Charles to helm WOBOE in 2018

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange Board of Education kicked off the new year with its reorganization meeting on Jan. 8, swearing in new BOE member Ken Alper, unanimously electing new President Ron Charles and Vice President Mark Robertson, and approving 2018 BOE liaisons. In addition to joining the board, Alper was designated as […]

Incoming freshman families ‘Transition to WOHS’

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Incoming freshman and their families had the opportunity to meet with district supervisors, learn about freshman curriculum and course choices, and ask questions of guidance department personnel at the “Transition to West Orange High School” event on Jan. 9. The evening was a new approach to the “Curriculum Night” previously offered […]

West Orange High School Poetry Out Loud winner crowned

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Sophomore Rachel Favetta was named the winner of the eighth annual Poetry Out Loud competition at West Orange High School. Freshman Shanelle Chambliss was named first runner-up. Favetta’s performances of “The Albatross,” by Kate Bass, and George Gascoigne’s “And If I Did, What Then?” resonated with judges and audience members alike. […]

DiVincenzo presents proposed 2018 county budget of $725.9M

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — On Wednesday, Jan. 10, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. presented a proposed 2018 budget of $725.9 million that, according to a press release from the county, stabilizes the county’s financial plan and addresses challenges stemming from ongoing national economic conditions. According to the county, layoffs have been avoided since 2004 […]

Former Gov. Brendan Byrne dead at 93

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Former Gov. Brendan Byrne, a West Orange native, died Thursday, Jan. 4, at the age of 93. The Democrat was a two-term governor of New Jersey, from 1974 to 1982. While in office, Byrne enacted the state’s first income tax, legalized casino gambling and led to the development of the Meadowlands […]

SOCO honors Smilow and Abramson, remembers MLK

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Residents of South Orange and Maplewood gathered at South Orange Middle School on Jan. 7 for the South Orange Civic Organization’s annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. and to give the Beloved Community Awards to two deserving residents. Featuring music, poetry and several speakers, the school’s theater was full despite […]