Saturday, June 30, 2012

UPDATE - FOUR-ALARM FIRE LEAVES A DOZEN HOMELESS


UPDATE: Turns out WABC got it wrong, house is in Union

More than a dozen people were left homeless after a fire Saturday night in a multi-family home in Maplewood, New Jersey.
It took firefighters several hours to battle the 4-alarm blaze before they finally brought it under control.

The fire began just after 7 Saturday evening in a building on Laurel Avenue, and the flames spread quickly.

The Red Cross is assisting those affected by the blaze.

No one was injured.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.

FIREWORKS SET-UP HAS BEGUN

The DPW has already begun fencing off the Memorial Park area for fireworks for July 4th. 


Don't be among those who essentially steal a look at the big show, pay for this valued event and get in for the good seats.


More info HERE.

COOLING STATIONS OPEN ALL WEEKEND

This notice from the town website:

The National Weather Services is forecasting excessive heat conditions in our area starting (6/29) through Sunday (7/1). In response Maplewood Township is suggesting the following cooling station options for those who need them. DeHart Community Center, 120 Burnett Ave. will be open today from 10AM to 9PM. It is closed Saturday and Sunday. Memorial Library – 51 Baker St. is open today from 10AM to 5PM and on Saturday (6/30) from 10AM to 5PM. It is closed Sunday. Hilton Branch Library – 1688 Springfield Ave. is closed today and Sunday but open on Saturday (6/30) from 10AM to 1PM. These options are contingent on electricity being available to the buildings. If you have a health emergency due to the heat, call 9-1-1.

TENNIS LESSON REMINDER

From the Rec Department......


SUMMER TENNIS PROGRAMS

Registration is currently open for Summer Group Tennis Lessons for ages 3-adult. We are offering lessons during the week and on Saturdays. Lessons begin in July.

Weekly Tennis Camp is also available for ages 6-14. There are six sessions throughout July and August.  Discounts are available if registering for more than one week and also for families registering more than one child.

Private tennis lessons are also available with most of our staff.

For Information on these programs please visit www.maplewoodtennis.com

There is a link to the township’s online registration on the website.

Friday, June 29, 2012

PAULA DOW GETS JUDGESHIP, WILL MOVE OUT

Maplewood's own Paula Dow, former Essex County prosecutor and state Attorney General, finally received approval for the judgeship she has sought for months.


Star-Ledger reports:


TRENTON — Former Attorney General Paula Dow’s half year of waiting for a Superior Court judgeship evaporated in a matter of hours today: With little fanfare or fuss, the Senate approved her nomination to join the bench in Burlington County.
A Democrat first nominated by Gov. Chris Christie to the bench in Essex County, Dow faced only a few questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee about her residency and a civil lawsuit against her.
The committee took up her nomination in eight minutes, with the chairman, Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) the only one of the pose any questions to the former Essex County prosecutor and assistant U.S. attorney. It cleared the full Senate hours later.
And Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union) told Dow he thought she should have gotten a bigger nomination from Republican Christie.
"I certainly have no doubts about your independence and integrity. I do have some questions that I’ve asked myself: Why did you step down as attorney general from a constitutionally protected position to go to the Superior Court, when in my opinion, you should be nominated to the Supreme Court?" he said.

TOWNSHIP COOLING STATIONS OPEN AGAIN

This notice sent out today:


The National Weather Services is forecasting excessive heat conditions in our area starting (6/29) through Sunday (7/1). In response Maplewood Township is suggesting the following cooling station options for those who need them.

DeHart Community Center, 120 Burnett Ave. will be open today from 10AM to 9PM. It is closed Saturday and Sunday.

Memorial Library – 51 Baker St. is open today from 10AM to 5PM and on Saturday (6/30) from 10AM to 5PM. It is closed Sunday.

Hilton Branch Library – 1688 Springfield Ave. is closed today and Sunday but open on Saturday (6/30) from 10AM to 1PM.

These options are contingent on electricity being available to the buildings.

If you have a health emergency due to the heat, call 9-1-1.

MAPLEWOODSTOCK SCHEDULE IS OUT

Just got it with this week's News-Record:



SCHEDULE: DAY 1

Saturday, July 7, 2012

  • noon —  8bit ( … original and indie/alternative covers performed by four young rockers from Columbia High School …)
  • 12:42 — Moodring ( … Maplewood and South Orange’s premier jam band; eclectic originals and covers; whatever the mood, they jam it …)
  • 1:24 — House of Essex (formerly known as Three Gentlemen Only) ( … an eclectic vintage style rock band of original material loved by beautiful women …)
  • 2:06 — 13 Scotland Road ( … the brainchild of Bill Binford plays a wide range of original music, featuring Aaron Seglin …)
  • 2:48 — Elijah and the Rockers ( … straight out of Jamaica and NYC; roots rock reggae like it’s supposed to be …)
  • 3:30 — Running Late ( … a smooth eclectic blend of funk, pop, and alternative rock that gets you moving …)
  • 4:12 — Big Mamou ( … Cajun, Zydeco and Cosmic Country featuring John Sherman accordion and Julianne Fenhagen vocals from Montclair …)
  • 4:54 — Jill Criscuolo ( … A NJ based pop/dance artist that delivers an energetic family oriented stage performance …)
  • 5:36 — The Martays ( … a band of NYC’s most illustrious recording and touring musicians create rollicking, soulful re-imaginings of classic songs)
  • 6:18 — featured artist The Martin Briley Band ( … The Martin (Salt in My Tears) Briley Band play gritty, yet sophisticated, pop gems …)
  • 7:15 — co-headliner James Maddock ( … NYC’s WFUV 2011 Listener’s Poll named Wake Up and Dream one of the top albums of 2011, with the song “Beautiful Now” #9 in the same poll …)
  • 9:00 — headliner Chris Berry and Panjea ( … the powerful groove and socially conscious message of Chris Berry and Panjea has its roots in the ghettos of Zimbabwe; the music speaks of personal power and the ability to change one’s own life and the world for the better …)

NOTE:  Schedule subject to change.  If weather interrupts the schedule we pick up the schedule as per the “clock.”  In other words, if it pours rain from 4 pm to 5:45, we pick up the schedule with whatever band is scheduled to be playing at 5:45.  However, we have a covered stage, so light or moderate rain won’t stop us.
Last minute updates to the schedule (due to weather or other factors) will be announced in real-time on our Twitter channel —twitter.com/maplewoodstock
Pray for sun.  ;-)

SCHEDULE: DAY 2

Sunday, July 8, 2012

  • noon —  Dachee & Culturally One ( … a band that uplifts, inspires, and entertains to make change in the world …)
  • 12:42 — Matt Mattheis ( … South Orange singer/songwriter has been performing for over 30 years and will debut his new CD Living in Grey with his six piece band …)
  • 1:24 — The Mungers ( … never too serious, The Mungers deliver pop hooks that you’ll be humming later …)
  • 2:06 — Rachel Allyn ( … Jersey born, Nashville educated singer/songwriter Rachel Allyn brings a new perspective to country music…)
  • 2:48 — Hilton Nawlin’s Funk Marching Band ( … come get funktafied in a Nawlin’s kinda way …)
  • 3:30 — Shari Pine ( … straight up, low down, burning and churning, Pine is zero to soul in 10 seconds …)
  • 4:12 — featured artist Jimmy Destri Band ( … this former keyboard player from Blondie and local artist is now creating his own new sound …)
  • 5:00 — featured artist Seth Walker ( … “The first time I heard Seth Walker at a small club in Nashville I was impressed like I haven’t been impressed in 30 years, with performance, presence, and great songs” — Delbert McClinton)
  • 6:15 — co-headliner Ollabelle ( … American roots–rock band that has been sharing their rare chemistry for over ten years …)
  • 7:45 — headliner Shemekia Copeland ( … heir to the rich tradition of soul-drenched divas like Ruth Brown, Etta James and Koko Taylor, Copeland’s shot at the eventual title of Queen of the Blues is pretty clear; by some standards, she may already be there …)

NOTE:  Schedule subject to change.  If weather interrupts the schedule we pick up the schedule as per the “clock.”  In other words, if it pours rain from 4 pm to 5:45, we pick up the schedule with whatever band is scheduled to be playing at 5:45.  However, we have a covered stage, so light or moderate rain won’t stop us.
Last minute updates to the schedule (due to weather or other factors) will be announced in real-time on our Twitter channel —twitter.com/maplewoodstock



7-11 WANTS STORE ACROSS FROM CHS

     


The News-Record reports that a 7-11 that drew opposition in the past is going into the gas station across from Columbia High School, it will be the third in town, if it is approved:


Convenience store giant 7-Eleven plans to open a third location in Maplewood — at a gas station on Valley Street — a year after saying it was not interested in the site because it could not stay open 24 hours per day.
Attorney Louis Rago, who represents the owner of the property, said June 25 that in a best-case scenario, the store would be built before the start of school in September. A gas station will remain at the site, along with an 1,800 square-foot store.
A spokeswoman for 7-Eleven did not have a commenet readily available June 26.
However, Mayor Vic De Luca said the Shell Gas station site is the “wrong spot” for a convenience store. He said that area of Valley Street and Parker Avenue already is heavily trafficked with motorists and pedestrians.


Thursday, June 28, 2012

FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL DOW WOULD LEAVE MAPLEWOOD UNDER NEW APPOINTMENT

Maplewood's own Paula Dow, former Essex County prosecutor and state Attorney General, could find out today if she will received a Superior Court judgeship -- an appointment that would have her moving out of town and into Burlington County.


Dow, who told Maplewoodian in 2009 that she liked Maplewood and planned to stay here while serving as Attorney General -- which she did -- has said she would move to Burlington County if she gains the new post.


Star-Ledger reports more HERE.

MAPLEWOOD MAN HURT IN SMALL PLANE CRASH

From The Star-Ledger:



WEST CHESTER, Pa. — An Essex County man was injured when his small plane crashed while landing at a suburban Philadelphia airfield, striking two other planes and narrowly missing a parked fuel truck.
Officials at Brandywine Airport say the single-engine plane crashed during landing Wednesday. Airport manager John Taylor said a stiff crosswind may have contributed to the crash.
Airport officials identified the pilot as Howard Cooper of Maplewood. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.

CAR STUCK WITH BABY

...Scanner shows car stuck on Valley St. with baby on board, but no details....

SCHOOL SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS IN

They asked parents, teachers and students what they thought.


See results HERE.

BINGO TODAY



Bingo Thursday at Hilton Branch
Time:4:00pm
Information:Bingo Thursday 
All ages * Drop In 
Hilton: Thurs 6/28 
@ 4-4:45pm 
Come for a fun game of 
B-I-N-G-O! Kids must know their numbers. 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

TC EMAIL REVIEW WOULD COST $100,000 - PLUS

In an effort to find out what our wonderful Township Committee is using its official emails for, I sought a public records request seeking all emails from the current TC members dating back to Jan. 1, 2010.


I did not expect there was any misuse, but rather curious as I know all of them are very much in touch with the public, especially Mayor Vic De Luca. However, I would be interested to see how.


My initial requests for this information produced a letter from township officials seeking exact dates sought and other information. 






I responded stating I wanted to see all of those emails, in many ways to see how many were sent. 


It turns out the township contends each email must be reviewed to determine if it contained personal or confidential information. The cost for reviewing the 75,000 emails that have been sent by the five TC members - more than $100,000.


This seems a bit restrictive, but perhaps not. Here is the response for your review:


There is apparently precedent for this, a government entity invoking a "special services charge" for big projects. But is the fee too high?

So if I want to find out what the Township Committee has been sending in official e-mails, I guess I have to wait or fork over some big cash. Democracy at its finest.

NJ TRANSIT DELAYS TO MIDTOWN

From NJTransit.com:


Travel Alerts
Jun 27, 2012  08:17:36 AM
Due to an earlier Portal Bridge opening, trains in/out of New York Penn Station are subject to 10-15 minute delays.

MAPLEWOOD MINORS ARRESTED IN SOUTH ORANGE POT BUST

This from South Orange Police:

Juvenile arrests
Six juveniles residents of Maplewood and South Orange were arrested on 6-24-12 at approximately 4:50pm after  Officers responded to a call from a resident stating that she observed juveniles in the fenced in property of the Public Works located off of Walton Rd. Officers responding to the scene discovered the juveniles to be in possession of CDS (marijuana). The juveniles were transported to headquarters and processed accordingly. 

HANDMADE BOOK PROGRAM TODAY

Another great library program:



Time:10:30am
Information:The Art of the Handmade Book 
Registration is required. Please register in person at the adult circulation desk at Main Library. 
Come learn to make two basic book structures; one using the pamphlet stitch and beautiful Japanese Washi papers for covers, and the other an accordion fold book with stiff paper covers. 
Book Arts Roundtable members Karen McDermott and Benita Wolffe will lead this enjoyable and educational morning workshop. You will leave with two finished books, and the beginnings of a book binding vocabulary. 
The Book Arts Roundtable was established to encourage the love of book and paper arts. 
Wednesday, June 27 
10:30 am at Main Library 

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

VAN BROKEN INTO

...Scanner reports four black JV males carrying poles and on foot after allegedly breaking into a van....

FORMER ESSEX COUNTY JUDGE UNDER ETHICS INVESTIGATION

Star-Ledger reports:


ESSEX COUNTY — A Superior Court judge previously assigned to Essex County is accused of possible ethics violations in his effort to persuade a local school board to help pay the cost of a Pennsylvania summer camp for his girlfriend’s son, according to a complaint filed by a state judicial investigations panel.
The same complaint alleges the judge, Joseph Isabella, also provided improper legal assistance to the woman — now his wife and identified only as T.M. in court documents — during her divorce proceeding.
Isabella "created the risk that his judicial office would be an influential factor" when he solicited the Nutley Board of Education’s attorney and its school superintendent for help with the summer camp matter, according to the five-page complaint filed last month by the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct. It also alleges he used official judicial stationery in a fax sent to the board, which ended up paying for a portion of the camp, whose full tuition was several thousand dollars. Nutley was required to provide summer sessions for T.M.’s special needs son, but not out of state.


ASBURY PARK WANTS NO BEACHWEAR NEAR THE BEACH

From NJ.com:


ASBURY PARK — If you step off the beach in Asbury Park and slide into a bar wearing a Speedo or string bikini, you’re technically breaking the law. And a former city councilwoman is trying to make sure you know it.
For decades, there has been a little-known ordinance in the Monmouth County city banning bathing suits on the boardwalk. "No person clad in bathing attire shall be on the boardwalk or the public walks adjacent thereto," it reads.

GREAT SUMMER ART OPTIONS

This from the Township:


There are still some openings for the Summer Art Explorations run by the Maplewood Recreation Department.  This program is geared for children 4 - 8 years old.
Week# 2  The United States runs from July 2 - July 6th from 9 - 11:30 AM.  The fee for this week is $68.00 because there is no class on the 4th of July. The major focus this week will be celebrating our nation's birthday. 
Week# 6 Spain & Portugal runs from July 30th - August 3rd from 9 - 11:30 AM.  The fee for this week is $85.00.
Children will make a snack each day depending on the country of the day.  All sessions are held at the Maplewood Community Center/DeHart Park, 120 Burnett Avenue. You may register online at http:register.communitypass.net/maplewood or at the recreation office 574 Valley Street from Monday - Friday.

Monday, June 25, 2012

SUMMER READING KICK-OFF TONIGHT


7 p.m. tonight at the main library on Baker St.

Clemmons-McClune
We’ll kick off the Children’s Summer Reading Program with a family-friendly concert led by Christine Clemmons-McClune ofArtists Reaching Communities. These talented singers will share some of their favorites from musical theatre and classical music.  This is an outdoor program, so bring a blanket, a snack, and enjoy! In case of rain program will be held inside the library.

ARMED CARJACKING THIS MORNING LEADS POLICE BLOTTER

From Maplewood Police:


June 25, 2012: Car Jacking; a Parker Ave resident reports that at 5:40 AM he was outside his home.  He had started his vehicle (2011, Porsche, Cayenne) and was standing next to it in his driveway.  At this time he was approached by two black males with their faces partially covered.  One of the males pointed a handgun at the victim before both actors got into the running vehicle and fled East on Parker Ave in the stolen SUV.  No one was injured. 


In other crimes:



June 18, 2012: Burglary; At approximately 350 PM an Indiana St resident reported that their home had been burglarized.  A neighbor reports seeing two teenagers sitting on the patio of the home at approximately 11 AM.

June 19, 2012: Attempted Motor Vehicle Theft; Between the hours of 1030 PM on 06/18 and 230 AM on 06/19, a 2001 Audi A6 was attempted to be stolen.  Officer DeFazio was patrolling and observed the Audi on Harding St.  The vehicle had damage consistent with an attempted theft.  The vehicle’s owner was contacted and confirmed that the damage was caused sometime between 1030 PM and the time the officer observed the vehicle.

June 20, 2012 ; Theft from vehicle; A vehicle parked on Chancellor Ave had it’s window smashed and a purse taken from the vehicle sometime between 315 and 4 PM. The purse was left on the floor on the passenger side of the vehicle.

June 21, 2012: Burglary; A Laurel Ave resident reports that some time between 915 AM and 1 PM entry was forced to the front door of their home.  No one was home at the time.  The detective bureau responded and processed the scene.

June 20th-21st: Theft from vehicle; An unlocked vehicle on Midland Ave was entered and multiple items taken from the vehicle during the overnight hours. Detectives responded and processed the vehicle for evidence.


FARMER'S MARKET IS OPEN TODAY

Always a good stop on Summer Monday.

Maplewood Farmers Market - Open Today
Come and shop the Maplewood Farmers Market today Monday from 2 pm to 7 pm, located on Springfield Avenue at Indiana Street.

CHS PERFECT PITCHER IS COUNTY ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

We told you about Columbia High School's Jimmy Murphy back in April when he threw a perfect game against Clark.


Well, this weekend, the Star-Ledger named him Essex County Player of the Year for his overall work on the diamond, which got him an offer to attend Fordham University next year, where he has committed to go.

The paper reports:


Watching Columbia's Jimmy Murphy pitch, one gets the feeling that the right-hander bound for Fordham could cleanly cut diamonds in a hurricane.


Murphy's demeanor on the mound is such that it appears he is operating in an alternate reality, perhaps one where the fastballs are faster and the curveball break harder. The game seems fast only for the batters he faces.ear for 2012.For in Murphy's world, there is only one speed: Murphy speed.
Murphy's timing, as far as getting to his senior year with an incredibly strong arsenal of pitches while his team was in the rebuilding stage with underclassmen, was not good. That, like everything else inside of  the games he pitches, never seemed to effect him.

Murphy just went about his business, which was trying to carry his team across the finish line one game at a time, regardless of a lack of run support and spotty defense.
For that effort and his truly thorough efficiency, Murphy is The Star-Ledger's Essex County Player of the Year.

BIG STORM COMING

Big storm coming, see advisory below and check back for our updated weather bar above.



DayJun 25

T-Storms
79°FHigh
T-Storms
Chance of Rain:
100%
Wind:
W at 11 mph
Humidity:
60%
UV Index:
7 - High
Snowfall:
0 in
Sunrise:
5:27 am
Moonrise:
11:36 am
Moonphase:
Waxing Crescent
Past 24-hr Precip:
0.09 in (est.)
Past 24-hr Snow:
0 in
Thunderstorms this morning with a few showers possible during the afternoon. A few storms may be severe. High 79F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

RESERVATION REPAIRS TO BEGIN

From the Independent Press:

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced on Monday, June 18, that work is underway to repair and rehabilitate existing hiking trails in Essex County South Mountain Reservation and establish a new trail system through the Mayapple Hill section of the reservation. The improvements will enhance accessibility throughout South Mountain Reservation and address erosion problems.

MAPLEWOOD POOL WATER VOLLEYBALL TODAY




Date: June 24th, 2012
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Information: Adult members of the Maplewood Community Pool are invited to play Saturday and Sunday mornings throughout the pool season, starting June 23. This is a coed activity open to participants of varying skill levels. Pool shoes are recommended. Hope to see you there.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

TREE DOWN AT QUICK CHEK

Looks like someone hit the gas instead of the break at the Quick Chek parking lot at Boyden and Springfield Saturday.


No injuries, just a dented bumper and hood.

KICK IT KOHL FUNDRAISER TONIGHT

Another great way to help this most deserving youngster:


Art Auction & Party to benefit Kohl Angelo
Time:7:00pm
Information:Charity Art Auction on Saturday June 23th 2012  at my studio – 103 Baker Street to benefit a local 12 year old -  "Kohl Angelo". 

You   may   already   be   aware   of Kohl's story and if so you will understand why the art auction is being organized.  If you havent heard of him then read on… 
Kohl lives in  Maplewood   and  was   diagnosed   with   DIPG*   in   November  2011.   

The  Angelo  family's  world  was  turned  upside  down  and  inside  out  as  they  pressed   forward   to   understand   the   disease   and   find   the   best   possible   course   of   treatment   for   Kohl,   an   A   student,  a  thriving  soccer  player,  brother  to  Austin  and  Branden,  and  only  12 years  old.      To  that  end,  Kohl  and  his  mother  Kelly  went  to  St.  Jude  Children's  Research  Hospital  in  Memphis,   Tennessee  for  eight  weeks,  where  he  took  the  last  place  in  a  trial  program  for  children  with  DIPG.   His   father   Peter   came   to   visit   as   much   as   possible   as   did   his   brothers,   grandparents,   aunt,   and   friends.   Kohl   endured   the   pain   and   discomfort   of   radiation,   chemotherapy,   and   suffered   through   weeks  of  additional  distress  due  to  kidney  stones.       

The  good  news:  The  tumor  has  shrunk  almost  60%.  Kohl  is  back  in  Maplewood,  doing  things  a  boy   should   be   doing.      He's   begun   a   new   course   of   treatment   at   NYU   Cancer   Institute.   As   an   added   measure,   Kohl's   new   "normal"   involves   a   comprehensive   program   to   strengthen   his   immune   system,   under   the   guidance   of   a   biophysicist   focused   on   beating   DIPG.   She's   succeeding.   Two   children  under  her  watchful  eye  have  been  ␣cancer  free␣  for  more  than  three  years.    This  is  nothing   short  of  a  miracle,  and  the  Angelo's  are  doing  everything  they  can  to  make  their  Triplet,  the  Trifecta   of  Success.      The   bad   news:         Most   of   Kohl's   current   treatment   to   tackle   the   remaining   40%   of   the   tumor   and   keeping  it  from  advancing  is  not  covered  by  insurance,  and  this  illness  has  taken  a  financial  toll.  The   Angelo's   are   grateful   for   all   that   they   have   received   by   our   wonderful   community.    
Unfortunately,   they   still   need   our   love,   support,   prayers   and   financial   assistance.   Thousands,   likely   tens   of   thousands  of  dollars  will  be  required  to  keep  Kohl  on  this  current  track  of  treatment. 


I am also asking that you promote this auction on June 23th, it will be a fun, creative and a very artsy event…. Please make your calendars and join us. 

*DIPG: Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma is a malignant brain tumor that arise from glial cells in the brainstem. Survival rates are less than 10% 

Geralyn 

Address:Geralyns Art Studio 103 Baker St Maplewood

MAPLEWOODSTOCK NEEDS YOU

This request for help has been making the rounds.....

HK Community Fund, as the lead sponsor for Maplewoodstock will be providing the event with volunteers as we have done for the past 3 years. The task is a large one as we need to recruit at least 50-60 individuals to help make this event even more successful then it has been in the past. 

Volunteers perform the following tasks; 
- Vendor assistance, responsibilities include assistance with set up and take down. Also, periodically "booth sitting" is requested by some vendors (aka bathroom breaks). Volunteers will not transact any business for vendors, but will sit to inform potential customers when vendor will return. 
- Selling Merchandise. Volunteers will sell Maplewoodstock t-shirts and hats as well as and merchandise that bands want to sell 
- And the ever popular "park duty". Volunteers are responsible for making sure that the park remains clean and tidy. 

Volunteers will work in shifts of 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Multiple shifts are encouraged ;-). All volunteers will receive a groovy volunteer t-shirt (unless we have so many volunteers that we run out) 

Maplewoodstock takes place July 7th and 8th. Shifts begin at 10am and end when the park is cleaned each night, (some volunteer work is required on Friday evening to help set up). 

Historically we have had mostly teenagers (12 yrs old and older), but adults are encouraged to volunteer as well. 

If you are interested or know of someone who is please contact our Executive Director, AmyJo Curran at amyjocurran@gmail.com or 973-762-4062. 

Thanks 
HKCF

Friday, June 22, 2012

TOWNSHIP ANNIVERSARY PHOTO NOW FOR SALE

Maplewood's 90th Birthday


If you were among those who posed in front of Town Hall for this photo on Memorial Day, you are now famous.


Township officials released the photo and allow you to purchase a copy HERE.


The photo was taken, of course, to help commemorate Maplewood's 90th anniversary this year.


It is also on the latest edition of the Maplewood Leaflet newsletter.


NEWS 12 ON DOG LEFT IN CAR


Now the entire state knows about our one stupid dog owner



POOL OPENS AT NOON TODAY

Remember, the pool is open at its regular time today: Noon, with closing at 8.


So with temps likely to hit the 90s again, a little earlier relief is welcomed.


Thursday, June 21, 2012

MAN CHARGED WITH LEAVING DOG IN HOT CAR

Apparently someone wanted to take a dip in the pool in yesterday's sweltering heat, but left his dog in the car to sweat it out.


NJ.com reports:


MAPLEWOOD — It could have been a deadly combination: a hot dog in a hot car.
Maplewood police responded to the Maplewood Community Pool on Boyden Avenue shortly before 7 p.m. Wednesday on a report of a small dog panting inside a car, Capt. John Perna said today.
When responding officers arrived, they found a small "hot dog" type dog inside a Volkswagen with its windows rolled up in the pool parking lot, Perna said.
They ran the license plates and contacted the owner who was inside the pool, according to Perna.
Perna declined to identify the 55-year-old Maplewood man but said animal cruelty charges are forthcoming.
Once contacted, the man "came out and rectified the situation," Perna said. It was not immediately clear how long the dog had been inside the car.
Police estimated the outside temperature was about 94 degrees, but according to Perna it was likely much hotter inside the Volkswagen.
"I would think it would be because the windows were up, but I can't give an estimate of that," he said.
A patron heading into the pool reported the dog inside the car, Perna said.

FAINTING AT SEVEN-ELEVEN

Be careful out there in the near 100-degree temps.


During a stop at 7-11 on Springfield Ave. saw a woman faint. Kudos to paramedics who got there in minutes and helped her out.


Later stuck my head in Hilton Library to cool off and the AC is on high.


Lots of water, hydrate.

HILTON NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ANNIVERSARY TONIGHT


Time:7:30pm
Information:Hilton Neighborhood Association Celebrates Its 17th Anniversary 

The Hilton Neighborhood Association will celebrate its 17th anniversary on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at 7:30 PM at the brand-new gazebo in DeHart Park. The event will feature live music under the stars with Jim Buchanan and Friends. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the fabulous music and tasty refreshments. This family friendly celebration is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. Parking is available on Newark Way or in the DeHart Center Parking lot. Come join the celebration! In case of rain, the party will be held inside DeHart Community Center at 120 Burnett Avenue, Maplewood. For further information, contact cabms@aol.com or 973-761-4672.

POLICE STATION DESTRUCTION HAS BEGUN

Just days after the TC formally completed the sale of the former police station on Dunnell Road, crews were out this morning beginning the process to bring it down and put up new housing.

BEAT THE HEAT AGAIN

Yes, just a reminder that the heat is expected to near 100 degrees today, as noted below:
.. HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EDT THIS EVENING...

* LOCATIONS... PORTIONS OF NORTHEAST NEW JERSEY.
* HAZARDS... HIGH HEAT.
* HEAT INDEX VALUES... 100 TO 103 DEGREES.
* TIMING... HIGHEST HEAT INDICES THIS AFTERNOON.
* IMPACTS... THESE EXPECTED HEAT INDICES WILL RESULT IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS FOR THOSE SPENDING PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME OUTSIDE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A HEAT ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN THE COMBINATION OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY IS EXPECTED TO MAKE IT FEEL LIKE IT IS 100 TO 104 DEGREES FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE HOURS. TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS IF YOU WORK OR SPEND TIME OUTSIDE. WHEN POSSIBLE... RESCHEDULE STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES TO EARLY MORNING OR EVENING. KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE. WEAR LIGHT WEIGHT AND LOOSE FITTING CLOTHING WHEN POSSIBLE AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER.
TO REDUCE RISK DURING OUTDOOR WORK THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION RECOMMENDS SCHEDULING FREQUENT REST BREAKS IN SHADED OR AIR CONDITIONED ENVIRONMENTS. ANYONE OVERCOME BY HEAT SHOULD BE MOVED TO A COOL AND SHADED LOCATION. HEAT STROKE IS AN EMERGENCY... CALL 9 1 1.

Keep up with weather temps at our weather banner above.


Also, reminder, cooling centers are open in Maplewood today as noted below:


Due to the high temperature and humidity forecasted for today and tomorrow the DeHart Community Center will be open today from 10:00AM to approximately 9PM this evening. Anyone who wants to take a break from the heat and cool down is encouraged to stop in. The DeHart Community Center is located at 120 Burnett Ave. Bring a book or friend. 
The Maplewood Memorial Library and the Hilton Branch Library are also open for cooling off. The Main Library will be open today (6/20) from 10AM to 9PM and is located at 51 Baker St. The Hilton Branch located at 1688 Springfield Ave is open today (6/20) from 10AM to 5PM.
Of course the above is subject to change based on the availability of electric power. Please check our website for any updates.

POOL DEMAND EXPLODES

As we reported Wednesday, the Maplewood Pool was packed yesterday and will likely be today. Great that we have such a wonderful resource and with new slides that make it an even better value, even with fee hikes.


But hey, that is how you pay for it. Lines were out the door and down the parking lot at the 3 p.m. opening and calls have come to open it earlier. That would be great, but only if it is workable.


One down side, the slides were shutdown at moments, not sure if it was mechanical or some kind of need to keep the water flow good. Perhaps bugs being worked out for the first few days.