Making SOMA a model for the country

Making SOMA a model for the country

Jason Bing believes an education shouldn’t be about just getting a diploma. “I’m a firm believer that getting a high school diploma shouldn’t be the bar. We have to go beyond that,” said Bing, who was recently hired to be superintendent of the South Orange and Maplewood School District. “Whatever I’m doing in the classroom, […]

Downtown fun on Thursday nights

Downtown fun on Thursday nights

Downtown West Orange has stepped up its Thursday night game this year, adding more events to draw more people to different spots along the township’s lengthy Main Street. “We’ve been doing Downtown Thursdays for five years now,” Councilperson Michelle Casalino said. “Our strategy is to drive people to our downtown with different events to assist […]

Old home makes way for new homes

Old home makes way for new homes

ORANGE — It took about an hour for the 143-year-old building at 179 Central Place to come down. “It was built in 1881,” said Walter D. McNeil Jr., executive director of the Orange Housing Authority. “You can imagine, the building materials were not the best.” It was a two family home acquired by the Orange […]

Heat nor rain can stop Maplewoodstock

Heat nor rain can stop Maplewoodstock

MAPLEWOOD — Maplewoodstock, the annual music and art festival in Memorial Park, was held last weekend before a large and energetic crowd that dealt with oppressive heat, heavy rain and thunder but still seemed to have a good time. “Everything went terrifically well,” said Tarquin Learned, a long-time member of the committee that runs the […]

Nassan’s Place founder is honored

Nassan’s Place founder is honored

Nadine Wright-Arbubakkr has been given a $25,000 Russ Berrie award, recognizing her work with an East Orange based non-profit that helps people with autism and their families in underserved areas. Wright-Arbubakkr said she felt humbled and grateful to be included just among the nominees but to actually win was very special. “I was truly honored […]