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                        Maplewood Is On the Move!

A lot has happened during the past couple of years and more change is on the horizon. The post office in Maplewood Village will be moving in November. The mail sorting operation will be located elsewhere and a retail post office presence will be retained somewhere else in the Village.

How the post office site will be redeveloped is still a work in progress. Last year we had two community meetings to discuss the post office property and the third one will be on Thursday, April 4^th at 7:30pm in town hall. We hope you will come out to share your views with us.

So far we have had productive discussions with Kings Supermarket about moving across the street to a larger first floor facility. The ideas being discussed include putting one or two floors of residential units above the supermarket. Issues of design, density, parking, traffic, Ricalton park, train station access and other concerns will be discussed at the community meeting.

Another change coming to the Village is the Township’s purchase of the Woman’s Club. For $1,004,100, the Township will obtain 1.2 acres of valuable downtown property. Roughly 60 parking spaces for shoppers and merchants will become available immediately. With regard to the building, the Township Committee wants to keep it operating as a community resource and is developing criteria for selecting a non-profit partner to operate the facility. The closing on the property is expected to occur in May.

New housing options will be available this summer. The Station House is the apartment complex being built at the former police station site on Dunnell Road. There will be 46 luxury and 4 affordable rentals there. On Burnett Avenue next to DeHart Park, Maplewood Crossing is being completed. The first phase will include 63 apartments, some with excellent views of the New York skyline. Another 63 apartments and eight townhomes will be in phase two.

Last year was the final phase of the Springfield Avenue streetscape redevelopment program. This public investment has paid off with millions in private sector improvements. Now on the Avenue are Walgreens, DEAL$, Home Décor Furniture Store, 7-Eleven, GiGi’s Cupcakes, Soul Terrific, CKO Kickboxing, IncPics, Pro Elite Nutrition, New World Catering, Da Kitchen, Zakiya’s Way Floral Design, and Puppy Love. Last fall the Township launched a retail recruitment campaign that will bring more new stores to town. The next challenge will be to find the right kind of development for the nearly four acre site at Boyden and Springfield, the former PSE&G gas testing facility.

Even in a down economy, Maplewood is moving forward. Our brand as a welcoming and attractive community is as strong as ever. Opportunities are before us and we intend to seize those that will make Maplewood an even better place to live and raise a family.

We invite you to get involved in the discussions about our future. The next chance is on Thursday, April 4^th at 7:30pm. Let’s hear your ideas about the post office site in Maplewood Village.





                                         Green Day

Green Day is coming again!  Maplewood’s 6^th Green Day is Saturday, April 27^th from 11am-4pm in the amphitheater in Memorial Park across from the train station.

Green Day is presented by Maplewood’s Green Team.  Tracey Woods, the organizer, said that for the thousands expected to attend, there will be over one hundred tables, and events for families to participate in.  The “Reptiles of the Amazon” Show returns, as do local food vendors along with organizations and companies that will provide education and samples of sustainable products, and activities for all ages.

Our Deputy Mayor, Kathleen M. Leventhal, when looking back to Maplewood’s first Green Day Fair says, “The lineup of sponsors and vendors has grown beyond all past years – everyone wants to be a part of one of New Jersey’s leading Green Fairs”. 

So, come one, come all - to a day of learning and fun!  For a full event schedule see: www.maplewoodgreenday.org
       
                                                         



           Maplewood’s Farmers Market Begins Its 19^th Year.

Maplewood Farmers Market is celebrating its 19^th year in business in 2013. It will be open for business every Monday starting June 10, through October 28, 2013 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM. We welcome back our loyal New Jersey farms Alstede Farms and Stony Hill Gardens. They will bring us the seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition to produce the farms offer farm baked goodies such as pies and donuts. Hoboken Farm is also returning to offer fresh baked artisanal breads and homemade cheese along side their Italian specialty foods sold frozen to go. In our market a nutritional, delicious and quick to prepare meal is always available. At this time we are seeking other vendors to round out our offerings.

Maplewood Farmers Market is a member of the New Jersey Council of Farmers and Communities dedicated to protecting farms and strengthening communities. Please shop local by shopping at the Farmers Market.




                              Spring Water Main Flushing

This spring and into the summer months, New Jersey American Water will be cleaning its water distribution system to help ensure that customers continue to receive high-quality water. During the company’s annual “Spring Cleaning” program, crews will be flushing out water mains to remove harmless particles that have built up in the pipes over time.

In the areas where Spring Cleaning is scheduled, New Jersey American Water will be opening fire hydrants to increase water flows and “flush” sediment from its pipes. When hydrants are being flushed, customers may notice a drop in water pressure or may experience discolored water. This is a normal part of the process. New Jersey American Water advises customers to let their water run until it is clear.

The municipalities, start dates and end dates, where New Jersey American Water will be Spring Cleaning can be found at
http://www.amwater.com/alerts/alert11012.html

If your town is not on the list, it means we will be flushing in the fall.

New Jersey American Water is offering its customers the following
additional tips while mains are being flushed:
     1. Avoid running your tap water, using the washing machine or dishwasher while crews are flushing.
     2. Check for discolored water before using the washing machine or
dishwasher. Wait until the water runs clear at the tap before doing
laundry or running the dishwasher. NOTE: If laundry becomes stained,
do not put your laundry in the dryer. Rewash clothes immediately
using detergent and add a rust remover. Most rust removers can also
be used on stained fixtures.
     3. In some cases, slight discoloration may linger for a few hours. This discoloration only affects the appearance of the water and does not affect water quality.
     4. If water pressure or water volume seems low after flushing has been completed, check faucet screens for trapped particles.

From the Public Works Department

                                                                          Shred it Day

On April 6, 2013, you can bring your personal and confidential papers for shredding to the Maplewood Recycling Center at 359 Boyden Avenue in Maplewood. The Shred-It truck will be there from 8:00 a.m. until noon or until the truck is filled, whichever comes first. This service is for Maplewood Residents ONLY.

                                                              Electronic Recycling Dates

Maplewood and South Orange both have electronic recycling dates and residents can go to either facility.  The Maplewood facility is at the Maplewood Department of Public Works (359 Boyden Avenue) and the South Orange facility is at the South Orange Recycling Center at 300 Walton Avenue (right below the Jersey Animal Coalition).  All are Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the recycling centers.   

Maplewood                       South Orange


May 4                                June 15
July 13                               Sept. 21
Oct. 19                              Dec. 14

                                                               Curbside Recycling Dates  

The following are the collection dates for the remainder of 2013: 


April 8^th, and 22^nd                September 9^th and 23^rd
May 6^th and 20^th                      October 7^th, and 21st
June 3^rd, and 17^th                Noember 4th, and 18th           
July 1^st, 15^th, and 29^th            December 2^nd, 16^th, and 30^th
August 12^th, and 26^th            

For missed pick ups please call Basso Inc. at 973-483-1671.  Please remember to put your recyclables out the night before or no later than 6 a.m. the morning of.  The contractor will not come back for recyclables put out late.  

We will continue to collect recyclables “single stream” which means all your recyclables may be placed in the same containers.  There is no limit as to how much you put out or the container in which you use.  We do ask that the containers do not weigh over 30 pounds.  Items collected curbside include; glass containers, plastic containers # 1- 7, tin containers, aluminum containers, newspaper, office paper, and cardboard.

The recycling center located at 359 Boyden Ave. accepts all of the above recycling items plus car batteries, clothes, used motor oil, used cooking oil, scrap metal, and CFLs.  Household batteries can now be thrown in your household trash with the exception of rechargeable batteries which will be accepted at the recycling center.

The Department also offers curbside pick up of larger scrap metal items by appointment.  To schedule an appointment please contact 973-762-1175. 

                                                              Spring Rake Out Program
                                                A Service of the Township of Maplewood

Each area is scheduled for five pick up days.  To locate your area go to http://www.twp.maplewood.nj.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/454. The dates for each area are listed below.

Materials to be picked up are limited to branches, leaves, and garden rakings when packaged as follows:

(a)  Branches must not be more than four feet in length and tied in bundles that can be handled by one man.

(b)  Leaves and garden rakings must be placed in returnable containers that can be handled by one man.

Materials to be picked up must be placed at the curb not later than 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled date and not earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the day before.

Unpackaged material placed at the curb will not be picked up and will constitute a violation of the law as established by Ordinance.

If you have any questions please contact the Department of Public Works at 973-762-1175.
 

                                                    2013 “Spring Rake Out” Schedule”


SECTIONS 1 & 2          SECTIONS 3 & 4          SECTIONS 5 & 6

3/25/13                     3/25/13                     3/26/13
4/02/13                     4/03/13                     4/04/13
4/10/13                     4/11/13                     4/12/13
4/18/13                     4/19/13                     4/22/13
4/26/13                     4/29/13                     4/30/13


SECTIONS 7 & 8          SECTIONS 9 & 10        SECTIONS 11 & 12

3/27/13                     3/28/13                     4/01/13
4/05/13                     4/08/13                     4/09/13
4/15/13                     4/16/13                     4/17/13
4/23/13                     4/24/13                     4/25/13
5/01/13                     5/02/13                     5/03/13

                                                           
                                                             2013 Bulk Drop Off Program

DATES: May 11, 2013 and September 14, 2013
HOURS OF OPERATION: 8 A.M. TO 2 P.M.
LOCATION: RECYCLING CENTER, 359 BOYDEN AVE.


RULES:

1. This program is intended for the disposal of household bulk refuse including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and furniture, in accordance with the above schedule.

A. Household bulk refuse is to be dropped off ONLY ON THE DATES INDICATED.

B. Household bulk refuse drop off is subject to the following conditions:

2. No building material of any type can be dropped off at any time. Building material is defined as concrete, sheetrock, plaster, dirt, wood, shingles, roofing material, siding, doors, kitchen cabinets, decking windows, storm windows, or any related material due to the remodeling or alteration process.

There will be no dropping off at any time of car parts, paint or paint cans, trees, branches, tree stumps or firewood.

3. Two forms of proof of residency must be provided each time.

4. REGULAR PICK UP FOR ORDINARY GARBAGE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE FROM THE REAR OF YOUR HOME AS BEFORE. DO NOT PLACE THESE CONTAINERS AT THE CURB.

5. Failure to follow any of these instructions could jeopardize acceptance of all of your items.

From the Police Department

Vehicle Theft Prevention Tips

                                                          Lt. Dean L. Naddeo
                                                  Maplewood Police Department

Although most cars and trucks are now factory equipped with transponder ignition systems- devices that make it nearly impossible to steal a car without a proper key- determined thieves have still managed to find ways to steal modern vehicles.

In order to gain possession of newer high-end autos, offenders frequently target running, unoccupied vehicles, since the keys needed to steal the vehicles are there ready for the taking. Hence, this is a very preventable method of vehicle theft: Never leave your car running, not even for a minute.

Another prevalent method of stealing contemporary cars involves the use of a valet or emergency spare key to steal the vehicle. Thieves break into, or better yet, find an unlocked car or truck, then rummage through the glove box, owners manual, or trunk in an effort to locate a secondary key that has been left in the vehicle. With the key in hand, the vehicle can now be stolen and driven at will. Therefore, this is another preventable method of auto theft: Never leave a spare key in your vehicle.

Motor vehicle theft is a problem that has persisted for over a century. However, in this age of modern technology, employing these simple tips can drastically reduce the likelihood of a vehicle being stolen.

To learn more about vehicle theft prevention, please contact Lt. Dean L. Naddeo at 973-762-3400, or visit the Maplewood Police Department website at www.maplewoodpd.org.

                                            Spring and Summer Safety Precautions

Of the many pleasures associated with the spring and summer seasons, one of the most popular is the outdoor barbecue. They are fun to use and they provide delicious tasting food. However, they can be dangerous if not handled properly. Unfortunately, numerous fires and injuries occur every year due to the use of barbecue grills. Most importantly, the majority of these fires and injuries are preventable. Therefore, the following information can contribute to making your barbecuing experiences pleasurable and safe.

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Fired Barbecue Grills

1. The LPG cylinder should always be transported in an upright position and on the floor of a vehicle with all windows open. Remove the cylinder from the vehicle as soon as possible and never transport or store a LPG cylinder in the trunk of a vehicle.
2. Never leave a LPG cylinder in a parked vehicle.
3. Store LPG cylinders, including those attached to barbecues, outdoors and in a shaded cool area out of direct sunlight. Never store a LPG cylinder inside a home.
4. Fittings on LPG cylinders may have left-handed threads, which require movement in a counterclockwise direction to tighten. Therefore, care must be exercised when removing and re-attaching the flexible supply hose.
5. A soapy solution applied to connections can be used to detect leaks, as they will produce bubbles.
6. When the barbecue is not being used, the valve on the LPG cylinder should be kept in the off position.
7. Avoid grease dripping on the flexible supply hose as well as on the cylinder.

• Charcoal Barbecue Grills

1. Use only starter fluid designed for charcoal barbecue grills. Once a fire has been started, never add fluid. Never use gasoline.
2. Use extreme caution in disposing ashes. Wet ashes thoroughly with water before emptying the barbecue.
3. Store charcoals in properly sealed containers.

• The following pertains to all barbecue grills – LPG, Charcoal as well as Natural Gas fired:

1. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure you understand them.
2. Keep barbecue grills away from anything that can burn such as your house, car, dry vegetation, etc.
3. Do not leave barbecue grills unattended and keep children as well as pets away.
4. Barbecue grills should only be used outdoors and not on porches, balconies, under overhangs or in garages.
5. When lighting a barbecue grill the cover should be in the open position.
6. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing while barbecuing.
7. Make sure everyone knows how to Stop, Drop and Roll in the event clothing should catch fire.

• Other simple precautions that can keep you and your family safe from injuries that commonly occur during the spring and summer seasons are as follows:

1. When using lawnmowers, wait for the engine to cool before refueling. Never refuel while the engine is running.
2. Store gasoline outside the home, in approved safety cans, out of the reach of children and away from open flames.
3. Use caution when using a garden hose that has been exposed to the sun. Standing water can become extremely hot and cause serious burns.  Let water run and pre-test the temperature.
4. Set time limits for sunbathing. Use sunscreen and do not wait for skin to turn red before applying protective lotion.
5. When the interior of a vehicle is hot, check the metal parts of seat belts as well as plastic or leather seats before placing children in them.

From the Health Department

From the Building Department

From the Township Clerk

                                                  Garage Sales in Maplewood 

All sales entitled “Garage sale”, “lawn sale”, “attic sale”, or “rummage sale” or flea market sale or any similar casual sale of tangible personal property requires a permit from the Township.  The fee is $10.00 for the sale which may be held up to four consecutive days. Permits and further information can be obtained at the Office of the Township Clerk. Applications are available on the Township website or in person at the Clerk’s Office.

                                                       Block Party Permit’s

Township residents are known for their spring, summer, and fall block parties.

Applicants are required to obtain signatures of those neighbors on the street and there is a refundable deposit for barricades that the Township delivers for your use.

The application is available on the Township website or in person at the Clerk’s Office.

                                               2013 Commuter Parking Program

JUST A REMINDER – there is a discount for Hybrid Vehicles for the Commuter Parking Permit system. Must be a Maplewood resident.



                                       Maplewood 1978 Arts Center

                                                                       Spring 2013 Classes

1. Adult Watercolor

Either Monday, or Friday, 10:00 to 11:30 am, Fee $96.00. Adult.

Everyone can paint enjoy a relax morning in a gallery setting learning watercolor. Now offering a choice of 2 mornings. This is an on-going class….all levels are welcome. 

Artist/ teacher, Evelyn Graves, 973-762-2834


2. Singalong and Jam! 

Class meets Wednesdays, 8:30 – 9:30. 

Get together with your peers and sing and jam! Join a growing group of musicians for a fun hour of playing classic songs. New songs and lessons are brought each week to help you grow as a musician and performer!  10 class series, $150.   More detail can be found on johnbrophymusic.com.


3. Start a Band! Camp

Meet other musicians and start a band at a one-week camp in July. We will hold five consecutive days of three-hour rehearsals, and perform at an end of camp concert.  Bring your desire to play and we will take care of the organizational side, so you can focus on being creative and cooperating in the pursuit of making music!  Tuition is $250 for five classes.  More detail can be found on johnbrophymusic.com.


4. Capturing Inclusive Community in Visuals and Verse

Thursdays from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

South Orange Maplewood Community Coalition on Race at Gallery 1978

Adults and high school students are invited to express their experience of our diverse community through handcrafted book making combined with Haiku and collage. Professional artists, Chuck Miley, SK Duff and Mansa Mussa, will guide residents through this six week experience on starting April 11 through May 16 at Maplewood 1978 Art Center on Springfield Avenue. Workshops are FREE, but registration is requested by April 8th.  Go to www.twotowns.org/contact or call 973-761-6116, ext. 6  to register.


5. The Contemporary Artists Forum

April 2, 16, 30, May 14 at 7 PM

A critique group with artist interested in seriously pursuing their talents. Members bring work for a group critique that helps them focus their vision. The class meets every other Tuesday in the Fall and Spring. Created by and lead by Mikel Frank,

mikesbrain@verizon.net


6. Make a Summer Wreath

Sunday April 28th
Ages 7and up $25. Class size is limited. Register by email- itssewcrafty@gmail.com or online at itssewcrafty.com


7. Photo Bootcamp

Sunday April 14th, 9-12noon.

Workshop fee: $50. Pre-registration required

Work together with professional photographer Joy Yagid to get you shooting better pictures. Joy will help you understand how the camera works, when to use what 'mode' and if we have time, give a tutorial on how to edit your images. Consider it a photo boot camp for that camera you got for the holidays. Cost is $50 for 3 hours and includes coffee and free email tech support.

Email Joy questions and or images if you get stuck. joy.yagid@gmail.com

Preregistration required - please register here


8. Intro in Adobe Lightroom 4

Sunday April 21st, 9-10:30am

Fee $40. Preregistration required.

Are you looking to do more with your images, but think that Photoshop is too much (both in tech and cost)? Then let Joy Yagid introduce you to Lightroom 4. For a mere fraction of what Photoshop costs you can have most of all the same powerful photography tools in Lightroom. This class is for people considering buying or recently bought Lightroom 4. Joy will be offering a more intensive two day workshop in the near future.  Bring your own laptop if possible.

Email Joy questions and or images if you get stuck. joy.yagid@gmail.com

Preregistration required - please register here

                                                                              Exhibitions

Painting the Abstract, A Different Perspective


A Different Perspective, Abstract Painting, an exhibition featuring three of New Jersey’s most notable abstractionists, Larry McKim, Peter S. Arakawa and Vivian McDuffie. The exhibit, curated by Onnie Strother, will open at Gallery 1978 on March 30 and close on April 28, 2013.  There will be a closing reception with the artists on April 28 from 2 pm to 5 pm. 

Workshops, discussions and school trips will be offered for students and community groups. To schedule contact 973-960-6988 or ostrothero@aol.com's a Family

                                           The Quarter Mile Print Project: It’s a Family Affair

Curator: Stephen McKenzie

Beginning Sunday May 5, 2013 and running through Sunday May 26, 2013 the results of an incredible collaborative event that took place in Newark, NJ on October 20, 2012, will be exhibited at 1978 Maplewood Arts Center in Maplewood, NJ. 

Back in the fall on 2012, a large group of professional artists and the people of Newark pooled their artistic resources and talents to complete a monotype print that was (almost) a quarter mile long in distance. The Quarter Mile Print Project - "It's a Family Affair," as it was entitled, had been conceived as a way to bring people together for the purpose of sharing in a creative experience.

Much of the work, 230,  22 X 30 pieces, produced that day will be on view at 1978.

On Saturday, May 19, Gallery 1978 will host it’s own mass print making project. Details will be on the website www.1978artscenter.org.

10^th Annual South Orange Maplewood Artists Studio Tour

On Sunday, June 2, visit the home studios and exhibition spaces of artists all over South Orange and Maplewood. Meet the many artists who live in these 2 towns. The tour is a project of Maplewood's Gallery 1978 and the Pierro Gallery of South Orange. Go to studiotoursoma.org or pierrogallery.org for more info on the tour and the exciting pre- tour project.







                  From the Durand-Hedden House & Garden

Gain fascinating new insights into Thomas Jefferson, both the man and the politician at this 2:00 p.m. presentation by local resident Jan Lewis, one of the country’s foremost Jeffersonian scholars.  Professor Lewis is the Senior Associate Dean of Faculty and a professor of history at Rutgers University, Newark. A specialist in colonial and early national history, she is the author of The Pursuit of Happiness: Family and Values in Jefferson’s Virginia (1983) and a coeditor of An Emotional History of the United States (1998); Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson: History, Memory, and Civic Culture (1999); and The Revolution of 1800: Democracy, Race, and the New Republic (2002).

June 9 – Amazing Mushrooms

In warm wet weather mushrooms pop up overnight in our yards in a fascinating array of colors and shapes. What are they, really?  In this 2:00 p.m. talk a member of the NJ Mycological Association will demystify these amazing living things which are part of the Kingdom of Fungi. In some ways, mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants, taking in oxygen for their digestion and metabolism and "exhaling" carbon dioxide. The part of the fungus that we see is only the “fruit” of the organism, the rest of which is hidden underground. Mushrooms grow from spores, not seeds, and a single mature mushroom will drop as many as 16 billion!   Long known to be a source of powerful nutrients, we largely ignore this healthy food.  Yet, more adventurous people are learning from experts how to forage for edible mushrooms in the wild – even in New Jersey!  

                        Postponed until the Fall – The Maplewood Theater: Its Forgotten Saga

Most Maplewoodians catching the latest movie at their village six-plex have no idea that the theater in actuality has a long theatrical history dating back to 1927.  Beginning life as one of the largest combined vaudeville/movie houses in New Jersey, the Maplewood theater struggled along for a decade before becoming the setting for a series of highly popular summer stock shows featuring a myriad of major Broadway and Hollywood stars including Helen Hayes, Ingrid Bergman, Tallulah Bankhead, Paul Robeson and “Maplewood’s Own”, Teresa Wright.  Legendary Tony Award winning producer Cheryl Crawford made Maplewood her theatrical home for three years in the 1940’s and launched her successful version of Porgy and Bess in this very theater on Maplewood Avenue.  After another brief stint with legitimate theater in the early 1950’s, the Maplewood Theater settled back into being a popular neighborhood movie house, which evolved into multiple theaters in 1988.

Extensive research has located drawings and photographs of the original Pompeian themed interior, productions photos and playbills from the live show era, early movie memorabilia including a Wurlitzer theater organ console, staff photos from the 1970’s and more. 

From the Springfield Avenue Partnership