East Orange, NJ - In honor of Women's History Month this year, First Ward Councilwoman Amy Lewis and Fifth Ward Councilwoman Naiima Fauntleroy joined forces to come up with a way to inspire young women , throughout the City of East Orange. Through the Women's History Month, Ingenious Women Essay Contest, students had to learn and write about influential women in the STEM fields.
All participants had to be high school seniors and they had to write an 800-word essay, in MLA-format, highlighting women inventors from either the Science, Technology, Engineering or Industry fields, who have positively impacted our world.
"East Orange has so many "Diamonds in the Rough" and myself and my colleague Councilwoman Fauntleroy wanted to "tap in" to that talent during Women's History Month," said Councilwoman Lewis.
There was good response to the contest with many excellent essays submitted, but a few young ladies distinguished themselves as the top submissions throughout this process.
This year’s winners were announced and honored at the March East Orange City Council Meeting.
First place was awarded to Jadyn Beckett, a senior at Essex County Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology. She wrote about Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner. One of Kenner's most notable inventions was the sanitary belt with a moisture-proof napkin pocket. In addition to the sanitary belt, she held patents for various household gadgets, including a toilet paper holder with a moisture-proof cover and a mounted back washer for bathing. Her inventions were known for their simplicity, practicality and attention to detail.
Ajibola Giwa, a senior at Fresh Start Academy, took second place this year. She chose to highlight the accomplishments of Valerie Thomas. While working at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, she became the first African-American scientist to invent a way to transmit three-dimensional images; also known as holograms.
Third place went to Nikki Stewart, who is also a senior at Fresh Start Academy. She choice to write about a 'Hidden Figure,' Katherine Johnson. She was an African-American mathematician who was known for calculating and analyzing flight paths of many spacecraft that were flown by NASA.
Runner-Up recognition was given to two students; Alani Leith, a senior at East Orange STEM Academy and Naomi Pierce-Allen, a senior at Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing & Fine Arts.
Grand prize was a Chromebook 4, second place was Android Tablet and Third place was a Kindle.
]]>East Orange, NJ - In honor of Women's History Month, a recent poll of 3,000 respondents by Somewang revealed the 200 most beloved heroines from history, paying tribute to the rich stories of women who have broken barriers, fought for equality, and paved the way for future generations. Only women who are deceased were considered for this recognition.
"As we celebrate the indomitable spirits of our heroines, we are reminded of the profound impact they have had on shaping our nation's narrative. These trailblazers, activists, scientists, and educators have not just etched their names in history; they have carved out possibilities for those who follow. We owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude and the commitment to continue their work in our own lives,” says Steven Wang, founder of Somewang.
For a long time, the narratives of progress and innovation have overlooked the significant contributions of women in all disciplines. From science and technology to the vanguards of business and social reform, women have been instrumental in shaping our modern world. Yet, their stories often remain unrecognized, their triumphs unsung. Through their courage, resilience, and trailblazing achievements, women like Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, and Eleanor Roosevelt have not only shaped the course of our history but also paved the way for future generations to dream bigger and reach further.
The poll highlighted 200 iconic women who are said to represent 'progress and innovation'. The full listing can be viewed here. But listed as #5 on the list is Clara Maass, who was a nurse who hailed from the City of East Orange.
Born in 1876, Clara Maass died in 1901 as a result of her voluntary participation in medical experiments related to the study of yellow fever. She sacrificed her life in the name of medical research, ultimately dying from the disease. Her death led to reforms in medical experimentation ethics and contributed to the eventual understanding and control of yellow fever.
Born in East Orange, Maass was one of the first graduates of the Newark German Hospital’s Christina Trefz Training School for Nurses at age 19.
]]>East Orange, NJ - STOMP Out Bullying and the New York Jets, in partnership with The Defensive Line, unveiled a new Wellness Room for East Orange Campus High School students. Ross Ellis, the CEO and founder of STOMP Out Bullying and Jesse Linder, VP of Community Relations for the New York Jets, students and staff participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony. The Jets and their player Solomon Thomas, co-founder of The Defensive Line, along with STOMP Out Bullying visited earlier this school year and donated $15,000 to support the initiative.
“Our Wellness Rooms create a haven for children with mental health and sensory issues, providing a space where they can escape, decompress, and simply chill out,” said Ellis. “We are excited to give this gift to the East Orange Campus High School students, and we hope they enjoy it.”
The purpose of the STOMP Out Bullying Wellness Room is to provide a safe and supervised space for students who have been severely bullied or are dealing with mental health issues. The vibrant room is furnished with sensory items such as coloring books, Slinkies, squish balls, and comfortable furniture to provide students with a relaxing and supportive environment to work through emotions.
"We have worked diligently to provide a safe school environment for our students and for them to have a safe space where they can communicate and relate," said East Orange Campus High School Principal Taniesha Whitaker.
“This Wellness Room will provide such an unbelievable opportunity for students to decompress and help them get through their day and be more productive members, not just of their school but of the community,” said Linder.
Students are happy to have this room available for them at their school now. It is a place where they can come do calming activities like color, or just 'chill out' if needed.
"I think this is what we really need. For us to know we have people in our corner is exactly what this room represents. Someone might be having a hard time and we'll be able to help them here," said Ayriya Greenridge.
STOMP Out Bullying® is the leading national nonprofit dedicated to changing the culture for all students. It works to reduce and prevent bullying, cyberbullying and other digital abuse, educates against homophobia, LGBTQ+ discrimination, racism and hatred, and deters violence in schools, online and in communities across the country. STOMP Out Bullying promotes civility, diversity, inclusion, equity and equality. It teaches effective solutions about how to respond to all forms of bullying, as well as educating kids and teens in school and online. It provides help for those in need and at risk of suicide, and raises awareness through peer mentoring programs in schools, public service announcements by noted celebrities, and social media campaigns.
"This Wellness Room is a testament to our commitment to support and uplift our students, providing them with the tools they need to navigate life's challenges," said STOMP Out Bullying officials.
STOMP Out Bullying organization believes that the ribbon-cutting ceremony represented 'a promise to stand by our students, to listen, and to provide a haven where they can find peace and support.
About STOMP Out Bullying Wellness Rooms
STOMP Out Bullying has always been a strong advocate of mental health. We recognize Mental Health Awareness Month every May, but self-care is essential throughout the year. We have donated Wellness Rooms to schools from 5th to 12th grade to support this belief. These rooms provide a safe space for relaxation, stress relief, emotional regulation, and personal care. A Wellness Room is a comfortable lounge area with relaxing tools to help individuals feel grounded and reduce stress.
New York Jets
The New York Jets take great pride in a long-standing, year-round commitment to our community. Programs funded by the New York Jets Foundation look to positively influence the lives of young men and women in the tri-state area by promoting fitness, supporting youth football and preventing bullying, particularly in disadvantaged communities. From launching football teams at urban high schools to urging students to be active for at least 60 minutes every day to fostering positive school environments, the New York Jets invest in programs that make a difference in the lives of others. In addition to our focus on youth development, the Jets support the efforts of the Lupus Research Alliance and numerous established charitable organizations and causes sponsored by the NFL.
]]>East Orange, NJ - County officials confirmed that Essex County’s Code Blue procedures are being extended because the temperature is forecasted to drop below 32 degrees. Essex County is extending its Code Blue protocols from Thursday, March 21 at 8 p.m. to Friday, March 22 at 8 a.m. The Code Blue is for This is for the nighttime hours only.
“Providing our homeless residents with a warm place to stay during extreme weather conditions is important for their safety and well-being. We thank our participating shelters and warming stations who are working with us to open their doors in these times of need,” DiVincenzo said.
“Our homeless residents need a warm place to stay when winter weather gets this bad. The organizations opening their doors are providing a great service and helping us protect the safety of these vulnerable residents,” Fontoura said.
For residents in East Orange who are single men, Joi's Angels is providing warming station services, along with other sites throughout the County.
When a Code Blue is declared, a network of warming stations operated by the County and its municipalities and shelters operated by the community-based organizations will be opened. The warming stations identified include a variety of public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, firehouses and first aid squad buildings. Warming stations are generally open during the day and may not provide overnight accommodation. However, shelters do provide overnight accommodation. In addition, shelters that regularly require occupants to leave during the day will suspend that practice, so people can stay indoors.
To find a full list of participating shelters, visit www.NJ211.org or dial 2-1-1.
]]>East Orange, NJ - Elementary School students from East Orange put on their chef hats and aprons to compete in the annual SodexoMagic's Future Chefs National Challenge competition.
Every year, the school district’s food provider, Sodexo, puts on the Future Chefs competition where students are first charged with coming up with a recipe that is in line with the yearly theme from Sodexo.
SodexoMAGIC, a partnership between Quality of Life services leader Sodexo, Inc. and Earvin “Magic” Johnson’s Magic Johnson Enterprises, is committed to creating a healthy learning environment that promotes student engagement in support of well-being and achievement.
Information from Sodexo School Services said “the event aims to educate students about healthy eating habits.” Sodexo is providing the food for the competitions. Students’ creations were judged based on taste, originality, ease of preparation, “kid appeal”, healthy attributes, use of feature ingredients and the presentation of their sample plate.
This year's finalist contestants were:
Jayden Brown, 4th Grader at Cicely L. Tyson Elementary School (Fresh Juice)
Macarena Cerdan, 4th grader at Whitney Houston Academy (Peruvian Ceviche)
Oden Dieujuste, 4th grader at Garfield Jackson Academy (French Toast)
Kamal Johnson, 4th grader at Dionne Warwick Institute (Teaser Taste)
Alexander Sanders, 3rd grader at Mildred Barry Garvin School (Spinach & Artichoke Dip)
"What an honor to serve as a judge for such an extraordinary event, which was proof positive that learning doesn't just occur in the classroom," said East Orange School Board Member Medinah Muhammad. "Our East Orange scholars are thriving academically and learning life skills. I could not be more proud," she added.
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EAST ORANGE, NJ - Isaiah House, an organization that serves Essex County’s most vulnerable populations, received a $2 million grant from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving initiative. This significant accolade places Isaiah House among an elite group of organizations recognized in the Yield Giving Open Call for their exceptional work in supporting communities with the greatest needs in the United States.
The Yield Giving Open Call was an extremely competitive process, attracting over 6,353 applications. The initial plan was to award 250 organizations $1 million each. However, due to the outstanding quality of work demonstrated by the applicants, the donor team was compelled to increase both the number of awardees and the grant amounts.
Isaiah’s House was among the highest-ranked organizations to apply, and their selection, with a doubled grant of $2 million, underscores the organization’s exemplary service and its pivotal role in community support.
“This award from Yield Giving is a monumental affirmation of the hard work and dedication of our team. It enables us to expand our reach and deepen our impact, providing more comprehensive support to those in need,” said Zammeah Bivins-Gibson, Executive Director of Isaiah House. “We are immensely thankful to MacKenzie Scott, Yield Giving, and Lever for Change for this opportunity to enhance our services and change lives,” she added.
As Isaiah House looks to the future, with the goal of opening their new facility on 14th Street in East Orange, this grant will help them facilitate the next chapter of the organization’s history and impact on the community.
This new location will allow them to expand their reach and support populations that have either exhausted eligibility for funding due to no fault of their own, don’t qualify for any funding source (such as undocumented families or those who fall slightly between the cracks), and unhoused women seeking support with sobriety so that they can remain with their children.
They are excited to bring this programming to life, enhancing our community’s well-being and support network. The organization invites the community and supporters to join in this journey of empowerment and social change. For more information on how you can support Isaiah House, please visit IsaiahHouse.org.
About Isaiah House
For over 35 years, Isaiah House has been dedicated to providing essential services to homeless and at-risk families in Essex County, NJ. Offering more than just shelter, Isaiah House provides comprehensive support, including food assistance, healthcare, educational programs, and job training, with a focus on empowerment and long-term self-sufficiency. The food pantry, emergency shelter, and targeted programs such as the HIV program and reintegration initiatives for women have touched the lives of countless individuals and families, driving positive change in the community.
About Yield Giving
Yield Giving, established by philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, operates on the principle of amplifying value by granting autonomy to organizations to utilize funds in ways that best serve their communities. This innovative approach has led to over $16.5 billion in contributions to more than 1,900 non-profit teams globally. Yield Giving’s commitment to trust-based philanthropy is reshaping the landscape of charitable giving, ensuring impactful organizations like Isaiah House can continue their vital work. For more details, visit yieldgiving.com.
]]>ORANGE, NJ - Law enforcement was dispatched to a location in Orange, NJ, after reports of a domestic violence situation in progress were received early Saturday morning.
When the officer responded to Ogden Street they were confronted by a hostile man who was identified as Mark McCargo, the boyfriend of the person who called in the incident.
The situation quickly escalated when Mr. McCargo became infuriated and assaulted the officer with an object, believed to be a bat. He continued to assault the officer and struck them several times with the object, before reportedly running him over with a vehicle.
Authorities have arrested Mr. McCargo due to the violent attack on an Orange Police Officer, leaving them with severe injuries. He is currently being held in the Essex County Correctional Facility facing aggravated assault and other charges.
The officer was transported to University Hospital for treatment of the severe injuries and is expected to make a recovery.
The situation is currently under investigation.
]]>East Orange/Orange, NJ - The Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children celebrated St. Patrick's Day early at the second annual Irish American Leadership Breakfast and raised $114,214 for its partial tuition assistance scholarships — which benefits underprivileged students attending Archdiocese of Newark Catholic schools. It also honored two local Irish American leaders for their longtime commitment to helping children.
A number of students from Orange and East Orange and those who attend St. Joseph School in East Orange have benefited greatly from this scholarship fund.
Nearly 120 attendees attended the breakfast to dine on a feast of cultural delicacies, including soda bread, Irish butter, and blood sausage. While eating, the guests enjoyed music from bagpiper Kevin Kavanaugh and fiddler Tiffany Weiss of 7th House Strings. Members of the Emerald Isle Academy of Dance also performed a lively step dance that got the audience clapping and dancing in their seats.
It all culminated in the recognition of two proud Irish Americans for their longtime commitment to helping children: Karen Clark, the executive director of the Archdiocese’s Department for the Protection of the Faithful, and John P. Callahan, a longtime SFIC board member.
“Karen and John are two unsung heroes for all they do to improve children’s lives, so we were happy to honor them,” said Dr. Michelle L. Hartman, the SFIC’s chief executive officer.
The SFIC will next hold its annual gala on May 8 in West Orange’s Pleasantdale Chateau. It is also planning its yearly Family Fun Day, which gives scholarship recipients the opportunity to enjoy a free day at Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. For more information on the SFIC and its activities, visit www.sficnj.org.
About the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children
Founded in 1983 as the Fund for Educational Advancement, the Scholarship Fund for Inner-City Children (SFIC) is a non-profit organization that provides children in need with the opportunity for a quality, values-based education in a safe environment. It offers partial-tuition assistance for students from economically disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds attending private and parochial schools within Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties. Scholarships are based on need without regard to religion, gender, race, or ethnic background. To date, SFIC has provided $53.5 million in partial-tuition assistance. Applicant families must be ready to provide proof of income and intend to attend one of the schools within the four counties it serves.
About the Archdiocese of Newark
The Archdiocese of Newark serves 1.3 million Catholics throughout Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union counties. It includes 212 parishes, 73 Catholic schools, and many missions and ministries. Hundreds of Masses are celebrated in more than a dozen languages each week. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., the sixth archbishop of Newark, leads the Archdiocese with four auxiliary bishops. Together, they serve the northern New Jersey community through faith, education, and social services. For more information, visit www.rcan.org.
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East Orange, NJ: The City of East Orange’s Department of Health and Human Services partnered with Rutgers’ Cancer Institute of Health at University Hospital to host Mobile Mammogram Screenings on Thursday, March 21 and Friday, March 22 between 9am-4pm.
“Our Department of Health and Human Services plays a critical role in ensuring the overall health and well-being of our community, especially among the underserved,” said Mayor Ted R. Green. “Through great community partners like University Hospital, we are able to maximize our outreach and reach people where they are.”
To be eligible:
Registration is required and ends on Tuesday, March 19. There is no prescription needed and both insured and uninsured are accepted.
Health Officer Dr. Gina Miranda-Diaz said "the mobile program is an opportunity to reduce disparities among women of color and eliminate barriers that may prevent women from getting regular mammogram screenings."
The National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. states that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2024, an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
“The disparities among women of color with breast cancer are complex, and the outcomes are significantly poor compared to others,” said Dr. Miranda-Diaz. “We know early detection saves lives and screening is the first step in early detection.”
For more than 25 years, the mobile unit – equipped with state-of-the-art 3D imaging and an expert team of clinicians –has been providing preventative healthcare services to women in the greater Essex County community, where diagnoses of late-stage breast cancer are among the highest in the State of New Jersey.
Future dates will be announced as the Mobile Mammogram will conduct a “ward tour” of the 5 wards of East Orange in the upcoming months. Please visit tinyurl.com/MobileMammEO to sign up. For any questions, please call 732.266.5463, text 862.233.3061 or email dhhsinfo@eastorange-nj.gov.
]]>East Orange, NJ: The East Orange Police Department will join the East Orange Family Success Center for its monthly Farmer’s Market on Monday, March 18 between 4pm-6pm.
The event will be held at 132 South Harrison Street and all are welcome to attend.
Once a month, the EOFSC conducts a Farmer’s Market with MEND, a hunger relief network in Essex County. It works to advance health equity and influence systems-level change through collaborative, community-driven, and innovative programming. The market provides free fruits and vegetables to approximately 125 parents per month, which equates to about 400 family members.
The East Orange Family Success Center (EOFSC) is a community-based, family-centered neighborhood gathering place for community residents to receive family support, information, and services. The Family Success Center’s goal is to enrich the lives of children and adults by making families stronger and empowering them to succeed.
The Farmers Market provides a great opportunity for parents to visit the center and secure needed resources to help strengthen their families,” Matt Stevens, Director of the EOFSC. The East Orange Police Department will be on site to provide information and resources to the public promoting public safety.
“EOPD practices community policing to improve public safety and the quality of life of our citizens,” said Public Safety Director Maurice Boyd. “We have several community-based initiatives that address food insecurity, such as our Soup with a Cop, Summer Pop-Up Block Parties and partnerships with various local food banks. It is crucial that we use a holistic approach to disparities to create safer and more equitable communities.”
Participants must bring their own bags.
The East Orange Family Success Center (EOFSC) is a community-based, family-centered neighborhood gathering place for community residents to receive family support, information, and services. The Family Success Center’s goal is to enrich the lives of children and adults by making families stronger and empowering them to succeed.
]]>Orange, NJ – Reverend Thurselle C. Williams, Executive Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in East Orange prepared the atmosphere as she gave the invocation to a standing room only crowd for the spirited celebration.
Everyone gathered to celebrate this year's honorees, who collectively represent the best and brightest students we have in Essex County. The theme of this year’s ceremony was “Students Achieving Today – Our Leaders of Tomorrow.”
Orange resident and Essex County West Caldwell School of Technology student, Magwrantz Lubin was one of the four honorees who received the 2024 Althea Gibson Leadership Award during Essex County's Annual Women’s History Month Program this afternoon. Awards were also presented to students Jaylene Cruz from the Essex County Donald Payne, Sr. School of Technology, Maya Ratzan from Essex County Newark Tech School of Technology and Samirah Scantling from Essex County College.
“Through their academic achievements and contributions to their local communities, these remarkable young women are on the road to success. Each is unique in their own way, having a profound impact on their schools. Striving for their goals and never letting anything stop them is part of what has driven them to reach the level of success that they have achieved thus far in their lives,” DiVincenzo said. “These young women have made tremendous contributions and are establishing themselves as leaders of our future generations,” he added.
Magwrantz Lubin is a senior at Essex County West Caldwell Tech. Born to immigrant parents who instilled in her the values of hard work and commitment, she embodies these qualities daily in all aspects of her life. As a young person, she had not yet realized her potential and after a traumatizing event occurred within her family, she used that as a catalyst to change her life’s trajectory. She immediately improved her grades from a ‘C’ student to an ‘A’ student and applied and was accepted to West Caldwell Tech. She made the Varsity volleyball team as a freshman without previous experience and made 2nd Team All-Conference her sophomore year. She also joined the Bowling and Softball teams, and she won the Most Valuable Player Award for Softball Junior year. She achieved athletically, while maintaining straight A’s in AP courses and a 4.9 Grade Point Average. As a sophomore, she was inducted into the national honor society and has consistently upheld the values of leadership, community service and character. As a member of DECA, she has won regional competitions and serves as an empowering voice within the school as Co-President of the Black Student Union. In addition to maintaining high academic standards, while successfully balancing her leadership roles and extra-curricular activities, distributing socks to homeless individuals and food to seniors in marginalized communities, she still finds time to help her sister who has down syndrome, learn to express herself, and she is hoping to get guardianship of her paralyzed older brother to help him obtain better treatment.
"My mother is the reason why I am here today. As an immigrant from Haiti, she has shown me what is means to be a woman and how to be courageous and strong. As a single mother she has had many challenges come her way, but it never stopped her. She is the reason my sister and I have a leg to stand on in times of need," Lubin said.
She has accomplished a lot thus far, and she is forever grateful for the Questbridge program and Colgate University for helping her to attend a great institution to start her Pre-Med journey without the amount of financial debt many who attend college could have. Her goal is to become an OBGYN. However, she says "my purpose is to give back to her community by hopefully opening a non-profit for deaf, single mothers from low-income communities and those who are physically and mentally impaired." She says her childhood trauma is a scar that has taught her to embrace her confidence and that there is nothing she cannot achieve.
"The grind as a woman has never stopped and it never will. I hope to have all of your support when I open my non-profit because I can't wait to give back to my community in that way," she added.
Magrantz also extended gratitude to County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Superintendent Dr. James Pedersen, and school leaders Principal Ayisha Ingram-Robinson and Vice Principal Ali Reza Aryakia.
The Annual Essex County Althea Gibson Leadership Awards are dedicated to the memory of the late professional tennis and golf legend, who was the first African-American to win the Wimbledon Tennis and U.S. Golf Championships. In 1957, Ms. Gibson became the first African-American to win the All-England Championship. That same year she became the first black to be voted by the Associated Press as its Female Athlete of the Year. The Althea Gibson Foundation exposes children in the inner city to the game of tennis and golf, and provides recreational activities for students during the summer.
The Women’s History Month Celebration is part of a year-long cultural series created by County Executive DiVincenzo to highlight the diversity and various ethnic groups in Essex County. Other cultural celebrations are African American Heritage, Irish Heritage, Italian Heritage, Jewish Heritage, Latino Heritage and Portuguese Heritage.
]]>East Orange, NJ- Former East Orange Police Officer Devin L. Higgs was convicted by an Essex County jury of aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of a child for physically abusing his then nine-year-old son.
On February 15, 2018, Higgs, 53, of West Orange, brought his son to the hospital for injuries that he said were from a fall. However, the doctors that were treating the young boy found that he had 22 fractures to his ribs and a fractured scapula bone, among other injuries, according to Assistant Prosecutor Meredith Mona, who tried the case with Assistant Prosecutor Victoria Saraiva. The child also had bruises, scars, and marks on his body, indicative of child abuse.
Neither Higgs nor his son had explanations for his injuries, other than vague statements about a fall. The child battled a severe infection and recovered from his broken bones during a six-week hospital stay. During that time, the boy eventually told the medical staff that his father hit him at home and he was infact the cause for his injuries. He didn’t tell anyone sooner, the child said, because his dad told him not to discuss “family business.”
On March 1, 2024, after 9a four-day trial before Superior Court Judge Patrick Arre, the jury found Higgs guilty of two counts of second degree aggravated assault for causing serious bodily, one disorderly persons offense of simple assault for causing a head injury, four counts of second degree endangering the welfare of a child, one count of second degree hindering apprehension, and one count of second degree official misconduct.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 12, 2024, and at that time Higgs will face up to 80 years in New Jersey State Prison.
“We would like to thank the victim for his tremendous bravery in coming forward and testifying in this case,” said Mona. “We are also grateful to the medical providers at Cooperman Barnabas Hospital who discovered the abuse, as well as the team at Robert Wood Johnson Children’s Hospital who provided the boy with life-saving care and treatment.”
Saraiva said the jury returned a just verdict that will provide closure for the victim, “and which we hope sends a message that encourages victims of abuse to come forward and alerts perpetrators to the fact that they will be held responsible for their criminal conduct.”
]]>Orange, NJ - A fire at South Orange Towers located at 749 Scotland Road in Orange was confirmed by the Orange Fire Department on Sunday, March 10th at 9:53 p.m.
Upon arrival on scene, an apartment on the second floor was engulfed in flames and other parts of the building were covered with smoke.
Firefighters got the fire under control in less than an hour. No life-threatening injuries or deaths were reported as a result of this building fire, just smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is still unknown and is currently under investigation.
]]>ORANGE, NJ – Orange High School engineering students Lesly Morales, Adrian Morgan, Eduardo Marca, Dylan Lemus, Joel Guallpa, and Alfonso Wilson participated in the 2024 David Good 3D Printed Bridge Competition at the New Jersey Institute of Technology on Friday, March 8th. Students were tasked with creating an original design with strict parameters and constraints over several months. The Orange Tornadoes took home First Place in the "Stiffest Bridge" structural category, with their 3D printed PLA plastic bridge holding over 190 lbs while maintaining the best rigidity of the day!
With their teacher, Mrs. Sonya Nikolaidis Noebles, students adhered to the engineering design process, simulating different bridge designs, creating sketches and 3D modeling their ideas using CAD software. Finally, they brought their finalized design to life using in-district 3D printers. Teams were judged on their presentations, esthetics, assembly, and structure.
The 3D Printed Bridge Competition recognizes the significance of creative thinking in engineering. Each year, the competition cultivates innovation that allows teams to develop and test their skills. The annual 3D Printed Bridge Competition strives to promote the use of 3D printing technology in the field of engineering.
This competition provided students with an opportunity to become familiar with the process of being presented with a problem statement, identifying a feasible solution, and physically creating their design. Throughout the competition, students exhibited teamwork, organization, analytical skills, and creativity. Teams were expected to consist of individuals with the necessary skill sets, including structural, computer, and design expertise.
Orange students competed against 13 other schools, including:
David Good 3D Printed Bridge Competition
David had an incredible impact on not only the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NJIT, but on everyone he encountered. He was the visionary behind NJIT’s 3D Printed Bridge Competition, both the collegiate and high school divisions, which took place in November 2021 at NJIT’s Makerspace. It made history as both the first intercollegiate and the first intermural 3D printed bridge competition on record. Dave championed this idea with CEE’s Industrial Advisory Board and contributed to every stage of the planning and execution, including the competition rules, the bridge testing procedure, promotion of the competition and judging. The collegiate competition is now being piloted as an ASCE student competition to explore its viability as a national competition to complement classic events, such as steel bridge and concrete canoe.
]]>East Orange, NJ- Students at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Metropolitan Campus, located in Teaneck, NJ have been named to the Dean's List and the Honors List for the Fall 2023 semester. Six scholars from East Orange received recognition on either the Dean’s List or the Honors List for Fall 2023 semester.
To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must carry a 3.2 or better grade point average out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 letter-graded hours (four courses).
To qualify for the Honors List, a student must carry a 3.5 or better grade point average out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 letter-graded hours (four courses).
The University's Metropolitan Campus, located in the dynamic NY/NJ corridor in Teaneck, NJ, features a university atmosphere with an international perspective, attracting students from the U.S. and around the world. Undergraduates have access to the resources of a major graduate center and nearby New York City as an integral part of their learning experience.
Devoted to the preparation of world citizens through global education, Fairleigh Dickinson University is New Jersey's largest private university and features more than 100 liberal arts and professional degree programs, two international campuses, dozens of partnerships with internationally renowned institutions and special programs and status within the United Nations. For more information, go to www.fdu.edu.
]]>East Orange, NJ - East Orange-based company, F&A Transportation, Inc. and one of its owners pleaded guilty after they hired unqualified drivers, operating unsafe buses, failure to perform background checks and drug tests, and attempting to conceal their misconduct, announced Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA).
Ahmed Mahgoub, 65, of East Hanover, New Jersey, along with his company, F&A Transportation, entered guilty pleas during a hearing before Judge Mark Ali, the Essex County Criminal Division Presiding Judge, on March 6, 2024.
“My office is committed to ensuring that contractors who parents and school districts entrust with the lives of children take that responsibility seriously, and abide by the rules designed to keep students in their care safe,” said Attorney General Platkin. “We will vigorously prosecute those who cut corners and put children in unnecessary danger to increase their profits.”
In addition to being unqualified to drive school buses because of licensing requirements, several bus drivers for F&A Transportation, Inc., had criminal histories that disqualified them for the job. It was also noted that, on at least one occasion, an F&A driver drove a bus carrying children while intoxicated and crashed.
Mahgoub and the business pleaded guilty to false representation for a government contract (2nd degree). Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2024. F&A co-owner Faiza Ibrahim, 50, also of East Hanover, will be entering the pretrial intervention program on that date on a charge of tampering with public records or information (3rd degree).
Under the terms of a plea agreement, the state will recommend at sentencing that Mahgoub serve five years in state prison. Ibrahim has agreed to enter into pretrial intervention for three years, during which she will be supervised by a probation officer.
Additionally, under the plea deal with OPIA, the defendants are expected to pay a combined $575,000 in corruption profiteering penalties, and they have agreed to be barred from doing business with the State of New Jersey or any of its administrative or political subdivisions for a decade.
“There are requirements in place designed to require school bus drivers to meet certain basic, commonsense standards and to prevent potentially tragic traffic incidents,” said Thomas Eicher, Executive Director of OPIA. “Those who violate the law by using unqualified drivers and commit fraud to circumvent the rules will be held accountable.”
The defendants were indicted in August 2021 on various charges following an investigation by OPIA and the New Jersey State Police Official Corruption Bureau. Their criminal conduct related to contracts F&A secured from 2016 through 2020 with public school districts in Essex, Passaic, Morris, and Union counties. Those contracts had an aggregate value of approximately $3.5 million.
The investigation revealed the defendants knowingly hired drivers who did not hold valid commercial driver’s licenses or required license endorsements, as well as drivers who had criminal histories, known substance abuse problems, and suspended licenses. They hire drivers before completion of criminal background checks or, in some instances, without any criminal background check at all.
The investigation further found that the business owners falsified vehicle inspection forms to indicate their buses consistently passed required pre- and post-trip company inspections. Those forms must be maintained for review by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and are relied upon by school districts as proof of bus safety.
Despite the defendants’ indications that their buses consistently passed company inspections, in February and August 2019, the MVC inspected F&A’s buses — and nearly all the company’s buses failed on both occasions.
Deputy Attorney General Frank Valdinoto accepted the pleas for OPIA, under the supervision of Corruption Bureau Deputy Chief Jeffrey Manis, OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione, and OPIA Executive Director Eicher.
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East Orange, NJ - East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green first introduced his Homeless Initiative in 2020, to address the issue of chronic homelessness in the City of East Orange, and now, four years later, wants to expand the initiative to be more effective.
The initiative, which is spearheaded under the leadership of the Department of Health and Human Services, aims to provide assistance to individuals and families who are at imminent risk of homelessness due to an eviction summons, those already living on the streets or in emergency shelters, and those who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or any other dangerous or life-threatening condition that relates to violence against them or their family members.
“We believe that every member of our community deserves to live in safe, quality housing. Our emphasis this year is to strengthen our resources and cross-collaborative partnerships to help any individuals or families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness immediately get on a path toward self-sufficiency and stability,” said Mayor Green.
"I want to commend our Mayor for rolling up his sleeves and being committed to doing the work and tackling issues within our communities that many people often shy away from or attempt to sweep under the rug," said Councilman Christopher Awe. "We are only as good as our most vulnerable residents, so it is a godsend that we are now initiating this program," he added.
"As we officially launch this very important program, there are some basic needs we all need to survive; food, water, clothing, sleep and last but not least, shelter. The absence of shelter presents a hardship to survival," said Health and Human Services Director Horace Henry. "Because of that, we will do everything in our power to ensure that this Homeless Initiative program is a success, so all residents of East Orange can have the quality of life they deserve," he added.
"The Mayor's targeted population for this program includes individuals and families who are at an immediate risk of homelessness due to eviction summons, those already living on the streets, and those who are experiencing domestic violence who need assistance with relocation," said Homeless Initiative Manager Keyron Blakely. "I will serve as the manager of the team, which has been established with the aim of addressing urgent issues that affect one of the most vulnerable members of our society, those without addresses," he added.
]]>Orange, NJ - Cleveland Street School Principal, Mr. Robert Pettit announced that they would be implementing the 'Principal of the Day' Initiative in 2024. The second honoree was Jayden Garcia, an outstanding 4th-grader at the school. He took the reign from Principal Pettit and became the February 'Principal for a Day'.
Having students serve as principal for the day has numerous benefits. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to see what it's like to be a school administrator and learn about leadership. It also fosters a sense of responsibility and leadership at a young age.
Jayden Garica was entrusted with several of the duties of a principal, such as making announcements and leading activities. He learned firsthand the importance of authority and decision-making.
School officials said, "being principal for the day gave a boost to Jayden's confidence and self-esteem. It provided him with a platform to voice his opinions and ideas, as well as an opportunity to interact with his peers and teachers in a different capacity. This experience instilled a sense of empowerment and pride in his abilities."
"Overall, allowing our students to be principal for the day is not only a fun and memorable experience, but also a valuable educational opportunity that can positively impact their personal and academic development, and it certainly did that for Jayden," said Pettit.
]]>East Orange, NJ- Students at Fairleigh Dickinson University's Florham Campus, located in Madison, NJ have been named to the Dean's List and the Honors List for the Fall 2023 semester. Six scholars from East Orange received recognition on either the Dean’s List or the Honors List for Fall 2023 semester.
To qualify for the Dean's List, a student must carry a 3.2 or better grade point average out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 letter-graded hours (four courses).
To qualify for the Honors List, a student must carry a 3.5 or better grade point average out of a possible 4.0 and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 letter-graded hours (four courses).
FDU's Florham Campus is located on the former Vanderbilt-Twombly estate in suburban Morris County. Its focus is on providing outstanding on-campus and residential living opportunities, hands-on-learning experiences, strong graduate and professional school preparation, and customized educational options, all framed by a global perspective.
Devoted to the preparation of world citizens through global education, Fairleigh Dickinson University is New Jersey's largest private university and features more than 100 liberal arts and professional degree programs, two international campuses, dozens of partnerships with internationally renowned institutions and special programs and status within the United Nations. For more information, go to www.fdu.edu.
]]>East Orange, NJ - New Jersey Assistant Secretary of Agriculture Joe Atchison III announced that New Jersey is one of the 35 states that will be participating in the USDA’s new Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) program to provide more food availability to children and families in need during the summer months, beginning this year.
States will provide families with $120 per eligible child for the summer to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets, or other authorized retailers – similar to how SNAP benefits are used. According to USDA estimates, New Jersey will have well over 500,000 children eligible for Summer EBT for a total distribution of nearly $65 million in federal food security benefits.
“The addition of Summer EBT will provide another opportunity for children and families in need to purchase healthy and nutritious food during the summer months when school lunch programs are not available,” Assistant Secretary Atchison said. “No child or family should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from. This is an important step in bridging food security gaps for all New Jersey families.”
This new program is made possible by Federal and State cost-sharing, with some additional funding provided by the New Jersey Food Security Initiative (NJFSI) through the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
“By committing to launch Summer EBT this summer, New Jersey continues to show its dedication to ensuring food security for as many families as possible,” Director of the New Jersey Office of the Food Security Advocate Mark Dinglasan said. “New Jersey is unique in that it is combining the collaborative efforts of the Departments of Agriculture, Human Services, and Education to launch Summer EBT with outreach efforts from key partners and stakeholders in NJ that ensure many parents and schools have the information they need to take advantage of this program. We are bringing partners together to ensure we can support our students in the summer, and it’s inspiring to be a part of these efforts.”
“The summer months can be difficult for families that rely on the nutritional support provided by the school lunch program," Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said. "The addition of Summer EBT will help ensure that families and children have access to healthy food so important to their health throughout the year. This administration continues to prioritize food security for all because regular access to healthy foods means healthier people and communities. I look forward to continuing our work with the Departments of Agriculture and Education to bridge the food gap and provide equitable access to nutritious food for New Jersey’s most vulnerable families.”
“New Jersey’s Summer EBT program is a significant step forward in our efforts to address food insecurity among children and families,” Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer said. “We know the crucial role that access to nutritious meals plays in a child’s ability to learn and grow – the nearly $65 million in benefits of this program will provide nutrition for over half a million students during the summer months, when children do not have access to school-based programs. The collaboration of agencies working together to ensure that every child has the essential nutrition they need to thrive demonstrates New Jersey’s commitment to this goal.”
Eligible students will be certified through their school districts, which must participate in the National School Breakfast and Lunch Programs. Eligible students must meet the income threshold for federal free and reduced-price meals, including those who attend schools that provide free meals to all students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). Additionally, students who are enrolled in SNAP, TANF, or foster care will be eligible for Summer EBT, regardless of where they attend school.
According to reports from U.S. News & World Report, schools in East Orange and Orange School Districts have more than half their population of students eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced-price meal programs. In East Orange Public Schools, 51.1% of students are eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced-price meal program and 3.7% of students are English language learners. Orange Board of Education School District, 55.2% of students are eligible to participate in the federal free and reduced price meal program and 11.6% of students are English language learners. The Summer EBT will be a tremendous resource for a large number of families in the City of East Orange and the City of Orange.
Information about New Jersey’s Summer EBT program, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, can be found on the State’s newly created Summer EBT website at: https://www.nj.gov/summerebt/.
The USDA estimates that, in total, the states, U.S. territories, and tribes that have committed to launching the Summer EBT program in 2024 will serve close to 21 million children, providing a total of nearly $2.5 billion in grocery benefits. This is around 70 percent of the total population of children eligible for Summer EBT. The USDA expects additional states and tribes will provide Summer EBT in 2025.
“Summer grocery benefits are becoming a reality for many communities across the nation and for tens of millions of children who will receive the nutrition they need to grow, learn, and thrive,” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “We applaud all the leaders and partners who are stepping up to make the program’s inaugural year a success. Together we’re making progress in closing the summer hunger gap and ensuring children are nourished and healthy year-round.”
Rigorous evaluations of a multi-year demonstration project showed that providing Summer EBT cards to eligible students reduced child hunger and improved quality of diet. Summer grocery benefits decreased the number of kids with very low food security by about one-third and supported healthier diets featuring more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, States, certain Indian Tribal Organizations, and territories operated a temporary program similar to Summer EBT, which demonstrated the potential of expanding the program nationwide. Research found that this program decreased children’s food hardship by 33 percent after benefits were issued and lifted between 2.7 to 3.9 million children out of hunger. This new Summer EBT program builds off Pandemic EBT which provided $1.5 billion in federal food security benefits to NJ families from 2020-2023.
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