Tuesday, May 31, 2016

MAPLEWOODSTOCK T-SHIRTS ARE IN

The 2016 Maplewoodstock T-shirts are in. Like the designs?

See more on the headliners HERE.

And make sure to mark your calendars for the great festival on July 9 and 10.

TWO-TOWNS TRIATHLON REGISTRATION EXTENDED TO JUNE 4

From the Recreation Department:

TWO TOWNS TRIATHLON FOR KIDS AGES 7-14
JUNE 18, 2016

The third annual Two Towns Triathlon for kids will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2016. This community event is organized by the South Orange and Maplewood Departments of Recreation & Cultural Affairs. Entrants MUST be residents of South Orange or Maplewood between the ages of 7 and 14 (as of June, 18). Through this event, we are promoting active participation in the aerobic sports of swimming, biking, and running, hoping to foster an increased interest in overall health at an early age.

Registration for this event must be done in person at the South Orange Dept. of Recreation at the Baird with a registration form (copy attached), payment of a $30 registration fee and proof of residency. Space is limited in each age group. The REGISTRATION DEADLINE has been extended to June 4th. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. While registration cannot be completed online, event details and registration form can be found online HERE.

The 2016 Two Towns Triathlon will be held in South Orange in and around Meadowland Park. Participants will swim laps in the South Orange Pool, bike through Meadowland Park and the West Montrose Neighborhood, finishing the race running around the duck pond in Meadowland Park.
Racers will be timed from beginning to end of the triathlon. Split times will not be recorded.

Bronze participation medals will be awarded. Gold and Silver medals will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place for boys and girls in each age group.

Participants must provide their own bicycle and CPSC certified bike helmet. Swim cap that is provided must be worn during the swim.

GOOD LIBRARY DAY: DIGITAL DEVICES TO PAJAMA STORYTIME

Digital Device Clinics

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Get free one-on-one support for using your e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device.  The clinics will take place during the Create Space drop-in hours. Open to adults, teens and children. 

Create Space – Maplewood Library’s Makerspace is Open!

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Hilton Branch – Every Tuesday 5:00-8:00 pm, Thursday 5:00-8:00 pm, and Saturday 10-1 pm. Patrons can use Rhino 3D software to build a model, print an object on our 3D printer or use our new color printer or laminator.  There are also Snap Circuits, Squishy Circuits, littleBits and SparkFun kits for the kids. Raspberry Pi single board computers are also available to learn more about computer science.  More information about the Create Space…

Hilton Pajama Storytime

7:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Hilton Branch Library * Ages 2 -10 * No registration required * All children must be accompanied by an adult
Come to Hilton Branch Library for some bedtime stories. Wear your pajamas if you’d like!

MAYOR DELUCA ON MEMORIAL DAY 2016: "WE STILL HAVE TROOPS ON THE GROUND"

Memorial Day events were moved inside Town Hall Monday.

Among them, remarks from Mayor Vic Deluca.

He used the holiday to remind residents that we still have Americans in harm's way, saying in part:

It is also a time to recognize the horrors of war. Our nation has been in a military conflict since 2001. If you or your child is 15 years of age or younger, America has been at war for her/his entire life. We still have troops on the ground in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Syria, Libya and parts of Africa. We hope and pray that no other names are added to the list of those lost in warfare.   

See his full speech HERE.

Monday, May 30, 2016

CHANNEL 2 NEWS WITH MORE ON DEAD BODY

WCBS-TV was on scene to report on the dead body found at Wyoming Avenue and Hickory Road with indications it is unclear how the unidentified person died.

See their report below:


DEAD BODY FOUND ON WYOMING AVENUE

From the Essex County Prosecutor's Office today:

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray  and Maplewood Police Chief Robert Cimino have announced that authorities are investigating the recovery of a body in Maplewood earlier this morning.  Shortly before 4:00 a.m., Maplewood police officers were dispatched to the intersection of Wyoming Avenue and  Hickory Drive on a report of a person lying in the street.

Arriving units observed an unresponsive male on Wyoming Avenue. The male, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:19 a.m., according to Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas S. Fennelly, of the Prosecutor's Homicide Unit.

This matter is being investigated by  the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Major Crimes Unit and the Maplewood Police Department, according to Fennelly, who added that the cause and manner of death will be determined by an autopsy at the Regional Medical Examiner's Office.  The investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Essex County Prosecutor's Office at (877) 847-7432.


The discovery also sparked the closure of a portion of Wyoming Avenue for several hours this morning.

More details as the are found.

DUCK RACE CANCELLED, THE QUACKING WILL MOVE INSIDE

The annual Memorial Day duck race has been cancelled due to the expected storm, but the ducks will be moved inside for an event to take place at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Road, at 11 a.m.
South Mountain YMCA promises to have a great "Duck Fest" instead with games, prizes and other fun. 

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE CANCELLED; TOWN HALL CEREMONY IS ON

From Maplewood Township:

Memorial Day Parade - Cancelled

Tomorrow's Memorial Day Parade is cancelled due to the pending rain. Please come to Town Hall at 10:00AM for the ceremony.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

MAYFEST ROAD CLOSURE ANNOUNCED

From Maplewood Police:

Springfield Ave will be closed from Rutgers St. to Indiana St. due to Mayfest Events. Prepare to use Alt. Routes. 


ULTIMATE CAMP RETURNS THIS SUMMER

From Maplewood Recreation:

Maplewood Ultimate Camp returns summer 2016! Open to both experienced and new ultimate players in Maplewood, South Orange and neighboring towns. Refine your Frisbee skills in the town where Ultimate was invented. Camps will be held at Memorial Park, Monday through Friday. Registration will start on May 2nd.
2016 sessions:
Session #1- August 1-5, Grades 5-8 Half day- 9am-12pm ($100 per camper)
Session #2- August 8-12, Grades 6-9 Full day- 9am-3pm ($120 per camper)
Session #3- August 15-19, Grades 7-10 Half day- 9am-12pm ($100 per camper)
****Note: After July 4th all prices will increase by $10.00****

MAYFEST TODAY

mayfest-2

Saturday, May 28, 2016

TOWNSHIP URGES WEARING ORANGE FOR ANTI-GUN VIOLENCE PROTEST

From Mayor Vic Deluca:

Urge Residents to Wear Orange and Join Meet-Up in Maplewood Memorial Park

Maplewood Mayor Vic De Luca and South Orange Village President Sheena Collum will proclaim June 2, 2016 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. They urge residents of the two towns to “Wear Orange” on the 2nd to honor and remember all victims and survivors of gun violence and declare that we as a country must do more to reduce gun violence. De Luca and Collum will join more than 100 mayors from 31 states who are participating in the 2nd Gun Violence Awareness Day.

“Take a stand against more killings by wearing orange and joining your neighbors at the 7pm June 2nd Wear Orange event in Maplewood Memorial Park at the bottom of the hill,” said De Luca. “Let’s get a big crowd to help send a message across this country that we need to deal with gun violence now,” said Collum.

SOMA residents organized the local Wear Orange Event, which will include a group photo. More than 150 Wear Orange meet-ups are set to take place in communities nationwide.

The Wear Orange Campaign (www.wearorange.org) is a coalition of more than 200 organizations, artists and musicians, and elected officials working to reduce gun violence in America. The Campaign was inspired in 2013 by a group of Chicago teens to commemorate the life of their murdered friend, Hadiya Pendleton, by wearing orange, the color hunters wear to protect themselves in the woods. Hadiya was shot and killed one week after performing at the second inaugural of President Obama.

POST OFFICE DEMOLITION SITE LEFT UNSECURE

Passing by the former Maplewood Village Post Office demolition site on Friday we noticed the gated entrance was wide open even with no work taking place.

This, of course, is an attractive nuisance for any youngsters who might want to climb around on the wreckage and possibly injure themselves - sparking a liability for the Township. 

This is the latest in a string of such problems at the site that have included unsecure openings in the building and a recent accident involving a pole knocked into the street as cars were passing by.

Let's hope things get more secure.

CREATE SPACE TODAY AT HILTON LIBRARY

Hilton Branch – 10 am - 1 pm.  Patrons can use Rhino 3D software to build a model, print an object on our 3D printer or use our new color printer or laminator.  There are also Snap Circuits, Squishy Circuits, littleBits and SparkFun kits for the kids. Raspberry Pi single board computers are also available to learn more about computer science.  More information about the Create Space…

Friday, May 27, 2016

BUMPER TO BUMPER SITE OWNERS SEEKING TO SELL LAND FOR RETAIL/CONDOS

We told you last week about the Township's plans to demolish the former Bumper to Bumper auto repair building at Yale Street and Springfield Avenue.

It appears the property owners are trying to sell the location and are promoting it as ready and zoned for retail. housing mix.

See part of their ad below:

Builder Retiring and Selling Land and Fully Approved Building Plans To Construct Mixed Use Residential/Retail Building Containing 15 Luxury Condominium Homes and Retail Space in The Heart Of Maplewood.

Mayor Vic Deluca confirmed that is the same site and said that if the Township paid to demolish it, it would place a lien on the property to recoup the cost.

MONDAY RECYCLING POSTPONED TO TUESDAY

From the Township:

Curbside Recycling Collection on Memorial Day


Please be advised that there will be NO curbside recycling collection on Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day. Curbside recycling collection is postponed to the following day on Tuesday, May 31st.

SCHOOLS LONG MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND STARTS TODAY

From the School District:

The District will be closed Friday May 27th through Tuesday May 31st.  The extra two days off have been added because SOMSD only used 1 of the 3 emergency school closing days scheduled for the year. 
As a reminder, SOMS will be in school through June 23rd, to account for the two days closed for the water main breaks.
We wish everyone a happy and healthy Memorial Day weekend!
South Orange Maplewood School District

Thursday, May 26, 2016

MAPLEWOOD POOL GUEST FEE INCREASES

As the Maplewood Pool prepares to open on Saturday for the 2016 season, the fee for daily guest passes has increased from $10 to $15 for 2016.

This comes as other fees for special events have also increased, but the regular membership fees remain the same.

See all of the information HERE

The daily guest fee increase also is occurring as the pool has seen a sharp drop in membership during the last five years.

The Recreation Department announced the daily guest rate increase in a message to 2016 members today. See it below:

We are 2 days from Opening Day, Pool Members!
Our team is busy getting everything ready for Saturday, in anticipation of a fun weekend.
Please remember our guest pass rates have changed to:
$15 adults
$10 children ages
Booklets are no longer available

Of course cash payments for guest passes helps hurry the entry line. 
I wanted to take this opportunity to THANK YOU for signing up for the Maplewood Community Pool! 
Also, thank you to the generous members that made donations upon registering.  Your kindness has allowed families who otherwise couldn’t join us this summer become members and make memories.
We look forward to seeing you and your families on Saturday as we kick off our 50th year, and unofficially ‘summertime’ in Maplewood!

Kindest Regards,
Missi

Melissa Mancuso
Interim Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs
Township of Maplewood

LIBRARY STUFF TODAY: STORYTIME TO MEDICAL FRAUD PREVENTION


Preschool Storytime

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Main Library * Ages 2 ½ – 5 * Drop In
Thursdays @ 11-11:30 am: 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26

 

Create Space – Maplewood Library’s Makerspace is Open!

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Hilton Branch – Every Tuesday 5:00-8:00 pm, Thursday 5:00-8:00 pm, and Saturday 10-1 pm. Patrons can use Rhino 3D software to build a model, print an object on our 3D printer or use our new color printer or laminator.  There are also Snap Circuits, Squishy Circuits, littleBits and SparkFun kits for the kids. Raspberry Pi single board computers are also available to learn more about computer science.  More information about the Create Space…

 

Medicare Fraud

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Main Library – Angela Ellerbe of Senior Medicare Patrol will explain in three easy steps how senior, their families and caregivers can prevent, detect and report health care fraud. 
The Senior Medicare Patrol is designed to improve the quality of healthcare for senior citizens in New Jersey by educating them about Medicare and Medicaid so that they can take the appropriate steps to avoid fraud, waste and abuse.  Open to the public.  No registration needed.

TC CONSIDERS EXPANDING PARKING TO TWO HOURS ON SOME VILLAGE STREETS

If you park in Maplewood Village, you may get more time to wander the shops if a proposal to expand parking by an hour on some streets is approved.

At the last Township Committee meeting, TC member Nancy Adams proposed changing the one-hour parking on Baker Street, and Highland and Inwood places to two hours. She said she had been given a petition from many merchants asking for the change.

"I think it makes complete sense," said Mayor Vic Deluca. "It's actually hard for us to enforce one hour."

TC member Greg Lembrich agreed, but added: "I'd like to give an opportunity with some public notice to give people a chance to express their feelings.

The governing body directed that a related ordinance to that effect be considered at the next TC meeting in June.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

MAPLEWOOD POLICE HELP CATCH CARJACKERS WHO ROBBED LOCAL WOMAN

From Maplewood Police today:

March 25, 2016; Robbery;
At approximately 1 AM,  Maplewood Police Officers Officers Munoz and Dolias observed two vehicles driving erratically on Boyden Ave.  One vehicle was a dark colored SUV and the other was a light colored sedan. Officers were able to check the plate of the sedan and discovered that the vehicle, a 2015 Toyota Corolla was reported  to be a carjacked vehicle out of Newark.  The officers attempted to initiate a stop of the vehicle.  The vehicle was able to elude them and travelled into Union.  A few minutes later Union Police Department officers observed the vehicle and pursued it from Stuyvesant Ave onto Chancellor Ave.  The vehicle and it’s driver crashed the vehicle in the area of Chancellor Ave and Elizabeth Ave in Newark.  William Alvarado-Jones, age 19 of Newark was arrested  while attempting to flee from the vehicle. 
While the initial police action was transpiring, The Maplewood Police Department Communications Center  received a report of a woman screaming in the area of Franklin Ave and Rutgers St in Maplewood.  When officers arrived on scene to investigate, they were approached by an adult female victim who reported that she was just robbed.  The  victim reported that she was sitting in her vehicle in the driveway of a home on Rutgers St while using her cell phone when her vehicle was approached by two black males wearing partial masks.  One of the males opened the door to her vehicle, demanded she get out and then took her phone and a bag that was in the vehicle.  The males then fled to two waiting vehicles  described as a dark colored SUV and the other a light colored sedan and drove off at a high rate of speed.  The victim was not injured.
 Due to the circumstances it was believed that the Toyota Corolla and Mr Alvarado-Jones were involved in the robbery, just prior to Maplewood officers attempting to stop him.  As a result of additional information developed by the Maplewood police Detectives through investigation, Mr Alvarado-Jones was charged with eluding, robbery, and conspiracy and he was processed and transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility. The investigation is ongoing at this time.


MAPLEWOOD POOL MEMBERSHIP ON STEADY DECLINE AS 2016 SEASON READYS TO OPEN

As the Maplewood Pool readies to open for another season this weekend, membership has been on a sharp decline for the past five years, according to the Township.

Records indicate that in the last five years, the annual membership has dropped about 18%, from 8,681 in 2010 to 7,101 in 2015. That's a loss of 1,580 members.

So far for 2016, 4,755 memberships have been purchased. But they can be bought through August.

See the annual breakdown HERE.

The Township revealed in March that the pool had lost money during each of the last three seasons, to the tune of $140,000. To counter that trend, the Township has allowed Township employees who do not live in Maplewood to join the pool this year. 

Asked about the decline, Township Administrator Joe Manning stated:

The main reason that the pool “lost” money is that it is now paying off a bond which was used for the renovation of the pool decking and other capital projects at the pool. The pool fund pays about $130K for the bond and another $30K for interest each year and will do so for I think until 2021 (not sure of the exact year and would have to look it up). Once that is paid off the cash flow should be in the black. The TC and the pool advisory committee are seeking ways to shore up the finances of the pool.

Fees were last raised in 2012, by 30%, in part to pay for the water slides and some $1 million in renovations to the pool and locker rooms.

See the current fees and how to join HERE.

LIBRARY BABY LIT TODAY

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Hilton Branch * Ages birth – 2 ½ * Drop In
Wednesdays @ 11-11:20 am: 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

PROPERTY TAX REASSESSMENT MEETING TONIGHT

From the Township:

7:30PM at Town Hall


Representatives from Appraisal Systems Inc. (ASI) will give a presentation on the upcoming reassessment. They will answer questions regarding residential homes reassessment, the reassessment process, provide contact information, etc. The meeting will be broadcasted live through the Township of Maplewood's YouTube channel. FiOS (Ch. 24) and Comcast (Ch. 35) customers can also watch the meeting. We'll accept questions, live, at the following email address: askthetc@twp.maplewood.nj.us

SCARY HOME INVASION, ROBBERIES LEAD POLICE WEEK

From Maplewood Police Today:

May 18, 2016; Robbery; At approximately 5 AM a male broke into a home in the 20’s block of Orchard Rd.  He proceeded to threaten a resident with a handgun and demanded money. A scuffle ensued with family members and the actor fled from the home. After a lengthy search of the area, the actor, Dayjah Mobley age 19 of Maplewood, was located by Officer Henry Wasielewski in a backyard on Midland Blvd and with the assistance of other officers, he was taken into custody.  The handgun was also recovered.  No life threatening injuries were reported as a result of the incident.  Mr. Mobley was charged with aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, criminal mischief and possession of stolen property.  He was transported to Essex County Correctional Facility.  Preliminary investigation suggests the incident was not a random act.

May 18, 2016; Bicycle Theft; Between 4 PM and 5:30 PM a bicycle was stolen from Underhill Field on Garfield Pl.

May 19, 2016; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours, an unsecured vehicle parked on Menzel Ave was entered.  A wallet and Ipod were reportedly stolen.

May 20, 2016; Burglary; During the overnight hours, a home on Overlook Terr was entered.  Several items including a purse were stolen from the first floor.

May 20, 2016; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours, an unsecured vehicle parked in the rear of a Vermont St residence was entered.  A wallet with cash and credit cards was reportedly stolen from the vehicle.

May 22, 2016; Robbery; At approximately, 9:50 PM, a 23 year old male walking on Valley St was robbed in the area of Rynda Rd.  The victim was walking home to South Orange when he was approached by two black males, possibly in their early 20s.  The males punched him and took his bag before fleeing.  No injuries were reported.

May 22, 2016; Robbery; At approximately, 10 PM, a 20 year old male was approached by four black males in the area of Kensington Terr.  The males surrounded him, began kicking and punching him and then took his phone from his pocket before fleeing.  No serious injuries were reported and the victim was evaluated by the Fire Department but refused medical attention.


May 17, 2016; Package Theft; At approximately 2 PM a package was stolen from an apartment complex at 747 Valley St.

WHY THIS COULD BE A MORE COMPETITIVE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE CAMPAIGN THAN YOU THINK

While the upcoming Township Committee primary is essentially a done deal with Democrat Frank McGehee and Republican Mike Summersgill running unopposed in each, the general election may well be the strongest in years.

Yes, November is a ways away, but it's already shaping up to be a potentially
heated battle as McGehee comes in with some of the strongest party support in many year, and Summersill plans a campaign more involved than any GOP hopeful has waged in a long time in Maplewood.

Frank McGehee
"I'm focusing on the primary, I'm campaigning, walking, knocking on doors and meeting voters and gaining support," said McGehee, 43, who has lived in town for three years. "There is a big (Democratic) presence, but you have to be out there and let the people know who you are and what you stand for and that is what I am doing."

McGehee, who serves on the Maplewood Library Foundation Board and the Community Coalition on Race, had one of the strongest showings ever in the Maplewood Democratic Committee endorsement vote, garnering 26 of 28 votes. He also has the support of Mayor Vic Deluca and former Mayor Fred Profeta, who rarely agree on anything. 

Mike Summersgill
But while Maplewood's political affiliation has leaned Democrat at least 4 to 1 in recent years, Summersgill believes he has a real chance.

The 35-year-old father of two appears to be taking the campaign more seriously than most recent GOP candidates. Last year the Republicans nominated just one candidate even though two seats were up for grabs. That candidate, Phyllis Scalera, eventually missed a debate because of health issues.

But Summersgill appears to be planning for a stronger campaign and he says being a Republican is different at the local level.

"The national parties don't have a lot of relevance in local politics," Summersgill said. "We are all neighbors in our community. On social issues, I try to take a look at the individual level and think about the people that I love, respect, trust and how it would impact them."

Maplewood's history had a strong Republican presence as recently as the early 1990's when former Mayor Robert Grasmere, who served on the TC for 33 years -- with the last 23 as mayor -- and was seen as a strong community leader.

This is also a time of change on the Township Committee with two seats already switching hands earlier this year when Greg Lembrich and Nancy Adams replaced Jerry Ryan and Kathy Leventhal. Marlon Brownlee, whose seat McGehee and Summersgill are vying for, will be the third person to leave when he steps down in January after choosing not to seek re-election.

"My observation is that the town could benefit from a little more rigor," Summersgill said. "Each department should set objectives at the beginning of the year, report back to the committee and then they should follow that into the budget process." 

But the current political affiliation remains strongly Democratic and McGehee, who is already attending Township Committee meetings and meeting voters around town, appears ready to campaign heavily as well and not take any vote for granted.

"I want to be a voice for all of Maplewood and work on some core issues: pedestrian safety, taxes and shared services," said McGehee. "I think I can be a unifying candidate."

Stay tuned!

EAT AT PARKWOOD TODAY, HELP MMS

From the Maplewood Middle School Home and School Association:

PARKWOOD DINER FUNDRAISER: As if you needed a reason to eat at the delicious Parkwood Diner … Today the Parkwood Diner is hosting an “MMS Night Out” fundraiser. What could be better than eating at Parkwood and helping out our school at the same time?! 

Part of each bill today goes to the MSHASA Fund.

MORE PARCC PROBLEMS INFO FROM CHS PRINCIPAL

From Columbia High School Principal Elizabeth Aaron to ninth grade parents on Monday night:

Thank you for your support and patience as CHS has worked to accommodate PARCC make up testing. Should you receive an automated phone call that indicates your 9th grader cut class when in fact your student was taking PARCC, please know that we will work to address the error in the next several days.  

Monday, May 23, 2016

JAZZ RETURNS TO THE PARK WOOD DINER

 7 PM to 8:30 PM

The Well Fed Trio (Joel Perry, Jim Buchanan, and John Straus ) play jazz, blues, and musical narrative of undetermined natures at the Park Wood Diner, 1958 Springfield Ave.

Musical guests sit in. You might be one of them . BYOB.

CHS PRINCIPAL: PARCC PROBLEMS "BEING ADDRESSED"

Columbia High School Principal Elizabeth Aaron said problems with the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) last week, which included some parents being wrongly informed that their youngsters were not in class, were "being addressed."

We reported Sunday that the test had been delayed on some days last week and, when re-testing began Friday for some, parents were wrongly sent automated calls saying their child had missed "one or more classes."

Aaron issued this statement to Maplewoodian.com today:

Email info about make-ups went home last Sunday from me.

There were some additional log-in problems similar to ones 
we had in March.

Attendance errors were/are being addressed if they arise.

If students did not make up the test as scheduled, the 
call may have gone out as the testing students were 
scheduled that way.

Remember that you can always check Powerschool 
to see if your student is in class as
teachers take attendance each class period. 

Best,
Elizabeth Aaron

ANOTHER BIG LIBRARY DAY: JOB HELP TO SPIRITS?

Northern NJ Professionals in Transition

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Main Library -The New Start Career Network
Join us to find out about the New Start Career Network, which offers online tools; one-on-one coaching (in person or virtual); connections to other job source groups; and other help for people who would like to make connections with employers. The NSCN is geared for those 45 older, who are “long-term” unemployed, but all are welcome to attend.
Network with other professionals who are currently unemployed or looking for new career opportunities. Meetings alternate between guest speakers and career workshops. Programs are free and open to the public. Subscribe to the group here.



Creative Coloring for Adults

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Main Library – Adult coloring is taking the world by storm. Coloring relieves stress, takes you away from your cares for a while, trains your brain to focus, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.  It may even help keep dementia at bay!  Each month, the library will provide a variety of designs and a supply of colored pencils. Just drop in: bring your own coffee and we’ll bring the cookies.



Movie Monday

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Main Library – Chilax, watch a movie and have a snack. We’ll be watching a movie about a teenage rapper.

Mediumship: Speaking from the Spirit 

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 

Main Library – Join us for a demonstration of mediumship and a discussion of Speaking from the Spirit with author RoseMarie Rubinetti Cappiello

RoseMarie will bring forth those Spirits who seek to make connection with people in the audience. The connections and messages often affect the whole group deeply and profoundly. If you have ever wondered what mediumship is or how it works, here is your chance to experience it. RoseMarie will also answer your questions about mediumship, energy and the understanding of Spirit. Copies of the book will be available for sale and signing.
Monday, May 23   7 pm at Main Library

Sunday, May 22, 2016

SUPREME DENTAL GRAND OPENING WAS A HIT

Supreme Dental Associates had a big grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Saturday that several township officials and many patients and supporters attended at their spanking new offices at 1781 Springfield Avenue.

See more on their services HERE.


MORE PARCC PROBLEMS; FALSE CALLS HOME

For the second week in a row, problems arose with the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) testing as  technical problems delayed the testing and re-testing of many Columbia High School students last Tuesday and Wednesday.

Then, when students were taking some of the make-up tests on Friday, automated calls were made to many homes advising parents that their students had missed "one or more classes." In most cases, those were because they were taking the tests instead.

Hear it below:



This prompted more than a few frustrated parents and calls and texts to make sure their kid were at school.

All of this comes about a month after several days of PARCC testing were cancelled because of glitches and computer problems statewide, according to Pearson, the national vendor that oversees PARCC.

It is unknown what caused the latest delays and cancellations because the district has yet to offer parents any official explanation.

DID YOU TALK TO THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE?

The Township Committee was out in force on Saturday morning outside Walgreen's on Springfield Avenue for their regular Talk to the Township Committee event.

Always a great way to be in touch.

16 OPEN HOUSES TODAY

Find your next home or just see what the market is offering.

Full list and map HERE.


Saturday, May 21, 2016

LOCAL HISTORY CENTER TODAY

From the Historic Preservation Commission
Hilton Library, Local History Center Room

1 p.m. 1688 Springfield Ave


Members of the Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission will be at the Local History Center of Maplewood, 1688 Springfield Ave (adjacent to the Maplewood Hilton Branch Library). Maplewood residents are encouraged to stop by anytime between 1:00pm and 3:00pm to learn about the history and architecture of their homes. Come discover information and possibly early photographs of your Maplewood home, discuss repairs, replacement materials and resources on how to fix your home. This is a free monthly event offered by the Maplewood Historic Preservation Commission.


MAYOR DELUCA: "MORE PRECAUTIONS" NEEDED AT POST OFFICE SITE

Mayor Vic Deluca issued this statement about the recent accident at the Maplewood Village Post Office demolition site: 

The Township has spoken to the developer and the demolition crew. We made it clear that more precautions need to be taken to prevent further problems. At 7am Friday morning I personally spoke to the equipment operator to express the Township's concern and to discuss how the balance of the building will be demolished. 
Signs have been posted this morning making it clear that the sidewalk along the post office is closed and pedestrians should use the crosswalks to get to the sidewalk on the Kings side of the street. Additionally, when the outside walls of the post office building are being taken down there will be flag men on the outside of the fence to direct pedestrians to safe locations. This will require occasional closing a of the covered passage way to the train tracks but it will only be on a temporary basis. It may also result in cars being momentarily stopped to allow the outside walls to be demolished. 
When trucks start removing the debris from the site, two police officers will be hired by the developer to direct traffic. 

SUPREME DENTAL ASSOCIATES IS OUR NEWEST ADVERTISER; RIBBON-CUTTING TODAY

We'd like to welcome another new advertiser, the just-opened Supreme Dental Associates at 1781 Springfield Ave.

Find out more about their great work HERE.

And the official grand opening and ribbon-cutting today below:



TALK TO THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE TODAY

The Township Committee holds their regular Talk to the Township Committee event today.

You can meet and greet them at Walgreen's on Springfield Avenue and Burnett from 9 a.m. to Noon.

Show up, ask a question, give them a piece of your mind or just a pat on the back.

Remember, they work for you!

Friday, May 20, 2016

POST OFFICE SITE SEES STEPPED UP SAFETY EFFORTS AFTER ACCIDENT

A day after the video of a dangerous accident at the former Maplewood Village Post Office site drew concern and criticism, tighter safety measure appeared to be in place at the location.

Crews from Mazza Demolition, which is conducting the tear-down to make way for a new housing/retail complex, were blocking pedestrians from walking along the sidewalk next to the location and warning signs were posted.

But there still appeared to be no township officials or police monitoring the situation and vehicles were still able to pass by, within a few feet of the crane engaged in the demolition.


Mazza and JMF Properties, which is building the new three-story, 20-apartment, five retail shop project, did not respond to requests for comment.