YMCA gets grant to fight mental health crisis

EAST ORANGE, NJ — The East Orange YMCA will benefit from a $337,000 federal grant given to the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges to bolster the Y’s mental health services for staff and the community. “This award will support our efforts to build a strong foundation for addressing the mental health crisis facing our communities […]

Sub shops to raise money for Maplewood charity

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Maplewood-based Valerie Fund is one of the charities that will benefit from Jersey Mike’s Subs 13th Annual March “Month of Giving” campaign to support local charities. The Month of Giving campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 29, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 […]

Django festival will return to Maplewood in May

Django festival will return to Maplewood in May

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Stephane Wrembel wants people to know the beauty of Gypsy culture. “I want people to be exposed to French gypsy culture,” Wrembel said. “To be exposed to the Gypsy life, there is something magical to it. It can’t be explained, you must witness it.” Wrembel, a jazz guitarist who is French but […]

Students ‘Get Lit With Reading’ at Cicely Tyson school

Students ‘Get Lit With Reading’ at Cicely Tyson school

EAST ORANGE, NJ — The “Book Worms” shared smiles, laughter, hugs, and high fives after the team was declared the victors of the first annual “Reading Trivia Bowl.” The event, which took place at Cicely L. Tyson Middle/High School, started as a collaboration between Assistant Principal Ameenah Poole and Literacy Arts Coach Fay Carr and […]

Carteret Elementary decorates to be inclusive

Carteret Elementary decorates to be inclusive

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The doors to Carteret Elementary School classrooms were decorated last month to make everyone feel welcomed, according to guidance counselor Marrissa Acosta. “For Martin Luth King, Jr. Day, last year, we picked someone famous and decorated the doors with their inspiration. But this year, we wanted something more personal to the students […]

East Orange native recalls life saving transplant

EAST ORANGE — Christine Williams recently celebrated seven years since her life was saved by a double-lung transplant at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. The East Orange native and lifelong New Jersey resident enjoyed this milestone with loved ones and friends, including her five children, nine grandchildren, and a great-grandson. “I feel like every day […]

Elks raise funds to help girls

Elks raise funds to help girls

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — The South Orange Elks have raised more than $4,000 for Girls Helping Girls. Period. In February, the Elks hosted their annual Galentine’s Day Dance Party, organized by members Christy Harmon, Elizabeth Olson, Erica Dagley Galea and Kelly McKestern. The party included DJ Preston Olson, who is an Elk, and the organization […]