Sunday, September 30, 2012
16 OPEN HOUSES TODAY
ESSEX COUNTY EXEC PROMOTES HIMSELF, BUT OFFENDS
Take this flier (below) for Essex County hazardous waste collection day, which was being handed out at the Maplewood Recycling Center Saturday.
Do we really need his photo on the item?
Two reminders HERE and HERE about what a political hack this guy is.
Also offensive that they declare "Free to all Essex County residents."
This is not free, it is paid for with our tax dollars.
PETITION OPPOSING ARCHBISHOP POWER GRAB
Check it out HERE and add your name to those opposing this overreaching church power grab.
Saturday, September 29, 2012
ABLE BAKER TURNS ONE, CELEBRATE WITH FREE CAKE
All part of Maplewood Village Customer Appreciation Day, which includes many discounts.
See them HERE.
BASKETBALL LEAGUE INFO IS OUT
Maplewood Recreation Youth Basketball
Open to Maplewood and South Orange boys and girls in grades 3-5. A recreational program focusing on teaching the basics of basketball. Players will learn the skills and fundamentals needed to become a well rounded basketball player through drills and game play. Run by Maplewood Suburban Basketball Coaches Ed Starzynski and OJ Mebude and recreation department staff. The cost for the program is $75 which includes a reversible jersey for each child. Held on Saturday mornings at Maplewood Middle School for 10 weeks beginning Saturday December 1. Times are 9:00am-10:30am for boys and 11:00am-12:30pm for girls. Dates are: 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 1/5/13, 1/12/13, 1/19/13, 1/26/13, 2/2/13, 2/9/13, 2/16/13. Registration will begin Monday October 1 and will close on Friday November 30. To register, go to https:/ /register.communitypass.net/maplewood. For more information, please contact the recreation department at (973) 763-4202, or recinfo@twp.maplewood.nj.us.
CHS FOOTBALL LOSES A TOUGH ONE
Columbia (18) at Bloomfield (28) - Football
,
James Lucas rushed for 253 yards and two touchdowns to lead Bloomfied past Columbia, 28-18, last night at home.
Bloomfield opened a 6-0 lead in the first quarter when Isaiah Dockett caught a 33-yard TD pass from Michael Carter. Columbia then scored three TDs before Bloomfield added rushing touchdowns of of four and 49 yards from James Lucas, which where split up by a 48-yard TD run from Michael Carter.
Friday, September 28, 2012
UNDERAGE DRINKERS CAUGHT
MAPLEWOODIAN POLITICAL GIVING DOWN THIS YEAR
It looks like Maplewoodians are not giving as much campaign cash as they did four years ago.
According to state data, people from our town gave $525,470 to candidates in 2008 and just $205,922 so far this year. Of course the campaigns are not over yet.
According to state data, people from our town gave $525,470 to candidates in 2008 and just $205,922 so far this year. Of course the campaigns are not over yet.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
BIG JACOBY STREET ISSUES MEETING TONIGHT
This letter to residents earlier this month gives the info on the meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. at De Hart Center.
Victor De Luca
Mayor
September
2012
To the Resident of the Jacoby Street Area:
The Township has received concerns from you and your
neighbors about quality of life issues and a request for the Township to focus more
attention to your area. We want you to know that the Township will partner with
you to keep your neighborhood as a desirable place to live and raise a family.
Toward that end, on Thursday, September 27th at
7:30pm, the Township will hold a community meeting at the DeHart Community Center.
We encourage you to attend. We want to hear your concerns, suggestions and
ideas on how to improve the neighborhood. Please encourage your neighbors to
come to the meeting as well.
Representatives from the Fire, Police, Health, Building,
Public Works, and Engineering Departments will attend and describe Township
services that are available to you. They will also discuss how to comply with
local ordinances related to property maintenance, noise, animal waste removal
and littering. You can always go to the Township’s website for further
information or to directly report a concern or service request: www.twp.maplewood.nj.us.
In particular, we have received concerns about car traffic
travelling too fast through your neighborhood.
In response, the Township Engineer is preparing plans to install speed
humps on Jacoby, 44th, Harding, and Brown Streets. This plan will also
be presented at the meeting.
By working together, we can solve the problems that face us
today and make Maplewood
an even better place to live. We hope to
see you on September 27th at 7:30pm.
Sincerely,
Victor De Luca
Mayor
SEE WHICH MAPLEWOODIANS ARE GIVING TO THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES
Now you can see which of your neighbors is giving to the president through the statewide donor data base.
See HERE.
By the way, Mitt Romney also has some friends in Maplewood, with about 20 donors giving a combined $19,250.
See those HERE.
CITIZENS BUDGET COMMITTEE WANTS YOU
It has been two years since a Maplewood Citizens' Budget Advisory Committee reviewed the town's budget and provided suggestions to the Township Committee. I write to ask if anyone is interested in joining such an effort this year.
In past years, the CBAC:
- Formed sub-committees to mirror the township’s organization (e.g. public safety, recreation)
- Interviewed the heads of the departments, learned about their operations and reviewed their sections of the budget
- Followed along with the budget process from October through February or March
- Ultimately wrote and delivered a set of observations & recommendations to the Township Committee, usually in early February
I find it to be a valuable education. Working in the CBAC, you get to see close-up how our town works and where the money comes from and goes. You get to know a number of the people who work for the town and you learn about the challenges they handle every day. And frankly, at least in Maplewood, you get a lot of respect for how well the town is managed.
To be effective in the CBAC, expect to commit between 10 and 20 hours over the 4 to 5 months of the budget cycle, attend a couple of weekend meetings (with coffee & cake of course) and if possible meet with a department head on a weekday. If you can write, that will come in handy when we are preparing a report to the TC. If you can crunch numbers, even better - budgets do have lots of numbers after all. If you want to learn - well, that's what makes it worthwhile.
Interested? If so, please let me know. If I get a critical mass - 5 or 6 Maplewoodians - then I will start work on a schedule. Feel free to let me know here on MOL or contact me directly at 973-378-3472.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
MAYOR WANTS YOU FOR AN IMPORTANT MEETING
Building ONE New Jersey
Promoting sustainable, inclusive and economically prosperous communities 2012 Statewide Public Meeting
Promoting sustainable, inclusive and economically prosperous communities 2012 Statewide Public Meeting
Sunday, September 30, 2012 4pm - 6pm (registration begins at 3pm)
New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center
97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837
97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ 08837
He posted this on MOL:
We are having carpools from the rear parking lot at town hall. Gather at 2:45pm. Any questions, leave a message at 973-762-7170 or email me at V.DeLuca@twp.maplewood.nj.us
More on the event HERE.
MEMORIAL FIELD LIGHTS HAVE ARRIVED
We told you last week that the Township Committee had authorized temporary lights for Memorial Park to make up for the lack of fields at De Hart due to the turf debacle there.
The lights have arrived. The TC had authorized up to $28,000 be spent on them.
Township Administrator Joe Manning said the true cost is $3655.50 per month and estimates the lights will be needed for two and a half months, but perhaps more or less.
At that estimate the cost is expected to be about $9138.75.
The lights have arrived. The TC had authorized up to $28,000 be spent on them.
Township Administrator Joe Manning said the true cost is $3655.50 per month and estimates the lights will be needed for two and a half months, but perhaps more or less.
At that estimate the cost is expected to be about $9138.75.
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| Photo by Cole Strupp |
EAT TO RAISE MONEY FOR FIRST AID SQUAD
Eat For A Cause! To Support MFAS -
What:
Dine at the Park Wood Diner and have 10% of your check donated to the Squad!
When:
All day! Wednesday, September 26
Where:
Park Wood Diner, 1958 Springfield Avenue in Maplewood
How Can You Help?
Download this flyer and bring it to eat at the Park Wood Diner on September 26, for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 10% of your check will be donated to the First Aid Squad.
RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS TONIGHT
Time:
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location:
Conference Room
Address:
Municipal Building
574 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
574 Valley Street
Maplewood, NJ 07040
BASKETBALL TRYOUTS ANNOUNCED
This from the Township
Tryouts for the Maplewood Recreation Suburban Basketball Teams will be held on Saturday October 13 and Saturday October 20.
Tryouts are for 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys and girls at the following designated times:
8th Grade Boys: 9:00a-11:00a
7th Grade Boys: 11:00a-1:00p
6th Grade Boys: 1:00p-3:00p
6th, 7th and 8th Grade Girls: 3:00p-5:00p
All tryouts will be held at Maplewood Middle School. You must be a resident of Maplewood to tryout, regardless of which school you attend.
For more information, please contact the recreation department at recinfo@twp.maplewood.nj.us or (973) 763-4202.
Thank You.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
ARCHBISHOP OVERREACHES ON GAY MARRIAGE AND ABORTION
As a former Catholic, this is a frightening continuation of church leaders overreaching into politics.
See the AP report HERE and below:
NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — More than 1 million Roman Catholics in northern New Jersey are being urged to vote "in defense of marriage and life."
Newark Archbishop John Myers will release a pastoral statement to his flock on Tuesday that calls on Catholics to examine how political candidates stand on abortion and "a proper backing of marriage."
Myers also says Catholics who disagree with the church's teaching on marriage should refrain from receiving Holy Communion.
Myers tells The Record newspaper his statement is not intended as an endorsement for either political party.
The archbishop says he's been thinking about issuing a statement on the subject for about a year because he believes there's been a lack of clarity.
The diocese includes churches in Bergen, Hudson, Essex and Union counties
NEW MARSHALL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL NAMED
From the district website:
The South Orange Maplewood School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Bonita Samuels as Marshall School Principal. Ms. Samuels currently serves as the Assistant Principal of South Mountain Elementary School.
In recommending Ms. Samuels for the position, Superintendent Brian G. Osborne said: “Among Ms. Samuels many accomplishments at South Mountain are improved intervention and referral services, a system of using assessment information in the primary grades to meet the needs of all students, and supporting a smooth leadership transition at South Mountain. Ms. Samuels will bring her expansive intellect, deep knowledge of instruction, background in special education, and warm, child-centered leadership style to her new position as Marshall Principal.”
Ms. Samuels received her BA in Special Education, her MA in Special Education, and her MA in Educational Administration from Jersey City State University. Ms. Samuels served as a teacher of the handicapped for the Jersey City Public Schools from 1992-2001. She joined SOMSD in 2001, where she served as a teacher of special education from 2001-2006. Ms. Samuels briefly left SOMSD to serve as Supervisor of Special Education in the Jersey City Public Schools, and then returned to SOMSD in February 2007 as the Assistant to the Principal at South Mountain Elementary School. In August 2010, Ms. Samuels was promoted to her current position as the Assistant Principal at South Mountain Elementary School.
Ms. Samuels is scheduled to begin her new role on October 1, 2012.
MAPLEWOOD WOMAN IS A TOP RUTGERS ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCHER
Our own Katie Morey, 2010 graduate of Columbia High School, is now a top agricultural science and plant science major at Rutgers.
She was highlighted in a recent interview for Rutger's Aresty research program.
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She was highlighted in a recent interview for Rutger's Aresty research program.
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Monday, September 24, 2012
AUTO BREAK-IN THWARTED
TWO ARMED ROBBERIES AND TWO AUTO THEFTS MARK POLICE WEEK
September 22, 2012; Robbery, A female reported that at approximately 10 PM she was walking on Irvington Ave and was approached by a male. The male pointed a handgun at her and demanded her belongings. She turned over her purse and a bag. The male then entered a dark colored vehicle and fled into Newark on Tuxedo Parkway.
September 23, 2012; Robbery, A male came to Police Headquarters and reported that he was robbed on Brookwood Dr and approximately 950 PM. He reports he was walking when a gray vehicle pulled up next to him. A male wearing a mask exited the vehicle and pointed a handgun at him demanding his belongings. The actor fled in the vehicle that was occupied by other males with an Ipod and cell phone.
In other crime:
September 18, 2012, Burglary Attempt; An attempted burglary was found at 1130Am after patrols responded to an alarm activation on Garfield Place. Damage was found to the front door, but no entry was made into the home.
September 20,2012, Motor Vehicle Theft, At approximately 740 AM, a Lexis was taken from in front a mechanics shop on Springfield Ave. The vehicle contained the owner's wallet and cell phone.
September 20, 2012; Motor Vehicle Theft, a Dodge Caravan was reportedly stolen from a parking lot on Burnett Ave.
September 21, 2012; Robbery, At approximately 7 PM, a male was assaulted and robbed of his backpack by a group of approximately 8 teenagers near Springfield Ave and Chancellor Ave.
September 21, 2012; Attempted Robbery, At approximately 545 AM a Porter Rd resident reports he was approached by a male with his hand in his jacket as if he had a gun. The male demand the resident’s belongings before fleeing in a white vehicle. Nothing was taken.
GREAT LIBRARY MONDAYS CONTINUE
Just because Summer is over does not mean the library has backed off. Look at these great events today:
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TONIGHT
And you can always show up and ask questions or speak out on any issue.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
School District of South Orange and Maplewood, NJ
525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ 07040
AGENDA
PUBLIC BOARD MEETING
Monday, September 24, 2012
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7:30 PM
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REGULAR MEETING
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Call to Order – Announcement of Notice
Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Board Recognition
Approve Board Minutes: Executive & Public Session Minutes: August 27, 2012
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7:35 PM
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SUPERINTENDENT’S MONTHLY PROGRESS REPORT ON DISTRICT GOALS
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7:50 PM
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HEARING OF INDIVIDUALS AND DELEGATIONS
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8:20 PM
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DISCUSSION
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· 2012 NJASK, HSPA and AP Results
· Capital Plan Update
· Committee Reports
· District Goals
· Board Goals 2012-2013
· BOE Requests for Budget Analyses 2012-2013
· 2013-2014 School Calendar
· Policy 3282 Use of Networking Sites – 1st reading
· Policy 4282 Use of Networking Sites - 1st reading
· Policy 7230 Gifts and Corporate Sponsorships – 1st reading
· Board Of Education Code Of Ethics
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9:30 PM
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ACTION
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2926
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Personnel Fiscal
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2927
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Personnel Substitute
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2929
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Out Of District Placements - Special Education
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2930
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Field Trip Destinations
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2932
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Adopt Committee Charges
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2933
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Adopt Amended 2012-2013 School Calendar
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2934
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Adopt 2013-2014 School Calendar
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2935
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Approve A Research Proposal By A Doctoral Candidate From Rutgers University
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2936
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Financials
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9:45 PM
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HEARING OF INDIVIDUALS AND DELEGATIONS
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10:00 PM
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NEW BUSINESS
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A Special Workshop of the Maplewood Township Committee, the South Orange Village Trustees and the South Orange Maplewood Board of Education will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2012 in the District Meeting Room at 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ. No action will be taken.
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The Board of Education will meet in Closed Session on Monday, October 15, 2012, at 6:30 pm in the Superintendent’s Office to discuss personnel and legal issues, negotiations and other matters to be announced at a later date. Immediately following the Closed Session, the Board of Education will meet in Public Session at 7:30 pm in the District Meeting Room, 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ. Action will be taken.
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The Board of Education will meet in Closed Session on Monday, October 29, 2012, at 7:30 pm in the Superintendent’s Office 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ to discuss the evaluation of the Superintendent. No action will be taken.
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The Board of Education will meet in Closed Session on Monday, November 19, 2012, at 6:30 pm in the Superintendent’s Office to discuss personnel and legal issues, negotiations and other matters to be announced at a later date. Immediately following the Closed Session, the Board of Education will meet in Public Session at 7:30 pm in the District Meeting Room, 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ. Action will be taken.
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CAR HITS HOUSE
A car crashed into a residence on Valley Street near the corner of Parker Avenue across fromColumbia High School Friday, injuring the driver and causing minor damage to the building, according to police and fire officials.
The accident occurred at 2:32 p.m. on Friday, shortly before high school dismissal. The car went over the sidewalk under the cyclone fence of a vacant lot next door to the multi-family house on the 400 block of Valley Street, striking the front porch and setting the engine compartment on fire, said Deputy Chief Walter Nugent of theMaplewood Fire Department.
Engine 32 and Rescue Squad 37 responded to the scene. The South Orange Fire Department provided mutual aid.
FARMER'S MARKET TODAY
Come and shop the Maplewood Farmers Market today from 2 pm to 7 pm, located on Springfield Avenue at Indiana Street.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
ST JOE'S FAMILY PICNIC TODAY
| Time: | 1:00pm |
| Information: | All are invited to share in the fun! Free admission, bring side dish or dessert to share. We'd like an RSVP to help us prepare enough food, drinks, seats etc, but come even if you decide last minute. T-Shirts will be available for $12.00 in sizes from child's small to XXXL. Contact the rectory to RSVP and to order a shirt. The picnic is fun for all ages and will be held in Maplecrest Park on Springfield Ave. Rain location St. Joseph Bernard Hall (Lower Church) |