Bloomfield restaurant provides free Easter meals

Bloomfield restaurant provides free Easter meals

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — This past Easter was a difficult one for many celebrants, as they could not observe the holiday with their usual company and customs. For some, the holiday was even more difficult, as they worried about where their Easter meal would come from. But Bloomfield businessman Salvatore Siconolfi, who owns Bella Napoli restaurant, […]

Glen Ridge Music Bridge connects residents

Glen Ridge Music Bridge connects residents

GLEN RIDGE, NJ — During this difficult time, many are finding it unsettling to stay in their homes for longer than originally anticipated. Face-to-face technology and social media have been instrumental in helping people stay connected with loved ones. Glen Ridge is now using technology in another way, to further foster communication and to ease […]

SOMA libraries prove they are essential

SOMA libraries prove they are essential

MAPLEWOOD / SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — On a normal Saturday, the staff at the Maplewood Public Library checks out about 500 items to patrons. But normal Saturdays aren’t normal anymore. The COVID-19 pandemic is still keeping the doors of nonessential businesses and services closed, and that includes public libraries. Maplewood and South Orange, having both […]

Lt. gov. joins East Orange virtual town hall meeting as special guest

Lt. gov. joins East Orange virtual town hall meeting as special guest

EAST ORANGE, NJ — Since the outbreak of COVID-19, East Orange Mayor Ted Green has been hosting a weekly virtual town hall meeting. On April 16, the Facebook Live meeting featured Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who discussed key issues, such as state relief programs, resources for small businesses, unemployment, the northeast coalition’s coordination plan to […]

A 21st-century library for a 21st-century crisis

A 21st-century library for a 21st-century crisis

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Like every other library in the country, the West Orange Public Library was forced to close when the COVID-19 pandemic began to shut down nonessential businesses in an effort to keep people home to prevent the spread of the virus. But that didn’t stop the staff from working, setting up online […]

Learn about music via Stravinsky’s ‘The Firebird’

Learn about music via Stravinsky’s ‘The Firebird’

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Long before social distancing guidelines were put into effect, when people could still leave their homes to go to a concert, George Marriner Maull directed Summit’s Discovery Orchestra in “Discover ‘The Firebird,’” one of the orchestra’s interactive performances. The concert, which took place in September, was filmed; it will air on NJTV […]

As lockdown continues, Vauss urges residents to follow the rules

As lockdown continues, Vauss urges residents to follow the rules

IRVINGTON, NJ — Mayor Tony Vauss is vigorously working to enforce the Irvington, Newark, East Orange and Orange four-city lockdown, consistently meeting with the other mayors to reassess.  “I’ve issued an executive order that complies with the governor’s order to make sure that we’re doing our part,” Vauss said in a recent update. “Our major […]

Bloomfield Library uses new methods to reach community

Bloomfield Library uses new methods to reach community

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — The Bloomfield Public Library hasn’t been open for more than a month. Physically, that is. After being forced to close the library due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the staff swiveled from scheduling in-person programs and checking out books to scheduling online programs and checking out e-books. The BPL has been operating as […]