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 […]

Life is the bubbles at Maplewood Mermaid Camp

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — Maplewood Recreation’s newest offering, Mermaid Camp, launched at the Maplewood Community Pool on Aug. 14. Program creator and coach Kayla Spinelli shared her love for the ocean and the dive tank with community youth. Participants enjoyed five days of learning and crafting, and were fitted with custom fins that they got to […]

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 […]

Marching Mountaineers prep for season

WEST ORANGE, NJ — As a new school year begins, the West Orange High School marching band is preparing for its first halftime show of the season. The band’s new performance, titled “Rome: The Eternal City,” will debut at Suriano Stadium on Friday, Aug. 18, when the students return from their weeklong band camp in […]

SO Village installs ‘parklet’ in downtown

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Some South Orange residents may have noticed the new hangout spot on W. South Orange Avenue, where a wooden deck has been built containing tables and an area for shoppers to relax and meet their neighbors. This “parklet” was built as a collaboration between the village, the South Orange Village Center […]

100 years young!

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Above, Teresa Gernitis celebrated her 100th birthday Aug. 10, at Brighton Gardens of West Orange, a senior living facility, where she was joined in the festivities by Brighton Gardens employees. Photo Courtesy of Susan Haberman