Friday, November 30, 2012

MOL KILLS DISCUSSION

So I posted a link to my story below on the 6th grade parent dying and a letter sent home to parents on MaplewoodOnline, which drew at least three comments and hundreds of people going to the story.





Still, MOL removed the discussion, which is obviously of interest. 
If you linked to the discussion, you get this:


Page Not Found

The page you were looking for could not be found.



Jamie censorship again!



SUDDEN PARENT DEATH SPARKS MMS LETTER

The Maplewood Middle School sent this letter via email today:


Dear Maplewood Middle School Community Member,
 
As a community, we experience both joy and sorrow.  Today I share with you the sad news that a Maplewood Middle School 6thgrade parent died suddenly yesterday.  Those closest to the family are seeking ways to support them and help with their current and future needs, but such an event affects us all.  Today, during the afternoon classes of all 6th graders, school counselors spent time discussing the passing of a parent, reassuring them that this is a very infrequent happening.  Counselors discussed the feelings that all humans share at sad times such as this, and things that can be said when their friend and classmate returns to school.     
 
This can be a difficult topic to address with children, particularly as we try to cope with our own feelings and reactions.  It may help to read about children’s grief reactions and suggestions for how to talk to you child.  Here are two sources that others have found very helpful.  You can visit  www.rainbows.org and www.good-grief.org  to review their tips for talking to children about death and loss.  We also have hard copies of the same handouts if you would like to pick them up from the MMS Guidance Department.  Our school counselors are available if your child or you would like to discuss feelings that have come up as a result of this most recent incident.  Should the need arise, please contact our school counselors at 973.378.7660, x.3030.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jeff Truppo
Principal
Maplewood Middle School   

No other information as yet released

SOUTH JERSEY TOXIC TRAIN DERAILMENT

Not a Maplewood story, but an issue of interest.

NJ.com reports:


More than 40 people, including some children, are being treated at Underwood-Memorial Hospital in Woodbury this morning afterthree railroad tanker cars carrying the chemical vinyl chloride crashed into Mantua Creek in Paulsboro.

UMH spokeswoman Molly Tritt said 11 people came in by ambulance — all from the scene — and so far, there have been 31 walk-ins, all with respiratory complaints. 

The initial five victims are being discharged shortly, Tritt said. 

SEE WHAT THE NEW CONDOS AT THE OLD POLICE SITE WILL BE



If you want to see what the new condos coming into the old police station site look like, here is one sketch:




Dubbed The Station House at Maplewood, the entire promotional effort is available online HERE

Now let's hope it sells.





Thursday, November 29, 2012

TOWNSHIP $160,000 STORM CLEAN-UP PROGRAM ENDS

This from the township:

Please be advised that effective at the end of business (4PM) tomorrow Friday November 30, 2012 the Department of Public Works will end its storm debris pickup program and return to leaf collection. 

The program which was implemented immediately after Super Storm Sandy allowed for the pickup of limbs and other vegetative waste that resulted from Sandy. The program has so far cost $160,000 for the disposal of the materials through an emergency contract. 

Starting Saturday December 1, 2012 if a resident has tree limbs, branches or entire trees on their property that must be removed, they will have to hire a private contractor to do so.

TC ASKS FOR PSE&G INVESTIGATION

The township recently passed a resolution asking for an investigation into PSE&G's poor response to the hurricane outages.

See it HERE.


UPDATED JITNEY

From the Township

The Jitney Schedule has been updated and can be found on the Maplewood Township website: www.maplewoodnj.org . Just click on the Clerk under the Departments Menu and Jitney Permits and Parking under the sub-menu and it will take you to the schedule for the three routes currently being used by our Jitney Drivers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

MEDICARE OPTION INFO

Another great library offering:

Time:10:30am
Information:Medicare Options for You 
The Medicare open enrollment period ends on December 7. Do you have questions about plans and products? Are you aware that New Jersey offers State Pharmaceutical Assistance Plans to those who qualify? Join us for an educational seminar given by Senior Health Care Consultants from ADP/Statewide Insurance Agencies, Inc. 
Be prepared to make the right decision concerning your healthcare! 
Sponsored by the Maplewood Senior Club and Maplewood Library. 
Free and open to the public. 
Wednesday, November 28 
10:30 am at Main Library 

MAPLEWOOD OFFICER INJURED

PATCH reports:


A Maplewood police officer received a head injury and an Irvington woman was also injured following a two-car weekend accident on Springfield Avenue, according to Capt. John Perna.
The officer, Justin Moen, was making a left turn into the Police and Courts Building shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday when his car struck another vehicle headed in the opposite direction, said Perna.
Both Moen and the woman were able to get out of their cars unassisted.
Moen was taken to University Hospital with a head injury. He received stitches in the back of his head and was released.
The other driver, a 56-year old woman police did not identify, complained of pain and was also taken to University Hospital. She was released the next morning. 
The cause of the accident is being investigated. Moen has returned to full duty.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

PAJAMA STORY TIME TONIGHT

Another great library event.

Time:7:00pm
Information:Pajama Storytime 
Ages 2 - 8 * Drop In 
Hilton: Tues 11/27 @ 7-7:30pm 
All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Address:1688 Springfield Ave.
Town:Maplewood
Contact:jburkholder@maplewoodlibrary.org
Website:http://www.maplewoodlibrary.org

TOWNSHIP WANTS TO RECRUIT NEW BUSINESS

PATCH reports:


What will Maplewood look like in the next five, 10, 50 years?
That question is at the heart of a new initiative the township is launching to fill what elected officials see as a vast, unmet retail demand, while taking a proactive approach to shape the business landscape for decades to come.
The township unveiled its plan at a breakfast gathering of the local business and real estate community on Monday. Mayor Vic DeLuca and Mark Lohbauer, a principal at JGSC, consultants hired by the township, led the meeting.
"Too many shoppers, not enough stores," said Lohbauer, summing up his firm's overall assessment. Lohbauer said JGSC had calculated a $2.2 billion unmet retail demand among people living within a 10-mile radius of Maplewood.

LOW COST SPAY AND NEUTER YOUR PET TODAY


The Humane Society and the Maplewood Health Dept. are sponsoring a low cost spay/neuter program on in the Humane Society van to be parked in front of the Maplewood Town Hall. Appointments are required. Call 973-824-7080 x118 or 121. Healthy animals five years or younger are accepted. Kittens must be at least two months and two pounds. Drop off pets starting at 8:00 a.m. and pick up by 4:00 p.m. The Health Dept. urges you to be a responsible pet owner and have your dogs and cats spayed/neutered.

Address:574 Valley St.
Town:Maplewood
Phone:973-762-8120 x4400
Contact:Robert Roe, Health Officer healthofficer@twp.maplewood.nj.us

RESCHEDULE LOST TEACHER CONFERENCES

One of the big Hurricane Sandy losses for the schools, aside from missed days, is that many parent-teacher conferences were canceled.

At least in Tuscan School's case, they will not be rescheduled, instead delayed to March when the second conferences are held.

This seems quite a loss. These conferences are a key moment for parents to find out what is happening in their children's classes. Why can't they be rescheduled sooner?



Monday, November 26, 2012

TWO BURGLARIES MARK POLICE WEEK

This from Maplewood Police today:


November 19, 2012, Burglary; A Springfield Ave business had a window broken and cash taken from it during the overnight hours.  Patrols observed the broken window at approximately 450 AM.

November 19, 2012, Burglary to Garage; A Rutgers St resident observed that their garage was entered and the garage door was left open.  Upon checking the garage, they discovered their leaf blower was missing.  The leaf blower was recovered by officers in the backyard of a neighboring home.
 

BEATRICE MILLER POSTS ABOUT HER VOICE HEALTH

Beatrice posted this Sunday night on her Facebook page:


Hi BEAlievers! I have been very busy since Thursday night. My wonderful ENT, Dr. Nasseri, has insisted that I not utter a word until further notice so I am on total vocal rest. When my voice gets better I will post some videos for my fans so that you can see how great I am feeling. Music, Film and TV offers are coming in and my mom and I will decide what is best for me. I am going in to the studio in January to start working on my own music for my first CD and I am so excited about that. I will be working with some of my favorite writers/producers! (you know who you are and I ♥ you!) Stay tuned for more updates. xoxox

REVISED POST-SANDY SCHOOL CALENDAR RELEASED

As we reported last week, the Hurricane Sandy closings have made it necessary to change the district calendar so that school will be in session on Feb. 14.

In addition, the district released this updated calendar message indicating how many emergency closing days are left for each school.


Sunday, November 25, 2012

CHS FOOTBALL ENDS TOUGH SEASON WITH LOSS

In case you missed it, here is the result of Columbia Football's last game, a tough one against Irvington.

But we are proud of them for playing hard all season.



Irvington (38) at Columbia (24) - Football

November 22, 2012 3:08 p.m.
Irvington scored 25 points in the fourth quarter as it defeated Columbia, 38-24, yesterday in Maplewood before a crowd of 1,200.
Willie Barr returned an interception 45 yards for Irvington to open the fourth-quarter scoring. He followed that with a 42-yard touchdown run to give Irvington a 25-18 lead.
Devon Davis ran for a 22-yard touchdown and Samaad Jenkins returned an interception 48 yards for a score as Irvington opened a 38-18 lead in the fourth.
Devon Davis scored on a five-yard run in the first quarter for Irvington, but a Columbia safety and a seven-yard scoring run by Deion Hudson gave Columbia a 10-6 lead after the first quarter.
Hudson also connected with Tyshawn Thomas for a five-yard touchdown for Columbia as it led 18-13 at halftime.
The third quarter was scoreless.
 


TWO OPEN HOUSES TODAY

Thanksgiving weekend does not stop everyone, check out the two open houses in town today 

See HERE.

DONATE BLOOD TODAY

The Jets already played, the Giants play tonight, so you have the time.


Donate your blood and make a difference:

Where: Maplewood First Aid Squad,
Address: 129 Boyden Avenue, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Time: 12-4 p.m.

*The east coast needs donations for recovery efforts following Super Storm Sandy. One of the most critical needs is blood donations. Every two seconds somebody in this country needs blood. So far, Sandy has forced the cancelation of 300 blood drives across 14 states resulting in the loss of 9,000 pints of blood. Maplewood can help. Please meet the mobile van at the Maplewood First Aid Squad SUNDAY Nov. 25th between 12-4 p.m.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY TODAY


Check out the savings in our town HERE and below

FORGET THE MALL AND SHOP SMALL!

Participating merchants will celebrate Small Business Saturday with promotions, refreshments, in-store events & more*. Visit each participating merchant on Saturday, November 24 to  jump start your Holiday season. You’ll enjoy a tequila tasting at Village Wine Shop, big savings when you shop small at Little One & Co. and you can refuel with complimentary coffee & snacks at Words Bookstore.
Check out the work the merchants have been doing to get ready for the big day, as featured on MSNBC’s Your Business! 
Here is a complete list of participating merchants:
The Tenth Muse Gallery – Shop Small and Save 25% off your entire purchase. *including already marked items. not valid on previous purchases. cannot be combined with other promotions.
Scrivener’s Toys & Collectibles - Pick-a-Prize Fishbowl; choose a card and get a 10%, 15%, 20% discount or a surprise gift.
KoKoRo – Treats and special in-store promotions.
Little One & Co. – Shop Small and Save 25% off your entire purchase. *Including already marked items. Not valid on previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other promotions.
Alchemy Hour – Save 10% to 40% when you pick from the lottery at the register.
Highland Place/Crane’s – FREE cocktail or bowl of soup when you bring a receipt from any participating retailer.
Click! Tutoring & Learning Center – Free Play for children 0-5 from 2 – 4 pm in our kids corner and Free Tweens story writing workshop 4-5 pm. Special offer – TheGet Writing Package of 2 writing tutoring sessions, any grade for $99.00.
Words – Complimentary coffee and refreshments.
Hopscotch – Spend $50.00 or more and receive $10.00 off your purchase. (personalization not included).
Geralyn’s Art Studio – Special Art Store and Gallery featuring Cowgirl in the Sand merchandise and hand-made silver rings from Italy.
Shed – Enjoy 10% of the entire store and refreshments when you shop small at Shed!
Lotus Petals Floral Design – Holiday treats and 15% off the store, excluding fresh product.
Bee & Thistle – 10% off on total purchase over $50.00.
Village Wine Shop – Enjoy a Corzo Tequila tasting and snacks from 3-5pm.
Maplewood Karate – FREE CLASS at Maplewood Karate, any program. Visit store for details.
Baker Street Yoga – 10% off class packages on Small Business Saturday. Drop by between 12pm – 6pm.
The Able Baker – Visit store for details.
No. 165 – Visit store for details.
Olive & Lizzy – Visit store for details.
Village Trattoria – Visit store for details.
Perch Home – Visit store for details.
Truly Yours – Visit store for details.
Maplewood Stationers – Visit store for details.

SKI CLUB FULL, BUT YOU CAN WAIT

This from the township:


Dear Maplewood Residents:

As of Tuesday, November 20th, the Maplewood Ski Club program is filled to capacity. Since the program is still in demand, we have created a Wait List for the program. If we get enough people to sign up on the Wait List, we will get a second bus to accommodate the added individuals.

If you are interested in still joining the Ski Club, please sign up on the Wait List ASAP so we can make the proper arrangements on time.
You can sign up at:  https://register.communitypass.net/maplewood 

Sincerely,

Bobby Tretola
Township of Maplewood
Department of Recreation & Cultural Affairs
(973)-763-4202
(973)-763-1934 (fax)

ST GEORGE'S HOLIDAY ARTISAN BAZAAR

Great event today:
Date:November 24th, 2012
Time:10:00am
Information:Get an early start on your holiday and support our local artists at the St. George's Holiday Artisans Bazaar. Find unique, one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry, clothing, decorations, cards, crafts and more.

Address:556 Ridgewood Road
Town:Maplewood
Phone:201.317.2958
Contact:kathy carliner carlinerk@yahoo.com
Website:http://stgeorges-maplewood.org

Friday, November 23, 2012

BEATRICE MILLER THROAT PROBLEMS

The great Maplewood girl who was voted off of X Factor last night says in a tweet her vocal chords have had problems


I know I haven't sounded my best the last two days, I have a hemorrhage on one of my vocal chords. I love you all for being there for me! :)

MAPLEWOOD GIRL BEATRICE MILLER VOTED OFF X FACTOR

A rough Thanksgiving for Maplewood's own Beatrice Miller, who was voted off of X Factor last night.

The great 13-year-old from Maplewood Middle School who was open about her challenges and thoughts and had a great performance Wednesday night was one of two who had to leave.

It was down to two who had to "sing for survival." Below is her great performance from last night.

But it was sadly not enough as the judges informed her that she had to leave.





But we know it is only a chance for her to work on her next performing challenge and that she has a great career ahead.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

A little Thanksgiving fun, still the ultimate Thanksgiving song.





Don't forget to remember those less fortunate. If you know someone alone today invite them over for dinner or bring them something special.

BEATRICE MILLER WOWS 'EM AGAIN ON X FACTOR

On the heels of our exclusive podcast with Maplewood's own Beatrice Miller from X Factor, the 13-year-old Maplewood Middle School student knocked one out of the park Wednesday night with a great song dedicated to her litte sisters.

See the great pre-song report from last night's show and her performance below, which drew a rare positive response from tough judge Simon Cowell.




You can also check out her podcast interview HERE and make sure to watch tonight for the results at 8 p.m. on Fox.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWSLETTER IS OUT

Check it out HERE.

Lots of stuff.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

BEATRICE MILLER PODCAST - X FACTOR STAR SPEAKS

For the second time in a week, we interviewed X Factor star and Maplewood Middle School student Beatrice Miller.

(See below)

She opened up about the stresses and challenges of the national competition, missing Maplewood and even some abusive comments she has endured on Twitter as the daughter of two moms. Amazing to believe in this day and age.

But more so, she is as confident as ever about her chances as the next show approaches tonight at 8 p.m. on Fox.

Make sure to tune in and vote.





TAKE THE LIBRARY SURVEY

If you enjoy the library as much as we do, and Mayor Vic De Luca (at left), let them know by taking this customer survey.

See HERE.


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

BEATRICE MILLER INTERVIEW DELAYED

We will have X Factor star and Maplewood Middle School student Beatrice Miller on for  call-in interview tonight, but not live.

We hope to speak with her and record it to post Wednesday morning.

Either way, don't forget to watch her on the Fox show Wednesday at 8 p.m., and to vote.


TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETS TONIGHT, PSE&G AMONG AGENDA ITEMS

The Township Committee meets tonight and, among other things, plans to discuss a resolution urging the state to demand that PSE&G account for itself following its terrible response to Hurricane Sandy outages.

See the entire agenda HERE.

NEW TUSCAN ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL NAMED

This from the principal today:

Announcement   
paw 
Quick Links



a copy of this letter is available in the Fyers section
Dear Tuscan Families,

This note is being resent on Ms. Majeed's behalf:

Dear Tuscan Family~
 
Please read the attached announcement and join me in welcoming and congratulating Mr. Kevin Mason on his appointment as Tuscan School Assistant Principal.

Thank you,

~Ms. Majeed

November 20, 2012


Dear Tuscan Family,

Last night the Board of Education approved the appointment of Mr. Kevin Mason as Tuscan School Assistant Principal. 


In searching for the new Assistant Principal, an interviewing committee of district level and school level administrators, teachers and parents interviewed 11 candidates from a pool of 113 applicants. Through a rigorous interviewing process, Mr. Mason emerged and received a recommendation for appointment from Superintendent Dr. Brian Osborne.

Mr. Mason is currently a science teacher and team leader at Maplewood Middle School. He received his B.S. in Science from Morehouse College, his M.A. in Teaching from Montclair State University, and earned his principal certification after successfully completing the NJ EXCEL program. Mr. Mason has served in multiple leadership roles in South Orange Maplewood School District, including site supervisor for the Achieve Tutorial Program, coordinator for Maplewood Middle School summer school, program manager for YouthNet's after school program, youth advisory board liaison, and member of the district's Task Force on Excellence and Equity. Additionally, Mr. Mason has honed his practice as a classroom teacher, modeling reflective practice and a deep commitment to every single student.   
I am very much looking forward to working with Mr. Mason in leading our phenomenal school staff in our shared pursuit to ensure that all Tuscan students continue to succeed in reaching increasingly higher levels of achievement. Mr. Mason's demonstrated leadership will enable Tuscan School to continue to excel in the development and implementation of exemplary educational programs that are designed tonurture and enhance the academic, social, emotional, and physical growth of Tuscan's children. We understand thatMaplewood Middle School is sad to see him leave, yet we are fortunate that Mr. Mason will be joining our Tuscan Family.    
Until Mr. Mason is able to officially join us as our new Assistant Principal, at a date to be determined, we sincerely thank Mr. P for his willingness to continue to serve as Tuscan's Assistant to the Principal.

Sincerely,

Malikah Tamar Majeed
Principal
 
This e-mail is meant only for the use of the intended recipient and may contain confidential information which is legally privileged or otherwise protected by law. If you received this e-mail in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, be advised that any review, use, dissemination, distribution, and/or copying of the e-mail is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender immediately of error by return e-mail and delete this message and all attachments from your system.

SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADERS ON VIDEO

Schools Superintendent Brian Osborne and other district administrators discuss the issues of the day on video.

See HERE.

HURRICANE SANDY MEANS EXTRA SCHOOL DAY IN FEBRUARY

Schools Supe Brian Osborne tweeted this last night:


SOMSD will have school on February 14, 2013. Day added to school calendar as a result of Hurricane Sandy. Valentine's Day in school. ;-)

LIBRARY SURVEY CONTINUES

Maplewood Memorial Library 
In Case You Missed
Our Survey...  
A few weeks ago, we sent an email asking for your help in shaping our new Strategic Plan. If you didn't have an opportunity to take our survey, here's another chance!
Whether you use the library a lot, a little, or never, we'd like to hear from you.  
Your ideas and opinions will help guide us on how best to serve the community.  

Here's a link!  

If you have already taken the survey, thank you!

Monday, November 19, 2012

MAPLEWOOD AUTHOR KELLEY ON WNYC TODAY

Listen to our own Tina Kelley on 
WNYC Public Radio today at 
11 a.m. discussing her book Almost Home.


BURGLARIES AND THEFTS FROM VEHICLES MARK POLICE WEEK

This just in from Maplewood Police:


November 12, 2012, Burglary, A Laurel Ave residence was entered and jewelry taken during the daytime hours.

November 13, 2012, Theft from Vehicle; During the overnight hours two vehicles on Coolidge Rd were entered and items were removed. Both vehicles were locked and had windows broken to gain entry.

November 13, 2012, During the overnight hours a Rutgers St business had two batteries taken from a work truck.

November 14, 2012, A Woodside Rd resident reported that during the daytime the home was entered and jewelry and a television were taken.

November 15, 2012, Theft from Vehicle, A Milton St resident reported that their unlocked vehicle was entered and a GPS unit taken.

November 16, 2012, Theft from Vehicle, A Ridgewood Rd resident was unloading items from their vehicle when a male on a bicycle approached and remove her purse from the car.

CHRISTMAS DAY TRIP PLANNED




Radio City Christmas Spectacular!
It’s almost that special time of year again! On Wednesday, November 28th, Maplewood’s Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department will be taking a trip to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Show!

The bus will leave the Community Center at DeHart Park at 8:45am SHARP. The fee is $125 for adults and $100 for children 12 and under. The price includes transportation, show, and lunch at Tony Decaneca’s after the show. Register soon because the trip is limited to the first 45 people!

You can register online at: https://register.communitypass.net/maplewood or by calling the Recreation Department at (973)-763-4202. ****When you register, select the FALL 2012 season.****

For more information, please call Michelle at the Community Center at (973)-763-0750 or the Recreation Department at (973)-763-4202.


NJ TRANSIT SCHEDULE BACK, BUT DELAYS

This alert today from NJTransit.com

Travel Alerts
Nov 19, 2012  07:57:22 AM
Morris & Essex Line train #6620 the 7;50am from Morris Plains Station up to 15 min. delay.
Nov 19, 2012  07:45:11 AM
Morris & Essex Line train #6607 the 7:32am from Brick Church Station is up to 15 min. delay.
Nov 19, 2012  07:34:43 AM
Starting Monday, November 19, regular weekday Midtown Direct service between Dover/Summit & NY will operate, with some trains making additional stops. Shuttle service will operate approximately once an hour between Summit & Hoboken.