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 […]

Jazz and Brew Fest returns

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The 14th annual OSPAC Jazz and Brew Fest returns Saturday, Sept. 16, from noon to 9 p.m. at the Oskar Schindler Performing Arts Center, 4 Boland Drive in West Orange. The event will feature, in addition to some finely crafted beer, music from Oscar Perez, Bill Charlap, Alyson Williams, Jeff Bradshaw, […]

Krav maga classes for women

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Lyric Performing Arts Center in West Orange will host a five-week self-defense class for women, beginning Saturday, Sept. 9. All women, aged 13 and older, can participate in these sessions on Saturdays, Sept. 9, 16 and 23 and Oct. 7 and 14, from 9 to 10 a.m. at 106 Harrison Ave. […]

New pre-school to be named the Betty Maddalena Early Learning Center

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education recently announced that its members have finalized a lease agreement with The Life Christian Church on Northfield Avenue and will be moving the school district’s pre-school program from Kelly Elementary School to the new facility. “For many years, and through several boards, the West Orange […]

Green Hill hosts senior safety seminar

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Green Hill will hold a senior safety seminar on Thursday, Sept. 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at 103 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange. Topics will include scams and fraud, home and personal security, pedestrian and driver safety, and more, including a question-and-answer session. This event is open to the […]

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, […]

TBZ to construct new Shores of Africa Penguin Exhibit

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. announced on Aug. 16 that construction was under way for the new Shores of Africa Penguin Exhibit at Turtle Back Zoo. The African penguins will join the giraffes, lions and hyenas in the African Adventure, bringing all of Turtle Back’s animals from the largest continent […]

West Orange PAL Golf Outing

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Police Athletic League Golf Outing will be Monday, Aug. 28, beginning at 11 a.m. with a barbecue lunch and check-in, followed by a 12:30 p.m. shot gun start and 5:30 p.m. cocktail hour, and concluding with a 6:30 p.m. buffet dinner. The event will be held at Brooklake […]