ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed two resolutions at its July 10 meeting that approved the allocation of $600,000 from the Recreation and Open Space Trust Fund to determine the feasibility of building an amphitheater at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange. One resolution approved the money and […]
With 3-2 vote, Council approves 2019 municipal budget of $85.7 million
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Township Council approved the 2019 municipal budget of $85,780,920.31 at its July 16 meeting, approving a tax increase of 8.5 percent, the highest increase in the last 10 years. The budget passed with a vote of 3-2, with Councilman Joe Krakoviak and Councilwoman Susan McCartney casting the opposing […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Roosevelt Middle School Library is swimming in books about sports, thanks to media specialist Meara Franowicz’s request for donations and an extra $419 from Sonic Drive-in, after the company launched a matching donations program in May in honor of Teacher Appreciation Month. Franowicz was reevaluating the collection of books at […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Scott Cascone became the new superintendent of the West Orange School District on July 10, when the West Orange Board of Education voted unanimously to approve his contract. Cascone comes to West Orange from Old Bridge Township Schools, where he was executive director of academics. In Old Bridge, Cascone oversaw curriculum, […]
SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The South Orange-Maplewood Board of School Estimates approved the $158.9 million Long Range Facilities Plan at its July 10 meeting, allowing the district to bond for upgrades and additional space at nearly every public school in the two towns. The plan includes $82 million to build additional space to […]
Women artists explore feminism in WOAC exhibition
WEST ORANGE, NJ — “The Future is Feminist” and it is now in West Orange. The mixed media show of art made by women is hanging on the walls of the West Orange Arts Center. Curated by Marina Carreira, the show is on display at the Valley Road gallery until July 27, and includes work […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The township’s annual Independence Day celebration drew residents from all around town to the fields behind West Orange High School. There were activities for the whole family, including a Kids Zone with games and rides for children, followed at dusk by a spectacular fireworks show. Throughout the festivities, residents were able […]
Romanaux explores color and skulls in his artwork
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Austin Romanaux is only 20 years old, but he’s already in the midst of his second solo art show, currently on display at the Grover House Gallery in Caldwell. The Maplewood native is a painter whose work has been shown in galleries since 2015, including at the South Orange Performing Arts Center. […]
WEST ORANGE, NJ — Svanfridur Mura spent four days between March and June protesting in front of West Orange’s Town Hall to ask the local and national governments to take action on climate change. The catch is that she skipped school to do it. Mura, who will be in eighth grade at Roosevelt Middle School […]
MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Thousands of people descended on Memorial Park in Maplewood on Thursday, July 4, for the Maplewood Civic Association’s annual Independence Day festivities. The event included a car show, pet show, parade, magician, food-decorating contests, a stuntman, live music and, of course, a spectacular fireworks show. Photos by Amanda Valentovic