‘Can Journalism Save Democracy?’

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — On Thursday, March 8, SOMA Action will host a discussion led by a panel of prominent journalists on the role of the press in the age of President Trump. Panel participants are: John Cassidy, staff writer for The New Yorker; Mary Alice Williams, anchor of NJTV News; and Tara George, professor […]

Glen Ridge photo contest seeks shots of boro trees

GLEN RIDGE, NJ — Almost every description of Glen Ridge mentions its lovely trees, which seem to captivate during every season of the year. But, sometimes, in the mass of our trees, the unique beauty of an individual specimen is overlooked. It is for this reason that the Glen Ridge Shade Tree Commission is sponsoring […]

Music Faculty Scholarship Concert features touching tribute to Joel Perry

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The 17th annual Music Faculty Scholarship Concert showcased the talents of the West Orange School District’s music faculty and paid tribute to Redwood Elementary School music teacher Joel Perry, who died in September 2017. The Feb. 6 concert was held at Liberty Middle School and featured solo, duet and group performances […]

Freeholders honor Mordecai, Holmes at BHM celebration

NEWARK, NJ — The Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders held its 2018 Black History Month celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Hall of Records in Newark. The ceremony commemorated the heritage, culture, resilience and spirit of the black community. Freeholder President Brendan Gill began the program with opening remarks and acknowledged black contributions, […]

Katz to step down from helm of Luna Stage

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Cheryl Katz, Luna Stage’s artistic director, recently announced her decision to step down at the end of the current 2017-2018 season. Katz has been a staff member for more than 15 years and artistic director for the past five years. To succeed Katz, the board has chosen Ari Laura Kreith, who […]

CHS to help students plan their futures

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Columbia High School will hold a College, Career, Gap Year and Military Night on Wednesday, March 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Main Gym, off of the Valley Street entrance, at the school, 17 Parker Ave. in Maplewood. At this SOMA community event, which is sponsored by the CHS guidance […]

Two towns top $31K to end gun violence

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — South Orange Village President Sheena Collum and Maplewood Mayor Victor DeLuca announced Feb. 21 that the joint Facebook fundraiser between the two communities to support Everytown for Gun Safety closed after just 50 hours with $30,660 in donations from 645 individual donors. “We never thought we would even come […]

Two towns celebrate women’s history

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Women officials in South Orange and Maplewood, in partnership with business districts, have launched SOMAWomen.org, the official site of SOMA Celebrates Women’s History Month where residents from the two towns can learn about upcoming events and businesses can participate by submitting promotions and offerings for the month of March. […]