STROLLERS CRE-A-TION BEGINS TONIGHT

How did the universe begin?  How was the earth created and all the creatures that live upon it? Cultures around the world and throughout human history have pondered these questions. Their answers have given us a rich tapestry of creation stories.

Join The Strollers for their children's theater production of Cre-A-tion.

All ages are welcome!

Ten Performances!

Friday, January 29th & February 5th at 7:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday, January 30th & 31st at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday, February 6th & 7th at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm

All Performances take place at:

The Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts

10 Durand Road, Maplewood

TOWNSHIP WANTS RECYCLING COMPANY FOR ANOTHER YEAR

The Township has directed staff to negotiate another year with Gaeta Recycling, which has handled the weekly pick-up since it began nearly a year ago.

But Mayor Vic Deluca said to make sure the process is handled properly so as to avoid the debacle that occurred a year ago when the initial bidding process was dismissed by a judge and Maplewood ended up paying $65,000 more than it should have.

You may recall problems occurred when a request for proposal went out in late 2014 seeking a weekly recycler for 2015 and required potential bidders to submit their bids on Nov. 25, 2014.

That request for proposal was the second for this program after the first request in October resulted in just one bidder, F. Basso Jr. Rubbish Removal, with a bid of $499,000 that was deemed too high.

On the second request for proposal in November 2014, four firms bid, with Bella Cleaning and Carting of Ridgewood offering the lowest bid at $198,240.

But the second lowest bidder, Gaeta, claimed the lowest bid was improperly submitted and blamed the Township for failing to provide information on an addendum to the request. Gaeta's bid was $243,400.

In January 2015 a Superior Court judge agreed and threw out the bids, requiring the Township to seek bids for a third time, which it did on Feb. 10, 2015. But just one company, Gaeta, submitted a bid at that time, for $263,000, which the TC approved and which has been in effect ever since. 

See the discussion on an extension that occurred at last week's TC meeting below:

MAPLEWOOD'S POP STAR BEA MILLER BACK IN TOWN, AND IN LOVE

Maplewood's own Bea Miller, who has been rocking the pop world for the past few years, is making more news. 

We have been keeping an eye on the former Maplewood Middle School student who toured last year for her first album, and is now in Nashville working on music with her boyfriend, Jacob Whitesides.

You recall she rocketed to stardom after a great appearance on the X Factor back in 2012 and 2013. She did not win but got a great recording contract and has been on the road, and on the move.

A singer in his own right, Whitesides posted a recording of the couple doing their own duo song.

The teen and pop news websites are offering up news notes about Miller, including video of Whitesides surprising her with some special visitors. 

It also turns out she has relocated back to Maplewood with mom Kim Miller. 

Stay tuned!

LIBRARY DAY: STORY TIME TO CHINESE CULTURE

Preschool Storytime

Thursday, January 28

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Main Library * Ages 2 1/2 – 5 * No registration required * All children must be accompanied by an adult

Create Space – Maplewood Library’s Makerspace is Open!

Thursday, January 28

5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Hilton Branch – Every Tuesday and Thursday 5:00-8:00 pm, and Saturday 10-1 pm.  Patrons can use Rhino 3D software to build a model, print an object on our 3D printer or use our new color printer or laminator.  There are also Snap Circuits, Squishy Circuits, littleBits and SparkFun kits for the kids. Raspberry Pi single board computers are also available to learn more about computer science.  More information about the Create Space…

Journey to the Ancient Middle Kingdom

Thursday, January 28

6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Hilton Branch – An Introduction to Traditional Chinese Culture
Every legend has its history. Every story has its truths. And the best are rarely forgotten. For the past 5,000 years, China amassed a diverse legacy of heroes, myths, and values that still resonate in the present.
The workshop takes you on an inspiring audio-visual journey.

• Capture the spirit of traditional Chinese culture and its beliefs behind the dance, music, martial arts, traditional Chinese medicine, and writing systems.
• Experience the grace and energy of classical Chinese dance – one of the most expressive art forms in the world
• Feel the joy of the distinctly Chinese sound of ancient instruments with thousands years of history
• Discover the true China you’ve never known

This program is sponsored by Shen Yun Promotions International (SYPI), a non-for-profit organization with a mission to revive the authentic Chinese culture.

PARTIAL MAPLEWOOD AVENUE PARKING BAN FOR SNOW REMOVAL

From Maplewood Township:

Public Works continues to work around the clock to restore proper driving and parking conditions around Maplewood. 

Please be advised that there will be NO parking on Maplewood Ave. between Durand Rd. and Highland Pl. from 11:00 PM 1/27/2016 and 10:00AM 1/28/2016 due to snow removal.
Vehicles in violation are subject to be ticketed and towed.

PODCAST: CHRISTIE BIOGRAPHER MATT KATZ VISITS WORDS

We caught up with author Matt Katz, whose new book on Gov. Chris Christie, American Governor, is drawing rave reviews.

Katz, a longtime New Jersey reporter who has followed Christie for most of his career, will be at Words Bookstore in Maplewood Village on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m.

Listen to our interview with him below:

DOLLAR TREE TO REPLACE DEALS ON FRIDAY

We told you weeks ago that the Deals at Springfield Avenue and Tuscan Road was being changed into a Dollar Tree store.

Well, it's coming Friday after being closed this week to allow for the big switch to cheap $1 or less items.

SURVEY SHOWS SNOW DAY WAS THE RIGHT CALL

We asked you on Monday if the snow day was the right call. Most of you seemed to agree.


See the results from just under 100 responses below:

Full day of

school

Delayed openingFull snow day

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