West Orange will begin its first property tax revaluation since 1984. “It’s a requirement in New Jersey and West Orange is long overdue” said township Mayor Robert Parisi.

West Orange residents were sent a letter dated May 2010 to inform them of the process. Township officials said homeowners will receive another letter this week informing them that the revaluation has started.

Inspectors from Appraisal Systems, Inc. (ASI) will conduct interior and exterior inspections in the township and will photograph the exterior properties. All inspectors are provided with authorized photo identification. These badges have an inspector number with their first and last name and their picture. A list of inspectors is featured on the ASI website with the streets where they are working.

To verify inspectors, click here and click on “Inspector Locations.” Residents can scroll to see a picture of the inspector and the streets he/she is working.

For more information, contact the township’s tax assessor’s office at (973) 325-4060 or ASI directly at (201) 493-8530.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010
6:30 pm
66 Main Street

A special meeting will take place in Council Chambers for the purpose of amending the Municipal Budget, the approval of the Temporary Capital Budget and a related Bond Ordinance.

See the original notice on westorange.org

Friday July 30th
(Rain Date – Saturday, Saturday, July 31 st)

7:00 – 10:00 PM
Ginny Duenkel Pool

Admission: Adults $6 / Children $4
Includes Burgers, Hot Dogs & Drinks
Note: Free swim time until 7:15 PM only

KIDS 4 & Under
Treasure Hunt, Egg & Spoon Race, Sea Hunt

KIDS 5 – 7
Fooseball Tourney, Sea Hunt, Tube Race, Ring Toss

KIDS 8 -11
Knock Hockey, “Hot Shot” Basketball Contest, Relay Tube Race, Balloon Toss

KIDS 12 – 16
Spiked Helmet, “Hot Shot” Basketball Contest, Balloon Toss, Relay Tube Race

ADULTS
“Name That Tune” Contest, Belly Flop Contest, Balloon Toss

Recreation Department Contact Info:
Phone: (973) 325-4150
Weather Hotline: (973) 243-1115
Email: recreation@westorange.org

We are pleased to announce the winners of our Beautiful Garden Contest. Each winner will receive a gift certificate from Pleasantdale Nurseries located at 240 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange.

First prize winner  Joan and Dan Kram, 16 Beverly Road ($100.00 gift certificate)
Second prize winner  Mario Interiano, 66 Quinby Place ($50.00 gift certificate)
Third prize winner  Tracey Clarke, 23 Oakridge Rd. ($25.00 gift certificate)
Four prize winner  John Brett, 66 Oakridge Rd. ($25.00 gift certificate)

Congratulations to all the winners! Thank you to all the participants for helping to make West Orange beautiful.

Join us for food, games, moonwalk, water park and a good time with your neighbors

Monday, July 19
6pm – 9pm

At the Hazel Avenue Elementary School Playground and Field
(In case of rain, barbecue will be held in the gym)

Please bring a side dish or a dessert to share

Barbecue food and drinks will be provided by the VCW
$1 for children (12 and under)
$2 for adults
(Children MUST be accompanied by an adult!)

For more information, contact vcw2000@aol.com or Juan Pintado at (973) 325-1907

Mayor Robert Parisi announced that he will hold the first of an ongoing series of open office hours on Thursday, July 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM in his office located in Township Hall at 66 Main Street. Residents are welcome to meet with Mayor Parisi on a first-come, first-serve basis to address any concerns or ideas. No appointments are necessary.

For more information:
Call the Mayor’s office at (973) 325-4100
Contact Jessica Glicker at (973) 325.4133 or jglicker@westorange.org

Read the official press release

The Downtown West Orange Alliance is teaming up with the West Orange Library to bring 5 days of stories and crafts for kids of all ages.

Fridays, July 16 – August 13 at 3pm
West Orange Farmers Market (in the parking lot behind Town Hall, 66 Main Street)

Eech Friday will feature a special theme. Themes are:
July 16, Fish
July 23, Crocodiles
July 30, Octopus/Ocean
August 6, Pirates
August 13, Rain

Of course the Farmers Market also has great fresh produce and delicious snacks. Browse and shop while your child is enjoying story time and a craft.

More information:
Phone: (973) 325-4109
Email: downtown@westorange.org
Web: www.downtownwestorange.org

If you haven’t had a chance, stop by 2 Mitchell Street to see the temporary sculpture garden curated and coordinated by Lorena La Grassa, director of ValleyArts. Participating artists include Alex Krale, Julie Joy Saypoff, Jody Leight, Stan Sudol, Lorena La Grassa, Charlie La Placa, Robert Lach, Lauren Dubeau, Kathleen Heron, Terry Boddie, Eric Beckerich.

The exhibit is open Thursdays through Sundays between 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The work will be displayed until July 24th.

The project has been sponsored by ValleyArts, HANDS, Selectoflash and the West Orange Arts Council
More information here: www.valleyartsdistrict.org

The West Orange Arts Council is offering a collage workshop for children ages 7-12. The class will be taught by West Orange artist and educator Mansa Mussa.

Jerry’s Artist Outlet, 495 Prospect Ave.
Saturday, July 24
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There is no charge for the class. Registration is limited to 25 students. Parents are asked to contact Mansa Mansa before July 20.

This is Mussa’s third annual collage workshop at Jerry’s. Each workshop has had a different theme. The student collages will be on view for the month of August at the West Orange Arts Council’s Art Stop kiosk at the Essex Green Plaza, across from Panera Bread.

More details on the West Orange Arts Council website.

The VCW is sponsoring a Beautiful Garden contest. If you have a beautiful garden, or know of someone else in the neighborhood that does, send us an e-mail at info@valleycommunitywatch.com

Be sure to include the following information with your nomination:

* Nominee’s name
* Nominee’s street address
* Nominee’s phone number
* Location of the garden (front, back, side yard)
* Authorization to take a photo and post it on our web site
* If nominating someone else, please include your name and phone number too

Entries must be received by July 16th. Prizes will be awarded to the top 4 winners. Winners will be selected by the VCW Board of Trustees and will be announced at the VCW Neighborhood BBQ on Monday, July 19th.