Nia Fellowship Baptist Church celebrates 20-year anniversary

Nia Fellowship Baptist Church celebrates 20-year anniversary

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Nia Fellowship Baptist Church, established Feb. 9, 2002, celebrated its 20-year anniversary on Sunday, Feb. 27. The theme for the anniversary was “God’s Peculiar People, Persevering in Peculiar Times.” In keeping with the anniversary theme, the Rev. Alphonsus Platt, pastor at Nia Fellowship Baptist Church, delivered a message titled “Peculiar and […]

Cardinal Tobin distributes ashes during two Newark Masses

Cardinal Tobin distributes ashes during two Newark Masses

NEWARK, NJ — Many Catholics attended two Ash Wednesday Masses celebrated by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, archbishop of Newark, at St. Patrick’s Pro-Cathedral in Newark on March 2.  Tobin distributed ashes to long lines of people by sprinkling them on the tops of heads, forgoing the traditional forehead placement out of an abundance of caution […]

NJ launches statewide multimedia impaired-driving safety awareness campaign

NJ launches statewide multimedia impaired-driving safety awareness campaign

TRENTON, NJ — Acting Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety announced Feb. 28 the launch of a statewide multimedia campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of driving impaired — whether under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, illegal drugs, or prescription or over-the-counter medications. Building on the success of […]

Essex County middle schoolers recognized as finalists in oratorical competition at Seton Hall U.

Essex County middle schoolers recognized as finalists in oratorical competition at Seton Hall U.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — On Saturday, Feb. 26, seven Essex Country seventh- and eighth-grade boys were recognized as finalists in the 24th annual Belford V. Lawson Oratorical Competition. The seven students shared more than $5,000 in cash and prizes, including an Acer Chromebook, medal and cash to open a savings account at a local bank. […]

‘Windows for Women’ opens in Maplewood in celebration of Women’s History Month

‘Windows for Women’ opens in Maplewood in celebration of Women’s History Month

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — This March, Maplewood will resemble a townwide art gallery as some of Maplewood’s storefronts transform into exhibit spaces for the return of “Windows for Women.” This month-long event creates partnerships between women business owners and women artists to showcase original art pieces.  In celebration of Women’s History Month, 31 women-owned businesses have […]

Pernell delivers keynote at Newark Beth Israel’s Black History Month celebration

Pernell delivers keynote at Newark Beth Israel’s Black History Month celebration

NEWARK, NJ — Dr. Chris T. Pernell, a public health physician and social change agent, delivered a rousing keynote address at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center’s annual Black History Month celebration on Feb. 28. Newark Beth Israel also honored several local trailblazers who have dedicated a lifetime of service to the city of Newark, including […]

Baraka lifts indoor mask mandate in Newark

NEWARK, NJ — Mayor Ras J. Baraka announced that effective Wednesday, March 2, under a new executive order, the city of Newark has lifted the proof-of-vaccination mandate, and will no longer require persons to wear face masks while indoors in public places. Businesses have the discretion to require patrons and employees to wear face masks while in their establishment. […]

Jewish Family Service of MetroWest receives grant from Claims Conference

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Gideon Taylor, president of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, aka the Claims Conference, announced March 2 the allocation of $720 million in funds to more than 300 social welfare organizations globally to support home care and supportive services for frail and vulnerable Holocaust survivors. “We are proud to […]

Dozens turn out for WOAHO Black History Month program

Dozens turn out for WOAHO Black History Month program

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange African Heritage Organization held its annual Black History Month program on Wednesday, Feb. 23. With the 2022 theme of “Recognizing Black Fraternities,” the event was headlined by Essex County acting Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II, Hudson Community College professor Anthony Clark, attorney William Oliver and J. Roberts Associates […]