Summit and Entertainment

Do you think you know everything there is to know about our community? Here are some fun facts and stats you just might not know about Summit and its sometimes odd ties to the world of entertainment.

1. Summit has its own television station. Home Towne Television has its studio at 70 Maple Street in Summit, and it reaches viewers in Essex, Morris, and Union counties. The station produces a news program from Summit and creates 500 hours of original programming each year.
2. The first time that famed group, The Velvet Underground, ever performed under that name was in Summit. They played in 1965 at the Summit High School, according to Warhol Stars, and they went on to be a part of music history.
   
3. Meryl Streep, the Oscar-winning actress who is frequently touted as the greatest actress of our time, was born in Summit. Another acting legend, Danny DeVito, went to school in Summit.
   
4. USA's phenomenally successful TV show, Monk, mentioned Summit as part of a key plot point in the show's finale. The Randy Disher character (portrayed by Jason Gray-Stanford) states that he's leaving town for a job as the Summit, New Jersey, chief of police.
   

Summit to Host Anti-Bullying Address

Stuart Green, MSW, MA, founder of the New Jersey Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention, is coming to Summit for a talk on the important topic of childhood bullying at the Overlook Hospital on Monday, Nov. 22. The talk will be held in the Wallace Auditorium.

The tragic death of Rutgers University student Tyler Clementi, who committed suicide on Sept. 22 after being mercilessly bullied by a roommate and fellow students, has brought the topic to the forefront of the national conversation, and the aftermath resonates here in New Jersey. We turn to look at what causes bullying, so that we can find ways to prevent it.

Green recently told Hudson Reporter, “People who harass or bully usually have some power over their victims. They might have more authority, more seniority, more stature in their community, and they abuse that power by harassing someone who lacks that power.”

Through the The New Jersey Coalition for Bullying Awareness and Prevention, Green encourages adults to push for bullying prevention programs in schools. He also raises funds for bullying prevention and fights to increase awareness for the most effective methods known to combat the problem of bullying. He also advocates for the end of bullying through the power of public policy and legislation, as well as community awareness.

Green's talk is open to the entire community, and the West Garage will provide free parking. To make reservations, call 800-247-9580.

Summit Diner: Hemingway Connection?

Summit Diner is one of the landmarks of our city. With its charmingly small size and only eight booths, it brings a part of Summit's yesterday into our day-to-day lives. Yet, did you know that it is rumored to have inspired a Hemingway story?

In Hemingway's short story, "The Killers," two characters eat in a diner and share a simple dialogue: The first one states,“This is a hot town. What do they call it?” “Summit,” says the other character.

The setting of the story was long thought to be Summit, New Jersey, with Summit Diner providing the inspiration after Hemingway ate there. However, to the dismay of believers in the myth, Carlos Baker, a Hemingway biographer, claims that Hemingway was actually referencing Summit, Illinois. Despite this claim, many Summit Diner regulars still like to think that Hemingway was also inspired by the enduring atmosphere of this classic eatery.

Carlos Baker, "Ernest Hemingway: A Life Story"

Harry Potter Makes Summit Fans Happy

Midnight movies are quickly becoming a tradition for major movies at theaters across the United States. With fans who are so highly anticipating a film that they want to see it the second the clock strikes midnight on the day of its release, midnight showings are becoming standard. Summit's Clearview Cinema Beacon Hill 5 joined in the fun with a midnight showing of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" on November 19.

Although the showing only brought out about 35 Harry Potter fans, the ones who showed up were thankful to see the movie in their hometown, instead of at the larger theaters whose showings were sold out around New Jersey. This sets the precedent for Summit residents to enjoy future midnight movies at the theater, as many customers expressed how much they appreciated the event.

Rarest Blue Moon

While most of us have long thought that the term "blue moon" referred to a second full moon that occurs within a calendar month, the term "blue moon" actually means something else. On Nov. 21, Summit and the rest of the country will experience the rarity of a blue moon in its true meaning.

When there are four full moons in a single season, the third one is referred to as a blue moon, as first established by The Farmer's Almanac. While the blue moon is going to light the night sky on Nov. 21, the fourth full moon of the fall season will occur on Dec. 21.

Sky and Telescope reported that the reason why the third mood gets the distinctive title of "blue moon" is because "only then will the names of the other full moons, such as the Moon Before Yule and the Moon After Yule, fall at the proper times relative to the solstices and equinoxes.

While this is a neat phenomena, keep in mind that there is no special reason to watch the night sky on Nov. 21, other than your reasons for watching it on any other full moon night. "Blue moon" is an astronomical term, not a description for the appearance of the moon.

The next seasonal blue moon will not happen until 2013.