Berkeley Elementary joins state breakfast program

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A small fair was held on the grounds of Berkeley Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 29, to kickoff a big step forward. Beginning this year, children attending the school will be able to receive a free breakfast under a program called “Breakfast After the Bell.” A bill requiring districts to establish the program […]

SOMA Action revs up for midterm elections

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — After the 2016 presidential election, two groups of people gathered in their kitchens and living rooms in Maplewood and South Orange to discuss what it would mean for politics in the United States. When the groups heard about each other, they joined forces to become SOMA Action, an organization […]

Former resident recalls being publicist for Woodstock

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Staged 49 years ago, from Aug. 15 to 18, 1969, the Woodstock music festival was a turning point for former Glen Ridge resident Dick Gersh. Already a well-regarded publicist with clients such as Jackie Gleason and Tony Bennett, Gersh said in a recent interview at Fitzgerald’s over brunch, that Woodstock helped define his […]

SOMS teacher takes a bow as work is nominated for Emmy

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Six diverse high school productions of the Disney musical “Mary Poppins” were the subject of “I Can’t, I Have Rehearsal,” the Emmy-nominated documentary film produced by South Orange Middle School teacher Frank Guastella. “I Can’t, I Have Rehearsal,” takes an in-depth look at how six different high schools across the state […]

‘Drill Family Flamingo Exhibit’ opens at Turtle Back Zoo

WEST ORANGE, NJ — On Wednesday, Aug. 29, Turtle Back Zoo unveiled its new flamingo exhibit, dedicated as the “Drill Family Flamingo Exhibit” in honor of the West Orange family’s long-time relationship with the zoo, which dates back to the zoo’s original opening in 1963. “The flamingo exhibit is a dynamic attraction that will captivate […]

Two police officers give back to the area they patrol

IRVINGTON, NJ — When it comes to members of the Irvington Police Department volunteering their time, energy and resources to the people they are sworn to protect, Mayor Tony Vauss and Public Safety Director Tracy Bowers said that is OK with them. “Police officers giving their all when they are working is something to be […]

Nutley 18U baseball team wins Essex championship

NUTLEY, NJ — The Nutley 18U baseball team, consisting of Nutley High School players, won the High School Development League Essex County Division Gold Bracket playoff championship this summer. NHS 2016 graduates Anthony Condito and Andrew Connor are the head coach and assistant coach for Nutley, respectively. They were teammates at NHS. Condito is the […]

Linden Avenue School on track for opening day

GLEN RIDGE, NJ — At Linden Avenue School, Principal Joseph Caravela said the improvements these past few months have been the most he has seen accomplished during any summer since he started at the school 15 years ago. Entering the building, bluestone steps have been installed. “These steps are amazing,” he said earlier this week. “When […]