A proposal before the Maplewood Planning Board has renewed concerns about traffic, parking and pedestrian safety along Boyden Avenue.

For nearby residents, those concerns are part of everyday travel, especially when crossing the street.

At a recent discussion, a board member acknowledged the proposal’s potential and neighbors’ worries, while noting that rejecting the application would not fix existing street problems.

The board must distinguish impacts the proposal could cause from longstanding conditions that need a broader response from Maplewood officials.

That means examining how people would reach the site, where vehicles would park and how pedestrians would move nearby.

Residents deserve clear answers about what approval could improve and what would remain unresolved if the application is denied.

Whatever the board decides, Boyden Avenue’s safety challenges will still need attention.

Maplewood is remembering Nanci Buscemi, a longtime resident, engineer and devoted neighbor who died October 1 at age 67.

The Township Committee honored her with a moment of silence at its October 6 meeting, where Mayor Vic De Luca described her as part of the Maplewood family.

Buscemi spent more than 30 years in town, raising her family and serving on the Zoning Board and, in retirement, the Historic Preservation Commission.

Born in Brooklyn, she earned a high school equivalency diploma, studied civil engineering at the College of Staten Island and later completed a master’s degree at Columbia University.

Her four-decade career included bridges, transportation projects and major buildings, alongside efforts to encourage young women and people of color to pursue STEM.

Her children, Steven and Allison Pearsall, and grandson, Hudson, were central to her life.

A celebration of her life was held October 10 in South Orange.

Recent collisions involving students traveling to or from school in Maplewood and South Orange have renewed concern about traffic safety.

None of the students was seriously injured, but the South Orange–Maplewood School District and police in both towns are urging families and drivers to take extra care.

Their message is shared: drivers should slow down near schools, watch for children and give crossings their full attention.

Students walking or biking should stay alert, look carefully before crossing and put their phones away.

Families can reinforce those habits at home and talk with children about where to cross and what to do after a collision.

Even without serious injuries, a collision can be frightening.

Safer school trips depend on everyone sharing the road and sidewalk, especially adults behind the wheel, paying attention.

Four candidates are seeking three seats on the nine-member South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education: Trish Azeez, Liz Callahan, Kevin Diaz and Will Meyer.

Former board member Annemarie Maini has endorsed Callahan and Meyer for reelection and Diaz for the third seat.

Maini, who served six years on the board, including two as president, says members need the judgment to question district proposals, weigh limited resources and explain difficult decisions to families.

She points to Callahan’s background in behavioral health and Meyer’s in special education law as strengths in addressing student needs and equitable opportunity.

She backs Diaz for his willingness to listen, learn and consider the wider community.

Azeez is also competing for a seat, giving Maplewood and South Orange voters a choice between returning members and new voices as they consider who will guide the district’s decisions.

At Columbia High School in Maplewood, crowded lunch periods have prompted a plan to give students more room outdoors.

The CHS Cougar Boosters hope to turn an overgrown, little-used courtyard into a place to eat and gather when the weather allows.

Volunteers have cleared vegetation, pruned trees and pulled weeds.

Next, the group plans to remove an old pond, add gravel or pebble ground cover, and install tables and seating.

The courtyard would supplement indoor dining, not replace it.

Because it connects to the auditorium, the space could also welcome families during concert and musical intermissions or serve other school events.

Community contributions would help pay for materials and supplies, though funding needs leave the timeline uncertain.

For students, the payoff would be simple: a comfortable place to sit, eat and take a break from crowded indoor spaces.

For Maplewood families, Turtle Back Zoo in nearby West Orange offers a chance to see lemurs up close and learn why they need protection.

Opened in July 2026, the new habitat is home to ring-tailed, red ruffed and brown collared lemurs, as well as Aldabra giant tortoises.

In the wild, lemurs live only in Madagascar, where habitat loss and hunting threaten their survival.

The zoo’s commitment reaches beyond the exhibit: two grants totaling $10,900 will support conservation education near Madagascar’s Anja Community Reserve.

Funded through the Turtle Back Biodiversity Fund and a partnership with the Zoological Society of New Jersey, the grants will help provide classroom materials, festival activities and teacher training.

For families, a day at the zoo can spark a conversation about the animals they meet and the people working to protect them.

Tickets have been listed at $22 for adults and $19 for children ages 2 to 12 and adults over 62, with free admission for children under 2.

Check current prices and hours before visiting.

Barn Bird Kitchen opened at 147 Maplewood Avenue in November 2024, bringing fried chicken and Southern American-inspired comfort food to Maplewood Village.

Friends, family, staff and elected officials joined founder and head chef Emeka Onugha for a ribbon cutting.

Onugha created the restaurant with business partners Jafrania Onugha and Chukah Morah, building its menu around fried chicken made with care and attention to flavor.

His cooking draws on the spices of his upbringing and memories of watching his mother cook, sharing homemade lunches and dreaming of a restaurant with his siblings.

The concept also honors generations of African American cooks whose expertise shaped Southern comfort food.

Already familiar to South Orange and Maplewood diners through earlier Springfield Avenue ventures, Onugha now brings a personal take on a favorite dish to the heart of the village.

When Maplewood’s community pool closed for the season, dogs got one last chance to make a splash at the township’s annual Dog Days of Summer swim.

The event brought neighbors together poolside while their pets paddled, played and met new friends.

New resident Katie Pogue watched her Great Pyrenees-Labrador mix, Jax, swim for the first time as her daughter Ramona cheered him on.

Bianca Wallace joined the fun with her Goldendoodle, Digby, while Andre Van and Danielle Mimes brought their Alaskan Klee Kai, Nairobi, to help him grow more comfortable in the water.

Older English Labrador Cisco showed that enthusiasm for swimming has no age limit.

In past years, Maplewood residents could attend without pool memberships, provided their dogs were licensed and wore tags; people stayed out of the water.

Future dates and rules may change, so residents should check township event details before heading to the pool.

Columbia High School gave Maplewood and South Orange field hockey fans plenty to celebrate with an 8-0 win over Union in an earlier September game.

Senior Violet Bennett led the Cougars with three goals and an assist, while Phoebe Perlman added two goals and an assist.

Maddie Popowsky scored twice, Penny Leveque added a goal, and Zahria Angelou contributed an assist.

Columbia controlled play so thoroughly that goalkeeper Maddy Klein did not face a shot on goal.

The following game brought a sharp reversal: an 8-1 loss to Summit at Underhill Sports Complex that left the Cougars at 2-2.

The two results captured both Columbia’s scoring potential and the challenges it faced early that season.

For Michael J. Iantosca, writing his first novel meant finding his way back to Maplewood.

Now living in Asheville, North Carolina, the South Orange and Maplewood native set Is It You? partly in the hometown he knew growing up.

The story follows Chase Marino from first love in the late 1970s into an adult life shaped by ambition, distance and memory.

Columbia High School, Maplewood Memorial Park, the train station and South Mountain Reservation give local readers familiar places to recognize along the way.

Iantosca attended Columbia High School, wrote for its student newspaper and worked as a freelance photographer while growing up.

Though the novel draws on those surroundings and the feelings they evoke, Chase’s story is fiction, not autobiography.

Iantosca has also composed songs inspired by the characters, extending a story about first love and the lasting pull of home.

Barn Bird Kitchen has brought fried chicken and Southern comfort food to 147 Maplewood Avenue, celebrating its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on November 7, 2024.

Founder and head chef Emeka Onugha runs the restaurant with partners Jafrania Onugha and Chukah Morah.

For Onugha, the menu draws on childhood memories of home cooking and spices, his Nigerian upbringing, and the African American culinary traditions behind Southern food.

He wants diners to appreciate the skill and care behind fried chicken, a familiar dish whose history is often overlooked.

Onugha’s previous restaurant work on Springfield Avenue may be familiar to South Orange and Maplewood diners, but Barn Bird Kitchen gives his passion for fried chicken its own place in the village.

Columbia High School is set to reopen Wednesday, October 7, after an internal water main break closed the Maplewood campus for two days.

The South Orange-Maplewood School District told families Tuesday afternoon that water service had been restored.

Facilities staff and vendors removed water from affected areas, assessed the building and made repairs.

The district thanked students, families and staff for their flexibility during a closure that disrupted school, work and transportation plans.

The break occurred inside the school; the district did not report a broader neighborhood water outage.

For the Columbia High School community, Wednesday’s return brings a welcome chance to resume familiar routines.

In Maplewood, local news often begins with a familiar question: What is changing, and how will it affect daily life?

Decisions near Maplewood Village can influence parking, foot traffic and the businesses neighbors rely on.

Around Memorial Park, attention to shared spaces helps residents understand how the town serves its community.

Commuters may be focused on station access and walkable streets, while families follow schools and youth activities.

Because Maplewood and South Orange share close ties, developments in either town can matter to both.

Good local coverage provides context without overstating the stakes, separating proposals from decisions and frustrations from changes that will take effect.

It also keeps housing, public safety, local businesses and the cost of living in view.

Staying informed is not about chasing every update; it is about better understanding the place neighbors share.

At Parker Avenue and Prospect Street, Maplewood neighbors gathered Sunday, October 4, to renew a promise made 45 years ago: to work for peace.

The Ethical Culture Society rededicated its 1895 home as a Peace Site and unveiled a Be About Peace plaque on its porch.

The society says its 1981 dedication made it the world’s first Peace Site, amid fears about the U.S.-Soviet nuclear arms race.

Maplewood resident Paul Surovell, who attended that first ceremony, recalled the local campaign for a nuclear weapons freeze and the organizers whose work continues through South Mountain Peace Action.

Deputy Mayor Malia Herman urged neighbors to listen across disagreements, while board member Terri Suess said more community programs on nuclear dangers and preventing war are planned.

The new plaque keeps a longstanding local commitment visible and asks Maplewood residents to put it into practice.

For more than 40 years, the Ethical Culture Society of Essex County on Prospect Street has served as a Maplewood peace site, the first established by New Jersey SANE/NJ Peace Action.

A rededication was scheduled for Sunday, October 4, giving neighbors a chance to revisit that history and consider how the society’s commitment to peace can continue.

The program included a presentation from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., a front-porch ceremony from 12:45 to 1 p.m. and a buffet luncheon with peace songs and poems available.

Everyone was welcome to attend and help consider peace site activities for the year ahead.

The gathering was meant to honor a lasting local commitment while looking toward what comes next.

Rob Nelson is generating excitement in Maplewood as he prepares to anchor the new nj pbs newscast.

After building a distinguished career in major cities, Nelson has embraced Maplewood as home, fully immersing himself in its vibrant parks and blossoming dining scene on Maplewood Avenue.

This local connection lends a personal dimension to his new role, enhancing anticipation for the debut of "NJ PBS News with Rob Nelson."

Known for authenticity and accountability, Nelson promises a fresh, relevant approach to community coverage, focusing on local initiatives, schools, and Maplewood's evolving downtown.

The broadcast will originate from the lively campus of Montclair State University, increasing local relevance as the university takes the reins of statewide programming.

As new businesses, events, and families breathe fresh life into Maplewood, Nelson’s return feels both timely and promising for the community’s future.

College scholarships have long shaped the futures of students in Maplewood, New Jersey.

Each spring, graduating seniors eagerly apply, hoping to ease the burden of rising tuition and living expenses with vital student financial aid.

For over a century, a dedicated fund has enabled Columbia High School graduates to access need-based scholarships Maplewood NJ, distributing thousands of awards over the years.

Recent seasons have seen record highs in both applications and scholarship funds awarded.

As student debt climbs, local scholarship organizations have expanded outreach and fundraising, determined to ensure access for every student.

The annual Red & Black Party, a spirited community fundraiser, unites residents, alumni, and businesses to support future graduates.

With diverse applicants and broad community backing, these scholarships Maplewood NJ continue to open doors for young people pursuing their dreams.

Maplewood and nearby South Orange are buzzing with anticipation as the popular food truck festival gears up for a grand return this fall.

The event transforms familiar streets into a lively open-air celebration, featuring dozens of food trucks serving a fusion of local favorites and global flavors.

Picture smoky barbecue, creative pierogis, and fresh, hand-tossed pizzas cooked to perfection—all under festive lights and live music from bands and DJs.

The atmosphere is family-friendly, with kids enjoying interactive activities and treats like homemade ice cream.

A celebrated beer and wine garden beckons adults to relax, while pop-up shops and local breweries showcase seasonal ales and crafts.

These gatherings highlight Maplewood’s community spirit, especially as the fall season kicks off with energy and local pride.

Arrive early, bring your appetite, and savor everything that makes autumn in Maplewood unforgettable.

In Maplewood, New Jersey, the board of education race is under sharp focus as the district advances its pivotal integration initiative.

The advocacy group SOMA Action Maplewood NJ has endorsed Liz Callahan, Kevin Diaz, and Will Meyer, highlighting their expertise and strong support for equitable school policies.

Maplewood and neighboring South Orange are recognized statewide for bold efforts to achieve racial and socioeconomic integration within their schools, making them standouts amid continued debate over how best to implement such strategies.

As the push to integrate elementary schools draws national attention, passionate community voices emphasize both the district’s pride and the real concerns over difficult choices ahead.

Amid funding challenges, local leaders urge unity to preserve progress, calling for transparent decisions on school resources and a renewed focus on equity.

These education board elections are set to shape Maplewood’s future direction for years to come.

Maplewood thrives on community news, drawing neighbors together and keeping everyone informed about local happenings.

Curious residents are buzzing about a new art exhibit at the town center, a sign of Maplewood’s blossoming creative scene.

Hot topics like park upgrades and traffic safety keep community meetings lively and underscore the town’s dedication to progress.

A news subscription delivers more than regular updates—it fosters deeper engagement through stories of inspiring locals and coverage of decisions impacting everyday life.

For those eager to follow Maplewood’s evolving small business landscape—like one-of-a-kind cafes and boutique shops—a subscription brings these highlights straight to your screen.

Staying connected to Maplewood news ensures you won’t miss crucial updates, school notices, or the latest community initiatives.

With easy subscription options, joining in has never been simpler for locals ready to stay truly in the know.

Elktoberfest is set to energize Maplewood, New Jersey, drawing locals together with a blend of tradition and fresh creativity.

This year’s highlight is a stunning new mural by acclaimed local artist DISTORT, featuring an elk amid lush greenery by the South Orange train station—a symbol of unity and support that reflects the Elks’ core values.

The mural signals a creative new era for the Elks Lodge, celebrating local talent and deepening their ties to the community.

Elktoberfest will offer family-friendly fun, including bounce houses and crafts, while adults can join in stein-holding and axe-throwing contests, enjoy live music, and explore the lively Smash Tent.

As more families and newcomers flock to Maplewood, the event serves as a vibrant introduction to the area’s welcoming spirit and the Elks’ long-standing commitment to service.

Elktoberfest promises a memorable day for all—rooted in local pride and community connection.

Maplewood’s September 11 remembrance united residents, officials, and first responders in a moving tribute at the town’s 9/11 memorial.

Under clear skies, a crowd gathered to honor lives lost and to reflect on resilience and hope.

During a solemn moment of silence, people faced the granite monument, remembering the enduring impact of that tragic day.

Personal stories, marked by both sorrow and solidarity, echoed the continued strength of the community.

This year’s event featured a heartfelt tribute to firefighters and police, who stood in somber respect, highlighting the bravery and sacrifice of first responders.

A newly refurbished plaque was unveiled, preserving the names of local victims for future generations.

Businesses and community groups joined the remembrance, turning reflection into meaningful action with donations and outreach.

The ceremony remains a vital lesson in compassion, unity, and remembrance for all of Maplewood.

The Arts and Cars Festival enlivens Maplewood, New Jersey each fall, drawing crowds with its energetic mix of artistic flair and car culture.

Locals and visitors fill downtown streets to admire gleaming classic cars, restored muscle vehicles, and stylish custom rides.

The friendly competition for the People's Choice award turns every enthusiast into a judge, while owners eagerly share their automotive stories.

Maplewood’s festival atmosphere thrives on more than cars—art lovers explore outdoor exhibitions where local painters, sculptors, and makers display and create original works live.

Springfield Avenue transforms into an art walk, bustling with music from live bands and aromas from new cafes and food trucks offering treats and meals.

Children’s activities and interactive games keep families engaged, celebrating Maplewood's creative and welcoming spirit in a true community showcase.

Baker Street Flea and the Maplewood Art Market are redefining outdoor markets in Maplewood, New Jersey, inviting locals and visitors to discover a new way of shopping.

Stepping onto Baker Street, vibrant sights and voices greet shoppers, setting a lively scene unlike any typical retail experience.

Each one-of-a-kind crafted item represents not just a purchase, but the story of a neighbor.

With over 130 makers and artisans, the flea turns browsing into personal exchange—conversations about pottery glazes or jewelry stones are part of the journey.

Buying local becomes an unforgettable day out, far removed from the impersonality of online shopping.

This fall, Maplewood Village pulses with live music across three stages, celebrating the town’s creative spirit.

The Good Neighbor Project honors residents who uplift the community, while new businesses and a redesigned Tap & Wine Yard invite even more engagement and relaxation.

Year after year, these markets set the standard for connection, creativity, and Maplewood pride.

Maplewood residents find their sense of community deepening as new local businesses and annual traditions breathe fresh energy into town.

Recent openings downtown—from artisan dessert shops to fitness studios—have quickly become neighborhood favorites.

These additions revitalize Maplewood’s bustling districts, sparking pride and supporting local commerce.

The community gathers at vibrant events like the summertime music series in Memorial Park and the beloved spring street fair, celebrating both new ventures and cherished traditions.

Public safety remains a priority, with officials announcing plans for upgraded crosswalks and improved parks in the coming season.

School district updates are top-of-mind for families preparing for the next academic year, while strong real estate interest surrounds neighborhoods close to the train station.

Every headline invites residents to stay connected, ensuring Maplewood’s spirit of togetherness remains vibrant year-round.

Maplewood, New Jersey is experiencing exciting change this spring, with fresh businesses breathing new life into the community.

Long-vacant storefronts are transforming as a new café and a family-run bookstore open downtown, inviting neighbors to re-explore local shopping and dining.

Hope grows as these openings spark renewed enthusiasm for Maplewood’s main avenues.

Maplewood’s school district is weighing facility upgrades to enhance technology and safety, reflecting broad support for student well-being.

Discussion is also heating up around a proposed park redevelopment, promising more green space and inspiring lively debate at town meetings.

Arts thrive here as a recent pop-up gallery drew crowds, celebrating the creativity of Maplewood-area artists.

On the housing front, agents see brisk interest from young families, with homes selling faster – a trend signaling Maplewood’s growing appeal.

Community spirit and new opportunities keep Maplewood’s story moving forward.

Keeping up with Maplewood, New Jersey news has never been more important for those hoping to stay connected and engaged with their vibrant community.

Springfield Avenue is buzzing with new cafes and small businesses, reflecting renewed energy in neighborhood revitalization.

These updates offer hope amid the challenges brought by changing retail trends.

Community leaders are rolling out initiatives to make Maplewood safer and more enjoyable, unveiling better signage and enhanced safety for bikers at key intersections.

Residents find purpose through local coverage, celebrating everything from food drive successes to students achieving state science honors.

Stories highlight grassroots creativity—from downtown murals to organized park cleanups—shining a light on Maplewood’s hidden gems.

Recently, the real estate market sizzled with historic homes attracting eager buyers.

For anyone seeking updates or a stronger sense of belonging, local journalism keeps Maplewood’s unique spirit alive.

In Maplewood, staying informed is what truly binds the community together.

The parking lot at 161 Maplewood Avenue—the former Bank of America site—has been shut down for general use.

According to developer 161 Maplewood Investors, the closure addresses ongoing safety concerns.

However, residents argue that losing this parking has worsened the persistent shortage in Maplewood Village.

This issue comes as the area faces broader redevelopment discussions focusing on 161 Maplewood Avenue and nearby Inwood Place.

The Laura Holtz Tennis Tournament is making its much-anticipated return to Maplewood, inviting the community to rally together for a cause close to many hearts.

This annual epilepsy fundraiser has become a cherished Maplewood tradition, mixing competitive spirit with heartfelt remembrance of Laura Holtz, whose love for tennis blossomed here as a child.

Laura’s legacy lives on through the energy she brought to teaching at local tennis camps, and her family’s efforts have turned loss into a lasting movement for epilepsy awareness.

Residents of all ages now gather at Memorial and Walter Parks, forming teams and bursting with town pride.

The inclusive doubles format welcomes everyone, while proceeds support Epilepsy Services of NJ.

More than just tennis, this event strengthens Maplewood’s sense of connection, offering newcomers and lifelong residents a meaningful way to unite and make a difference.

Tournament weekend stands as a testament to the power of compassion and community action.

Opportunities for Girl Scouts scholarships are flourishing in Maplewood, New Jersey, as local scouts like Sofia Kopytek of Troop 20299 earn prestigious recognition for their achievements.

Sofia received the William and Ida M. Kiefer Memorial Scholarship from Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, a testament to her years of community service and leadership.

Her roles as a Maplewood Community Pool lifeguard, Achieve tutor, and member of the Youth Advisory Committee shaped her journey toward this honor.

The Kiefer Scholarship supports graduates in Essex and Hudson counties, helping them pursue university, community college, or trade paths.

Recipients are chosen for their academic merit, leadership, and dedication to the community.

This initiative uplifts young leaders and strengthens Maplewood’s tradition of advocacy, volunteerism, and ambition, inspiring more girls to seek new opportunities and make lasting impact.