This week in the towns, the big news was Maplewoodstock.
The 11th annual presentation of the arts and music festival got a big lead-up all week on The Village Green. We told you where to buy the t-shirt and profiled Sunday night’s headliner Puss N Boots — featuring Norah Jones. We even got the scoop from two local food vendors on delicious eats at the fair: Joe Ramaikas’ video about Cedar Ridge Cafe’s offerings is almost as enticing as the picture of a Freeman’s lobster roll that we ran.
Photographer Claire Sinclair captured the event in a series of stunning shots of the performers, crowds and vendors that made this year’s festival the best one yet.
In more arts news, the Art Studio celebrated its 10th anniversary, and the Maplewood Pool began its summer concert series.
In business news, Kick N Sticks at the Millburn Mall is riding a retail high thanks to the World Cup, Mayor Vic DeLuca responded to Santander Bank’s announced closing of its Springfield Avenue branch, and demolition began on the old A&P — now slated to be developed as a CVS. We also profiled local sports legend and businessman Anselm LeBourne who is surging forward with his South Orange Maplewood Online Radio Experience (SOMORE.org).
The Jersey Animal Coalition controversy raged on. The JAC sued the Village of South Orange on Monday, asking for “emergent relief” to lift a quarantine and halt eviction slated for July 9. The Superior Court allowed the temporary relief and a hearing will be held on August 20 in which both sides in the matter present their cases.
In school news, the South Orange Maplewood School District made a call for community participation in the superintendent hiring process by posting a survey instrument.
In Maplewood, the town announced the new name for the former Woman’s Club — now The Woodland — and granted The Village Green a behind the scenes tour.
South Orange Village made news by issuing an RFP for the sale of Village Hall that guarantees historic preservation. Also in South Orange, the planning board will decide on August 4 on whether to go forward with studies to determine if eight parcels on Irvington Avenue are in need of redevelopment.
In crime news, two teens were arrested shoplifting from the 7-Eleven on Parker.
