VIDEO: SEE MAPLEWOOD OLYMPIC FENCER'S ESPN STORY

If you missed the great ESPN E:60 report on Maplewood Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad last week, see it below.

The Columbia High School graduate and world class fencer spoke about growing up in our community as a Muslim-American, both good and bad, and her choice to compete as the first Olympian to wear the traditional Hijab headwrap.

See it below:

 
And make sure to watch Muhammad compete on Aug. 8 and 13.

FORGET POKEMON GO, THE NEW TOWNSHIP APP IS WHAT YOU NEED

From the Township:

Download the Township's Mobile App Today!

A new version of the Township's Mobile App is available for Apple and Android users.
The new Mobile App facilitates access to Township information. All content posted on the Township's website is available through the mobile app. Residents have an opportunity to access Township news, alerts, events information and more! All from the convenience of their smart phone device and tablets.
To download the app, simply search Maplewood NJ in the Apple Store or Google Play Store. The mobile app is FREE! Register your information and begin receiving news, alerts and other important information.
Here are some examples of the features available:

Calendar of Events Easily access event information from the Township calendar. Select the month or daily view to receive more information on upcoming events taking place around Maplewood. Feature events are displayed at the bottom to inform residents of important events (for example: Maplewoodstock, Green Day, etc.)

Township Departments Information Don't know what department you should contact? Quickly browse a list of departments and their description to determine the services they provide. Access contact information such as emails and telephone numbers. All departments located in Town Hall can be contacted by calling 973-762-8120. The operator will transfer you to the appropriate department.

Resident Complaints Access the Citizen Request Tracker (aka Resident Complaints) to submit a complaint to the appropriate Township Department. The Mobile App allows residents to use their smart phone's geographical location to provide the exact location of their request. For example: If you see a pothole that needs to be repaired simply submit a request from the location and upload a picture. The Department of Public Works will immediately receive a notification and address your request/complaint.

10 OPEN HOUSES TODAY

Check out your next home or just see what the market is offering with a wide variety across town, including two on Crestwood Drive alone.

See the full list HERE.

HARRY POTTER LAUNCH PARTY TONIGHT AT WORDS - GET THE NEW ONE FIRST

 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Launch Party
10:00 pm – Midnight

 

Be the first to buy the script book for the brand new Harry Potter play. Celebration begins at 10 pm, the book will be available for purchase at midnight.

MMS PARENTS ASSOCIATION CLAIMS "SKY IS FALLING" FEARS NOT VALID

The latest effort to calm fears about the exodus of two top Maplewood Middle School administrators -- among others in the district -- comes from the MMS Home and School Association, which sent this email to parents today.

Hi MMS Peeps -
I know there is a lot of anxiety out there due to the recent loss of faculty, administrators and district employees.  Please know that we have been working with the district on your behalf, and that they’ve been transparent and forthcoming with us at ever juncture.
I’ve seen a lot of speculative FB posts and received many emails asking why so many people are leaving our district.  While it may seem like a lot of folks have jumped ship, when you count the ones who were recruited/poached by other districts, educators who are retiring, and a group that represents a pretty normal rate of attrition for various reasons, only a handful are left.  I don’t think that small number reflects a trend or shared lack of belief in the direction of our district.
For example, our beloved Mr. Gold was recruited by a school closer to home that provides a better fit for his particular personal career path.  He was not looking for another job, but someone who had worked with him before poached him from us.  This will come as no surprise to anyone who’s worked with him, as Mr. Gold is a real treasure.  His service and dedication to our children is appreciated and will be missed by all.
As for the Principal’s position, the district has such a strong candidate pool from which to draw, that second round interviews are scheduled for the week of August 22.  I participated in the first round interview process, along with administrators and teachers, and was suitably impressed with the candidates.  The district wisely wants to hire a Principal before replacing Mr. Gold (who will be at MMS through mid-September) so our new leader can participate in selecting his/her assistant.
Meanwhile, the ever-capable Mr. Louis Brown, Assistant Principal, will serve as our Acting Principal, which he has done before.  Mr. Brown and Mr. Gold continue to work through the summer on scheduling and other matters to insure a smooth MMS opening in the fall.
So, for any Henny Penny’s you might see at your next neighborhood bar-b-q or picnic, please assure them that our sky is not falling, and that we will continue to keep parents informed.  In return, we only ask for your support during the year to insure our students have an exceptional educational experience this coming year!
Thanks,
Alan and Kathleen
Your MMS-HSA Co-Presidents

MAPLEWOOD BOY REPRESENTS U.S. IN INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Maplewood's own Akshay Heda, a 12-year-old Maplewood Middle School student, will represent the United States next month in the Latin American Baseball Classic in the Dominican Republic.

The international event, set for Aug. 3 to Aug. 9, pits the U.S teams against other Latin American squads.

"Anytime you get a chance to represent your country, I think its an honor," said his father, Ami. "As a family we're all excited about it." 

On one of the off days, there will be also a charity event in which the players will donate clothes and supplies for local residents.  

Akshay also plays on two travel teams in New Jersey, South Orange Maplewood's own Cougars and the New Jersey Axeman/Infantry.

Akshay was not even planning to try out for the team when he and his father were at a spring training event for the Axemen. But one of the tournament organizers saw him play and suggested he try out.

Good luck!

BOOK HISTORY AND DIGITAL HELP AT LIBRARY TODAY

Digital Device Clinic at the Main Library

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Get free one-on-one support for using your e-reader, tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device.  At the Main Library on Saturday mornings during the month of July.  Open to adults, teens and children. 

 

Bookin’ It

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Main Library – Learn the importance of books and how they were originally made, then make your own with Meg Wastie, from the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts.  Registration required.  Register at:  bookinit.eventbrite.com                                           
                                                                                     

MAPLEWOOD OLYMPIC FENCER ON ESPN TONIGHT

Maplewood's Rio-bound Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad will be interviewed tonight on ESPN's E:60 program as she prepares to head to the summer games.

See a preview below and tune in at 7 p.m.

POLICE ANNOUNCE CONSTRUCTION ROAD CLOSURES

From Maplewood Police today:

Park Ave is closed between Valley St and Hubert Pl. Valley St is not affected. Elmwood Ave is closed between Highand Ave and Suffolk Ave.

SUMMER CONCERTS AT THE GAZEBO START TONIGHT

 

For the third consecutive year, the Springfield Avenue Gazebo will be home to a Summer Concert Series that runs for five consecutive Friday nights beginning on July 29. All concerts will begin at 7:00 p.m. at the Springfield Avenue Gazebo which is located next to the Hilton Branch Library at 1688 Springfield Ave. in Maplewood, NJ. 

In an attempt to reach a wider and more diverse audience, this year’s line-up features a mix of rock, reggae, classic R&B and some straight ahead blues. The otherwise live music series will conclude on August 26 with a showing of the 2014 feature film remake of ANNIE starring Jamie Fox and Cameron Diaz. NOTE: ANNIE will begin after sunset at 8:00 pm.

“We hope more people will come across town to attend the performances,” said Mayor Vic DeLuca. “The Gazebo is a great setting and plenty of people don’t even know it’s there.”

According to Office of Cultural Affairs Manager Andrew Fishman, the artists scheduled to appear are distinctly different from those who’ve been to the Gazebo in the past.  “You’re more likely to see some of these performers at clubs in Williamsburg, Manhattan or Asbury Park than the suburbs of Jersey on a Friday night,” he added.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT THE SPRINGFIELD AVENUE GAZEBO

Friday July 29th at 7pm
UNIVERSAL REBEL
Bob Marley meets Common & Phish. 

Friday August 5th at 7pm
M-PACK MUSIC
High Energy neo-soul, jazz, blues and funk from Clarence “M-Pack Conover and his trio. 

Friday August 12th at 7pm
RICKY PERSAUD JR.
Rock, Reggae and R & B. Home grown talent at its finest.

Friday August 19th at 7pm
KYLE LACY
Smokin’ hot blues with a Rockabilly swagger from this New York based performer and his band

JULY 4TH AND 5TH POLICE OVERTIME TOPS $43,000

The police overtime for July 4th and 5th will cost the Township more than $43,000, according to data supplied by the Maplewood Police Department.

During the July 4th festivities, police racked up $24,595.67.

But when the fireworks were cancelled due to rain, police had to return in similar numbers on July 5th, adding another $18,633.80 to the bill.

That means a total of $43,229.48, which is not covered by the wristband sales and must be paid from the Township budget.

In a related move, the delayed fireworks added another $2,500 to the costs absorbed by the July 4th Committee that is paid with wristband sales and no Township funds.

WATER MAIN BREAK AFFECTS ROAD CLOSURE, WATER SERVICE

A water main break last night has caused police to keep Millburn Avenue closed between Springfield Avenue and Overlook Terrace until at least Noon today, police said.

In addition, New Jersey American Water indicates up to 100 customers remain without water from the incident.

Stay tuned for updates.

LITTLE YOGIS AND LEGOS AT LIBRARY TODAY

Little Yogis

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Main Library * Ages 2 ¹/₂-5 * Registration Required 
A fun-filled yoga class for kids taught by Dawn Yoselowitz. Click here to register.

Lego Club

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Main Library * All Ages * Drop In
We provide the Legos, you provide the ideas! Fun for the whole family!

WATER MAIN BREAK SHUTS PART OF MILLBURN AVE. TONIGHT

From Maplewood Police:

Millburn Avenue / between Springfield Ave/ Overlook Terr is closed until further notice due to a water main break .

TWO MAPLEWOOD EATERIES MAKE STATE'S TOP 25

Two of Maplewood's favorite restaurants were among those named in the New Jersey Monthly Top 25 restaurants in the state. 

Lorena's in Maplewood Village and Verjus on Springfield Avenue took the honors in the most recent edition.

See the write up for each below.

MMS DEPARTURES SPARK CONCERN, DISTRICT SEEKS CALM

With two top administrators at Maplewood Middle School suddenly leaving this summer, the school district is scrambling to replace them and quell concerns from many parents of the school's uncertain future.

After Maplewoodian.com broke the news that Assistant Principal Marc Gold was leaving for a similar job in Morristown, social media blew up with concerns and sadness at the loss of someone many felt was the driving force behind the school's successes.

This came on the heels of the earlier surprise resignation of MMS Principal Jerrill Adams last month. That was further complicated when Superintendent John Ramos announced that Adams' successor choice had been delayed and would likely not be chosen until September. He added that Assistant Principal Louis Brown would serve as interim principal when school opens.

Ramos sought to ease concerns with a letter to parents yesterday. See it below:

Dear Maplewood Middle School Community,

I am writing to inform you that we have reopened the search for the next MMS principal. The first round of interviews was conducted over two full days, and two candidates proceeded to the second round.  However, neither candidate advanced past the second round.

We are committed to recruiting a strong, talented and compassionate educational leader to serve as the next MMS principal.  This is an important position, so we want to take the time needed to find the right person for this role.

I am delighted to let you know that Mr. Louis Brown has once again agreed to step up and serve in the role of interim principal while we continue our search. Mr. Brown has been the backbone of the MMS administrative staff through several transitions, and has a deep understanding of the school and a wealth of experience.  We are in the process of identifying another person to support Mr. Brown and the team during this transition period.

In the meantime, Assistant Principal Marc Gold has accepted a position in another district.  Mr. Gold is an up and coming educator with a bright future as evidenced by his work here in SOMSD.  We wish him the best in his decision. Mr. Gold will stay with us through mid-September to help with a smooth opening of school.

Times of transition can be unsettling. We will provide additional support during these next few months to ensure that MMS provides a warm, collaborative, and inspiring learning environment for all students and staff.

Sincerely,
John J. Ramos
John J. Ramos, Sr., Ed.D.

Still, many are worried that the new school year will be more difficult and, at least, less organized than in the past.

HPC PUNTS ON TOWN HALL ELECTRONIC SIGN

An electric sign like this one at CHS is proposed for Town Hall

The Township Committee moved a step closer to installing an electronic sign in front of Town Hall, despite concerns over its potential impact on the landmark building.

Four of the five-member TC wanted to continue pursuing the purchase and installation of the sign, at a likely cost of up to $30,000, during last week's Township Committee meeting.

Only TC member Nancy Adams opposed it. "I worry about the impact on a historical building," she said.

The Township's Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the idea, according to Township Administrator Joe Manning, who attended a recent HPC meeting. 

"In the end, they asked that I get them the possibility of a different location and see how it was in relation to the building and get an artist rendering of a frame around it," Manning said.

Adams stressed that the HPC did not support or oppose the idea, stating that it should be up to the TC. Township officials said it would be similar to the sign in front of Columbia High School.

"I think we ought to do it," Mayor Vic Deluca said. "We ought to move it away from the building. It is beyond just an emergency notification, it is informational, it is worth the investment."

Added TC member India Larrier: "There are people coming to Town Hall looking for information and if it is there, it is there."

VALLEY STREET ROAD WORK TO BEGIN AGAIN TODAY

From the Township:

Valley St. Construction will begin on Thursday, July 28, 2016 . However, this week Valley St. will not be affected and will be open in both directions. The construction company will be putting down bypass piping and digging on the side streets of Valley St (between Millburn Ave and Tuscan Rd).

DEPARTING MMS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PENS FAREWELL LETTER

We told you Tuesday that Maplewood Middle School Assistant Principal Marc Gold had accepted a new job in Morristown and would be leaving at the end of the Summer.

Gold sent a letter to parents today informing them of his departure.

See it below:

Letter to MMS Community from Assistant Principal, Marc Gold

July 27, 2016

Dear Maplewood Middle School Community Members and Students:

In 2009, I was given the privilege of being selected as a special education teacher at Maplewood Middle School.  I was straight out of college and I was so excited to get a chance to start my career in education.  At the time, I did not know what a supportive, dedicated, passionate, diverse, forward-thinking and kind-hearted community I was stepping into.  I have found out that Maplewood is truly a community of collaboration and I am so proud that I have been able to be involved in that partnership for the past seven years.  It is with considerable reflection and a heavy heart that I am announcing that I am leaving the wonderful South Orange and Maplewood School District.

I would like to thank all of the community members that I have been involved with during my tenure at MMS.  From all of the collaboration with our amazing HSA (Co-Presidents Kathleen Bailie and Alan Stephenson and all of the HSA representatives), Footprints program, Future Leaders, PBIS Committee Members, Model UN (thank you to all of the parents who volunteered and woke up at 4:00 am, on the weekend, to provide our students with these wonderful experiences), MMS Garden Committee, Strategic Direction Committee, Action Planning Committee, Odyssey of the Mind, Boy’s/Girl’s Night Out volunteers/donors, to the numerous interactions that I have enjoyed on a daily basis with countless community members, I would personally like to thank you for always being there for our students during this vital time of social, emotional, physical and educational growth. 

To the students, it has been an honor to serve you as a special education teacher and as an assistant principal for the past seven years.  I would like to express my profound and genuine appreciation for all that you have taught me.  Each and every day you have provided me with insight and inspiration to improve my craft and I truly thank you for that.  I ask that as you move through your lives, you put forth the effort to build positive relationships and make decisions that will better yourselves and others around you.  I hope that you are fortunate to identify a passion and if so, I encourage you to pursue your passion.  Lastly, please ensure that you treat others with respect and as you would like to be treated.  I believe if you are always interacting with positive energy, you will find that the majority of your experiences will be joyful. 

I am indebted to Maplewood Middle School and the SOMSD community for providing me with the ability to grow professionally and, more importantly, as an individual.  

Sincerely,
Marc Gold
Marc Gold

SCHOOL BOARD TABLES $56,000 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT

We told you last week about the school board's plans to contract with Bloomboard Inc. for professional development needs.

At the July 18 school board meeting, Assistant Superintendent Kevin Walston explained that Bloomboard would replace Teachscape, a program that had been used but was being discontinued by its managers.

Bloomboard Inc. would cost about the same at $56,000.

Walston said the district had reviewed several options for replacement and chose Bloomboard because "we had seen it as a tremendous opportunity " to "satisfy our PD needs."

But after Board Member Johanna Wright questioned the lack of input or review of the program, the board tabled it until the Aug. 22 meeting.

BUSY POLICE WEEK: ARMED ROBBERY, STRING OF THEFTS FROM CARS, DELIVERY ASSAULT

From Maplewood Police today:

July 21, 2016; Robbery; At approximately, 3:20 PM, a female delivering Chinese food on Parker Ave was assaulted and a male attempted to steal the food.  Through investigation, Haqium Hope, age 19 of Maplewood was charged and arrested for the robbery.  The victim sustained minor injuries and refused medical attention.

July 23, 2016; Thefts from Autos;  During the overnight hours several unsecured vehicles were entered and items removed.  The thefts were on Kensington Terr, Hughes St and Jacoby St.  At approximately 11:15 PM, officers responded to the area of Kensington Terr on a report of a possible suspicious person.  Nyqil Heath, age 23 of Newark was located and arrested with items stolen from the Kensington Terr Theft. 

July 22, 2016, Robbery;  At approximately 10:30 PM a male reported that he was approached by a black male in his early 20’s inside of Maplecrest Park.  The male pointed a handgun at him and took cash from him before fleeing.  No injures were reported. 
 
July 20, 2016; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours checks and machinery were removed from an unsecured work vehicle parked on Orchard Rd.

July 20, 2016; Theft from Auto; During the overnight hours an unsecured vehicle parked on Elberta Rd, had a change purse, change and an Ipod removed.

July 20, 2016; Theft; At approximately 6:45 PM a cell phone was stolen from a laundry mat on Springfield Ave.

July 21, 2016; Motor Vehicle Theft;  At approximately 7:45 PM, a vehicle parked in the pool lot on Boyden Ave, unsecured with a key Fob inside of it was stolen.  The vehicle was later recovered in Newark.

July 22, 2016, Shoplifting; At approximately 7 PM, CVS on Valley St reported that a male had just shoplifted several item’s from the store.  The actor fled in a vehicle East on Parker Ave.

July 22, 2016; Bicycle Theft; A bicycle left in the yard of a home on Burnett Ave was stolen during the daytime hours.

July 25, 2016; Shoplifting; At approximately 7 PM, officers responded to CVS on a report of a shoplifter.  The shoplifter left the store North bound on Valley St.  Officers located the subject later identified as Rashun Quinones, age 40 of Newark.  Mr. Quinones attempted to elude officers by fleeing on foot through backyards.  He was caught in a backyard and taken into custody.

ROAD CLOSURE ALERT: SPRINGFIELD/PROSPECT/ELMWOOD

From Maplewood Police today: 

Construction on Elmwood Avenue. Road Closures and detours: Elmwood Avenue closed between Summit Avenue and Prospect Street. 

Construction at Prospect Ave/Springfield Avenue. East and West bound lanes are open on Springfield Avenue. North and South bound lanes on Prospect Street at Springfield Avenue are detoured. Be prepared for delays.

 

 

HIGHLAND PLACE LIQUOR LICENSE MAY BE RETURNED

The future of Highland Place, the Maplewood Village eatery that has been shutdown for almost two years, became a little clearer last week when the Township Committee said it would re-consider denying the renewal of its liquor license.

"If you have a lease, if you have an agreement with someone and can share that with our attorney, we will have a conversation with the prospective leasee and we can make a judgement as to whether that license should be renewed," Mayor Vic Deluca told the owners of the site at last week's Township Committee meeting.

But he also stressed, "The Township Committee based on my conversations with the members are not in a position to change our decision from the last meeting."

At that last meeting, on June 23, the TC voted to reject the renewal request from Masoud Kian, who owns the property at 5 Highland Pl. and has also owned the liquor license that 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 last month he has been unable to do so. That is when the governing body voted to deny the renewal.

But both Kian and Montiero were back last week asking for a reconsideration and stating that they were in talks with someone to lease the space and utilize the license.

"Subsequent to this meeting, we have had very fruitful conversations with a prospective restaurateur who has a restaurant in Mountainside and I believe that deal will com to fruition," Montiero told the TC. 

Deluca said they would reconsider if they were shown proof of a deal and specific details that a new tenant would be able to run the restaurant space. "Let's work this out," the mayor said.

MMS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL LATEST TO LEAVE DISTRICT

Yet another school administrator is leaving the South Orange Maplewood School District.

This time it is Maplewood Middle School Assistant Principal Marc Gold, who is leaving to become assistant principal at Frelinghuysen Middle School in Morristown, according to the Morris School Board, which voted to appoint him on Monday night.

His new post begins Sept. 26, 2016.

Gold joins a growing list of administrators leaving the district for greener pastures. Most recently those included Business Administrator Cheryl Schneider, Guidance Director Jennifer Giordano and Maplewood Middle School Principal Jerrill Adams.

At Frelinghuysen Middle School, Gold will join another former SOMS principal, Joseph Uglialoro, who left South Orange Middle School last year and is now principal at FMS.

We reached out to Gold and SOMS officials for comment, but have yet to receive any.

ST. JAMES' GATE OUTDOOR CAFE RECEIVES INITIAL APPROVAL, BUT ONE OBJECTION REMAINS

St. James' Gate moved a step closer to creating a sidewalk cafe in front of its Maplewood Village location with the ability to serve alcoholic beverages last week when the Township Committee approved the move last week.

The TC, acting as the local Alcohol Beverage Control Board, voted, 3-2, to allow the restaurant to serve its own alcoholic beverages outside. TC members India Larrier and Marlon Brownlee opposed the move.

See the resolution HERE.

Currently, several other eateries have sidewalk cafes, such as Arturo's and Cactus Charley, but residents must bring their own adult beverages. This would be the first such allowance of drinks served by the establishment.

The resolution would limit the sidewalk cafe service to 11 p.m., with last call at 10 p.m. The inside service would remain open until 2 a.m.  

But while the outdoor cafe alcohol service was approved, the issue of whether St. James Gate, owned by James Meade, had the right to set up an outdoor cafe is still unresolved. 

Meade appeared at the meeting, as did an attorney for his landlord, Glenn Sussman, who opposes the idea. Sussman has said he owns the sidewalk so he must approve the idea, while Meade has said Sussman is just trying to force him to pay more for such approval.

"The owner of the building has refused to sign the application," Meade said.

Sussman's attorney, Mark Tolstoi, said, "I do think this is premature," adding that his client "has a fair amount of liability and the placement of these and serving of alcohol presents increased liability to the owner of that property."

The issue of sidewalk ownership will be resolved by Township Administrator Joe Manning and depending on that determination, the sidewalk cafe would still need to be approved by the Township.

FIVE CANDIDATES FILE TO RUN FOR THREE SCHOOL BOARD SEATS

As expected, five candidates have filed for the three school board seats up for grabs this year.

In addition to incumbents Johanna Wright and Stephanie Lawson-Muhammad, challengers Anthony Mazzocchi of Maplewood and Susie Adamson and James Davis of South Orange have also filed to run as of Monday's deadline.

Incumbent Beth Daugherty has chosen not to run for re-election.

We told you last week that Lawson-Muhammad had teamed up with Davis to run as a team.

The election is set for November 8.

MORE THAN SWIMMING AT THE POOL THIS WEEK

From the Maplewood Pool:

Here are this week's events at the pool:
7/26:  Maplewood Library Story Time 12:00pm-2:00pm
7/27: Music by the Pool: Dave Rimeli (Country Music) 6:30pm -7:45pm
7/28: Osteoporosis Screening 4:00pm- 7:00pm
Thank you,
Pool Management

TOWNSHIP ANNOUNCES COOLING CENTERS

From the Township:

 

Cooling Centers

Cooling Centers are available for those who need them during this heat event.

The following township facilities are air conditioned and open as per the following schedule:
Memorial Library
Monday 10AM to 9PM
Tuesday 10AM to 6PM
Wednesday 10AM to 9PM
Thursday 10AM to 9PM
Friday 10AM to 5PM 

Hilton Branch Library

Monday 10AM to 5PM
Tuesday Noon till 8PM
Wednesday 10AM to 5PM
Thursday Noon to 8PM
Friday - CLOSED

The Community Center in DeHart Park is open from 9AM to 4PM Monday through Friday

MAPLEWOOD MOVES CLOSER TO SHARED FIRST AID, FIRE WITH SOUTH ORANGE

Maplewood moved a step closer to sharing first aid and fire department services with South Orange at last week's Township Committee meeting.

First, the TC agreed to consider a resolution at its next meeting in August to approve a memorandum of understanding with the South Orange First Aid Squad to provide ambulance service for our residents.

"Maplewood First Aid squad has disbanded and the South Orange Rescue Squad is providing back-up now (to the Maplewood Fire Department) and we hope to work with them so they become the volunteer crew in Maplewood," Mayor Vic Deluca said at last week's meeting. "They would be the primary EMS responder."

The mayor also said it is hoped the South Orange squad could use the former Maplewood First Aid Squad building on Boyden Avenue as well.

The TC also approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Manitou Inc. to conduct a study of merging our fire department with South Orange. The review will cost $46,000, half of which will be paid be each town, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

MAPLEWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL HIRE DELAYED

The search for a new principal at Maplewood Middle School has been delayed, according to Superintendent John Ramos, who told the school board last week he had re-opened the search and did not expect to hire anyone until September.

He did not indicate why or note how the process had been conducted so far.

"We are re-opening searches for Maplewood Middle School principal and supervisor of special services and hope to have candidates ready to recommend to the board by the beginning of September," he said at last Monday's meeting. "In regards to Maplewood Middle, we are considering an interim plan that I am not at liberty to announce yet. We believe we have a scenario well worked out in the meantime."

Ramos later revealed that MMS assistant principal Louis Brown would serve as interim principal, stating in an email:

I'm delighted to let you know that Mr. Louis Brown has once 

again agreed to step up and serve in the role of interim while

we continue to search for the next MMS principal. He will assume 

these duties effective tomorrow, July 20. We will also identify 

another person to round out the team and assist Louis and Marc
Gold during this transition period.  We'll keep you posted.

You may recall former MMS principal Jerrill Adams recently resigned after less than two years on the job. His resignation was accepted at the June 20 school board meeting. It is unclear if he had another job to go to or if he was forced out.

Adams later sent an email to parents that said he planed to "transition to a new administrative role," but offered no details.

ANOTHER BIG LIBRARY DAY - JOB HELP TO TEEN READS TO KIDS

Northern NJ Professionals in Transition

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Main Library – Money Saving Strategies during a Career Transition: Health Insurance, Taxes, Etc.This presentation will cover a number of strategies to help with cash flow during a career transition. The focus will be on those strategies that may not be well known or understood. Topics will include: medical insurance through the Affordable Care Act; tax implications of 401k/403b rollovers and withdrawals; tax deductibility of job hunting expenses; strategies to take advantage of lower marginal tax rates during a transition; and potential adjustments to financial aid. With Bill LaChance Certified Financial Planner and senior financial advisor.
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
2016 Meeting Dates: January 11 & 25; February 8, 22 & 29; March 14; April 11 & 25; May 9 & 23; June 13 & 27; July 11 & 25; August 8 & 22; September 12 & 26; October 3, 17 & 31; November 14 & 28; December 12

Creative Coloring for Adults

10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Main Library – Adult coloring is taking the world by storm. Coloring relieves stress, takes you away from your cares for a while, trains your brain to focus, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.  It may even help keep dementia at bay!  Each month, the library will provide a variety of designs and a supply of colored pencils. 

Create Space Maker Mondays

11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Hilton Branch Create Space * All Ages * Drop In
Make cool things in the Create Space every Monday @11am-1pm: 7/11, 7/18, 7/25, 8/1, 8/8, 8/15 

Hilton Monday @ the Movies

2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Hilton Branch * All Ages * Drop In
Drop in, get cool, have a snack and watch a family friendly movie!

Teens Read to Kids

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Main Library – Ages 11 & up.  Join with other teens to provide a story time to a group of kids ages 4 and up.  Each teen will read one or two picture books to the group.  Please arrive at 3:30 pm to choose a book and allow time for practice.  The storytime will begin at 4:00 pm.  To register go to:
July 11 – http://teensreadtokidsjuly11.eventbrite.com
July 25 – http://teensreadtokidsjuly25.eventbrite.com

Meet the Wolf Dogs

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Main Library * Ages 4 & up * Registration Required  
These aren’t like your family’s dogs! Meet dogs who are true descendants of wolves from the Howling Woods Farm. Click here to register. 

VIDEO - SCHOOL BOARD SATURDAY RETREAT

We stopped by Saturday's day-long retreat for the school board and saw the nine-member group engaged in some important discussions about basic policies and practices they need to follow.

Facilitated by a representative from the New Jersey School Boards Association, the board members were advised how to handle issues, follow legal procedures, and most importantly help the community, students and parents.

Among those tips was communication and holding the superintendent accountable.

See some clips below:

POLICE DETAIN SUSPECT IN ILLEGAL VEHICLE ENTRIES

Police responded to reports of a suspect entering parked cars near Edgewood Place and Valley Street late Saturday night and detained at least one suspect.

Cops on the scene said they were still searching to make sure others were not in the area at about 11:45 p.m.

No more details were available at the time.