SWASTIKAS FOUND IN SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION

Photo: NJ.com

From NJ.com: 

Authorities are investigating several swastikas that were spray-painted along a new bridge in the South Orange section of South Mountain Reservation. 

Photos show at least seven swastikas splattered across the bridge with the words "they lie" and the numbers "666." The markings -- made in purple, red, green and black -- were cleaned by Tuesday afternoon after park workers painted and sandblasted the bridge early in the morning, county officials said. 

Authorities are investigating several swastikas that were spray-painted along a new bridge in the South Orange section of South Mountain Reservation. 

 

"What's happening in South Mountain Reservation is discouraging and maddening," Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. said in a statement. "In Essex County, our diversity is our strength, and our open spaces are there for the enjoyment of everyone. We do not condone the defacing of public areas and we do not tolerate the hateful intent of this graffiti."  

 

Rabbi Jesse Olitzky of Congregation Beth El in South Orange said some of his congregants called him early in the morning after they saw the symbols.

See the entire story HERE.

DJANGO A GOGO CONCERTS BEGIN TONIGHT

STEPHANE WREMBEL PRESENTS
THE DJANGO A Gogo 2017 MUSIC FESTIVAL AND CAMP

THE CONCERTS

March 3, 2017 8PM

The Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall Starring

STEPHANE WREMBEL, AL DI MEOLA, STOCHELO ROSENBERG

LARRY KEEL, RYAN MONTBLEAU, DAVID GASTINE

NICK ANDERSON, THOR JENSEN, ARI FOLMAN-COHEN

February 28, 2017
The Woodland
Opening Night Performance
Sara L'Abriola, and many more

March 1, 2017
The Woodland
Django Flamenco!
Alfonso Ponticelli and Juanito Pascual

March 2, 2017
The Woodland
Olli Soikkeli and Rhythm Future Quartet

March 4, 2017
The Woodland
Paulus Schafer and Special Guests

March 5, 2017
The Woodland
Street Fair and Student Performances Free to the Public

March 5, 2017
Barbes In Brooklyn
SUPER JAM!!

PRESENTATION

Django a Gogo Music Camp is a first-class music program providing musicians of all levels and instruments access to the greatest knowledge and teachers available. 

The program focuses mainly on the musical style of Django Reinhardt (referred to as "Gypsy Jazz" in the USA). The goal of this camp is for students to learn from all the teachers and performers of the festival either in a small group setting, or in the form of workshops. 

More information HERE.

THREE CANDIDATES VYING FOR DEMOCRATIC TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE ENDORSEMENT

Three candidates have tossed their hats in the ring for the Maplewood Democratic Committee endorsement for Township Committee, according to MDC Chair Ian Grodman.

As Monday's deadline passed for prospective candidates to submit their names for the committee endorsement, those entering the race include incumbent Vic Deluca and challengers Dean Dafis and Carla Caraballo.

Read more about Dafis HERE and Caraballo HERE.

Dean Dafis

All three are seeking the primary nomination for the two seats up for grabs this year. Along with the seat held by Deluca, who is also Maplewood mayor, the second seat held by TC Member India Larrier is open as Larrier has chosen not to run for re-election.

Grodman said the MDC will interview the three candidates sometime in March and make its endorsement public then.

The endorsement is key in that it gives those who receive it a party line spot on the June 6 primary ballot and access to Democratic Committee funding.

Candidates who do not receive the endorsement can still run in the primary. The deadline to enter is April 3. 

DRUG STORE SHOPLIFTERS, AUTO-RELATED THEFTS LEAD POLICE WEEK

From Maplewood Police:

February 26, 2017; Shoplifting; At approximately 3:30 Pm, a male entered the CVS on Valley St, picked up several bars of soap and left the store without paying.  He then fled on a bicycle toward South Orange.

February 25, 2017; Shoplifting, At approximately 8 AM, officers responded to the Walgreens on Springfield Ave on a reported shoplifting.  Christopher Black, age 47 of Irvington was taken into custody and charged with shoplifting following the investigation on scene.

February 21, 2017; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours two unsecured vehicles parked on Park Ave were entered.  Change was removed from one of them and a pair of sunglasses were removed from the other vehicle.

February 22, 2017; Theft from Auto; Between 9 PM and 10:30 PM a unsecured vehicle on Fernwood Rd and an unsecured vehicle on the 200 block of Elmwood Ave were entered.  A purse and credit cards were stolen from one vehicle and a cell phone and change were stolen from the other vehicle.

February 23, 2017; Motor Vehicle Theft, During the overnight hours, a Jeep Liberty was stolen from Newark Way.  The vehicle was later recovered in Newark.

February 25,2017; Motor Vehicle Theft; Sometime between 7 AM and 3 PM a vehicle was stolen from the DPW parking lot.

February 26, 2017; Burglary; Sometime over the previous week a vacant home on Boyden Parkway was entered and copper pipes were stolen.

LAST DAY OF MAPLEWOOD SPEAKS OUT AT THE LIBRARY

Main Library ● All Ages ● Drop In

Kids and families are invited to continue the conversation from the Kids Speak Out art display.  Throughout the month, feel free to share your thoughts, feelings, stories, and drawings.  Supplies will be available in the Children’s Room to create something that expresses your feelings about race, equality, and justice.  Your work will be displayed in the Children’s Room.

“You really can change the world if you care enough.” – Marian Wright Edelman

POLICE ISSUE WARNING ON STRING OF BURGLARIES

Maplewood Police are seeking a burglar who entered a home on Sommer Avenue on Feb.23, which may be linked to four other daytime burglaries in the same area since early February.

See their alert below:

February 23, 2017, Burglary; At approximately 1:15 PM, Officer’s responded to a home on Sommer Ave for a reported burglary in progress. A witness to the burglary observed a black male wearing a blue coat, middle age, approximately 6’ tall and having a bald head walk out of the home.  He was last observed running towards Valley St. 

Multiple units responded to the area and searched for the male.  Essex County Sheriff’s and their K9 unit also responded and attempted to track the male.  

A male fitting the description of the suspect was stopped on Millburn Ave by Union PD, but the male was later determined to not be involved in the burglary.  

Since 2/7 there have been four daytime burglaries in this general area including, Manley Terr., Courter Ave. near Prospect St, and the 600 block of Valley St.

MEET THE MAPLEWOOD BANANA CLUB

First we saw the "Resist" neckties in Maplewood Village, which it turned out were a pro-feminism group protest.

Now comes The Maplewood Banana Club.

You might have seen their fun pro-banana notices on community boards and windows around town in the form of a flyer, complete with pull-off tabs often used for phone numbers. In their case, they are to take a banana with you.

No, this is not some marketing campaign by Banana Growers of America. It is the work of four local youngsters who wanted to spread some smiles, and promote their favorite peel-and-eat fruit.

Those are Tess and Ellie von Brachel, and Luke and Emma Schamburg. 

"We are neighbors, we made this club simply for the fun of it," they said via email. "A few years go, we got a hammock that looked like a banana, and it sparked a little interest in the fruit, for no apparent reason.

"Since then, our goal was to promote bananas because we've heard about the decreasing amount of bananas around the world," they added. "We poke fun at apples because they are a very popular fruit, so we want to let people know that bananas are awesome, too."

The club leaders said they posted 20 such notices around town and plan to make more. Stay tuned!

SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET FACING $2.4 MILLION DEFICIT

The South Orange Maplewood School District is facing a budget deficit of up to $2.4 million, according to the latest projections that will be presented at tonight's school board meeting.

Budget documents that were posted online with the board agenda this week indicate current expected revenue to be $128.1 million for the 2017-2018 school year, with current spending requests at $130.5 million.

Those requests came about through the new zero-based budgeting effort, in which each budget section was built from scratch. 

Currently, district-wide staffing is to remain at the same levels, 745 full-time employees.

The deficit must be filled with either spending cuts or a tax increase, or a combination of both.

The budget documents indicate that if the board stays within the state-capped 2% tax increase, the deficit will remain at about $2.4 million. But the board could institute a higher tax increase, up to 3.39%, by using what is known as "banked cap." 

That is an additional increase allowed when the district does not raise taxes by 2% in a prior year. Since the board did not use all of its tax increase in some prior years, it could add an additional $1.4 million in spending and boost the tax increase.

But even with that, a budge deficit of at least $800,000 would remain. See the entire budget presentation HERE.

The deficit and ongoing budget review comes a year after the board approved the elimination of 15 district positions, including 11 teachers - nine of them at Columbia High School.

The board meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight, but in a new location: The Montrose School, 356  Clark St., South Orange

TOWNSHIP SPRING ART PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPEN

From Maplewood Recreation:

Registration is now available for the Maplewood Recreation Spring 2017 Art Programs for children 2 - 8 years old.  All art programs are held at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd.

Talented Tots  Mondays from 10 - 10:45 AM is for children 2 to 4 years old accompanied by an adult.  Children will learn the basics of Arts & Crafts while socializing with other children.  The emphasis will be on the Spring Season.  Classes begin on Monday March 27th and runs for 8 weeks for $90.00. ( 3/27 - 5/22 no class 4/10.)

Kiddie Krafts Tuesdays 9:30 - 10:30 AM is for children 4 to 5 years old. This is a drop off class.  Children will use various types of art media while creating projects focusing on the Spring Season.  Classes begin on Tuesday March 28th and run for 9 weeks for a fee of $115.00. ( 3/28 - 5/30 no class 4/11 ).

Talented Tots Wednesdays 10:00 - 10:45 AM is for children 2 to 4 years old accompanied by an adult.  Children will learn the basics of arts & crafts while socializing with other children.  The emphasis will be on the Spring Season.  Classes begin on Wednesday March 29th  and runs for 9 weeks for $100.00. (no class 4/12).

Spring Break Art Explorations April 10th - April 12th 9:00 - 11:00 AM is for children 4 - 8 years old.  Exploring the world through art children will visit a different country each day and have a snack based on that country.  Program runs Monday - Wednesday 9 - 11 AM for a fee of $75.00

REMEMBER CHS OSCAR VETERANS TONIGHT

1938 CHS grad Teresa Wright with her Oscar

While you're watching the Academy Awards tonight, remember Columbia High School grads who have been nominated, and won.

At least three CHS alum have walked the red carpet for acting, with one winner.

They are:  
* Elisabeth Shue, class of 1981, nominated for Best Actress in 1996 for Leaving Las Vegas.  
* Frank Langella, Class of 1955, nominated for Best Actor in 2009 for Frost/Nixon.  
* Teresa Wright, Class of 1938, nominated and won Best Supporting Actress in 1943 for Mrs. Miniver. She was also nominated that same year for Best Actress, playing Mrs. Lou Gehrig in Pride of the Yankees.

FORGET THE OSCARS, HIDDEN FIGURES IS COMING TO OUR CLASSROOMS

Even if the Oscar-nominated hit Hidden Figures does not win at the Oscars tonight, it's getting some acknowledgement from the Board of Education on Monday night.

The story of the three African-American women who played major behind-the-scenes roles in the Mercury space program is being adopted as one of the new 6th grade curriculum books by the school board.

See the notice from the related resolution on the board agenda below:
.

Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition

Grade 6

Margot Lee Shetterly

Harper Collins 2016

Background:

It tells the true story of African American female mathematicians and their role in the US 1960’s space program. The content is appropriate with the Gr. 6 science unit on astronomy and technologies to explore space. It also reinforces mathematics standards on mathematical practices

MAPLEWOOD CHILI COOKOFF TODAY AT THE WOODLAND

The Maplewood Chili Cookoff  
2pm
at The Woodland
There will be music, a bar, a madcap eating contest, and up to 40 creative chili entries from the best amateur and professional chefs in the region. And yep - you can bring the kids.

MAKE A CHILI 
Think you make a mean chili? This is your chance to find out how your best meat or vegetarian pot of red stacks up against the competition, as judged by a jury of your peers.

COME TO JUDGE
In Maplewood, you're the judge. So even if you aren't making a chili, a $10 tasting pass will be your ticket to vote for your favorite chilis and help crown a champion.

A FUNDRAISER
The Maplewood Chil Cookoff is partnering with Rent Party to bring quality food to the SOMA residents who need it most.

14 OPEN HOUSES TODAY

It's only pre-season baseball today so plenty of chance to check out what's available before the Oscars tonight.

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

Full list HERE.

SCHOOL BOARD TO APPROVE IMMIGRANT PROTECTION RESOLUTION

Just weeks after the Township Committee approved a resolution to protect local immigrants against federal prosecution efforts, and as President Trump continues his efforts to block entry for immigrants and expand deportation, the Board of Education is set to approve its own measure to protect immigrants.

A resolution set for approval at Monday night's board meeting states that at least 26% of Maplewood residents are foreign-born. It also sets in place protections against sharing information with federal authorities that would help their efforts to prosecute immigrants, both students and others.

It states, in part:

…….The Board reaffirms its commitment to equal opportunity for all school-age students residing in South Orange and Maplewood to attend, and to enjoy all opportunities and benefits available in the schools of our District, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, race, immigration status, or religious beliefs, free from harassment or intimidation, for so long as they may reside in South Orange and Maplewood….

…that the Board will protect student confidentiality and will not share private information unless required by law or a court order, and we expect all persons employed by and in the South Orange and Maplewood School District to protect student privacy and confidentiality as well…

See the entire resolution HERE.

The board will meet to vote on it and other issues during its regular meeting Monday night at 7:30 p.m. at The Montrose School, 356 Clark St., South Orange.

VIDEO: CONGRESSMAN PAYNE AT TOWN HALL

If you missed Congressman Donald Payne's public meeting at Maplewood Town Hall on Thursday night, you can catch it below.

Thanks to SOMA TV, check out what he and your neighbors had to say during the near two-hour, full-house event.

 

LIBRARY BLOOD DRIVE TODAY

10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Main Library – Give the gift of life. Donated blood is in short supply. You can donate if you weigh at least 110 lbs and are at least 16 (with a parent’s permission). Eat a meal & drink plenty of water beforehand, and bring ID.

OVERNIGHT BURGLARY AT HILTON LIBRARY

Maplewood Police are investigating a burglary at the Hilton Branch Library on Springfield Avenue that occurred sometime during the night on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, according to Sgt. Christopher Black.

He said sometime during the night the library was entered and a "small amount of cash" was stolen. No other details are available and it is still under investigation.

TOWNSHIP LEAF HAULING CONTRACT AWARD DELAYED AFTER CHALLENGE

The Township Committee has tabled the planned approval of a $100,000 contract for leaf removal after one firm that had bid for the contract complained it was wrongly denied. 

The Township put out a request for bids in January to handle the hauling and disposal of the leaves collected each year by the Public Works Department.

Six bids were received, with the lowest bid at $6.87 per cubic yard (or $109,920) from Mazza Mulch Inc. of Tinton Falls, according to a memo from Public Works Director Calvin Bell to Township Administrator Joseph Manning provided at Tuesday night's Township Committee meeting.

See that memo HERE.

The memo also indicated that the third lowest bidder, S. Rotondi & Sons Inc. of Chatham, contested the awarding of the contract to Mazza, claiming the firm did not possess the proper N.J. Department of Environmental Protection permit to haul the leaves. 

Bell's memo indicated a review of Mazza found it did not have the permit and could not haul the 700 cubic yards of leaves required under the contract.

Bell indicated he then sought to award the contract to the second-lowest bidder, Marilyn Haggerty Farms of Washington. N.J. But a review of its bid found it lacked some proper certificates to operate within the contract.

In that case, Bell suggested awarding the contract to S. Rotondi & Sons, which bid $6.94 per cubic yard (or $110,040).

But Mazza owner Dominick Mazza Jr. objected to the bid award, stating that his firm is able to handle the additional hauling and could bring in additional help to do so. He told the TC Tuesday night that he had sent a letter to the Township late Tuesday asking for a delay in the approval vote. 

See his comments below: 

The Township Committee on Tuesday voted to table the approval for two weeks so it could review the claims.

LEGOS AT THE LIBRARY TODAY

4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Main Library * All ages * Drop in
Tinker and build at LEGO club! 

Supported by ALA’s Junior Maker Grant, we have lots of LEGOs for everyone to build something and display their creations around the library!

YOUR CONGRESSMAN, PAYNE, AT TOWN HALL TONIGHT

From Rep. Donald Payne's office:

Constituent Conversation with Rep. Payne, Jr. in Maplewood 

 MAPLEWOOD, N.J. –Tonight, Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10) will hold a conversation with constituents in Maplewood. He will take questions and share his views on issues important to the American people.

WHEN:           Thursday, February 23, 2017; 7:30 PM – 9 PM

WHO:             Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10)

                       

WHERE:         Township Municipal Building         

574 Valley Street

Maplewood Township, N.J. 07040

SCHOOL DISTRICT'S OUT-OF-TOWN TUITION PAYMENTS ON THE RISE

The Board of Education is expected to boost its tuition payments for South Orange/Maplewood students to attend out-of-district schools by 25% in the 2017-2018 school year, according to recent budget documents.

That marks a sharp increase in the money paid to other schools to teach our students. The district funded 199 students for out-of-district education in 2016, according to data provided through an Open Public Records Act request. That cost us $11.9 million, or about $60,000 per student.

The per-student payments for out-of-district tuition is well above the $18,000 per student spent on those that attend class in district schools. 

That is the latest in a continued increase in such numbers dating back to 2013 when 156 student went elsewhere. That rose to 180 in 2014, and 191 in 2015. 

District Business Administrator Paul Roth, during his budget presentation on Jan. 30, estimated the district would pay for about 250 students to go outside the district in 2017-2018. No specific monetary estimate has been made, but it is likely to boost the budget significantly.

The out-of-district tuition is paid for a variety of reasons, ranging from vocational education to special education and other mandated services. 

Asked to provide more specifics, Roth sent this email to Maplewoodian.com several weeks ago:

To help clarify the information contained in the response to your OPRA request, tuition costs cover students receiving special education and 504 services out of district as well as students attending Vo-Tech schools. Since much of this information regards our students I cannot get more specific. The amounts listed are actual prior year expenditures and range in the overall cost do amount into the millions.

When we asked last week for further explanation of the expected increase and other details of how the money is used and why the district did not respond. 

One indication of where the money goes was found in a resolution the board approved on Jan. 30 for nearly $318,000 worth of outside tuition. 

See that resolution and the schools receiving the funding below: