EAST ORANGE, NJ- Firefighters contended with treacherous conditions on Mother's Day as they worked to contain a fully involved structure fire at 31 Beech Street in East Orange. The building was vacant and the cause of the fire was not immediately available. "The biggest problem fighting it was the type of construction," said Interim Fire Chief Bruce Davis. "The fire was in void spaces, the parapet collapsed, and the roof collapsed." Thick smoke billowed into the sky from second and third floor windows sending a cloudy haze across a 4 block radius while crews fought the fire ..read more

Essex County, NJ – The 107-year old Essex County Parks Administration building will receive a facelift. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. announced plans to rehabilitate the Essex County Parks Administration Building in Newark. The project includes preserving the building’s historical features and modernizing office and work areas. “The building at 115 Clifton Avenue in Newark has been the epicenter of the administration of and planning for our historic Parks System for 107 years. After more than a century of service, the building is showing signs of regular wear and tear a ..read more

ORANGE, NJ - The Clarity Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Orange, NJ, has announced their inaugural fundraising gala, the Sneaker Ball. The event, which will take place on June 3rd, aims to raise awareness and funds for causes bigger than themselves within the Orange community. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best formal attire, but with a twist - guests are encouraged to wear sneakers.The Sneaker Ball is not only a celebration but also an opportunity to network and share ideas on how to collaborate and help educate and advance those seeking to make a difference ..read more

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ - Entering their school library at South 17th Street Elementary School in Newark to a celebratory applause, 20 young men were recognized by the Alpha Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated as they completed the Project Alpha program. This program engages young men in 6th, 7th and 8th grade with monthly mentoring sessions covering a range of topics, including financial literacy, dressing for success, the importance of goal-setting and more. "We owe it to the Essex County community to serve our youth," said Douglas Brown Project Alpha Committe ..read more

EAST ORANGE, NJ - Firefighters and Law Enforcement Officers from East Orange, Newark, Montclair, New Jersey Transit, Irvington, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives were honored for their bravery at the Two Hundred Club of Essex County’s 57th Annual Valor Awards luncheon on Tuesday, May 9. The event, which was held at Nanina’s in the Park in Belleville, NJ, is the oldest such organization of its kind in NJ, founded in 1966. One of this year's honorees, East Orange Firefighter Francios Serrano was awarded a Medal of Valor for his Outstanding Actions in the Line of D ..read more

ORANGE, NJ - Families across 18 NJ counties, including 58 recipients from Monmouth County, will receive much-need relief thanks to the congregation of St. Matthew AME Church located in Orange, NJ. The church took on the challenge of raising funds to help NJ families eliminate the overwhelming burden of medical debt in a partnership with RIP Medical Debt. The church goal of $15,000 was initially slated to cover the cost of purchasing and closing the debt of $1,500,000 in outstanding bills for families struggling to get from under this never-ending cycle. “St. Matthew AM ..read more

Essex County, NJ – The aroma of a world-class brunch filled the air as you entered the room at the Essex County Correctional Facility. A five-star brunch was served--Brioche Cinnamon French Toast, Western and Greek Omelets, and Home Fries.     To most, incarceration is the worst possible outcome, but for some who have been remanded to a facility to serve time, it is their saving grace and a source of new opportunities to turn their life around. Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. and the Essex County Correctional Facility Civilian Task Force announced new job traini ..read more

ORANGE, NJ - In an effort to provide added convenience to New Jersey residents in need of Motor Vehicle Commission Services, a mobile "Agency on Wheels" is making the rounds across the State. This Tuesday, May 9 between 10am and 2pm, the Mobile Office will be making a stop at St. Matthew A.M.E. Church located at 336 Oakwood Avenue in Orange, NJ. The following services will be available:  Drivers Licenses Non-Driver Identification Cards REAL ID Registrations License Plates Placards Exam Permit Applications (Test not administered at Mobile Site) Appointments are availabl ..read more

ORANGE, NJ - Families across 18 NJ counties, including 58 recipients from Monmouth County, will receive much-need relief thanks to the congregation of St. Matthew AME Church located in Orange, NJ. The church took on the challenge of raising funds to help NJ families eliminate the overwhelming burden of medical debt in a partnership with RIP Medical Debt. The church goal of $15,000 was initially slated to cover the cost of purchasing and closing the debt of $1,500,000 in outstanding bills for families struggling to get from under this never-ending cycle. “St. Matthew AM ..read more

EAST ORANGE, N.J., Centenary University recognized East Orange native and graduating senior, Daniella Anderson for her leadership and dedicated service to the community. Anderson, among 18 students honored at the annual Student Leadership Awards Ceremony on May 1, is slated to graduate today receiving her Bachelors degree in Fashion Design, her lifelong passion. “Each year, Centenary University recognizes the accomplishments of students who make an impact on others, both on campus and in our local community,” said Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Kerry Mullin ..read more