GaslightThe South Orange

The Village is forming two new committees to These meetings The Gaslight advise the Board of Trustees. is published 10 times a year for the residents ■ The Redevelopment and business Committee will evaluate are for real! community of future downtown develop- South Orange Village. ment. Members will include The word is out. South tion. Interaction was so keen that representatives from Village Orange’s informal neighbor- the meeting was extended longer government, South Orange hood meetings are generating than scheduled. March 2006 residents, commercial prop- real discussion between resi- The next session will be Wed-

wo New Committees erty owners and business dents and trustees. nesday,April 19, at 7:30 p.m., at The owners. More than 100 Villagers packed Baird. Residents from zones three The best applicants will The Baird on Feb. 8 for the first of and four are invited, but the meet- have demonstrated experi- three informal sessions with Village ing is open to all Villagers. ence in one or more of the Trustees. Residents from eastern following: urban planning, and western zones generated dis- Check zone listings on page 2 architecture, economic devel- cussion on: to see which neighborhoods are Inside opment, retail, real estate • School safety and financing invited to the finance, real estate law or • Water billing irregularities April 19 ■ Don’t let a water real estate development. • Houses around Seton Hall meeting. ▲ leak burst your Application deadline: • Street lighting budget Friday, Mar. 24. • Downtown development ■ Penny Pretzel • Property taxes presents puppetry ■ The Property Trustees answered questions, for adults, Mar. 18. Revaluation Committee promised follow-up action, and pro-

Members Needed for T ■ needs 15 residents from all vided resources for public informa- Lee, Roditi & sections of South Orange to edu- Cain in two upcoming jazz cate the public about the formulae concerts at The used for revaluation and related Baird issues.Application deadline: Friday, Let’s talk schools: Mar. 15 ■ Mar. 31. Enrollment When district schools became the surprise hot topic at the Feb. 8 neighborhood/ help for seniors trustee meeting, Village leaders decided to schedule a separate forum to focus solely only on new Medicare To apply for either committee, on those issues, particularly school safety and financing. The special session will be held drug program Mar. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at The Baird. send a current resume, including ■ The meeting does not replace the already-scheduled April 19 and June 21 neighbor- Public Works education and employment experi- spring services ence, with a cover letter describing hood/trustee meetings. It is a supplemental session that came about when Villagers began (clip and save) your interest in serving, other com- asking what they could do to alleviate specific school district problems. The trustees said munity involvement, and any they needed more information since some of the issues were new to them. ▲ ■ Inserts: Spring potential conflict of interest. Those Cultural Arts & a resident survey on chosen must have serious interest Got SHU-related problems? communications in volunteering plus time for pub- Call (973) 412-0856 lic service. ■ Claudia E-mail to msmith@southorange. As good neighbors, the Seton Hall University Village Liaison Committee attended the Mattheiss named org, or fax to (973) 761-4357, or Villager of the Feb. 8 neighborhood/trustee meeting. They came bearing magnets for the Villagers to Month mail to Village Clerk, 101 South announce their new hotline. Residents should use the hotline whenever they encounter Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ problems with off-campus students, or when other issues arise, such as housing and 07079. ▲ parking problems in surrounding university neighborhoods. ▲ 1. Don’t let a CRC Summit II water leak Save the Date! Help Support CHS burst your Back by popular demand, the budget “CRC Summit II:An Afternoon of Extracurriculars Networking and Support for Volun- Imagine no sports, no band, no Surprise! You just teer Organizations” will be held school publications or theater opened your water bill Sunday, April 23, from 3:30 to 5 groups – none of the “extras” we all and there, staring you in p.m., at Pierro Gallery at The Baird. knew as teens.Without them, the face, is an $800 The Community Relations Columbia High would be a much charge.Why? Because there’s a leak Committee invites all nonprofit vol- different environment than it is on your property and you never unteer organizations to benefit today. knew about it. from practical support, networking That’s why the CHS Cougar Yes it has happened, right here and information-sharing. Boosters are holding their Eighth in South Orange. To learn more, call (973) 762- Annual Golf Classic on Monday, ▲ If you suspect a water leak in 0110 or visit [email protected]. April 24, at Maplewood Country your home or property, the water Big-hearted Club. Last year’s proceeds, totaling meter provided by East Orange volunteers Community more than $10,000, allowed the Water Commission can help you needed boosters to contribute funding for detect and measure the leak. All Coalition names numerous programs including newer meters have a triangle- The South Orange new executive Midnight Madness, the CHS year- shaped leak-detection hand that Police Department book, the All-School Musical and measures the amount of water used is seeking volun- Villager Robin Burns Saunders is Velocity Magazine. Six sports pro- for specific activities (such as land- teers to join its the new executive director of the grams received funding for new scaping), or the amount of water civilian Domestic South Orange/Maplewood equipment, and the group con- used by particular appliances. Violence Response Community Coalition on Race. She tributed toward new marching band Most meters are located outside Team. The DVRT succeeds former director Barbara uniforms, theater furnishings for the the house under a metal lid in the aids victims of Heisler-Williams. Parnassian Society, and more. parking strip, by the front curb, or domestic violence Saunders brings the coalition The nonprofit Cougar Boosters near the alley behind the house. by providing crisis significant achievement in strategic have been expanding opportunities Remove the lid and look at the face intervention, emo- planning, community outreach, vol- for CHS students for more than 30 of the meter. The triangular hand tional support and unteer management, fundraising, years. rotates if water is passing through referrals for addi- event-planning, and fiscal manage- This year’s golf tournament the meter. If no one is using water, tional social ser- ment. She is the former director of tickets are $180 per golfer, includ- but the triangle is turning, you may vices. Volunteers finance and administration for the ing cart, brunch and dinner. Evening have an undiscovered leak in your attend a 40-hour American Lung Association of New activities will include raffles and an plumbing system. training course, York City and previously directed auction. For more information, contact scheduled at their operations for the demonstration Tee signs are available for $100 East Orange Water Commission at convenience. project, Healthy Start of New York each and family signs for $25. (973) 266-8869. ▲ To learn more, City. Brunch and dinner sponsors and contact Officer Saunders is a graduate of the corporate sponsors are also needed. ‘Once Upon A Robert Raddi at Columbia University Institute for For details on golfing or dona- (973) 763-3000, Not for Profit Management. She tions, go to the Boosters web site, Gaslight’ DVDs x7783. ▲ chairs the strategic planning com- www.CHSCougarBoosters.org, or now available mittee of the Junior League of the contact golf chair Al Farah at (973) Oranges and Short Hills. ▲ 763-6817, or [email protected]. ▲ DVD copies of the film docu- mentary “Once Upon A Gaslight...A Walking Tour of South Orange” are now available. For a copy send your April 19 Neighborhood / Trustee Meeting Cont’d from page 1 name, address and phone number to South Orange Productions/Film Zone 3 - Beechspring Rd, Brookside Rd, Forest Rd, Franklin Pl, Franklin Ter, Glenside Rd, Harmon Rd, Hart Dr North, Hart Dr South, Highland Rd, Luddington Rd, Mayhew Ct, Mayhew Dr, Collaboration Group, P.O. Box 872, Melrose Pl, Overhill Rd,(east of Harding Dr), Ravine Rd, Redmond Rd, Ridgewood Rd North, South Orange, NJ 07079. The sug- Tillou Rd, Twin Oak Rd, Village Green Court, Walnut Ct, Wyoming Av. gested donation is $15 per DVD. Zone 4 - Centre St, Elm Ct, Fielding Ct, Finlay Pl, Hall Ct, Hamilton Rd, Hartford Ct, Hartford The documentary premiered last Rd, Holland Rd, Kenmore Av, Kingman Rd, Lackawanna Pl, Marion Av, Marshall Ct, Montrose Av. October. For information, contact (east of Grove Rd), Mosswood Av, Park Pl, Patricia Ct, Self Pl, Stanley Rd, Stirling Av, University Ct, Janet Warren at (973) 761-5739. ▲ Warren Ct, Warwick Av. (Zones 5 & 6 will meet June 21)

2. The South Orange Gaslight, March 2006 IT’S HAPPENING AT THE BAIRD!

Lee, Roditi & Cain in two upcoming jazz concerts Penny Pretzel Puppet Theatre Jazz at The Baird, the annual up-close-and-personal con- cert series continues. ‘Louie’s Fabulous Mardi Gras ■ Saturday, Mar. 18, 8 p.m. - the Quartet John Lee Adventure’ performs with special guest, Claudio Roditi. Gumbo, Mardi Gras, puppets and Lee, a South Orange resident, and world-renowned jazz Cajun storytelling will round out this bassist, is a composer, producer and teacher known for his Cajun adventure, offered Mar. 18, at 2 work with the Big Band, Sonny Rollins, Max p.m. Overhead projection, traditional Roach, McCoy Tyner, Larry Coryell and Joe Henderson.The shadow puppetry, and innovative story- quartet also features saxophonist Andre Boiarski, pianist telling will enhance the tale of a man Tomoko Ohno, and Karl Latham on drums. riding from house to house in search of Joining the quartet will be trumpeter/flugelhornist and one special gumbo ingredient to share at vocalist Claudio Roditi, who blends post-bop elements with the Mardi Gras feast.Tickets are $8. Brazilian rhythms. He has performed and recorded with Joe Claudio Roditi Henderson, ,Tito Puente, and McCoy Tyner. A PPP First: Puppetry for Adults! ■ A trio of puppet shorts for adults is Saturday, April 8, 8 p.m. – Jazz vocalist Jackie Cain offered Mar. 18 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12. is a treasure of jazz and American popular song, with a 50- ■ “The Bride,” a multi-media theatre work fea- year recording history. She and her husband, the late Roy turing life-sized puppets. History, sociology and Kral, singer/pianist/arranger, recorded more than 40 albums Frankenstein are blended in an Orwellian look at how and had one of the longest partnerships in contemporary and whom we worship in contemporary society. music. Cain’s ability to perform intricate vocal parts flawless- ■ “The Grand Falloons,” a story based on Isaac ly at any tempo is legendary among singers. Frank Sinatra Bashevis Singer’s “The First Shlemiel.” said,“You could tune a piano by Jackie Cain’s voice.” ■ “Miracle on Monroe Street: A puppet story in a suitcase,” the tale of a nine-year-old girl’s near fatal Jackie Cain Tickets for either concert are $15 in advance or $17 at fall off a tenement roof in 1909. the door. To purchase, visit http://southorange.recware.com, For information or advance tickets, or go to The Baird or Mailboxes Etc. in South Orange. For visit www.geocities.com/pennypretzel more information call (973) 378-7754 or visit www.the- playhouse, or call (973) 378-7754. baird.org. ▲ Dreamcatcher Mar. 25 - Multiple Personality Register Now! Disorder, the improvisational comedy Youth Recreation Programs troupe, will bring audience ideas to life with hilarious and unpredictable results. Summer Playground Program Jaguar Track Registration Join the fun at 8 p.m. All tickets are $10. Registration for the South Orange In this competitive club for boys Summer Playground Program begins and girls ages 6 to 18, participants Mar. 1. The seven-week, half-day, fair- develop superior track and field skills, PIERRO GALLERY weather program includes games, physical fitness, and self-esteem.Athletes OF SOUTH ORANGE sports, music, art, swimming, special compete in local, regional and national events and field trips. Grouped by meets within gender and age groups. On Display through April 30 age and grade, children meet in The team is supported by an active Anecdotes: Narrative Paintings designated parks or playgrounds in parent association, critical to the suc- South Orange. Time is built into each Opening Reception, Mar. 12, 3 to 5 cess of the program. day for unstructured play under p.m., with a gallery talk at 2 p.m. supervision of camp counselors. Four emerging artists: Erinn Frayer, Registration Wendy Letven, Nicholas Rosal, and • Thursday, Mar. 23, 7:30 to 9 p.m. Philip Shimko, use bold colors or stark • Saturday, Mar. 25, 10 a.m. to noon. palettes to create unique moments in time. ▲ Details & online registration: http://southorange.recware.com. 3. Library Events HAPPENINGS For info call (973) 762-0230 Deceased soldier from S.O. April Fool’s Day Art Get assistance for Medicare to be honored on Peace Day Exhibit Augie An art exhibition and auction to prescription drug program Schroeder, benefit the Newcomers Club of Having trouble with the govern- a South South Orange and Maplewood will ment’s new Medicare Prescription Orange be held Saturday, April 1 at the Drug Program (Medicare Part D)? S.O. Library native and Woman’s Club of Maplewood. Enjoy From now until May 15, seniors who Spring Columbia hors d’oeuvres, wine and cheese, a need help signing up for the pro- Concert, High gradu- drawing for a special door prize and ate who a silent auction. gram can consult with a reference April 2 librarian from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., died in Iraq The preview begins at 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and The library’s 14th last August, and the auction at 8 p.m. The Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. annual “ Welcome will be hon- Woman’s Club is located at 60 Librarians cannot choose a plan to Springtime ored on Woodland Road in Maplewood. for a senior, but can assist them in Musical Concert” Mar. 18 when South Mountain Peace Admission is $10 per person. For accessing the Medicare Web site, will be held Action re-dedicates the peace tickets or information, call (973) querying health plan options, and Sunday, April 2, memorial at the Ethical Culture 313-1752. For babysitting arrange- obtaining further assistance. from 3 to 4 p.m. Society at 516 Prospect Street in ments call Jenner Watson at (973) The Library Enrollment Hear Broadway Maplewood. 762-8118. Assistance Program is an initiative show tunes and The ceremony will conclude an sponsored by Congressman Donald popular music afternoon of activities sponsored by Three programs at S.O. / Payne to help educate seniors about while enjoying South Mountain Peace Action.The Maplewood Adult School the benefits of Medicare Part D. For delicious refresh- second annual “Be About Peace Day” The following programs are information, call the library refer- ments. All are features arts and crafts for children presented at Columbia High ence desk. welcome. ages two and older along with a School at 7:30 p.m. For informa- puppet show,T-shirt painting, music, tion, call (973) 378-7620 or visit Thursday Lectures a silent auction and more. www.somadult-school.org. Peace Day extends from 1 to 5 All sessions at 1 p.m. ■ “The Politics of Genocide: p.m. at Maplewood Memorial Mar. 16 – “Fairies, Leprechauns and Little Rwanda 1994 and Darfur 2004,” Library. Entry is free; donations are People,” a talk and slide presentation with Seton with Suliman Ali Baldo, director of Hall English Professor John Sweeney. optional. For more information, call the Africa program at the Interna- Mar. 23 – “Inner Health Through Buddhist (973) 763-9493 or visit tional Crisis Group in New York. Meditation,” with Peter Kurczynski, resident www.BeAboutPeace.com. teacher at Dharmachakia Buddhist Center. Mar. 20. Admission $13. Mar. 30 – A performance by Seton Hall stu- ■ “Conflict, Flight, Exile and dents of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” Family Hoedown! Repatriation in the Horn of Africa,” directed by Deirdre Yates, communications pro- Prospect Co-op Nursery School with Dr. Assefaw Bariagaber, associ- fessor. presents a Family Hoedown on ate professor, School of Diplomacy April 6 – “The Past Thirty Years,” with April 29 at Prospect Presbyterian Board of at Seton Hall University, and consul- Stephen Schoeman, lawyer and professor of Church in Maplewood. Two dances tant to U.N. High Commission for political science at Rutgers and Fordham univer- Education are scheduled: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., sities. Refugees. April 3. Admission $13. Election for people of all ages.Tickets, $35 ■ April 13 – “Jews and Christians: Passover Celebrity Readings - Broadway per family. For information, contact and Holy Week - Easter,” with Father Lawrence April 18 sensation Christine Ebersole will Frizzell, director of the Institute of Judaeo- Sheri Carline at (973) 327-4066 or perform a live reading of a great Christian Studies at Seton Hall. Last day to [email protected]. short story with register: actors David Regular Programs March 28 Packers registration Wohl and Eddie • S. O. Book Review Group (adults) – The South Orange/Maplewood Korbich, in a Monday, April 3, 7:30 p.m., “Gilead,” by Last day to apply Packers, a Pop Warner cheerleading program mod- Marilynne Robinson. Monday, May 1, 7:30 p.m., for an absentee and football organization, will hold eled on National “The Devil in the White City,” by Erik Larson. ballot: April 11 registration on Thursday, Mar. 16, at Public Radio's • Star Book Group (grades six and up) – 7:30 p.m., at Clinton School in popular show, Thursday, Mar. 16, 4 p.m., “Treasure Island,” by Robert Louis Stevenson. Thursday, April 20, 4 Maplewood. Boys and girls, ages 5 “Selected Shorts.” The event is a p.m., “Hoot,” by Carl Hiaasen. to 15 are welcome. Teen and adult benefit for the adult school. Mar. • Open Stage Teen Poetry Reading (9th coaches also needed. For more infor- 27. Tickets are $20 in advance or grade and up) - Thursdays, Mar. 16 and April mation, visit www.msopackers.org. $25 at the door. ▲ 20, 7 p.m. ▲

The South Orange Gaslight, March 2006 4. Spring/Summer 2006 S.O.S.O. PublicPublic WorksWorks

General Guidelines DPW Yard Mar. 27 – May 8 • Tw o proofs of residency required. • Commercial vehicles prohibited ‘06 Spring Cleanup • Hours: 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Grass Clippings • Arrival: no later than 1:30 p.m. Branches & Leaves South Orange Disposal will pick up grass Residents can place the following clippings in plastic bags only, from April 1 to materials at curbside for township pickup: Nov. 1. Limit: two bags per week and 30 (1.) Branches - Must be less than four pounds per bag. Proper placement is at the ‘06 Container Days inches in diameter. Branches measuring resident’s curb on the second garbage col- Saturdays April 22, May 20, June 24, July two inches or less in diameter should be lection day of the week. 22,Aug. 26 and Sept. 30 tied into bundles with cord or twine. All other dates will be announced in Branches may never be placed in the Humus & Shredded Wood future editions of the Gaslight. street or on sidewalks, but on the grass Residents only may pick up small quanti- Residents may discard unwanted strip between the curb and sidewalk, or ties of these materials at the DPW yard. household items at the DPW Yard at 300 on the grass just beyond the curb if no Humus is decomposed leaves, finely tex- Walton Avenue. Special disposal containers sidewalk exists. tured and dark colored, frequently used as a will be provided. Not Permitted: roots, stumps, or soil supplement for gardens and flowerbeds. branches larger than four inches in diame- It can be mixed with soil for enrichment. Permissible Disposals ter. Shredded Wood is a double-hammer- (2.) Leaves,Yard Clippings, Garden Furniture or mattresses, appliances, milled, medium-textured, hardwood mulch Rakings - Material must be placed in branches under four inches in diameter, used as an attractive top dressing for gar- brown biodegradable paper bags only. Bags metal items, toys, small household items, dens and flowerbeds, or around trees. It may may be placed between sidewalks and tools, strollers, and playpens. contain bits of rock or other materials, and curbs, but not on sidewalks or in the Note: metals and appliances must be has not been treated in any way. street. separated from other household items. Leaves may not be raked into the Ordering Humus or Shredded Wood street for spring cleanup. Loose leaves or • Beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, Mar. 20, Non-Permissible Disposals material in plastic bags will not be picked the township will accept appointments for Paint cans (empty or not), propane up. free delivery of humus and shredded wood bottles, any hazardous chemicals or their Residents who disregard guidelines to South Orange residents.The first delivery containers, construction materials, grass one and two can be charged with viola- date will be Tuesday, April 11. clippings, household garbage, car/truck tion of the Municipal Housing Code. • For a delivery appointment and form, parts, batteries of any size, stumps, root or more information, call (973) 378-7741. sections, branches measuring more than No Overlap on Placement Dates: • Only one product may be ordered four inches in diameter, and railroad ties. • Materials cannot be placed at curb- each month. DPW staff will prohibit other items as side until Mar. 27. • Quantities per household are limited. necessary. • The last date for placement is • Products are delivered loose to the Monday, May 8. driveway, just past the sidewalk.

South Orange Department of Public Works, 300 Walton Avenue (973) 378-7741 Villager of the Month Claudia Mattheiss One such site some more,”said Claudia. was an unused The work day extended from prison farm stable 6 a.m. to midnight. Meals were at Dixon prison fare and bedrooms were Correctional tents on the prison grounds. In Institution, a Then there were the inmates. Touch medium-security “What a bunch of great guys!” said with prison in Jackson, Claudia. Men with names like Village La. Claudia and a “Tuna,”“Hollywood,”“T-Bone”and Government dozen others vol- “Pumpkin.” unteered for the “I can honestly say that these General Info. duty, a daunting gentlemen surprised me more than (973) 378-7715 task not only anything.They were the best dog Emergency, 911 because it was a handlers I have ever met, had more Clerk’s Office, x1 Administrator, x2 prison, but also patience than most people I know, Construction, x3 Claudia Mattheiss has worked because the animals were trauma- were kind and caring, helpful and Tax Collector, x4 with animals her whole life, so tized and hard to handle. Part of incredibly respectful.They were Assessor, x5 when Hurricane Katrina hit, it was their task was teaching prisoners to emotional when their favorite dog Welfare, x5 no surprise that she bolted to New care for more than 150 terrified, was picked up, but ready to find a Finance, x6 Orleans to help rescue 7,800 strand- abandoned animals. new favorite to give extra attention Engineer, x7 ed animals. Mornings began with 6 a.m. to.” Parking Auth., x8 Volunteers from across the runs to the city to pick up a new Claudia left New Orleans on Health Officer Ccountry “signed up to help but batch of animal refugees, including Oct. 21 but the indelible impres- x2012 Animal Control nobody really knew what to dogs, cats and birds. The animals sion will never leave her psyche. 378-7745 expect,”she said. Once there,“the stayed at DCI until they were con- At Dixon Correctional Institution, Fire Dept. devastation blew me away and I nected with their owners or adopt- “I saw patience, compassion, caring 378-7751 could not even imagine how any- ed. and kindness in a place where I Library body would want to live there Volunteers treated wounds, never expected to find such quali- 762-0230 again.” bathed the animals, administered ties.” Through the people and ani- Police Dept. But three weeks later, she was medication, and walked each dog mals of New Orleans,“I realized the 378-7775 shedding tears at the prospect of three times a day.“Most of the time, need for compassion, love and a Public Works leaving. we walked and walked and walked second chance.” ▲ 378-7708 Recreation & Claudia’s adventure began with Cultural Affairs the New York ASPCA. Her volunteer 378-7754 application was quickly accepted Recycling Info. & because she’s a licensed veterinari- Street Dept. an’s technician with extensive shel- 378-7741 ter experience. Water Service She made arrangements for her 266-8869 two teenaged children, got a paid Township of South Orange Village Bulk leave from the Swiss financial com- South Orange, NJ 07079 U.S. Postage pany where she works in PAID Manhattan, and set off for New Permit No. 5 Orleans on Sept. 30. Her trip was South Orange, NJ To submit funded by the Humane Society of information for Louisiana and she was part of the The South second wave of animal rescuers. Orange Initially, only veterinarians were Postal Customer Gaslight, allowed to go. Local 07079 send to Editor Robin Patric, Claudia went first to the animal c/o Village Hall triage center at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center in New Orleans. But when Lamar’s operational funds began running out, unclaimed ani- mals had to be transferred to other shelters or homes. Village Web Site: www.southorange.org E-mail for Village Administrator: [email protected] 6. The South Orange Gaslight, March 2006