us to stop talking about Crisco and focus on the following...

Crisco is done. Get over it. Move on. But the issues of open space, planning and implementing our master plan are just beginning. As the article explains [a Montclair Times piece not yet online], the Town Manager, and at least one member of the planning board are suggesting that the Town sell one of Montclair’s only remaining open spaces, adjacent to Brookdale Park. The plan is to sell it to a developer for a subdivision. And not only do they want to sell it, they want to change the zoning ordinance on minimum lot size so a maximum number of homes could be built!

This is not a done deal, and to his credit Mayor Remsen, who has consistently shown good judgment on so many critical issues facing the town, is evaluating the suggestion and going slow. And another planning board member, who also sits on the Environmental Commission is quoted as saying he “opposes any effort to rezone the municipal property and place homes on it.” And even the head of the Planning Board expressed concern.

May 12, 2006 in Only in Montclair | Permalink | Comments (137)

If you love the Wellmont, and we do, you may have been surprised to hear that the movie house and the retro theatre experience it delivers (down to the RC Cola) is on hold. The answering machine explains that the theater is closed for renovations.

Truly one of the world's great movie palaces, the Wellmont Theatre has been honored by the Historical Society of Montclair. Originally built in 1922 as a legitimate theatre, it was converted to a motion picture theatre in 1929. Although the theatre has been multiplexed, the historical and irreplaceable decor has been preserved, and the theatre has received many awards. Unlike the box-like theatres constructed today, the workmanship and handicraft that can be seen and enjoyed cannot be duplicated.

What we have heard from several sources, but have not been able to confirm directly is that Steven Plofker has bought the theater and is behind the renovations.

If Steve returns our calls, maybe we'll find out what the renovation plans involve...

Meanwhile. here's a quote from Dick Grabowsky...

"People have told me that theater is absolutely gorgeous on the inside. I'm afraid that what's going to happen is the real estate developer who purchased it might possibly want to destroy those beautiful elements and turn it into apartments or something like that. It would be a real shame if we lost one of the few great theaters we have left in town."

May 12, 2006 in Buzz | Permalink | Comments (48)

Art, Music, Wine Rebecca Bennett Panos' exhibition of her photographs, "Quiet Landscapes" opens tonight at Sepia Home, 43 Church Street.  Come  tonight, 6-9 pm for the opening  reception to meet Rebecca. They'll be serving cocktails, appetizers, and playing European club music.

Sadia: An evening of jazz vocals - Sadia started singing as a second grader at Nishuane School, now hear her tonight, Friday, May 12, 7-10pm at Taro Restaurant 32 Church Street, Montclair.

Spring Concert Friday, May 12, 7:30 pm,The Montclair Community Band Ensemble performs at MHS Auditorium (corner of Park and Chestnut Sts in Montclair) The program includes "Festive Overture", "Russians Sailor's Dance", the music from "Evita" and 'pop' numbers like "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", "Someone to Watch Over Me".Free admission & parking.

Last Chance : People can't say enough about the fabulous production of CATS at Montclair High. It's family friendly entertainment, read the review. At the George Inness Annex Theatre, 141 Park Street. Tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for students. Friday, May 12 and Saturday May 13 at 8:00 PM
Sunday matinee May 14 at 3:00 PM the box office opens 7 pm; Sunday the box office opens at 2 pm.

Move Your Mind: Tonight, Friday at Yoga Montclair (behind Starbucks, Upper Montclair) the yoga and writing group meets for a combination of breathing and mildstretches, more for the mind than the body. People are invited to bring in pieces of inspiration. Wear comfortable clothes and bring paper and pen. 7-8:30 p.m., $5 donation. 973-233-9642

Theatrical Premiere: Madison's Descent, a multi-media musical presentation at the Alexander Kasser Theatre, MSU. Inspired by the book by Page Allen, the story is about a baby girl's journey of birth down The Great River of Stars. Family entertainment, read the review.  Tonight, May 12 and May 13, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday May, 14 3p.m. 973-655-5112.

Glen Ridge Arts Festival, Saturday May 13, 10 am - 5pm. Rain or shine, come to the juried show of arts & crafts along Ridgewood and Bloomfield Avenues in Glen Ridge. Entertainment & refreshments.

MONTCLAIR BACKYARD HABITAT FAIR/FAIR TRADE SHOW  Saturday, May 13, 1-4 PM -- Rain or Shine!
See and Learn: Certified Backyard Wildlife Habitats, composting, Montclair's Bonsal Preserve, Bloomfield's Clark's Pond Preserve Hilltop Conservancy, Cornucopia Network of NJ. Nature activities for Kids, Display of Monarch butterfly caterpillars and chrysalises. Come early for a free tree seedling, while they last! Red Oak (NJ State Tree), White Pine, Silky Dogwood. Learn how to create a beautiful healthy habitat for birds, butterflies, and your kids.   Get your yard certified by the National Wildlife Federation as wildlife friendly. FAIR TRADE organic coffee, tea and chocolate, and native handicrafts for sale - guaranteeing impoverished producers a fair wage, respect and access tocredit and technical assistance. St. James Church: Corner of Valley Rd. and Bellevue Ave in Upper Montclair.

Mother's Day Music: A concert by The Montclair Community Band Ensemble for Mother's Day, 2 p.m. at the lovely Van Vleck House & Gardens, followed by a guided tour. Free. 21 Van Vleck St. Montclair. 973-744-0837
Guitar Great  Chuck Loeb will appear at Trumpets Jazz Club on Mother's day May 14 at 8 &10 pm. Tickets $20. Trumpets, 6 Depot Square, Montclair.  973-744-2600

Across The River

Mamapalooza:Another Day In Paradise & Momoirs is a festival for Moms who rock! Next Wednesday, May 17, Tracey Marble is producing a one-night theatrical event.  Trisha Turiano, of Glen Ridge, is a featured actress/vocalist and co-creator of Another Day In Paradise. 
Mamapalooza:  MamaDrama 7:00pm@ The Zipper Theater 336 W. 37th Street, NYC (betw. 8th & 9th)

May 12, 2006 in Happenings | Permalink | Comments (6)

Since we've been hearing a lot of sirens lately, let's tip our hats to the guys who protect us by running into burning buildings, rescuing children, and fighting street crime.  Twenty five Essex County policemen and firefighters were saluted Wednesday by the 200 Club of Essex County, with valor awards for exceptional bravery, courage and dedication during 2005.  The greater Baristaville heroes included in the awards ceremony were Lt. Timothy Murphy, Bloomfield Fire Department, Capt. David Flanagan, Firefighters Joseph Coletta and Philip Malia, Bloomfield Fire Department, Sgt. Robert Acceturo and officer Timothy Banta, Verona Police, Corey Keepers, Cedar Grove Fire Department, and Batallion Chief Anthony DeBerto, Belleville Fire Department. Congratulations, guys. Read their stories here.

May 12, 2006 in Major Dudes | Permalink | Comments (12)

The house at 4 Duryea Road may make Montclair history in more ways than one. The threat of its demise, coupled with a community's outcry over what came as a result of the Marlboro Inn demolition, may have served as the catalyst for a new push to preserve all the historic homes in Montclair. From the Montclair Times...

“I would like to see the [Historic Preservation] Commission (HPC) nominate, or consider nominating, all 96 [Montclair] homes that are on the state or federal historic registers,” said Deputy Mayor Joyce Michaelson during Monday’s meeting of the Montclair Planning Board. “This would give us the opportunity to discuss these buildings and discuss the landmarking process.”

Meanwhile, 4 Duryea Road, which is registed as the Huestis House, will still be considered on its own.

"I think that [the Huestis House] would probably be considered individually because it already has a potential problem with it,” said HPC Chairman Ted Lippincott in an interview with The Times. “And, to some degree, that is what caused people to look around and think, ‘Well, maybe we need to do something about all the rest.’”

An example of the "rest" is shown above, a gorgeous Queen Anne built around the same time as 4 Duryea and on about the same size lot. Located at 86 Llewellyn Road, it also happens to be for sale for $1,899,000. For a look at a sampling of the other 90-plus homes with a historical designation in Montclair, go to the jump and scroll over pictures for addresses...

May 12, 2006 in Buzz | Permalink | Comments (4)