POLICE ISSUE ADVISORY FOR JULY 4TH TRAFFIC AND PARKING

From Maplewood Police:

The Township of Maplewood will be holding its annual 4th of July celebration on Monday 07/04/16 in Memorial Park on Valley Street, between Baker St. and Oakland Rd.
Residents in the immediate and expanded area should be advised that there will be No Parking of vehicles as well as various road closures in the area of this event. Non emergency vehicles will not be permitted to enter a closed road due to pedestrian traffic. Most roads surrounding Memorial Park (Valley Street) will be closed from approximately 7pm to 10pm.
Thank you,
Maplewood Police Department

SPECIAL REPORT: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THE STUDENT WAS PUT IN A CLOSET?

Should a second-grade student be forced to sit in a closet or coatroom as a punishment for alleged misbehavior?

And if not, what should happen to a teacher if he or she inflicts such a punishment?

Meet Salimah and Melvin Latham of Maplewood. When they found out their son was subjected to this punishment, they wanted action and answers and say they still have not gotten enough of either.

See their story HERE.

PROSPECT CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE WANTS YOUR DONATIONS

UPDATE: POWER OUTAGE IN SOUTHEAST AREA

From Maplewood Police:

UPDATE: Power back on!

Advisory: Power outage in the area between Springfield Ave. and Burnett Ave. from Chancellor Ave. to Rutgers St. Utility Company investigating.

MAPLEWOODSTOCK TIGHTENS RESTRICTIONS ON CANOPIES, SAVING SPACES

As Maplewoodstock approaches on July 9 and 10th, the festival that is now in its 13th year is tightening restrictions on tents, canopies and saving spaces.

Among the tighter controls, below, a new "canopy zone" limiting where the tent-like structures can be placed, and a new rule disallowing them to be set up the night before Day One and requiring they be removed after each day's events.

And spaces cannot be saved by blankets left empty. Organizers say if you are not at your blanket or canopy, others can use the space in your absence.

See the new policies below:

Blankets and Canopy Policy
Your enthusiastic support of our festival has grown over our 13 years to a point where we attract a daily crowd of nearly 7,000 people.  That growth requires us to continually re-assess our policies so that we can provide a safe, enjoyable, and family-friendly event.
Over the last few years, we’ve had larger and earlier-arriving crowds – including (a) an ever-growing number of canopies (including tents, gazebos, and umbrellas) and people spreading down the hill towards the stage and (b) an increasing amount of people are placing down blankets to “hold a space” early in the morning, but not actually occupying the space until later in the day, or even the next evening.
In order to ensure fair views and access for all, we have established this policy for our 2016 festival.
1.    We will establish a “Canopy Zone” -- a clearly marked area on the hill in which canopies may be set up.  No canopies (including tents, gazebos, and umbrellas) may be situated outside the Canopy Zone or prior to the Zone being established.  We reserve the right to re-mark or adjust our zones at any time during the festival to improve safety and visibility. In addition, in accordance with a town ordinance now being enforced, unless you are a contracted food or art vendor, ALL canopies and tents must be removed after each evening – audience members can no longer leave a tent up overnight- it will be removed per the Maplewood Township administrator. Just “breaking down” or collapsing your tent won’t be sufficient. No set up of tents or canopies will be allowed until Saturday morning after 8AM.
2.    To ensure sightlines, only open-sided canopies are allowed.  Close-sided structures of any type are prohibited.
3.    No canopy or blanket may exceed a 10’ x 10’ area.  In addition, to ensure sightlines, canopies must be raised to a height of no less than 7 feet (ground to bottom of canopy top).
4.    Arts, Food, and Kid Zone vendors will not be affected by this policy.
5.    Small personal and compact canopies (e.g. attached to the back of a lawn chair) or umbrellas (in hand) will typically be fine.
6.    If you’re not there, expect to share. If you are not present, but are simply holding a space with a blanket or canopy to come back at a later time, others may temporarily and respectfully occupy your space in your absence.  Upon your return, they will be expected to move on.  This is a common practice and policy at other similar music festivals.
7.    We will establish 3-4 (clearly-marked) aisles of passage down and across the hill that will remain absolutely free and clear of any furniture, blankets, or any other material.
8.    As always, all blankets, canopies, chairs, coolers, etc. are left on the hill during the festival at the risk of the owners.  Maplewoodstock is not responsible for any loss or movement of anything left on grounds before, during, or after our event.
9.    We ask for everyone’s cooperation.  Our audiences are always great, but please know that Maplewoodstock and the Maplewood Police Department will proactively enforce this new policy as necessary.

JULY 4TH EVENTS, MAP AND PLANS RELEASED

We told you in May about the big changes coming to the July 4th celebration this year. 

Among them, expanded fenced in area for paying participants, consolidated happenings in Memorial Park (no more Woodland or Town Hall events), and a car show.

See background on that HERE.

But now the official map has been issued showing what will happen and where (See that below) and more info HERE. 

And, of course, the tickets are the same as last year at $15 for fireworks and the circus, and $10 just for fireworks.

As in the past, a reminder that these fireworks are not free. All funds are raised through tickets and no Township or taxpayer money. So if you go to watch, make sure to pay your fair share.

 

HILTON LITTLE YOGIS TODAY

 

Hilton Branch ● Ages 2-5 ● Drop In ●
Come with your preschooler and learn some yoga poses… good for the body AND the mind! Presented by Yoga Instructor Dawn Yoselowitz. 11 a.m.

AUTO-RELATED THEFTS, AND TWO ARRESTS, LEAD POLICE WEEK; BUT WHO TOOK THE CHINESE FOOD?

From Maplewood Police Today:

June 20, 2016; Theft from Auto; At approximately 5:15 PM, two males removed items from two vehicles parked on Springfield Ave.  They were confronted by the victims and then fled towards Irvington. Officers were able to locate the actors, Anquan Holmes, age 19 of Orange and Marvin Jones, age 20 of Orange.  Both individuals were taken into custody and charged with theft as well as receiving of stolen property.

June 21, 2016; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours, a laptop was removed from an unlocked vehicle parked on Coolidge Rd.

June 22, 2016; Bicycle Theft; During a two day period, two bicycles were stolen from the basement of an apartment complex on Elmwood Ave

June 23, 2016; Theft; A Chinese food delivery man attempted to make a delivery on Midland Blvd.  He was met by a male that took the food and then fled without paying.

June 25, 2016; Motor Vehicle theft; Sometime over the previous three days a Ford van was stolen from the lot of the Delta Gas Station on Valley St.

June 26, 2016; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours, an unsecured vehicle parked at a Maplewood Ave residence was entered and a wallet and cash removed.

June 26, 2016; Motor Vehicle theft; During the overnight hours a Toyota Camry parked on Berkley St was stolen.

June 26, 2016; Motor Vehicle Theft; During the overnight hours an unsecured Jeep was stolen from a residence on Claremont Ave.  It was later recovered in Orange.

The Maplewood Police Department works hard to protect the residents and their property.  We are asking that you assist us in this effort by making sure all vehicles and homes are properly secured at all times.  Thank you

POOL DIVING TANK CLOSED TODAY

From the Maplewood Pool today:

Due to maintenance the diving tank will be closed today Tuesday 6/28. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Thank you
Management

WATER FAUCET LEFT ON SPARKED CHS AUDITORIUM DAMAGE

The Board of Education last week approved emergency repair work for the Columbia High School auditorium after a water faucet left on over the Memorial Day weekend sparked a flood that damaged the auditorium.

The board voted, 8-1, on the measure that authorizes repairs and clean-up of the auditorium, but does not indicate how much it will cost. Board Member Johanna Wright cast the lone opposing vote.

District Spokeswoman Suzanne Turner confirmed via email that "a water faucet was left on by a staff member which resulted in damage. The cost is still being assessed by our insurance company."

She declined to say who or what kind of staff member left the faucet on or if any punishment or discipline had resulted for the staff member.

POST OFFICE DEBRIS REMOVAL AGAIN TODAY

From Maplewood Police:

On Tuesday June 28th, there will be construction trucks on Maplewood Ave. removing debris at the old Post Office. Two officers on scene to assist. Expect delays

DIGITAL AND SOFTWARE HELP AT LIBRARIES TODAY

Create Space – Maplewood Library’s Makerspace is Open!

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Hilton Branch – Every Tuesday 5:00-8:00 pm and Thursday 5:00-8:00 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…

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.

ONE MAN CIRCUS AT THE LIBRARY TODAY

OUTGOING BOARD MEMBER DAUGHERTY WARNS OF ELECTING A "DESTRUCTIVE, NEGATIVE INFLUENCE"

We reported several weeks ago that School Board Member Beth Daugherty had decided not to run for re-election this coming fall.

She is among three board members up for re-election, the other two are Johanna Wright and Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad, both of who plan to run again.

But Daugherty only recently released a statement explaining why she plans not to run again, with a message urging voters to make sure they elect someone who is not a destructive, negative influence."

See it below:

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the Board of Education for 9 years - it will be 9 years and 8 months when my term is up at the end of 2016.  Now that my youngest has been out of the school system for a year, I think it's time to step down and support other candidates who have children in the schools and can bring that perspective to the Board.  
Serving on the BOE is hard but rewarding work and we are lucky to have Dr. Ramos at the helm for our district.  South Orange Maplewood is a wonderful school district, but there is definitely room for improvement.  I hope that as we move into election season in the fall, community members will pay attention to the tone set by each BOE candidate and consider whether that person will be a constructive, solution oriented member of the Board, or a destructive, negative influence.  
Thank you for the opportunity to serve this community.  I have enjoyed it and still have 6 months to go! 

The deadline to file for the November election is July 20.

So far, only Anthony Mazzocchi of Maplewood has filed to run.

JOB HUNTING HELP AND SUMMER READING KICKOFF AT LIBRARY TODAY

Northern NJ Professionals in Transition

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Main Library – The Joy of Losing Your Job
When you first lose your job, you may believe it is the worst time in your life. Christina DeOliveira, now a career coach, was there herself a few years back. Christina learned that it gave her an opportunity to develop a new career and pursue passions of which she had always dreamed. She soon found there were others who were discovering the same thing. She’ll share her own story and those of others who found the “The Joy of Losing Your Job” … and found hope!
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.
More information about Professionals in Transition

Summer Reading Kick Off: One Man Circus!

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Get your summer started right at the library! This summer’s theme is On Your Mark, Get Set, … READ! and the kickoff is brought to you by Curriers Magical Mania! Join our One Man Circus with juggling, magic, a unicycle, and much more!   DROP IN

FARMER'S MARKET TODAY

The Farmer's Market is up and going.

Check it out today from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Indiana Street and Springfield Avenue.

And, as always, they accept WIC (Women, Infants and Children) government assistance food stamps.

 

MAPLEWOODIANS OF THE WEEK: JERRILL ADAMS AND DAMION FRYE

Jerrill Adams

This past week saw some big changes at two Maplewood Schools.

First, Maplewood Middle School Principal Jerrill Adams suddenly resigned on Monday, just hours before the school board met. There has still been no reason for the sudden departure or even a note to parents.

Damion Frye

That same day, the school board approved hiring new Seth Boyden School Principal Damion Frye. He replaces the retiring Mark Quiles.

For this, Frye and Adams are our Maplewoodians of the Week.

WHO WAS THAT KID AT THE SCHOOL BOARD?

Rohan Pai

So it seems Board of Education Member Madhu Pai is not the only member of her family who can make things happen at a school board meeting.

Her son, one Rohan Pai, took to the mic on Monday night during public comment to have his say about the lunch aides at Jefferson School, where he just finished third grade.

Hear his well-reasoned argument for change below:




Do we have a second generation school board member in the making here? Good work young man!

16 OPEN HOUSES TODAY

A great day to find your next home or just see what the market is offering.

Full list HERE.

TC CANDIDATE SUMMERSGILL KICKS OFF CAMPAIGN TODAY WITH KARAOKE PARTY

Republican Township Committee candidate Mike Summersgill launches his campaign today with a Karaoke Party at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd., from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

See his announcement below:

I am kicking off my campaign for Maplewood Township Committee on Saturday,
June 25th with a family-oriented party at the Woodland. Please join me from
3pm-6pm for Karaoke, face painting, and an ice cream truck. Snacks and
drinks will also be provided.

Make your kids proud by singing songs they’ve never heard and I’m fairly
certain I’m the only candidate that plans on singing his/her campaign song.

Even though I am hoping to attract Maplewood voters, *all* members of the
community are invited – including families from South Orange. Please bring
your friends and join us!

Summersgill recently won the GOP primary for the seat currently held by Marlon Brownlee, who is not running for re-election. He faces Democrat Frank McGehee, who won the Democratic primary, in the November election.

Maplewoodian.com continues our practice of promoting all public events for all candidates running for office in Maplewood and the school board. This is in no way an endorsement and will be done for any who provide information for such events.

LIBRARY PICKS THREE FIRMS TO COMPETE FOR IMPROVEMENTS CONTRACT

From the Maplewood Library:

The Maplewood Library Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to invite three firms to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a conceptual design for the future of the Main Library at 51 Baker St. A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued in February. After receiving 39 responses, the library has selected three award-winning firms for their talent, vision and wealth of experience designing libraries and civic buildings.
The firms are:

• 1100 Architect
• BKSK Architects 
• Sage and Coombe Architects 

The three firms have a deadline of early September for submitting their proposals. They will then be interviewed by the Library Board and Library Building Committee, and shortly thereafter one will be selected to begin designing a library for Maplewood’s   future. The selected firm will begin an extensive process of gathering data and conducting analyses (geographic, environmental, legal, etc.). They will reach out to the community, and there will be opportunities for residents to offer their input for a shared creative vision.
“We are very excited at the prospect of building a beautiful 21st-century library that reflects the energy and spirit of our diverse community,” says Dr. Katherine McCaffrey, President of the Library Board of Trustees. “We have an amazing opportunity to fully capture the library’s physical connection to Memorial Park, one of our town’s greatest treasures.”
The Maplewood Library is an invaluable resource that has been the heart of the community for over 100 years. This endeavor is an investment for the future of every citizen of Maplewood. More information, including the Library’s Building Plan and existing floor plans and details can be found on the library’s website.
Questions may be directed to Sarah Lester at 973-762-1622 or slester@maplewoodlibrary.org.

SCHOOL BOARD SPLITS VOTE ON EIGHTH GRADE ACCELERATED ENGLISH CHANGES

In a split vote on Monday, the school board voted to alter the eighth grade English/language arts offering by ending an accelerated option that had some taking 9th grade credit.

The "transformation proposal," as it was titled in the resolution adopted by the board will end the practice of offering the Freshman-year level classes for some eighth graders and, instead, create what was described as "an enhanced/honors curriculum in all eighth grade ELA courses."

The issue received heated debate in April when it was first discussed, with some disagreement over concerns that eighth graders were not ready for higher-level subjects.

On Monday, the board voted, 6-3, to approve the change, with board members Johanna Wright, Donna Smith and Madhu Pai voting against the change.

NEW SETH BOYDEN PRINCIPAL APPOINTED, BUT SOME QUESTIONS

Damion Frye

We broke the news last weekend that the school district had picked a new Seth Boyden principal.

The school board on Monday formally appointed Damion Frye, a veteran of the Newark and New York City schools, as well as a one-time Montclair High School principal.

But it was not without some disagreement as the board voted, 6-1, to appoint Frye, who replaces retiring principal Mark Quiles. 

Board member Johanna Wright cast the lone opposing vote, while Annemarie Maini abstained and Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad was absent for that vote.

Wright raised the issue of how much Seth Boyden parents were allowed to be involved in the review of Frye and other candidates prior to the choice. Superintendent John Ramos explained the process.

See both of their comments below:


 

TOWNSHIP EXPANDS VILLAGE PARKING, NEARS BAKER/VALLEY RIGHT ON RED

The Township Committee made two moves Tuesday that will affect future parking and traffic in town.

First, the TC voted, 5-0, to expand parking on Baker Street and Inwood and Highland places from one hour to two hours.

"Whether in person or by email, I have heard from nearly all of the merchants that are in this area and all have been enthusiastic supporters," said TC Member Greg Lembrich. "I actually haven't heard any dissent."

TC member Nancy Adams added that Maplewood Village Alliance is also in support. 

But one opposing voice was considered, that of veteran Village merchant and activist John Harvey, who penned a letter denouncing the move. The letter criticized the late notice to merchants prior to the vote, adding, "You have not shared any substantive reason to believe this increase in parking limits will improve, and not actually exacerbate a problem."

In other actions, Adams announced that the Township engineer would study traffic and accident patterns at the corner of Baker and Valley streets to see if the Township should remove the No Right on Red limitation for vehicles turning from Baker on to Valley. 

"When I was running I had a lot of requests to put in the allowance of right on red turn at the corner of Baker and Valley streets," Adams said. "You used to be able to turn right on red. There's been a lot of traffic back-ups and frustration by long-time residents who are used to being able to turn right on red."

She said the initial change would be to allow such turns between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The Township instituted the No Right On Red ban in 2009.

LEGO CLUB AT LIBRARY TODAY

 

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Main Library ● All ages ● Drop In ●  Supported by ALA’s Junior Maker Grant, we have lots of LEGOs for everyone to build and display their creations at the library!

ANYTHING FOR A VOTE AUTHOR TONIGHT AT LIBRARY

LATEST POST OFFICE DEMOLITION ADVISORY

From Maplewood Police today:

Advisory: Maplewood Ave. will have heavy dump truck traffic due to Old Post Office removal. Expect delays. Please obey signage in the area.

SMOKE EVACUATES CHS

...Scanner indicates Columbia High School evacuated due to smoke condition in the library ... portions of Parker Avenue closed near Academy Street ... There are no regular classes, but building is still in use ...

HIGHLAND PLACE OWNER DENIED LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL

The saga of the former Highland Place restaurant, which has been closed for nearly two years, hit another bump on Tuesday when the Township Committee denied a request to extend the liquor license for owners of the property.

Masoud Kian, who owns the property at 5 Highland Place, has also owned the liquor license for the location, which he purchased last year from the restaurant's former owner, Chris Farrow.

Farrow initially lost the license after failing to pay taxes, which prompted him to shutdown the restaurant in August 2014. The license was to have been auctioned off by the state, but the auction was cancelled after Kian and Farrow indicated a deal to have it transferred.

Kian said at the time he wanted to lease the space to someone who would run the business and utilize the liquor license. But his attorney, Nelson Montiero, told the TC Tuesday night he has been unable to do so.

"My client is more than desperate to have this place running," Montiero told the TC. "That building without a liquor license is not worth the money."

Kian was not at the meeting because it was his birthday, Montiero said. 

But Mayor Vic Deluca did not accept that excuses, stating, "We were here a year ago when your client came before us and represented that he had all intentions of taking the license and he owns the property and recruiting someone to run the restaurant/bar here. In the year or so, we haven't really seen much happening, quite honestly ... people have been disappointed in your client's lack of movement in getting the place back open."

Other TC members agreed.

"I'm doubtful of the veracity from which your client has been trying to rent this restaurant," said Nancy Adams. "Its absence has really had a negative impact on Maplewood Village."

TC member India Larrier suggested renting it out without a liquor license: "People bring their own."

In the end, the TC voted, 4-1, not to renew the license, with TC Member Greg Lembrich the lone supportive vote. The license was up for renewal along with all of those in town that must be renewed annually and which would expire on June 30.

Montiero told the Township his client would appeal.  

MIDNIGHT MADNESS TURNOUT WAS BIG

We stopped by Columbia High School last night around 10 p.m. when graduates were boarding buses for the trip to Midnight Madness.

The alcohol-free all-nighter was again at a secret location, but this year it was a cruise around Manhattan.

Looks like it was a blast!

SCHOOL DISTRICT RESPONDS TO CHS FOOTBALL RECRUITMENT COMPLAINTS

We told you recently about several South Mountain Middle School parents who were concerned about Columbia High School football team recruiters coming to their school to sign students up for the CHS program,

Specifically, they objected to the recruitment occurring during school hours and including claims that CHS football was "safe."

The district responded with this statement to Maplewoodian.com:

No misleading claims were made.  Students were told that 

"with the new style of teaching tackling, head injuries have 

been reduced." The athletic physical packet, which is mandatory 

to participate in a sport, includes a form that explains the
dangers of concussions in all sports, including football. 

Students cannot participate in high school athletics unless 

their parents sign this form.

Student health and safety is always our first priority, including 

in athletics.  All of our coaches are certified in First Aid & AED 

usage, as well as concussion awareness and heat illness prevention. 

We provide baseline tests for all athletes twice during their high 

school careers (usually freshman and junior years unless
they transfer in). We also hold information sessions with health 

care providers about concussions and cardiac issues in athletics.

CHS GRADUATION TODAY; MIDNIGHT MADNESS TONIGHT

Congratulations to all the Columbia High School graduates who will be honored at commencement today at Essex County College.

Tonight, the party begins after 10 p.m. for Midnight Madness, the great alcohol-free event. The all-nighters will meet at CHS and be driven by bus to a secret location where they will board a cruise ship for a ride around Manhattan.

This is the first year for the floating festivities, a change from the previous parties held in secret land-locked locations. 

See the invitation that was put out months ago below:

Midnight Madness 2016!!!

Midnight Madness/Project Graduation is an All Night Party and is part of a national effort to provide a drug- and alcohol-free celebration for seniors on Graduation Night. More teens are involved in car accidents on graduation night than any other. This planned festivity provides a safe venue for OUR Newly Minted Graduates to hang out with their peers and celebrate, thus reducing the fatalities associated with graduation. Parents and guardians can relax knowing their children are safe.
Following their graduation ceremony on June 22, the graduates will meet at 10 p.m. in the CHS cafeteria and then travel by bus to a cruise for a full night of celebrating. Your payment of $100 includes:

• an all-inclusive party and transportation to and from Manhattan
• a buffet of all-you-can eat and drink (soft drinks only)
• fabulous entertainment — an interactive DJ, casino games, magicians/mentalists, tarot card readers, airbrush tattoo artists, and pop-a-shot basketball and air hockey, just to name a few fun things.

LEAF BLOWER AND BIKE THEFTS LEAD POLICE WEEK

From Maplewood Police today:

June 13, 2016; Theft; At approximately 11 AM, two leaf blowers were stolen from a landscaping trailer that was parked on Overlook Terr.

June 15, 2016; Bicycle Theft; During the overnight hours, two bicycles were stolen from the train station.

June 16, 2016; Burglary; Between 4 AM and 5 AM, the door to a business on Irvington Ave was broken and cash was stolen from the business.

June 18, 2016; Bicycle Theft; At approximately 1:45 PM, a bicycle left on the lawn of an Essex Ave home was stolen.

The Maplewood Police Department works hard to protect the residents and their property.  We are asking that you assist us in this effort by making sure all vehicles and homes are properly secured at all times.  Thank you

CHRISTIE SCHOOL FUNDING OVERHAUL PLAN WOULD MEAN BIG BUCKS TO SOMA SCHOOLS

Gov. Chris Christie's proposal to drastically change the state school funding formula would mean a huge windfall for South Orange and Maplewood.

The proposed plan, revealed Tuesday, would give each district the same amount in state aid per pupil - $6,500.

See more HERE.

While it would have a severe adverse effect on urban districts like Newark, which now gets $21,000 per pupil, and Camden, which receives $30,000 per pupil, the South Orange-Maplewood district would see a huge increase.

According to a Star-Ledger statewide analysis, our $626.83 in aid per pupil would jump more than 900%, adding another $5,873.17 per pupil to meet the $6,500 amount.

But the likelihood of it passing may be slim, given its impact on poor districts. Still, if it is a voter referendum in 2017, anything is possible.

CHS BASEBALL COACH BULLYING PROBE DELAYED AGAIN; IS THIS ACCEPTABLE?

It's getting to the point of absurdity how much the school district is delaying its investigation into claims of harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB), by Columbia High School baseball coach Joe Fischetti.

Dating back two years, Fischetti has been accused of several instances of alleged bullying of players. In one case, prompting a lawsuit that is still in the courts and has already cost us at least $15,000 in lawyer fees.

More background on that HERE.

The latest move was in February when the district hired Leroy Seitz, superintendent of the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District, for $5,000 to review its own investigation that had already found Fischetti and other coaches committed acts of bullying.

That hiring, on Feb. 26, was supposed to last no more than two to four weeks. After many delays, the last word was that it would be completed by this past Monday's board meeting, on June 20.

But at that meeting, Superintendent John Ramos said another delay would occur, claiming a witness that had not been available for months was now available and no update would occur until at least the next board meeting in July.

Would any organization or business accept this kind of bad management and delay in accountability? What if the school district delayed sending out report cards or paying teachers for five months as it has with this investigation? The superintendent would be fired.
 

POLICE ADVISORY: POST OFFICE DEBRIS REMOVAL TODAY, EXPECT DELAYS

From Maplewood Police:

Advisory: There will be construction trucks on Maplewood Ave. removing debris at old Post Office. Officers on scene to assist. Expect delays

DELAYED AMBULANCE INCIDENT PROMPTS EMERGENCY RESPONSE CHANGES

When an eight-year-old boy suffering a seizure was forced to wait up to 16 minutes for an ambulance in March, there was an outcry by parents and residents.

Now the Maplewood Fire Department has issued a string of changes to its system in response.

See this release from the fire chief:

Maplewood Fire Chief Michael Dingelstedt announced revised protocols for emergency medical services in response to concerns raised about the response time when an eight year old suffered a seizure on March 23^rd.
The Fire Department completed a review of dispatching procedures and revised its operating procedures as described below. Chief Dingelstedt consulted with fire department officer’s and the Township Committee’s Public Safety Committee on the design of these revisions.

1. The South Orange Rescue Squad (SORS) will be the primary back-up ambulance to Maplewood during the evening and weekend hours when they have a crew available.
2. MONOC will be the primary back-up ambulance to Maplewood during the hours that the SORS is not in service.
3. When SORS and MONOC are both not available, secondary mutual aid will be provided to Maplewood by the following agencies in the order shown: (1) University Hospital EMS; (2) Union Township EMS; and (3) Union County EMS.
4. Anytime a mutual aid ambulance is dispatched to Maplewood, REMCS will notify the Maplewood Fire Department’s on-duty platoon commander of the nature of the call in order to maintain situational awareness. REMCS is the Regional Emergency Medical Communications System of Metropolitan New Jersey, which is housed at University Hospital.
5. On life-threatening emergencies, the Maplewood Fire Department will continue to respond with an engine or ladder when the Department’s ambulance is out on a call.