Irvington native sees success on film circuit

Irvington native sees success on film circuit

IRVINGTON, NJ — Irvington native Damon “Abwon” Clindinin is continuing his slow climb to the top of the media and film industry, dominating the field as a media producer and personality. Now, through his media company and award-winning short films, Clindinin is reaping the benefits of seeds he has sown through dedication and out-of-the-box creativity. […]

East Orange launches 10,000 Fathers Initiative

East Orange launches 10,000 Fathers Initiative

EAST ORANGE, NJ — When it comes to representation, it’s important for children to know that there’s no ceiling for their dreams. Role models are important, especially within the black and brown communities. Thus, East Orange launched its 10,000 Fathers Initiative beginning Sept. 8, 9 and 10, with volunteer role models welcoming students back to […]

Essex County remembers on 20th anniversary of 9/11

Essex County remembers on 20th anniversary of 9/11

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Essex County marked the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center with a ceremony at Eagle Rock Reservation, at which the names of the 57 county residents who died in the attacks were read. Among the speakers were Deborah Calimano, a flight attendant with United Airlines; […]

Columbia High School marching band is back in red and black

Columbia High School marching band is back in red and black

MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The members of the Columbia High School marching band didn’t even wear their uniforms last year. The fall 2020 season was different from usual, the COVID-19 pandemic still upending what a normal school year looked like even six months after lockdown began in March. So the planned marching band […]

Bloomfield High social studies educator is named Teacher of the Year

Bloomfield High social studies educator is named Teacher of the Year

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The new school year is little more than a week old, but the Bloomfield High School social studies department is already winning awards. Shamshadeen Mayers, who teaches Advanced Placement United States history and Advanced Placement comparative government and politics at BHS, won the Teacher of the Year Award from the New Jersey […]

Play directed by Glen Ridge’s Wooten deftly explores one family’s relationships in 1933 Germany

Play directed by Glen Ridge’s Wooten deftly explores one family’s relationships in 1933 Germany

UNION, NJ — Premiere Stages, the professional acting company in residence at Kean University, has resumed production after a two-year, pandemic-induced hiatus with the staging of “Year One,” a 90-minute one-act play by Erik Gernand. The play was directed by Glen Ridge resident John Wooten. “Year One” is about the conflict within a multigenerational family […]

Students thrilled as they head back to school in West Orange

Students thrilled as they head back to school in West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Students from preschool through senior year returned to school in West Orange on Sept. 9, many for the first time in nearly 18 months.  Mask protocols were in place in all schools. After months of planning, the district hopes to return to some level of normalcy. Though Hurricane Ida caused some […]