Mayor orders buildings close by 11 p.m.

WEST ORANGE — The mayor has ordered that all township buildings with the exception of those used by emergency responders must close by 11 p.m. Mayor Susan McCartney said she issued this order primarily because Township Council meetings have been lasting too long. “Over the past few months, despite the Council President’s attempts to end […]

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Math Spelling Bee

There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Math Spelling Bee

EAST ORANGE, NJ — It started in the front rows of the 400-seat auditorium. Students began chanting “Where’s Mr. Bolivar? …Where’s Mr. Bolivar?” Within a moment’s breath, the rest of the auditorium joined in, chanting, ”Where’s Mr. Bolivar?” Where’s Mr. Bolivar?” The chant grew louder and louder, voices rising in unison and eyes glued to […]

Pollinator meadow restoration project begins in South Mountain

More than 30 volunteers came out on Saturday, June 17, to begin the transformation of the 43,000 square foot expanse of turf grass, south of the Shady Nook picnic area of the South Mountain Conservancy, into a vibrant pollinator meadow. By carefully selecting native species indigenous to this region of New Jersey, the goal is […]

Grads will always know what a ‘Ridger’ is

Grads will always know what a ‘Ridger’ is

GLEN RIDGE, NJ — Despite an afternoon rain which threatened a change of venue, the Friday, June 16, commencement ceremony, for the Glen Ridge High School class of 2023, was held on Hurrell Field, at six o’clock. One hundred and thirty-seven seniors were awarded diplomas. The welcoming address was given by Colin Pennington, the class […]

Local church hosting national meeting

Local church hosting national meeting

IRVINGTON, NJ — The Deliverance Jesus Is Coming Church on Springfield Avenue will host pastors and bishops from around the country later this month for the annual Family of God Convention. Bishop Brenda Groomes, who is secretary of the association of mostly pentecostal churches known as the Deliverance Jesus Is Coming Fellowship of Churches, said […]

Teacher, policeman and fire dept. honored

WEST ORANGE — The West Orange Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards dinner, recognizing an educator, a police officer, a business and a fire department for their actions during the past year. After introductory remarks by Board Member Adam Wolf, Pastor Terry Smith of The Life Christian Church gave a keynote speech, first praising […]

Men do some cooking to raise scholarship funds

Men do some cooking to raise scholarship funds

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange African Heritage Organization (WOAHO) held its annual Holcomb Scholarship Fundraiser called “Men Who Cook” on June 11. The event raises money and provides scholarships to college bound West Orange High School students. Dr. Ansley LaMar of the New Jersey City University Department of Psychology, was the keynote speaker […]

A new take on Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’

Five months into the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding decided to write a book. It was the end of August 2020, and they, like a lot of people, had spent much of the year working from home while their children were going to online school. Bellezza and Harding, who […]

Watsessing 6th-graders ready for middle school

Watsessing 6th-graders ready for middle school

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Watsessing Elementary School celebrated its class day on Friday, June 16, when the school’s sixth-graders, with middle school looming, ended their elementary school days. Witnessing the transition were applauding parents and teachers who lined the first-floor hallway as 44 students proceeded to the multipurpose room for awards and diplomas during the traditional […]