NJTV PROMOTES MAPLEWOOD HISTORY TONIGHT

From Maplewood Township:

Tune in to NJTV tonight at 8pm to see Maplewood profiled on the new show 'Drive By History', which celebrates the local histories of communities all around the state.

If you love history, don't miss this show! Anchored by Maplewood residents Ken Magos and Cindy Perman, every episode is an adventure into the past - including the one that celebrates our town!

Where can you see it...
Cablevision Optimum – channel 8
Comcast – channel 23; high def 261 and 800
Time Warner in NJ – channel 23; high def 1223
Verizon Fios  – channel 23; high def 523
For more information about the show, please go to www.drivebyhistory.tv.

COFFEE WITH A COP

From Maplewood Police:

The Maplewood Police Department will be holding an informal community meeting for officers and residents with the first Maplewood Police "Coffee with a Cop" Event at Prospect Presbyterian Church from 7 PM to 8:30 PM tonight.

The basic goal of the meeting is simply to provide an opportunity for residents to meet several of our police officers in a relaxed atmosphere in order to build relationships.There will be coffee and other light refreshments served and officers will have some crime prevention materials available for residents as well.

TEMPERS FLARE AT PLANNING BOARD POST OFFICE SITE REVIEW, STILL NO VOTE

The Planning Board continued its review of the site plan for the proposed redevelopment project at the former Maplewood Village post office site on Tuesday, but still did not vote on the project.

Tempers did flare a bit during the review as Planning Board Member James Nathenson, who served as acting chair because Chairman Tom Carlson was absent, sought to limit the parameters of discussion and even stopped some residents from speaking about issues unrelated to the site plan.

 At one point, Mayor Vic De Luca, who also serves as a Planning Board member, said, "This is a chance for folks to speak, let them speak." 

See those highlights below: 




Early in the meeting, developers JMF Properties announced two changes to the site plan that includes a three-story building with 20 apartments and five retail stores.

The first is the relocation of garbage dumpsters from an area along the parking lot next to Village Coffee to an underground location within the new building.

The second change is the relocation of a loading dock for the building from the area behind it near the train tracks to the area next to Ricalton Square.

See that presentation below:


 

The latest site plan is here:

The Planning Board will continue its review at a special meeting on Oct. 13.

SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT TOWN HALL TONIGHT

Superintendent John Ramos will hold his next Town Hall meeting for parents and residents tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Seth Boyden School, 274 Boyden Ave.

Show up, ask a question, give a piece of your mind, or a pat on the back. Remember, he works for you.

IS THIS HOW THE TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE CELEBRATED WINNING THE DOWNTOWN SHOWDOWN?

In case you missed it, Maplewood Village was named the best downtown in the state on Tuesday by New Jersey Monthly.

Since the Township Committee, particularly Mayor Vic De Luca, pushed hard for this victory with fliers, promotion and reminders to residents to vote, we imagine their celebration might look something like this:

NJ TRANSIT WESTBOUND SERVICE DISRUPTION

From NJ Transit:

Sep 29, 2015  04:57:55 PM Gladstone Line service is suspended between Gladstone and Bernardsville due to a disabled train near Whitenack Road.
Lakeland Bus will accept Gladstone Line bus tickets and passes.

PLANNING BOARD POST OFFICE PLAN REVIEW CONTINUES TONIGHT

For a fourth straight meeting, the Planning Board tonight will continue its review of the site plan for the proposed redevelopment of the former Maplewood Village Post Office site.

More background on the proposed three-story, 20-unit, five-retail store complex HERE.

Once again, there is nothing on the main page of the Township website advising residents about the 7:30 p.m. meeting. One must go through to the Planning Board page and click on agendas. 

You can see the agenda below:

PUBLIC NOTICE
TOWNSHIP OF MAPLEWOOD
NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE
PLANNING BOARD
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. a special meeting of the Planning Board will be held at the Municipal Building, 574 Valley Street, Maplewood, New Jersey for the continuation of: Case# PB 15-03 156-160 Maplewood Avenue

Applicant: Maplewood Redevelopers, L.L.C.
B 13.09 LOTS 180, 181, 185 B 13.10 LOT 178
(POST OFFICE REDEVELOPMENT)
PRELIMINARY & FINAL SITE PLAN APPROVAL AND
MINOR SUBDIVISION WITH DEVIATIONS AND DESIGN WAIVERS TO
DEMOLISH A FORMER POST OFFICE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCT A
PROPOSED MIXED USE BUILDING CONTAINING 20 RESIDENTIAL UNITS & APPROX. 9515 SQ. FT. OF COMMERCIAL SPACE WITH UNDERGROUND PARKING GARAGE WITH 21 SPACES -VARIOUS SITE IMPROVEMENTS ARE ALSO PROPOSED

Action may be taken.
ADELE C. LEWIS
Planning Board Secretary

'MIGHTY' MAPLEWOOD VILLAGE NAMED BEST DOWNTOWN IN THE STATE

New Jersey Monthly has just announced that Maplewood Village has won its Downtown Showdown, dubbing us "Mighty Maplewood."

Maplewood Village battled through several rounds in the statewide online contest, taking on Morristown in the last round that ended Monday.

Mayor Vic De Luca and other Township officials and groups created a big promotional effort urging people to vote, and it worked. The mayor told the magazine that leaflets urging residents to vote were handed out weekly at the train station along with the posters and fliers sent around town.

As the magazine wrote today:

It's not New Jersey’s biggest downtown, nor it’s best-known. But Maplewood, with its boutiques, art galleries and notable restaurants, has prevailed against all odds in New Jersey Monthly’s Downtown Showdown.
 
The showdown pitted 16 downtowns chosen by the editors of New Jersey Monthly against each other in online voting. Each week for four weeks the field was cut in half.

To emerge on top, Maplewood knocked off Summit in Week 1, Princeton in Week 2, Montclair in Week 3 and, ultimately, Morristown in last week’s Championship round.
  
“All of the towns have vibrant downtowns and we are very happy to have been chosen as the favorite,” says Maplewood Mayor Vic DeLuca. “Just participating in the contest has brought new people to our downtown and we hope many more will now patronize our shops and food establishments.”

See the rest HERE and let the celebration begin!

MMS GETS THE MESSAGE ON THEIR MESSAGE SIGN

Looks like someone was listening to us at Maplewood Middle School.

And they have a sense of humor about it.

SCHOOL BOARD BALLOT SET, BUT IS IT EVEN MORE CONFUSING?

If you're trying to decide who to vote for in the school board race, with nine candidates running for three seats -- including two incumbents -- the list of names on the ballot may not help.

That's because they are listed in random order due to a lottery system done in August, according to the Essex County Clerk, and not by any organized slates.

The list, as it will appear on the ballot, is:

Marian C. Raab

Shannel Roberts

Dorcas Lind

AnneMarie Maini

Madhu Pai (I)

Elissa Malespina

Margaret Freedson

Chris Sabin

Wayne Eastman(I)

The clerk's office explained that the names were drawn from a BINGO-style device at random and the names will appear that way on Nov. 3.

So even if Maini is running with Sabin, her name is placed between Lind and Pai. But Pai is running with Eastman and Freedson. 

Of course, Eastman is placed last, even though he is board president, and next to Sabin, and after Freedson, who is running with Eastman and Pai. At least Raab and Roberts are next to each other since they are running together. But their third running mate, Malespina, is between Pai and Freedson, who are also running together.

It's a good thing you have more than a month to make sense of it.

HEALTH EDUCATION EVENT WEDNESDAY NIGHT

From Maplewood Health Department:

Have You Had the DIFFICULT conversation? An educational discussion, How to Discuss Your Wishes, will be led by Sarah O.Connell, MSN, APN-C from the Geriatric Health Center at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. This 45 minute lecture, followed by a Q&A, will cover all the resources you and your family members need to be well informed and be able to provide clarity of your healthcare wishes in preparation for end of life or a medical emergency.  This program is free and open to the public.  It is a worthwhile program on one of the most important conversations you will ever have.  This program is sponsored by the Maplewood Health Department.

Location: St. George’s Episcopal Church, 550 Ridgewood Road in Maplewood
Date and time: Wednesday, September 30^th, 2 pm

To register please call the Barnabas Health Link: (888) 724-7123

EAT AT ARTURO'S TONIGHT, RAISE FUNDS FOR CHS FIELD HOCKEY

Help raise funds tonight for Columbia High School field hockey by ordering in or taking out at Arturo's in Maplewood Village.

Just mention CHS field hockey when you order before 9 p.m. and a portion goes to the girls.

Check out their menu and ordering info HERE.

 

THEFTS FROM AUTOS LEAD POLICE REPORT: THEY STOLE WHAT OFF THAT CAR?

From Maplewood Police today:

September 22, 2015; Burglary; During the daytime hours a home on Oakland Rd was entered and multiple items including jewelry and paperwork were stolen.

September 22, 2015; Theft from Auto; A vehicle parked on Camptown Rd had a window smashed and a GPS unit removed from the front windshield.

September 26, 2015; Theft of Auto Parts; During the daytime hours, a vehicle parked in a lot on Springfield Ave had it’s catalytic converter removed.

WIN SOPAC TICKETS FOR SATURDAY NIGHT NOW

Happy to announce our next giveaway for the South Orange Performing Arts Center.

Be the first to email us at editor@maplewoodian.com and you will win two tickets to see Loudon Wainwright III and Nellie McKay this Saturday night at SOPAC at 8 p.m.

See a taste of their music below:

 

FARMER'S MARKET TODAY

The Farmer's Market is on again today, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Indiana Street and Springfield Avenue.

Show up, get some goodies, and support fresh farming. 

They also accept government issued WIC "food stamps."

SCHOOL BOARD CAMPAIGN SIGNS HIT THE STREETS

Well it looks like the school board campaigns are in full swing as we have spotted campaign signs from the three slates up for the three open seats on the school board.

Check them out below and look for more on each candidate in the coming weeks.

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE FOR MAPLEWOOD VILLAGE

Just a few more hours to vote for Maplewood Village in the big New Jersey Monthly Downtown Showdown.

Maplewood is taking on Morristown for best downtown in the state. Vote HERE.

The balloting ends at Noon today so support our jewel of a retail neighborhood.

 
 

SCENES FROM SUNDAY'S ART WALK AND MUSIC FEST

Scenes from a great event on Sunday in Maplewood Village.

See highlights below:

CHS FOOTBALL LOSES A CLOSE, TOUGH ONE, 21-14, AGAINST ORANGE

From NJ.com:

MAPLEWOOD — With Orange's game against Columbia on the line in the fourth quarter on Saturday and starting quarterback Taree Ward-May sidelined with an injury, the Tornadoes had to turn to freshman quarterback George Crespo. After a few hiccups, the neophyte turned out to be up to the task.

With the score knotted at 14 and Orange facing fourth down with 9:15 remaining, Crespo connected with Nyquee Hawkins on a screen pass that he took it 10 yards for the game-winning score as Orange knocked off Columbia, 21-14, at Underhill Field in Maplewood in The NJ.com/Star-Ledger Game of the Week.

The Tornadoes opened the game with a 19-play drive that lasted nine minutes and 36 seconds, and culminated with defensive tackle Ahmir Copher rumbling in from the 2-yard line for a touchdown that gave Orange a 7-0 lead.

Orange’s offense remained methodical, running 12 plays to take the lead once again with Dadmuel Firmin plunging in from three yards out to make it 14-0, Tornadoes, 2:49 before halftime.

But the Cougars answered right back, with a good kickoff return setting up another scoring drive. Robinson connected with Zach West on fourth down to keep the drive alive, and Jones finished it with his second score of the day, this time running in for a 3-yard touchdown that leveled the score at 14.

The game became a defensive struggle in the second half, though a rash of penalties slowed the offenses as well. Ward-May appeared to be injured shortly before halftime and was out of the game for most of the second half. Crespo was 3-of-4 passing for 45 yards and a score in spot duty.

MAPLEWOOD VILLAGE ART AND WALK FESTIVAL TODAY

The Maplewood Village Alliance and the Department of Cultural Affairs will host the 4th Annual Maplewood Art Walk & Music Fest on September 27th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Maplewood Village. The event will feature nearly 40 local artists displaying and selling their handcrafted and original work.

The event will also include live music by local bands and great art related activities for the kids including the Montclair Art Museum truck. This is truly a family event!

 “Our community has an abundance of wonderful artists from many disciplines. Maplewood strongly supports the arts and together with the Alliance we are working to ensure that a wide variety of artistic skills are showcased at this event. Over 20 of our local merchants get involved as well, so the day combines the best of our local arts and business community,” says Julie Doran, District Manager of the Maplewood Village Alliance.

Vanessa Pollock of Keller Williams Midtown Direct Realty and Geralyn’s Art Studio are the event’s presenting sponsors and Mark Slade of Keller Williams Midtown Direct Realty is sponsoring the Children's Community Mural. Supporting sponsors include Village Trattoria, No. 165, Valentine Plumbing, BCB Community Bank of South Orange and The Tenth Muse Gallery.

The centerpiece of the event is a juried fine art show judged by two prominent members of the local art community. The winner will receive a $250 cash prize; the runner-up will receive a $150 gift certificate from Restaurant Lorena’s.
A schedule of performances will be released the week prior to the event. For more information, visit:

http://maplewoodvillagenj.com/artwalk/
facebook.com/MaplewoodArtWalk

DINING WILD AT DURAND-HEDDEN HOUSE TODAY

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. today. Would you like to learn about the edible world all around us? Hickory nuts, garlic mustard, oyster mushrooms, burdock, dandelion! These are just a few of the wonderful foods available just outside your door. Don’t miss this second exciting opportunity to join Maplewood locavore and owner of DiningWild LLC, Dan Lipow, for a wild food foray on the grounds of Grasmere Park surrounding the Durand-Hedden House. This walk is a chance to learn how to identify, harvest, and sample the bounty our local ecosystem has to offer, this time in early Fall. Ongoing from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., the event will be guided by seasonally available wild foods. After the harvest, return to Dan’s camping kitchen where we’ll learn how to prepare and enjoy our wild-gotten goods. Things to Bring: Sturdy trail shoes or boots – waterproof is good. No sandals (there may be poison ivy, bugs, and thorns). Clothes you can get dirty in; long pants and long sleeves are also a good idea. Also recommended: insect repellent, sun hat or rain gear, as necessary. 523 Ridgewood Rd.

19 OPEN HOUSES TODAY

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

And there is no Giants game today, so take your time.

Full list HERE.

KIDDIE KRAFTS ANNOUNCED

From the Township:

Maplewood Recreation Fall 2015 Art Programs for children 4- 5 years old.  All art programs are held at The Woodland, 60 Woodland Rd.

Kiddie Krafts Tuesdays 9:30 - 10:30 AM is for children 4 to 5 years old.  Must be four by December 1, 2015. This is a drop off class.  Children will use various types of art media while creating projects focusing on the Fall Season.  Classes begin on Tuesday Sept.29th  and run for 10 weeks for a fee of $110.00.  No class 11/3.
Registration may be done at the Maplewood Recreation Office, 574 Valley Street or online at
http://register.communitypass.net/maplewood under Fall/Winter 2015-16.  Any questions please call 973 763 4202.

CHS FOOTBALL TAKES ON ORANGE TODAY

Columbia High School football looks to win their second game in a row today with a home game against Orange at Lynn Profeta Field at 1 p.m.

Come out and root them on.

In case you missed highlights from their last home game, see them HERE.

Go Cougars!

WATCH THE SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES DEBATE HERE

If you missed the Thursday night school board candidates debate at the De Hart Center, SOMA TV was kind enough to record and post it.

See it all below:

STATE ISSUES DROUGHT CONDITION FOR US

From the State Department of Environmental Protection:

Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin today issued a drought watch for New Jersey’s Northeast, Central, and Coastal North water supply regions, urging residents in the affected areas to voluntarily conserve water and for the rest of the state to practice wise water use due to continued dry weather and above-average temperatures.

The drought watch is prompted by continued rainfall deficits that have decreased reservoir, ground water and streamflow levels in the three regions. 

The purpose of the watch is to raise public awareness, formally alert all water suppliers in the region of the situation, and to seek voluntary cooperation to preserve existing supplies in the affected regions, with water demand still high.

The three affected drought regions include all or parts of 12 counties, including Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Somerset and Union