WO-Town Roundup

A week it has been for the launch of West Orange Patch. WO-Town has experienced budget woes, a new administration, summer reading programs, a farmers market, a Boston College football recruit, a bank robbery and now July 4 activities. Let's take a look back.

Wednesday

West Orange Patch launched at 1:30 p.m. with a story about the township council's goal of a municipal budget with a zero percent increase. The almost seven-hour long Tuesday evening-Wednesday morning meeting ended with council moving forward in filling a $2 million void with a cell phone tower lease to zero out the budget. "Because of the extraordinary year this was... the budget wasn't proposed until May because of uncertainties in state aid," now-former Mayor John Mckeon said. "So, we ended up losing more than $1 million or 100 percent of aid from the state." More here.

Wednesday also brought world-famous Billy the Artist to West Orange, as well as Dan Fenelon and Ellen Hanauer, two local artists, to showcase their larger-than-life murals. These are at the AMC Essex Green Cinema, Luna Stage in the Valley Arts District, the West Orange Public Library and a township shuttle bus. The ideas stemmed from a visit to Portland, Oregon, by McKeon. More here.

In the evening, the Turtle Back Zoo kicked off its summer Family Nights that offer discounted admission, food and fun for township residents. More here.

Thursday

This day brought an in-dpeth interview with then-Mayor-elect Robert Parisi. Parisi said his administration will look at the way West Orange is governed and consider restructuring and/or consolidating. "There are so many things to focus on right now given the economic climate we're in and the uncertainty that lingers," he said. "One thing we learned ... is that the world is changing and we need to govern differently. As a result, we're going to scrutinize every department. " Parisi also said he will address the township's high property taxes. More here.

Later in the day, Patch covered Parisi's induction ceremony live with photos, text and Twitter. More than 200 gathered at the township's municipal building, including former New Jersey Gov. Dick Codey, a longtime friend of Parisi. "At this point in time, he's doing a great job," said Codey. "He understands government and, being a mayor in these times when the state has decimated aid, he may make choices he may not want to make." More here (video).

Friday

West Orange High School is named as one of the top schools in the nation by Newsweek. In 2009, the school named 27 AP scholars with a score of 3 or higher on multiple exams and 353 students took 728 AP exams. "Increasing academic rigor and expectations at the high school is but one part of a larger effort to assist all of the students to reach their fullest potential," said Anthony Cavanna, the school's superintendent. "Everyone should look to West Orange to see how to make students successful." More here.

That afternoon, 70 11- to 14-year-olds came to attention at Liberty Middle School as drill instructor Keith Holley, of the West Orange Police Department, marched them in line for West Orange Police Department's Junior Police Academy graduation. The program entered its 10th year as one of the most sought-after junior cadet organizations. "I started two years ago and it's been fantastic," said Kosi Amaefuna, 13. "I've learned a lot of different commands and police units such as SWAT and K9." More here.

The township's farmers market opened noon to 6 p.m. Friday and brought town residents together for an outdoor, organic shopping experience. "The crab cakes — and the raviolis," are the things to try, said Patty Rogers, who was staffing the High Mountain Foods booth, as well as serving as the market manager on behalf of the West Orange Downtown Alliance. The market is now every Friday during those times until Oct. 29. More here.

Seton Hall Prep senior Connor Wujciak signed with Boston College. Wujciak now joins his father and brother in playing Division I football. Wujciak is a West Caldwell resident who attends the West Orange high school. "I just liked everything about it,'' said Wujciak, who made 64 tackles, 11 sacks, three fumble recoveries, one blocked punt and one blocked field goal attempt last year. "The second visit solidified it. I was comfortable there. It was the place for me.'' More here (video).

Saturday

A 9:30 a.m. armed robbery at the corner of Park Avenue and Washington Street on the West Orange border brought West Orange, East Orange and Orange police, as well as FBI, Essex County Sheriff and New Jersey State Police to the scene for a manhunt. A black teenage male entered the Wachovia there brandishing a gun and grabbing $200,000. He was captured two hours later and the money and gun were found. More here.

West Orange Public Schools kicked off summer reading programs for students throughout the township. The goal is to keep kids' minds active during the hot months. "At the end of the summer, it is hoped that the project selected will be a positive and valuable learning experience," said Gregory Elementary School Principal Michele Thompson. More here.

More than 150 gathered at Colgate Park Saturday night for the township's first Blues Festival to kick off July 4 activities. Colleen and Will Saar, West Orange residents, said the festival is a great way to bring local bands out of the woodwork. "I don't think people realize how much talent is in (the township)," said Will as he listened to one of three bands who played that night. "West Orange is blessed with some of the greatest musicians." Sal Anderton, township council president, said the township chose a blues festival because it's a good theme for summer. More here.

Sunday

July 4 activities consume most of the day in West Orange, with kickoff ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. at West Orange High School. More here. Patch will cover these events as they happen. Continue to check West Orange Patch for coverage.