STORE ROBBERY SHOOTING UPDATE - OWNER EXPECTED BACK

Almost a month after the owner of MS&K Confectionery at Prospect Street and Springfield Avenue was shot in a robbery, the shop is back in operation as owner Ken Parmar is recuperating at home.

A visit on Monday to the store, where the robbery occurred April 1, found one worker on the job. The employee, who said his name was Chris, said Parmar is expected back on the job within a month, noting the store had been reopened since April 8.

We dropped by Monday to chat with Chris, who did not want to be shown, but spoke with us off-camera below. He mentioned how the store had changed its layout to prevent future attacks:

ONE-TIME CHS SPEAKER BROUSSARD OF ESPN RIPS GAY NBA PLAYER

ESPN commentator Chris Broussard, who lives in nearby South Orange and was invited to speak at Columbia High School last year, is being criticized for homophobic comments he made Monday while discussing the news that NBA player Jason Collins had become the first major team athlete to reveal he is gay.

In an interview Monday, Broussard, who ironically was invited to CHS in February 2012 for a College Inspiration Night, told an interviewer Monday that Collins' gay life was living "in open rebellion to God."

See it below:

MAPLEWOOD LIBRARY 100TH ANNIVERSARY STARTS TODAY

BIKE STOLEN FROM LIBRARY

...Scanner reveals police hunting for theft of red Roadmaster mountain bike stolen from the main library, with a helmet...

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY MEETING TONIGHT

 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Main Library – Ulysses Grant Dietz, Senior Curator at the Newark Museum, will provide a behind-the-scenes look at the museum and discuss some of its important holdings, including American and European masters and this coutnry’s premier Tibetan art colletion.

Mr. Dietz is the author of many publications on decorative and other arts, about which he lectures in the U.S. and abroad.  As the great-great grandson of Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War general and eighteenth president of the United States, he is a leading authority and spokesman on the legacy of his illustrious ancestor.  He also has written two vampire novels!

SOFTBALL, BASEBALL CANCELLED AGAIN

Our poor girls, who were set to play tonight at 8 p.m., have had their second game postponed in two days.

This past Saturday the game was called for a lack of players, tonight it's rain as per this notice on the league website, which goes the same for baseball games today as well.

Monday, April 29

No Games Today - April 29
There will be no softball games played today (April 29) due to poor weather and field conditions.  All games will be rescheduled.  The updated schedule should be reflected on the website within 48-72 hours with the date, time and location of the make-up games.

We'll let you know when things are rescheduled. Thanks for your support!.

MATTERS MAGAZINE - CHS AUDITORIUM RENOVATION AND MORE

Our friend actress Christine Ebersole is on the cover of the new Matters Magazine, which has her discussing the effort to renovate the Columbia High School auditorium.

We spoke with her about that project months ago. Hear that podcast again HERE.

But also read the great electronic edition of Matters and its turn-the-page feature to catch up on the CHS project, as well as several spring garden features and Maplewood's own 100-year-old resident.

"SUSPICIOUS" PERSON REPORT RESULTS IN ARREST OF CRIMINALS

Cops also offer a reminder to be careful who you let in your home, with a list thefts from autos as well

This just in from Maplewood Police:

April 28, 2013; Weapons Violation; At approximately 03:45 AM officers responded to a call of two suspicious males in the area of Chancellor Ave and Springfield Ave.  Officers located the individuals in question and made contact with them.  Both individuals were checked for warrants as part of the investigation.  Kendall Edwards, age 28 of Maplewood was arrested on an outstanding warrant without incident by Officer Alex Wright.  The second individual, Handral Jean-Philippe, age 27 of Maplewood was also found to have an active warrant.  When Officer Ferraro and Sgt. Kuenzel attempted to place Mr Jean-Philippe under arrest he assaulted the officers and attempted to flee on foot.  Officers gave chase and were able to catch the fleeing suspect a short distance away.  The officers along with Patrolman Kelly were able to take the suspect into custody.  While searching the suspect prior to transporting him to Headquarters, it was discovered that the arrestee was in possession of a loaded Baretta model 96 handgun.  The handgun was later found to be reported stolen out of South Carolina.  Mr Jean-Philippe was charged with the appropriate offenses.

April 25,2013; Theft; At approximately 02:30 PM, a resident of Florida St was working outside his home was approached by two white males that inquired about the condition of his roof.  They reported that they were working around the corner and offered to help the resident get rid of a squirrel that was supposedly in the attic.  The resident allowed one of the men into his attic alone.  When he went to check on him it was discovered that both men had left and jewelry was missing from the home.

April 23, 2013; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours, a theft from a vehicle on Midland Blvd occurred.  The vehicle was parked in the driveway of a residence, had it’s window smashed and change was removed from the vehicle.

April 24, 2013; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours, a vehicle that was parked on Chancellor Ave had it’s window smashed and radio equipment was removed.

April 28, 2013; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours a vehicle on Parker Ave and a vehicle on Ball Terr were entered.  Cash, a GPS unit, and CDs were removed from the vehicles.

April 29, 2013; Robbery; At approximately 1245 AM, a 24 year old Maplewood resident was walking home.  He was approached on Tuscan St by a group of approximately 4-5 males.  The males assaulted him and then took his wallet before fleeing on foot.  No weapons were reported to have been used.

All incidents are currently under investigation by the Detective Bureau.  Residents are asked to practice good crime prevention techniques and secure their garages and automobiles when left unattended.

SCHOOL SCHEDULE CHANGES AGAIN

This just sent from the school district, a reminder how Hurricane Sandy affected us more than we know, and still may again.

If you can figure it out, good luck!

Calendar Changes

Revised Schedule of School Closing Dates for May 2013

As a reminder, the 2012-2013 calendar was changed due to the emergency closings caused by Hurricane Sandy in the fall. 

Tentative Closing Dates by School

School	Friday May 24	Monday May 27	Tuesday May 28
CHS	Closed	Closed	Closed
MMS	Open	Closed	Open
SOMS	Closed	Closed	Closed
Clinton	Open	Closed	Open
Jefferson	Closed	Closed	Open
Marshall	Closed	Closed	Closed
Seth Boyden	Closed	Closed	Closed
South Mountain	Closed	Closed	Closed
Tuscan	Open	Closed	Open

Please Note:  This schedule is subject to change.  “Give back days” of May 24 and May 28 are dependent on the school still having emergency closing days available as of May 23, 2013.

A full explanation of the changes to the schedule is available on the District website: http://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/cms/lib7/NJ01001050/Centricity/Domain/1/2012-13_AMENDED_--_11-19-12.pdf 

BALL TEAMS OPENING DAY PARADE SATURDAY

What a great opening day for the baseball and softball leagues Saturday, and with some great live music, too.

 

MAPLEWOOD LIBRARY BOOK SALES CONTINUES TODAY

Maplewood Memorial Library, 51 Baker Street. 

11 A.M. to 5 P.M.

Sunday is a bag-of-books sale (Friends supply the bag and you fill it with your choice of books, etc.) and entry will be through the back door from the parking lot only. 

An amazing selection of hardbacks and paperbacks (including fiction, mystery, children's, tweens, history, science, cooking, crafts, sports, and much more), plus books-on-tape, DVDs, videotapes, CDs, will be available at bargain prices. Help support our Library as you save on great reads. 

For information, call 973-762-4136. [Note—Book Donations are being accepted until April 22; check the Library website for details as to times.] 

SCENES FROM GREEN DAY

What a great day for Maplewood to turn green on Saturday

12 OPEN HOUSES TODAY

Check them out to see if you might find your new home, or just know what's selling for what.

See list HERE.

EARL 'THE PEARL' MONROE BOOK-SIGNING TODAY

Reminder, NBA Great Earl "The Pearl" Monroe at Words Bookstore in Maplewood Village today at 5 p.m.

Hear his podcast with us HERE.

TUSCAN SPRING FLING TONIGHT - GET SOME GREAT AUCTION ITEMS FOR A GREAT PRICE

Tuscan Spring Thing Silent Auction & Tricky Tray 

Time:  6:30pm

Information:  Not just for Tuscan folk - all our Maplewood & S.Orange friends and neighbors are welcome! $25 in advance ($30 at door) gets you fabulous food by Laura of Blue Plate Special, premium beer & wine, a sheet of Tricky Tray tickets and a BLAST of a party!

Many amazing items: Tickets to B'way shows, Andy Cohen's WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE, Papermill, Red Bulls, Rodriguez at Radio City, Mountain cabins,Caribbean vacations, Jets tickets, and many other great prizes. i-PAD raffle and 50/50. Tickets are limited, so get them NOW!

Tickets: Use PayPal at http://www.tuscanpta.org/spring-thing

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Address:  60 Woodland Road
Town:  Maplewood
Phone:  973-763-3016
Contact:  Alan Stephenson WunderdogNY@aol.com
Website:  http://www.tuscanpta.org/spring-thing

MAPLEWOOD GREEN DAY TODAY

New Jersey’s Largest Community Green Fair

WHEN:                 11:00 – 4:00 pm, Saturday, April 27, 2013

WHERE:               Memorial Park between Dunnell Rd. and Maplewood Ave., directly across from NJ Transit Maplewood Station, Maplewood, NJ

WEBSITE:            http://www.maplewoodgreenday.org

WHAT:                 Maplewood New Jersey is hosting the 6th annual Green Day fair to demonstrate simple ways that every person can make more planet-friendly, sustainable choices in their everyday lives.  With an expected turn-out of over 4,000 attendees, the fair is a community celebration with live music, how-to demonstrations, and over 80 eco-vendors, environmental organizations, health and fitness representatives, organic and local food providers and farmers.   Green Day offers a variety of events and activities for all ages. 

·         Access to more than 80 green vendors and exhibitors for the ultimate green shopping experience

·         Bash the Trash performance/build that combines science, music, and environmental awareness for a jam with musical instruments built from trash

·         Live Animals of the Rain Forest presentations by Rizzo’s Reptiles

·         Kids learning activities with the hands-on science show by Vinny Voltage

·         Delicious organic and local food from over 10 restaurants and farms

·         Live bands all day:  David Easton Band, Marco Ranieri Band, 8-Bit, Hooray Henrys, Kelly Jin-Hendel

·         Demonstrations including backyard composting, local food cooking, cloth diapering

·         Green deals include: $49 Home Energy Audits with Ciel Power (regularly $99), topsoil and mulch by the cubic yard with no delivery fee and compost bins on sale for $39 to the first 60 customers

·         See a demonstration by the winners of MGT Environmental Science Award from Columbia HS Science Fair

·         Launch of the adopt-a-park site program, a volunteer litter collection project in Maplewood parks

·         Useful gardening attractions such as raised bed and drip irrigation demo and Ask an Expert with the Essex County Master Gardeners

·         Kids ciclovia, free bike tune-ups and helmets,  Girl Scout bike rodeo; free monitored bike parking

·         Planet-friendly fun activities include a giant 25-foot tall rock climbing wall, face painting, kid’s environmental games, and much more

WHO:                  As part of its year-round effort to promote sustainability in the community, the township of Maplewood has a Green Day environmental fair each year.  With a long tradition of being a leader in environmental initiatives, the township of Maplewood uses this event to highlight existing programs, share different ways of reducing one’s environmental impact, and engage and teach residents of all ages. The fair is organized by a volunteer committee made up of members of the Maplewood Green Team and municipal leadership and staff.

Interviews/Photos:  Photos from past Green Day events available.  Interviews: contact Event Chair, Tracey Woods (traceywoods@verizon.net) or Deputy Mayor Kathy Leventhal (k.leventhal@twp.maplewood.nj.us)

Sponsors:            Maplewood Township Committee, PSEG, EcoMatters, Eco Friendly Printer, Words-Maplewood’s Bookstore, Soda Stream, Waste Industries, Able Baker, NJ Clean Communities Council and PUR20.

More Info:          http://www.maplewoodgreenday.org  

LIBRARY BOOK SALE WEEKEND

HARLEM WIZARDS ARE BACK TONIGHT

This is a fun show, if you have never seen them, check out below

BUSY SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRINGS PRAISE, COMPLAINTS

PATCH reports on a pretty raucous school board meeting Monday, with concerns ranging from new programs to mice in the classroom:

More than 60 South Orange-Maplewood teachers and members of the public turned up to Monday night’s Board of Education meeting to ask questions of the board and voice concerns over the state-implemented Focus program andInternational Baccalaureate program.

Melissa Butler, sixth grade teacher at South Orange Middle School and head SOMEA representative, spoke first on behalf of her association. Butler said she was concerned that the Focus program, designed to improve schools with a low performance and graduation rates from special education students, was being managed too much by the state and not enough by the SOMA teachers and families.

More HERE.

TYCOON DOG GIVES BACK

Great piece in The Alternative Press on Tycoon Dog, the local band playing free concerts in the park each month.

The neighborhood “Dogs” have been playing non-profit music performances since 2007 to give back to their community and encourage kids of all ages to experience live music. They perform at this location every month if you are searching to socialize, spend time with family perhaps pack a picnic to sit back to listen to some tunes. Their music brushes upon rock, blues, reggae, funk, soul, pop, hillbilly country to name a few vibes. Diversity streams not only through its band members, but the range in its style.

Jonathan Duckett has been a loyal fan and fellow sound technician for six years describes Tycoon Dog in one word as “fun.”

The musical compilation is fully enjoyable by any age group which is why resident and lead singer/guitarist in the band Scott Bailey created Tycoon Dog with his fellow band mates. The friendly neighborhood band delivers several performances in the tri-state area you can attend and enjoy for free with the whole family. 

See the rest HERE.

DE HART TO OPEN SATURDAY

Looks like the De Hart debacle is having a reprieve, for the moment.

PATCH reports:

DeHart Park organic turf field will open on Saturday, according to Keith Knudsen, Director of the Maplewood Recreation Department.

"Everything looked good," said Knudsen, referring to this week's inspection by an organic turf expert. "We're hoping for full usage all the way to fall."

Last week, members of the Township Committeevoiced worry that the field would not be able to open for the spring sports season. Officials were also concerned that other local fields were being overused as a result of DeHart being closed. The field was open for last fall's playing season but had not yet been able to be used this spring. 

ST. JAMES GATE ASSAULT CASE DISMISSED

So after all of the claims, counter claims and court appearances, the St. James Gate bartender and the customer he allegedly assaulted, who allegedly assaulted him back, have shaken hands and apologized.

James Meade, the Gate bartender, reportedly had to pay $400 for medical expenses to Ethan Kresofsky for the injurieS sustained in the Jan. 7 incident at the bar.

But that is it.

PATCH reports:

An assault case stemming from a January incident at St. James's Gate Publick House has been settled and all charges were dismissed Thursday, both parties said. Three months after an alleged assault at the popular Maplewood bar, the case ended with both men shaking hands and apologizing.

At a hearing Thursday morning, Bloomfield Chief Municipal Magistrate Judge John A. Paparazzo dismissed all assault charges thatJames Meade and Ethan Kresofsky had brought against each another.

Why didn't they just shake and make up before instead of wasting court time and taxpayer money?

PODCAST - EARL 'THE PEARL' MONROE DISCUSSES HIS NEW BOOK AND WORDS APPEARANCE

A special guest talked with Maplewoodian.com this week, one Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, NBA legend and new author.

Monroe will be signing copies of his new book, Earl the Pearl: My Story, at Words in Maplewood Village at 5 p.m. Saturday.

He took time this week to discuss his career, challenges growing up as a black player in the 1960's, the changing game of college and pro ball, and even his views on gay rights and why gay athletes need to feel accepted in pro sports.

Monroe also reveals how he first got the name Earl the Pearl and how he is otherwise linked with another athlete with a rhyming name, Stan "The Man" Musial.

Listen below:

LIBRARY TECH EVENT FOR TEENS

Tech Zone for Teens

Main Library 
3:30-6:00 pm 

Join us in Memorial Hall to play Wii, Playstation 2, use laptops or just hang out. 

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51Baker St.

http://www.maplewoodlibrary.org

COMING THURSDAY - PODCAST WITH NBA LEGEND AND AUTHOR EARL "THE PEARL" MONROE

Coming tomorrow, a great podcast interview with NBA Legend  Earl "The Pearl" Monroe.

He discusses his new book, which he will be signing on Saturday night at Words Books in Maplewod Village.

Also hear his views on growing up in the civil rights era, winning the last Knicks championship, today's basketball compared to his time on the court, and even gay rights for athletes.

Look for it after 8 a.m. Thursday morning...

GREAT CHILDREN'S MUSICAL CONCERT TONIGHT

ST. JAMES GATE UNDERAGE DRINKING CHARGE STEMS FROM MARCH INCIDENTS

The Maplewood Police report issued with charges against St. James Gate of alleged serving alcohol to a minor and other improper administrative practices indicates the complaint stems from incidents that occurred in March, including the alleged serving of a minor on March 10, who was also apparently drunk.

The full report is below:

NEW MAPLEWOOD COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT LAUNCHED

PATCH reports on the new Maplewood community building initiative:

The Maplewood Community Action Program (MCAP), a new community building initiative, held its first meeting Monday night at the Maplewood Memorial Library. Roughly twenty residents from different neighborhoods came to hear an update on public safety from Police Chief Robert Cimino and a report from Director of Public Works Eric Burbank. 

The program is also intended to provide a forum for residents across the township to discuss a wide range of concerns and ideas and to share information.

Township Committeeman Marlon K. Brownlee, who spearheaded the initiative, told the crowd he hoped the meeting would spur an ongoing dialogue between residents and township officials, and that participants would take the information they learned back to their neighbors.

"You are the leaders and the pioneers," he said.

 More HERE.

I MOVIE WORKSHOP TODAY

	iMovie Workshop  Grades 6 & up  Main Library Wed. Apr. 24 3:30–4:30 pm  Local photographer, Joy Yagid, will show us how to make a movie using the iMovie app on the library iPads. We will learn basic editing techniques and make movies working in groups or on your own.

WORLD BOOK NIGHT

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Library * All ages * Drop in

Don’t like to read? Stop by the library and pick up a free copy of Rick Riordan’s The Lightning Thief(to keep!)  Non-readers will love this engaging, fast-paced book. Copies are given in conjunction with World Book Night.  For more information visit: http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/

ST. JAMES GATE AND NEIGHBOR COMPLAINTS

Not a great week for St. James Gate. First their bartender is headed to court Thursday for an alleged assault on a customer, whom he is counter-charging.

Next, we found out that the bar is facing a claim of serving an under-aged patron.

Now a sign outside of the tavern finds neighbors are complaining about noise.

BABY LITERATURE TODAY

10:15 am - 10:45 am11:00 am - 11:30 am 
Main Library * Ages birth – 2 1/2 years *

Registration required * All children must be accompanied by an adult.

MAPLEWOODIAN.COM SOFTBALL REACHES A TIE

Our own Maplewoodian.com softball team battled to a 1-1 tie Monday night against South Orange Pharmacy. The girls did great and came back to even up the match late.

Root them on in their next game, on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. against Baker Street Yoga at Memorial Park.

ST. JAMES GATE FACING UNDERAGE SALES CHARGE

First Cryan's over in South Orange was shut down for under-aged drinking and now our own St. James Gate may be headed that way, according to PATCH:

Maplewood Township will seek to suspend the liquor license of St. James's Gate Publick Housebased on charges filed by police alleging that the pub sold alcohol to underage patrons on at least one occasion, according to documents Patch obtained.

According to charges issued by the Maplewood Police Department, the pub also failed to comply with inspections of books of accounting.

Township Prosecutor Annette DePalma will prosecute the case on behalf of the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The township, acting in its capacity as the local ABC, has authority over license holders in the city. The ABC decides what type of action to take against the bar. Punitive measures can range from a fine to revoking the bar's license. 

St. James's Gate has entered a not guilty plea with the ABC, said Township Attorney Roger Desiderio at last week's Township Committee meeting. 

This comes just months after Cryan's was closed after some serving to minors allegations. 

In addition, St. James Gate bartender James Meade faces his own legal action in an assault complaint that goes to court on Thursday. Read more on that HERE.

MAPLEWOOD GREEN DRINKS TONIGHT

Time:  7:00pm
Information:  This month's speaker will be Jonathon Cloud, of the Cloud Institute. He will be giving us information about New Jersey's new PACE legislation.

“Property Assessed Clean Energy" (PACE) is an innovative way to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to buildings. Interested property owners evaluate measures that achieve energy savings and receive 100% financing, repaid as a property tax assessment for up to 20 years. The assessment mechanism has been used nationwide for decades to access low-cost long-term capital to finance improvements to private property that meet a public purpose. By eliminating upfront costs, providing low-cost long-term financing and making it easy for building owners to transfer repayment obligations to a new owner upon sale, PACE overcomes challenges that have hindered adopted of energy efficiency and related projects in our nation’s buildings.”

The Maplewood Green Team is proud to bring this tradition to you. At these events, held periodically, you will meet many members of our community, both those actively involved in our green initiatives and those just finding out more. It's a great opportunity to make new friends, to learn all the latest environmental information, and to help make a difference in our town. No fee, cash bar, bring your friends!
 

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Address:  220 Prospect Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
Town:  South Orange
Phone:  973-313-0726
Contact:  Sheila Baker Gujral sheilabakergujral@comcast.net
Website:  http://www.maplewoodisgreen.org/green-drinks

CUT THE CRAP, OR BREAK THE LAW

Needs no explanation, just hope you are following the law, too.

ONE LOCAL GIRL'S GREAT FOOD DRIVE - HELP HER OUT TONIGHT

Here is a great local way to help the less fortunate and a great example of one of our own doing more than her part.

If her letter below doesn't get you to help, nothing will. Start at tonight's games.

Dear Softball Families,

My name is Jordan.  I am in seventh grade and have been involved in MSO Softball for seven years.  Softball is a very important part of my life, and I am hoping to be able to combine my love of softball with an effort to help others.  For my charity project for my Bat Mitzvah, I am focusing on the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges.  I will be volunteering at the food pantry, and I will be collecting non-perishable food items for donation.  I was hoping to include the softball community in this project. 

You may be surprised to learn that food insecurity affects at least 1 in 6 people in the United States and that number is even higher in Essex County where 1 in 4 people do not know where their next meal will come from. The last time I volunteered at the food pantry, we provided groceries for almost 100 families.  The food pantry receives no government funding and is supported by food donations, food drives, and monetary donations.  Since so many families are affected by hunger right in our backyards, I wanted to request that the MSO softball families help in my food collection effort.  If every player brings at least one non-perishable food item to each Monday night game, we will all be able to make a difference in many local people's lives!

Here is the plan:  At every Monday night softball game this season for the 4/5 girls (Memorial 1 and Maplecrest 1 & 2) and 6/7/8 girls (New Waterlands fields), I will leave a labeled bin behind the backstop of each field where there is a game for drop off of food donations ... I will update you on the amount of food we have collected periodically throughout the season.  I hope to conclude this project at the 2013 All Star game.  Thank you for helping me to make a difference in our community!   

Please contact me at jordansfooddrive@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to learn more about the food pantry.

Thanks,

Jordan 

TYCOON DOG CONCERT TODAY GREAT FREE MUSIC IN THE PARK

The band Tycoon Dog presents a free concert of songs and improv touching on rock, blues, funk, reggae, hillbilly country and otehr vibes.  The concert will take place on Sunday, April 21 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in Memorial Park, on the grassy hillside opposite the NJ Transit station.

GREAT CHILDREN'S SHOW AT MORROW TODAY

Morrow Memorial Church Presents Rescue in the Night, a great children's story

Today at 10:30 a.m.
Morrow Church
600 Ridgewood Rd., Maplewood