BURGDORFF CENTER GETS GRANT MONEY

The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts will receive $69,883 to make its restrooms more accessible to those with disabilities.

The funds come from the Essex County Community Development Block Grants announced this week.

Below is the list, which includes a total of $3.1 million awarded to 16 Essex County municipalities, with the Burgdorff project the only one in Maplewood.

GREAT LIBRARY PROGRAMS TODAY

Another great library day of programs:

3:30 pm - 6:00 pm  Main Library – Teens, join us in Memorial Hall to play Wii, Playstation 2, use laptops or just hang out.
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm  Hilton Branch * All ages * One-on-one writing help for students.  The lab is staffed by trained coaches and will help improve each student’s writing in all subject areas. Students may bring some writing ideas or an assignment from school. No registration necessary – just drop in.

CHRISTIE DENIES PROPERTY TAX REBATES

Thanks Gov. Christie for denying our property tax rebate. Didn't you campaign on this?

Also nice they judge us on our incomes, not the property taxes we pay, which we all know is ridiculously high in Maplewood.

RESTAURANT GREASE FIRE

PATCH reports:

An early morning grease fire caused smoke damage to a Springfield Avenue restaurant early Wednesday morning, according to Capt. Joseph Callaghan of the Maplewood Fire Department.

Heavy smoke billowed through Soul Terrific at 1553 Springfield Ave., said Callaghan, requiring evacuation of residents from the second-floorapartments at the rear of the building. There were no injuries reported.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, which was caused by a deep fat fryer that had been left on, Callaghan said. Maplewood firefighters were assisted by the South Orange and Irvington Fire Departments.

Reached by phone, Soul Terrific owner John Williams said there was a lot of clean up, but no significant damage.

"We will be closed for a few days," he said.

The restaurant opened last fall.

HIGH WIND STORM COMING

Local Weather Alert

High Wind Warning for Western Essex, NJ

From 6:00 PM EST, Wed., Jan 30, 2013 until 6:00 AM EST, Thu., Jan 31, 2013

Other affected areas: 

…

Northern Fairfield, CT;  Northern New Haven, CT;  Northern Middlesex, CT;  Northern New London, CT; Western Passaic, NJ;  Eastern Passaic, NJ;  Western Bergen, NJ;  Western Essex, NJ;  Western Union, NJ; Orange, NY;  Putnam, NY;  Rockland, NY;  Northern Westchester, NY

More

---

Issued by The National Weather Service
New York City, NY

Wed, Jan 30, 2013, 12:51 PM EST

Local Radar Map

Updated Jan 30, 2013, 4:25pm EST

Weather in Motion®   |   Enlarge Map

Get WeatherReady

• Tips for Driving in Windy Weather
• Driving Safety Tips
• Interstate Driving Maps
• Get Live Traffic Reports
• Check the Latest Driving Forecast (video)

... HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM EST THURSDAY...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED A HIGH WIND WARNING... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 6 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 AM EST THURSDAY. THE HIGH WIND WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

* LOCATIONS... INLAND SECTIONS NORTH AND WEST OF THE NEW YORK CITY METROPOLITAN AREA.

* HAZARDS... DAMAGING WIND GUSTS.

* WINDS... SOUTH 20 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 60 MPH.

* TIMING... STRONG WINDS THIS EVENING INTO THE OVERNIGHT.

* IMPACTS... STRONG WINDS... IN COMBINATION WITH HEAVY RAIN... COULD BRING DOWN WHOLE TREES... LARGE TREE LIMBS... POWER LINES AND UNSECURED OUTDOOR OBJECTS. THIS COULD POSE A HAZARD TO ANYONE OUT DRIVING OR WALKING WEDNESDAY NIGHT... AND TO HOUSES AND OTHER STRUCTURES NEAR LARGER TREES. DRIVING WILL ALSO BE DIFFICULT... ESPECIALLY IN HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES AND ON ELEVATED ROADWAYS AND BRIDGES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A HIGH WIND WARNING MEANS A HAZARDOUS HIGH WIND EVENT IS EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SUSTAINED WIND SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 40 MPH OR GUSTS OF 58 MPH OR MORE CAN LEAD TOPROPERTY DAMAGE.

CAR DEALER EMPLOYEE ROBBED?

...Scanner reports police responding to DCH Audi on Millburn Ave. to a report of an employee assaulted and robbed on the way to work....

HOBOKEN-WTC PATH TRAINS BACK TODAY

From Transportationnation.org:

PATH Service Restored Between Hoboken-World Trade Center

By Kate Hinds | 01/29/2013 – 4:51 pm

Share this Article

Hoboken's PATH station (photo by Sean Marshall via flickr)

For the first time since Sandy struck the Northeast 13 weeks ago, PATH trains will roll once again between Hoboken and the World Trade Center.

Governors Christie and Cuomo announced service between the two hubs will be restored in time for the Wednesday morning commute.

This marks the first time PATH service will return to its normal weekday schedule since Sandy. The PATH system suffered $700 million worth of damage during the storm (PDF), and the Hoboken station was particularly hard hit. It took seven weeks just to open the station, and partial overnight service was restored on January 9th. Meanwhile, NJ Transit just reopened the Hoboken Terminal waiting room Monday.

ECO-FORUM TODAY

Maplewood Residents & Business Owners, You Are Invited...

Please join the Township of Maplewood and the Maplewood Green Team at a facilitated Eco-Forum to provide input and generate ideas on environmental initiatives that will improve Maplewood's future.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

7:00-9:00 p.m.

Maplewood Memorial Library, 51 Baker Street Maplewood, NJ

http://www.maplewoodisgreen.org/citizens-eco-forum

Your input will help guide the work of the Green Team in 2013.

What is important to you? What sustainability and green efforts are you passionate about?

Topics to be discussed include: 

• Natural resource preservation and stewardship
•  Infrastructure (storm water management, urban design)
• Waste management, recycling
• Bicycle and pedestrian plans and the Maplewood Greenway Plan
• Education programs
• Sustainability
• Green living

Come have a voice.  Come make a difference.

ST. JAMES GATE BARTENDER BACK ON THE JOB

Rumors that James Meade has returned to work at St. James Gate are true.

A call to the bar in Maplewood Village found that he is working nights, just three weeks after the alleged incident that reportedly sidelined him for a while with a hand injury and sparked an assault claim filed against him by a South Orange man.

Meade, of course, has every right to work and is under no orders of any kind from the court that would indicate guilt or that he is not allowed to return to his former post.

A Municipal judge ruled last week that the complaint by Ethan Kresofsky offered probable cause to go forth with a case against Meade. No date has been set for the next court hearing.

See background on the case HERE.

Meanwhile, St. James Gate has seen fit to post its own statement about the incident on its website. 

See that HERE.

LAST DAY FOR SOUTH MOUNTAIN RESERVATION DEER KILL

So stay clear of the reservation.

MMS REHEARSAL SCREW-UPS

So it appears a group of sixth graders, perhaps more from other grades, were forced to be at rehearsals for the Maplewood Middle School's production of Annie Get Your Gun Monday afternoon, from 2:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and never rehearsed.

Some students said they were not allowed to leave, even though their part of the show never took the stage, until nearly 7 p.m..

Big praise for the volunteer parents who oversee the show, but you could let children know that they will not be rehearsing instead of making them sit around for four hours.

TEEN ADVISORY GROUP TODAY

This at the library today

Time:	3:30pm
Information:	Teen Advisory Group  Grade 6 & up  Main Library Tues., Jan. 29 3:30 pm  Help get ready for the Teen Advisory Group Summit in March. Have a say in the library programs for teens. Read reviews and help chose books for the library’s young adult collection. Refreshments will be served. Just drop in!

MONDAY'S HIGHLAND PLACE/CRANE'S SPECIALS

MORE HERE

DAYLIGHT ARMED ROBBERY OF BOYDEN STORE

This from the Maplewood Police today, with a daylight armed robbery among the most frightening crimes:

January 27, 2013; Armed Robbery; At approximately 330 PM, a male entered the Boyden Pantry and committed a robbery.  The male entered the store wearing a mask, pointed a handgun at the clerk and announced a robbery.  The male then fled the store once he was given an undetermined amount of money by the store clerk.  Patrols responded and searched for the actor, but no one fitting the description was able to be located.  No one was injured during the robbery.

In other crimes this week:

January 24, 2013; Burglary; At approximately 430PM, a Milton St resident called a reported a suspicious person in their neighbors backyard.  Upon officers arrival, a male was observed in the backyard.  Officers attempted to speak with the individual and he ran from the officers.  While running he discarded proceeds.  Officers were able to take the male into custody a short distance away after he led officers on a foot chase.  The home where he was observed was discovered to have been burglarized.  The male was identified as John Mitchell, age 32 of Linwood, NJ.  He was charged with Burglary.

January 26, 2013; Motor Vehicle Theft; At approximately 610 AM, an unattended motor vehicle that was left running was taken from the driveway of a Fernwood Rd residence.

GREAT FUNDRAISING EVENT COMING UP

STRANGER IN CHILD'S ROOM?

...Scanner indicates report of a stranger in a child's room on Oberlin St...Police investigating...Car also missing from the residence...

JOB HUNTING HELP AT THE LIBRARY TODAY

Time:

10:00am

Information:

Professionals in Transition  Career coach Tony Calabrese and IT professional Michael Dollinger will lead a meeting devoted to Mastermind Groups.  In Mastermind Groups, participants get the benefit of different perspectives, input and feedback. Attendees will share and combine ideas, critique resumes, provide interview and networking tips, and address the various stages in the job transition process by sharing insights gained through their own job search experiences.  Monday, January  28 10:00 am at Main Library

WOMAN'S CLUB BACK ON THE SALES BLOCK

PATCH reports:

After more than three years of lawsuits and delays, The Woman's Club of Maplewood is back on the market, after the original buyer backed out.

The historic property at 60 Woodland Road is currently listed for $1,999,900, according to Caroline Farnsworth of Keller Williams Mid-Town Direct Realty in Maplewood Village.

In March of 2011, Lamona LLC, a limited liability corporation formed by Tom Kerns, Maplewood resident and co-founder of HK Project, purchased the building for an undisclosed amount. But the completion of the sale has been tied up in a lawsuit since October of that year.

Read more HERE

HISTORY OF SHOES AT DURAND-HEDDEN

Information: Well Heeled and Pumped Up: The Rise of Women’s Shoes talk, plus Shoe Drive for Soles 4 Souls Charity at Durand-Hedden on Sunday, January 27 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. Rachelle Bergstein, author of Women From the Ankle Down: The Story of Shoes and How They Define Us will present this stylish illustrated talk on shifting footwear trends through the 20th century that examines the growing prominence of shoes in American culture, and how it affects everything from price tags to heel heights. She looks at the runways, red carpets and sidewalks to understand what shoes tell us about the women who wear them. Visitors are invited to bring their gently worn shoes to donate to the charity Soles 4 Souls on January 27th and for fun, to wear and show off their craziest, most outrageous or most beautiful footwear! A S4S shoe donation box will be available under the rear porch of Durand-Hedden from January 20 until February 1. From 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. visitors will also be able to view the exhibit After the Hickories: Roosevelt Park, and the Country Store will be open, with its unique selection of souvenirs and books. The Durand-Hedden House and surrounding Grasmere Park were designated a Maplewood Historic Landmark in 2006. The Durand-Hedden House and Garden Association is dedicated to telling the story of the development of Maplewood and the surrounding area in new and engaging ways. For more information, call 973-763-7712. The Durand-Hedden House is located at 523 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood.

11 OPEN HOUSES TODAY

No football today? Check out the 11 open houses in Maplewood today.

See the list HERE.

Find your new home, or just how the market looks.

COUNTY TO HOLD GUN BUY BACK

PATCH reports:

Essex County will be holding a gun buy-back in February where anyone can trade in their guns for cash. The gun buy-back was announced last month soon after the school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
Montclair Mayor Robert Jackson initially presented the gun buy-back only for Montclair after an anonymous resident committed $10,000 to buy back weapons. 
However, the county has since reached out to the township to hold a joint countywide gun buy-back. 
“The county thought it was a great idea,” said Montclair Business Manager Marc Dashield. “And they decided that they wanted to get involved in the whole process.”
The county’s inclusion will also bring added funds to buy back even more weapons. 
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and state Attorney General will contribute about $50,000, said Dashield. However, Dashield said he is now not sure whether the anonymous Montclair donors will still make their donation for the gun-buy back. 
The weapons buy-back will be in mid-February. The location has yet to be announced, but Dashield said it will likely be in a Montclair house of worship. 

VIVA MAPLEWOOD HOBBY SHOP

Big kudos here for a moment to Maplewood Hobby Shop, which has helped us tremendously in recent weeks for the big Pinewood Derby.

If you need anything related to that or other crafts and models, check them out HERE.

BURGLARY ARREST

PATCH reports:

Maplewood Police officers arrested a Linwood man Thursday afternoon after he allegedly burglarized a house on Milton Street, according to Capt. John Perna.

Three officers caught 32-year-old John P. Mitchell, after he allegedly broke into the home near the Millburn border and then led police on a foot chase, said Perna. Mitchell fled the home after police responded to a call from a neighbor, and three officers — Officers Quentin Demarco and Sean Gearen and Sgt. James Oakes — pursued Mitchell on foot, Perna said.

X FACTOR GIRL BEATRICE MILLER UPDATE: FUTURE PLANS TAKING SHAPE

Beatrice Miller, the Maplewod Middle School student who brought national acclaim during her recent stint on the X Factor, is in talks for a potential television show and record deal, according to her mother, Hilery Kipnis.

She also passed on a release promoting an appearance Beatrice will make this Monday night in New York City.

See it below:

January 25, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Diane Mancher
One Potata Productions onepotata@gmail.com 

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013 AT 6:00PM

NIGEL BARKER TO HOST GIRL BE HEARD PARTY WITH A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE BY X FACTOR FINALIST 13 YEAR OLD BEATRICE MILLER

Girl Empowerment Group Rebrands As It Prepares To Go Global

This Monday, January 28, famed photographer, author, and personality Nigel Barker will host the launch of Girl Be Heard (previously called Project Girl Performance Collective), at The Cutting Room in NYC.  The non-profit organization, Girl Be Heard, uses theatre as a vehicle to empower young women (ages 12-21) to become brave, confident, socially conscious leaders, while raising awareness about issues affecting girls.  The organization’s name change and rebranding reflects its rapid growth and evolution from a grassroots, local NYC group to a global movement.

The launch celebration will kick-off with a special performance by the members of Girl Be Heard and X Factor finalist, 13 year old Beatrice Miller, who “learned the power of speaking up” and honed her performance skills as an alumni of Girl Be Heard and member since 2009.

Gloria Steinem, a long time supporter of the organization, invites the public and the media to “join in the truth-telling as told by clear voices of girls before pretense or pressure have quieted them. They will inform, delight, alarm and help you to reawaken that authentic voice that still lives within you."

GIRL BE HEARD EVENT INFO:

When: Monday, January 28 at 6pm

Where: The Cutting Room on 44 East 32^nd Street, New York, NY                               website: http://thecuttingroomnyc.com

This Event Is Open To The Public - Tickets ($30) Can Be Purchased at http://tickets.thecuttingroomnyc.com/   

About Girl Be Heard:

Girl Be Heard’s mission is to empower young women to become brave, confident, socially conscious leaders and explore their own challenging circumstances. From New York stages to the White House, tour de force productions, written and performed by youth (girls ages 12-21) inspire audiences to become change-makers in their communities. Under the mentorship of renowned directors, playwrights, activists and intellectuals, Girl Be Heard’s wildfire, youth-led activism raises awareness about issues affecting girls both here and across the globe. For more information, visit www.girlbeheard.org

SCHOOL LETS THE CHILDREN FREEZE IF THEY ARE A MINUTE EARLY

Stupidity lives on for at least one school in this freeze, Tuscan School, which put in the rule that no child should arrive even a moment before the 8:45 a.m. start of school and, of course, no one is let in early in bad weather as had been the practice this year.

In the past, kids could come in 5 or 10 minutes early if it was raining badly or extremely cold. No more.

This week, the stupidity continues as children were ordered to wait out in the sub-zero windchill until the exact moment of school starting.

Shame on you Principal Malikah Majeed.

WHOOPING COUGH AT JEFFERSON SCHOOL?

PATCH reports:

Susan Grierson, Principal of Jefferson Elementary School, sent home a letter to parents and guardians on Thursday warning of a suspected case of whooping cough at the school.

It is the second time in a week that a possible case of the disease -- technically called "pertussis" but more commonly known as whooping cough -- has been identified in the South Orange-Maplewood School District. South Orange Middle School principal Joseph Uglialoro sent home an identical letter on Wednesday.

"I've never know anyone who's had it, I only know (of) it from the vaccine the kids get," said Julie Pauly, parent of an 5th-grader at Jefferson. "It strikes me as unusual," she said. "I'm not alarmed but I thought this was eliminated by children's vaccines."

Read more HERE.

DEER HUNT IS ON THIS WEEK

Thursday was day two of the deer hunt in South Mountain Reservation, so hope you stayed clear of the area.

The annual deer culling began Tuesday and will run for one more day, on Jan. 29.

WCBS reported on the events earlier this week:

JUDGE ISSUES COMPLAINT IN ST. JAMES GATE ALLEGED ASSAULT

A municipal judge Thursday found probable cause to issue an assault complaint against a St. James Gate bartender for an alleged attack against a patron two weeks ago.

Judge John Paparazzo of Bloomfield Municipal Court made the ruling this morning after a short hearing that involved claims against bartender James Meade by South Orange resident Ethan Kresofsky.

The case, related to an incident the night of Jan. 7, 2013, was transferred to the Bloomfield Municipal Court because of a conflict involving the South Orange/Maplewood municipal court judge.

At issue is a claim by Kresofsky, 24, that he was attacked by Meade early on Jan. 8, 2013, after asking to be served. He also claimed Meade used an anti-gay slur against him.

"I was there with a few friends. I go up to the bar, I ask him for a drink and he says 'no,'" Kresofsky told the judge in court today. "He says, 'what are you? a fucking faggot?' I said, 'yes, what of it.'"

Kresofsky said Meade then allegedly assaulted him, spit at him and tried to open his mouth with his hands, causing Kresofsky to bite Meade.

Kresofsky said he was punched in the face by Meade and allegedly kicked in the head.

Meade was not in court today, nor was an attorney there on his behalf. St. James Gate issued a statement on the incident in recent weeks.

It can be found HERE.

Judge Paparazzo said the next court date has yet to be set and could held in either Maplewood or Bloomfield. "Where they send the case is not up to me," the judge said.

Also in attendance were two witnesses, who did not speak to the judge. Kresofsky's mother, Eva, also attended.

"This is what we wanted to happen," she said afterward.

PODCAST - ACTRESS/SINGER CHRISTINE EBERSOLE

Christine Ebersole, the Tony-award winning singer, actress and musical theater star is also a well-known Maplewoodian.

She spoke with us this week about her career, life in our town and a fundraising effort she is promoting to raise money for renovation of the Columbia High School auditorium. 

Listen below:

For those who want to donate to the CHS auditorium renovation by adopting a seat, go to www.achievefoundation.org or email to TakeaSeat@achievefoundation.org

BONE DENSITY SCREENING TODAY

Time:

12:00pm

Information:

Overlook Van Screening for Bone Density  Find out if you are at risk for developing osteoporosis or fractures with a noninvasive ultrasound that provides immediate results. Getting screened is fast and easy. There is a $10 fee. Educational materials and individual counseling will also be provided. For an appointment, call 1-800-247-9580. Drop-ins are also welcome.  Thursday, January 24  12:00-1:30 pm at Hilton Branch

TUSCAN WALKING SCHOOL BUS TO BE DISCUSSED TONIGHT

Great event tonight for 
Tuscan students and parents 
to learn about:

BOARD THE WALKING SCHOOL BUS THIS SPRING

01/17/2013

What is a Walking School Bus?

Tuscan Elementary School is starting a Walking School Bus this spring! Interested families who would like to be a part of this great walking program should come to the Tuscan School PTA meeting on January 23 at 7 pm at the Tuscan School Library! What is a Walking School Bus? A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults.  Great exercise! Good friends! Great fun!

For more information, contact Cami Zelevansky at camizelevansky@gmail.com or Candice Davenport atcandice.davenport@gmail.com  

NJ TRANSIT ALERT - MIDTOWN DELAYS

Travel Alerts

Jan 23, 2013  10:16:51 AM Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast Line, and M&E Midtown Directs are subject to 15-30 minute delays between Newark & NY due to a Portal Bridge power problem. PATH is honoring NJT rail passes/ticket holders in Newark and NY only.

LIBRARY WRITERS GROUP TONIGHT

Another great library service:

Time:	7:00pm
Information:	Maplewood Library Writers ’Group  Open to writers of all genres who are interested in interacting with and receiving feedback from fellow writers. Members read and receive comments on current writing projects, and time is allotted for open discussion.  January 9 and 23  7:00 pm at Main Library

BIG CHILL WEATHER IS HERE

Right now, below zero windchill, later cold, cold, cold

• 11^°F
• Sunny
• Feels like -1°F

 

CHS AUDITORIUM RESTORATION FUNDRAISER LAUNCHED

Here's a great idea and a great cause

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Achieve Teams Up with School District to Upgrade CHS Auditorium

Maplewood, NJ—The Achieve Foundation has partnered with the School District of South
Orange & Maplewood to renovate the Columbia High School (CHS) auditorium. The $1.3
million project will upgrade features of the 85-year-old performance hall while restoring it to
its former splendor. Achieve’s Take a Seat (TAS) fundraising campaign will raise the money
to fill the gap between the $1 million the school district has allotted for the project and the
total amount required for the renovation.

With Emmy award winning actor and Maplewood resident Christine Ebersole as the
honorary chairperson of TAS, Achieve has raised approximately $150,000 toward its goal of
$350,000. Donors have the opportunity to dedicate new auditorium chairs to a person or
organization or to make larger donations to underwrite other major improvements. These
contributions will help Achieve raise the additional $200,000 still needed by May 2013.
Renovations to the 1,052-seat performance hall—the largest in suburban Essex
County—will begin in June 2013 and are scheduled for completion in 2014. 

The transformed space will not only benefit the students and faculty who participate in the high school’s stellar performing arts program but also community groups who seek a modern facility in which to host performances and events. Anyone wishing to dedicate a seat or make a donation to TAS should visit Achieve’s web site at achievefoundation.org or email

TakeaSeat@achievefoundation.org.

The Achieve Foundation of South Orange & Maplewood raises funds to promote
exemplary public education for all students and educators in the South Orange and
Maplewood community.

THEFTS FROM AUTO, BURGLARY MARK POLICE WEEK

From Maplewood Police today:

Januray 16, 2013; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours, a unlocked vehicle on Prospect St was entered and a blue tooth device removed.

Januray 16, 2013; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours, a van parked on Chancellor Ave had a window broken and a scarf was removed.

January 19, 2013; Burglary; Between 930 AM and 130 PM; a Meadowbrook Rd resident had a window broken to their home and several computers removed.