FAMILYConnections kicks off backpack collection

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — FAMILYConnections, a local counseling and family services agency, has announced the start of a “Got Your Back” backpack drive to benefit students in the agency’s Outreach to At-Risk Youth and School-Based Youth Services programs. Donations of individual school items and full backpacks will be accepted through Sept. 1 and can be […]

SO Rotary to host fundraiser for SORS

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — South Orange Rotary is hosting a Happy Hour for Charity to benefit the South Orange Rescue Squad on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 6 to 7 p.m. at SORS’ new headquarters at 62 Sloan St. Food will be supplied by Reservoir Restaurant, and beverages include beer and wine. RSVP to RotaryClubSOnj@gmail.com.

Life is the bubbles at Maplewood Mermaid Camp

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood Recreation’s newest offering, Mermaid Camp, launched at the Maplewood Community Pool on Aug. 14. Program creator and coach Kayla Spinelli shared her love for the ocean and the dive tank with community youth. Participants enjoyed five days of learning and crafting, and were fitted with custom fins that they got to […]

Big grins and high fives at B2SS

WEST ORANGE, NJ — “I got the coolest stuff!” said one young boy running up to greet his father after attending the ninth annual NCJW/Essex Back 2 School Store on Sunday, July 30. “My new backpack makes me feel smart and important!” said another child. With walls completely lined with coats, rows of new sneakers, […]

Vehicle vs. building with fire at 1753 Springfield Ave.

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — On Friday, Aug. 18, at approximately 10 p.m., the Maplewood Fire Department responded to 1753 Springfield Ave. after Maplewood police observed smoke and fire resulting from a motor vehicle collision. Upon arrival, Maplewood firefighters observed significant damage on the side of the building with visible fire around the electrical service and a […]

10 to run for 3 open seats on SOMA BOE

MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — With a few months to go until the November general election, it is shaping up to be an exciting time in South Orange and Maplewood, with 10 candidates running for three open seats on the South Orange-Maplewood Board of Education. Incumbents Elizabeth Baker, the current board president, and Donna […]

SO Village installs ‘parklet’ in downtown

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Some South Orange residents may have noticed the new hangout spot on W. South Orange Avenue, where a wooden deck has been built containing tables and an area for shoppers to relax and meet their neighbors. This “parklet” was built as a collaboration between the village, the South Orange Village Center […]

Cierkowski gives back

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Through A Sip of Art, a paint and sip art studio located in West Orange that opened in 2016, Efe Cierkowski of South Orange donates a portion of her business’ sales from private parties to local charities and school PTAs. Cierkowski has donated more than $8,000 to organizations such as the […]