Newark Native Manages in MLB, Former Giant Raise Money for Sandy Relief, Restaurants Open and Close in Top County News

In top county news this week:

Two former NFL players, Tiki Barber and Jay Fiedler, helped raise approximately $3,500 for Superstorm Sandy victims at this year's Temple B'nai Jeshurun annual Chanukah party on Sunday in Short Hills.

Newark Native Honored for Major League Milestone

The South Ward's Bo Porter becomes first Essex native to manage a Major League team

Seymour's Luncheonette Closes After 52 Years

Seymour's Luncheonette, which has been serving customers since 1960, has shuttered its doors.

Montclair Council Hires Parking Enforcement Officer

The Montclair Council made one of the first public actions to carry out the transition of the defunct Montclair Parking Authority to the township. 

The Village of South Orange formally asked NJ Transit for the restoration of schedule and service to the pre-October 14, 2012 level. Trustees voted Monday  to pass resolution 2012-283 (attached as a pdf) noting the "negative impact to quality of life, property values and business productivity" of recent transit changes.

Hanukkah: A Not-So 'Minor' Holiday

Montclair resident Daniel Brenner wrote a new song to celebrate the Festival of Lights.

Gigi's Cupcakes Opens on Springfield Avenue

Grand opening and ribbon cutting is on Saturday.

Assemblyman John F. McKeon unveiled a package of bills to ramp up utility infrastructure at a news conference on Tuesday at theDepartment of Public Works (DPW) facility in South Orange.

Barre3 Brings 'Intense Workout' to Residents

One of the hottest fitness routines has come to Livingston.

Barre3, which combines yoga and Pilates with ballet barre, has opened on South Livingston Avenue.  The 60-minute class is designed to "strengthen, lengthen and develop leaner muscles in the healthiest way possible," said owner Nora Yi.

Red's Dips and Flips Opening Soon in West Caldwell

New Bloomfield Avenue restaurant owned by longtime proprietor of Mardis Gras catering in Verona.

Artists Lofts Open in Valley Arts District

HANDS, Inc., a non-profit that works to revitalize neighborhoods in Orange and East Orange, hosted an opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Firehouse Lofts on Tuesday.

Chef Carlo Brings Bottagra to South Orange

Bottagra South, on South Orange Avenue, is now open

Residents Testify Against Proposed Bloomfield Ave Development

Verona residents, who have been attending zoning board meetings since June, had the opportunity to express their concerns to the board during Thursday night's public meeting.

Church Expansion Hearing Draws A Crowd

A Coptic Christian church's expansion plans drew a standing room only crowd at a Cedar Grove Zoning Board meeting Tuesday night, with more than 50 people showing up to weigh in on the application.