West Orange native, former priest to run for NJ governor

Political science expert says Hoatson has odds against him

West Orange native, former priest to run for NJ governor

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A West Orange native has thrown his hat into the ring for New Jersey’s gubernatorial race roughly a year before the 2017 election. Robert Hoatson, a former priest who now runs the Road to Recovery nonprofit organization, which assists sexual abuse victims, announced his intention to run in the Democratic primary […]

Firefighter’s hard work is rewarded

Firefighter’s hard work is rewarded

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Carmine Ruta was joined by his family at his promotion to fire captain at the Nov. 22 Township Council meeting. Additionally, Fire Chief Peter Smeraldo presented flowers to Ruta’s wife, Marybeth Ruta; it is a tradition to recognize the spouse of a firefighter at the firefighter’s promotion ceremony. Photos by Sean Quinn

West Orange Rotary provides dictionaries to third-graders

West Orange Rotary provides dictionaries to third-graders

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Each year, members of the West Orange Rotary Club give dictionaries to all third-grade students in the West Orange public schools as part of the club’s community outreach. Rotary volunteers recently stopped by Hazel Elementary School to distribute the dictionaries to the enthusiastic students. “The students are always excited to receive […]

Maplewood recognized for pedestrian safety efforts

Maplewood recognized for pedestrian safety efforts

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority recognized the township of Maplewood for its “vital contribution to making pedestrian safety a priority in the community.” The township received the award for “implementing the Street Smart NJ Pedestrian Safety Education campaign, and in doing so contributing to the goal of making New Jersey safer […]

GOA volleyball coach retires from program after 15 years

GOA volleyball coach retires from program after 15 years

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It is the end of an era for the Golda Och Academy’s girls volleyball program, as varsity coach Michael Karu has retired after 15 years nurturing the growth of the school’s female volleyball players. According to Karu, he leaves the program with a 134-87 record and a 2012 Colonial Division championship […]

Oheb Shalom concert sheds light on immigration issues

Synagogue continues legacy of supporting immigrants

Oheb Shalom concert sheds light on immigration issues

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Oheb Shalom Congregation in South Orange celebrated its 25-year anniversary of helping more than 40 emigres from the former Soviet Union resettle in the area with a free musical performance by professional cellist and former emigre Andrey Tchekmazov on Nov. 19. Tchekmazov, one of the children originally settled through Oheb Shalom’s […]

NCJW/Essex to host panel to combat sex trafficking

Symposium aims to keep children safe from trafficking

NCJW/Essex to host panel to combat sex trafficking

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Most people think of slavery as a terrible institution from our past and look to the outcome of the Civil War as the beacon that ended it. But they are wrong. The United Nations’ International Labor Organization estimates that there are more slaves worldwide now than there have been at any other […]

Town gets cooking for WOHS Principal’s Scholarship Fund

Things heat up as community raises scholarship money

Town gets cooking for WOHS Principal’s Scholarship Fund

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The heat was on in the West Orange High School Cafeteria on Friday, Nov. 18, as the West Orange High School Principal’s Scholarship Fund hosted its MasterChef Competition, with all proceeds going toward scholarships for graduating seniors. The five-judge panel for the competition included WOHS culinary teacher Derrick Gagner, professional chef […]

Two Towns Turkey Trot fundraiser draws record crowd

Two Towns Turkey Trot fundraiser draws record crowd

SOUTH ORANGE / MAPLEWOOD, NJ — On Saturday, Nov. 19, sunshine and nearly 60-degree temperatures greeted the more than 250 runners in the Two Towns Turkey Trot 5K and Kids’ Fun Run fundraiser for Seth Boyden School. The atmosphere was sociable, even festive. Race founder and 2016 sponsor Susie Adamson of Keller Williams Midtown Direct […]

MTL, community donate 49 Thanksgiving turkeys

MTL, community donate 49 Thanksgiving turkeys

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The Mountain Top League held its fourth annual food drive on Nov. 21 to benefit the Holy Trinity Food Pantry; once again, the West Orange community came through in a big way! In just more than two hours, the community donated more than 50 grocery bags filled with 49 turkeys, 10 […]